BlockDAG Pushes 1,400+ TPS, While Avalanche Relies on Subnets: Here’s the Difference

Performance is now the primary metric for EVM-compatible blockchains, but the method used to reach high speeds is what truly matters. As networks compete to show off high throughput, builders and buyers are looking past basic TPS stats to analyze underlying designs.

Some platforms choose scale through modular growth, while others build high performance straight into the foundation. This choice is practical rather than academic; it affects how apps work together, how money moves, and how the system functions over time.

In the race for speed, the gap between the subnet system used by Avalanche and the unified DAG execution of BlockDAG (BDAG) shows two distinct paths for scaling, each with different outcomes for growth and value.

Avalanche’s Modular Scaling Model Explained

Avalanche has marketed its platform as a top option for fast EVM chains by using subnets and parallel tasks to increase capacity. This setup lets creators build custom blockchain spaces called subnets. Each one can have a unique virtual machine, security rules, and processing logic. This modular setup allows Avalanche to claim high speeds, with its main network supporting thousands of transactions every second.

However, this method is quite complex. The split nature of subnets can create hurdles for smooth liquidity and the builder experience. Every subnet stays separate unless a bridge is built, which makes it harder for different apps to share data or assets.

While Avalanche shows TPS numbers that beat the market average, many of those figures reflect the work of single subnets rather than the whole network acting as one. Consequently, while the design looks fast, it brings up concerns about how well apps connect, the level of decentralization, and the actual utility for developers.

Avalanche has seen growth in DeFi and gaming, but relying on subnets for growth could lead to a lack of cohesion. Users often face friction when moving between these separate environments. This leads to a core question: Does modularity solve speed issues, or does it just make the system more complicated for others?

BlockDAG’s Unified EVM Throughput: Fast by Architecture, Not Fragmentation

BlockDAG solves the scaling problem differently. Instead of using separate subnets to grow, it provides very high EVM throughput at the base layer. The system uses a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) that handles transactions at different times and in parallel without splitting the global state. This lets BlockDAG keep apps connected, provide instant finality, and maintain high performance without needing extra layers or bridges.

Regarding throughput, BlockDAG reports over 1,400 transactions per second at Layer 1 with full EVM support. This makes it a rare high-speed EVM chain that keeps apps linked and stays decentralized. It also cuts out the work developers usually face when launching across different subnets or Layer 2 systems. All tasks happen on the main protocol, giving the type of single execution space that Ethereum aims for with its current focus on rollups.

BlockDAG is in its presale phase and has raised more than $443 million so far. The current price for this batch is $0.003, and the presale will conclude on January 26th. This funding level makes BlockDAG a top presale in this market cycle, driven by its clear technical strategy for Layer 1 growth.

Rather than selling modularity as a plus, BlockDAG builds speed into the main code. Its DAG consensus and EVM support let developers use standard Solidity code while getting speeds that match Layer 2 networks without the split architecture. This makes BlockDAG unique in how it mixes high speed with ease of use.

Modular Speed vs Unified Throughput: What’s the Real Advantage?

The debate is not just about raw numbers; it is about how that speed is provided. Avalanche uses a modular setup where results depend on managing many subnets. This might suit large companies, but it adds steps and friction that can slow down general use. Fast EVM chains should not need extra parts to work well.

Conversely, BlockDAG makes speed a natural part of the main chain. Subnets, Layer 2s, and rollups are not required. Builders get Ethereum support immediately with speeds that beat most modular options. This removes splits, cuts down on wait times, and makes it easier for money to flow through the system.

The BlockDAG model also helps those securing the network through a dual system that uses Proof of Work for safety and a DAG for speed. This mix ensures that growing the network does not hurt decentralization, which is a common problem for Layer 1s seeking high speed.

As Ethereum moves toward a setup with many small parts, a fast and single base layer is becoming more popular. BlockDAG meets this need by providing one fast platform for DeFi, games, and other apps.

Final Thoughts

Avalanche started early in the race for fast EVM chains, but its modular path has clear hurdles. Subnets offer speed in theory but make it harder to share liquidity and run a single system. As developers look at the choices, they must decide if more parts or fewer parts is the best way forward.

BlockDAG changes the approach by making speed and connection native to the foundation. With a price of $0.003 and over $443 million raised, BlockDAG is acting as a major change in how fast EVM chains work without being split up. The presale finishes on January 26th, offering a final window to join a network that could change how Layer 1 speed is measured. For those tracking this market, BlockDAG is not just a rival; it is setting the pace from the center.