Blockchain is the new infrastructure defining the future of the internet. This has led to many blockchain networks launching their own ecosystem, each unique to its own features.
As a result, developers and engineers now have a variety to pick for developing their decentralized applications and protocols.
Among them, Aptos and Polygon are one of the most popular blockchains. Investors are constantly on the lookout for blockchain projects that offer scalability, innovation, and a robust infrastructure for decentralized applications. Aptos and Polygon have risen to prominence and become compelling options for investment.
What is Aptos (APTOS)?
Aptos is a Layer 1 blockchain that aims to be a safe, scalable, and upgradeable Web3 Infrastructure for developers to build their decentralized applications and platforms. The Aptos blockchain has been rapidly climbing network building for the past three years by more than 350 developers worldwide.
What is Polygon (MATIC)?
Polygon is a well-known scaling solution platform built on Ethereum Layer 2, being one of the first ones to offer scalability on Ethereum. The blockchain features compatibility with Ethereum-based projects, giving developers the choice to opt for a cheaper transaction fee.
When picking between two, one wonders which blockchain is better than the other – a dilemma for a developer and user. This article is a deep dive into exploring both networks’ similarities and differences.
Background: Founders and Origin
The Aptos today isn’t what it was when it was first introduced. Its origin dates back to 2019 when Meta, formerly known as Facebook, acquired Diem to power its own stablecoin Libra. However, the giant tech company lost its interest in developing it and the project came to a halt in 2021. Diem eventually got sold to Silvergate Capital for $182 million.
Later, two former Meta/Diem employees, now known as founders, Mo Shaikh and Avery Ching decided to revive this dead project in December 2021. The first testnet of Aptos was launched in May 2022. After 4 stages of testnet, AITs (Aptos Incentivized Testnet), AIT1, AIT2, AIT3, and AIT4, the mainnet was revealed on October 19, 2022 with its native token $APTOS.
Polygon, previously called Matic Network, was developed by Ethereum developers, Jaynti Kanani, Sandeep Nailwal, Anurag Arjun, and Mihailo Bjelic, in India. The scaling platform was created as a sidechain or layer 2 on Ethereum, first revealed in 2020.
Later, the team changed its name from Matic network to Polygon officially with its native token: MATIC.
VC Investments
Aptos garnered $350M investment from 25 investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Multicoin Capital, Tiger Global, Binance Labs, PayPal Ventures, and other Web3 VC funds as of September 2022.
Polygon raised $450 million led by Sequoia Capital India along with Tiger Global, Kevin O’Leary, Softbank Capital, Makers Fund, Dragonfly Capital, Animoca Brands, and other VCs.
Polygon also became part of the Disney Accelerator Support Program 2022.
Infrastructure: Consensus mechanism
Each blockchain has a different type of consensus mechanism depending on its features. Polygon and Aptos are both built on Proof-of-Stake consensus.
However, Aptos’ PoS comes with Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) consensus. The BFT system is essential to maintain the security of the network in case of a malicious attack on a node or group of nodes.
Polygon PoS’ system aims to offer cheaper gas fees and fast transactions through side-chain connections for optimized processing. It is widely known for its zk-Rollups and optimistic Rollups that allow maximum scalability for dApps.
Features: Programming Language & EVM compatibility
Blockchains are mainly built on smart contract language that vary from each network. Aptos uses Move programming language; a Rust-based language. This language was specially designed for the Diem project, and later adopted for Aptos.
Polygon utilizes Solidity programming language, providing a facility for developers to build Web3 tools.
Furthermore, Aptos functions on MoveVM (Move Virtual Machine), which is not compatible with EVM. Its utilization for Move helps in preventing digital assets from cloning. While Polygon works on zkEVM, being compatible with EVM.
Blockchain TPS: Speed and Scalability
Aptos is estimated to manage up to 160,000 TPS. According to sources, it has 102 active validators at a transaction rate of 8 TPS.
Polygon has 100 active Validators and 13K PoS delegators with 7,000 TPS. According to stats, it has accumulated 1.8 billion total transactions, around 4 billion total staked MATIC tokens, and 145,000+ smart contract developers.
Use Cases
Both blockchains are rivaled for having many successful projects built on their networks. For Aptos, the leading Web3 platforms include Proud Lions Club, Flipper Wallet, Thala Labs, Topaz, EVO Wallet, Trust Wallet, and many more.
Polygon has made headlines for various projects part of its ecosystem such as Curve Finance, QuickSwap, JellySwap, Aavegotchi, Decentral Games, Mai Finance, and others.
Which blockchain is the best infrastructure?
When it comes to picking one, it all depends on developers’ preferences and user experience. Some builders might find using Aptos much more simpler yet sophisticated for their Web3 applications using Move language while others might like Polygon more for its compatibility with Ethereum.
To be short, both networks are equipped with features essential to advance in the Web3 world. The best choice depends on factors such as project requirements, programming language preferences, consensus mechanisms, scalability needs, and the existing ecosystem of supported projects.
Future of Blockchain Networks: Polygon & Aptos
Every blockchain ecosystem has its own goals and objectives on which it is building. Polygon aims to build a carbon-neutral network by promoting sustainability and scalability. Aptos is focused on building a cloud infrastructure as a “trusted, scalable, cost-efficient, and continually improving platform for building widely-used applications.”
Blockchain technology still has many limitations that prevent its mass adoption. Nonetheless, both networks are actively working to onboard developers and empower creators on utilizing to build the future of the internet.
Aptos in just 3 years has managed to grow into a powerful blockchain with a high-performing native token, backed by experts and professionals. Similarly, Polygon has maintained its authenticity in the market for many years, now receiving support from various well-known Web2 companies such as Disney.
As the blockchain technology advances, there are many challenges that engineers must overcome. Both networks are working to facilitate solving them and also to achieve adoption on a global scale.
