Layer 1
Cardano (ADA)
ADAData: Coinbase · updated 9/6/2026, 1:02:17 PM
What Cardano does
- Supports smart contracts and DeFi applications
- ADA is used to pay transaction fees and can be staked to help secure the network
- Development changes typically go through academic peer review before release
- Has a fixed maximum supply of 45 billion ADA
Risks to know
- Historically slower feature rollout than some competing layer-1s, due to its research-first process
- Smaller DeFi and dApp ecosystem than Ethereum or Solana
- Price has underperformed some peer layer-1 tokens over multi-year periods
- Faces the same general smart-contract and competitive risks as other layer-1 platforms
Where to trade ADA
Top-rated exchanges by CompareCEX Score. Check the exchange's market list for ADA availability before depositing.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Cardano's development process different?
Cardano is known for a research-driven approach, where protocol changes are often based on peer-reviewed academic papers before implementation, which its founders argue improves rigor but has also meant a historically slower release pace.
Is there a maximum supply of ADA?
Yes. Cardano's protocol caps the total supply of ADA at 45 billion coins.
Who founded Cardano?
Cardano was founded by Charles Hoskinson, a co-founder of Ethereum, and is developed with involvement from several organizations including IOG (Input Output Global) and the Cardano Foundation.
Related coins
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