Edited By
Fatima Hassan

In the world of cryptocurrency, transaction speed remains a hot topic. As of late 2025, various coins are vying for recognition, each boasting impressive transactions per second (TPS) numbers. Users are skeptical, questioning the reality behind these claims amid ongoing debates.
Bitcoin, with its modest 3-7 TPS, often gets overshadowed by faster alternatives. Recent discussions among people have highlighted several coins that claim significantly higher TPS figures, but not without controversy.
"A lot of things have a high rate on paper, but Iβd be skeptical of any without real performance tests"
This skepticism is echoed by many who emphasize the importance of robust testing and real-time performance metrics.
Solana (SOL): Often mentioned with a theoretical max of up to 64,000 TPS, with real-world numbers around 1,200 TPS yet occasional spikes above 100,000 TPS.
Tron (TRX): Claims a theoretical max of over 2,500 TPS, performing close under ideal conditions at around 2,000 TPS.
Internet Computer (ICP): With a supposed maximum capacity of over 200,000 TPS, it averages 1,000 TPS with significant bursts.
Algorand (ALGO): Theoretical estimates suggest around 6,000 TPS, but real-world performance remains ambiguous.
Avalanche (AVAX): Reported theoretical max TPS, though real performance details are scarce.
Kaspa: Reported success at approximately 19,000 TPS earlier this year.
Nano: Debated to run around 70 TPS, although some claim potential for limitless scaling.
Performance tests and realistic expectations take center stage in these discussions. Many are questioning whether high TPS can coexist with decentralization. As one commenter puts it, βThe less you prioritize decentralization, the higher you can increase TPS.β This raises an essential point: can speed triumph over the foundational ethos of crypto?
Testing Validity: Users call for verification of these speed claims, especially for less-known coins.
Risk Factors: There are serious concerns about the practical risks associated with high TPS claims, with many stressing the need for functional networks over theoretical metrics.
Decentralization vs. Speed: The ongoing debate questions if sacrificing decentralization for speed is worthwhile, especially with alternatives like PayPal existing for fast transactions.
π "the thing is having the minimum risk FOR A FUNCTIONAL NET" - Commenter
π‘ Solana's recent real-world throughput of 1,200 TPS is modest compared to theoretical maximums.
β οΈ "Please verify your sources." This remains a rallying cry for many in the community.
As discussions about TPS heighten, one must wonder: will any coin ever manage to deliver consistent high performance that meets expectations without compromising its decentralized roots?
Experts estimate that a fundamental shift may occur in how cryptocurrencies focus on transaction speeds versus decentralization. Thereβs a strong chance that as the demand for faster transactions persists, more projects will experiment with layer-two solutions to balance both speed and security. Increased transparency in testing might also push the community to embrace only those coins that can demonstrate their capabilities in real-world environments. As we head into 2026, the probability of a few standout coins truly achieving high TPS numbers while retaining decentralization principles stands at around 40%, given the current market trends and calls for accountability.
Drawing a parallel to the 1990s dot-com boom, investors today face a familiar landscape of hype and reality. Just as many websites promised unbelievable speeds and capabilities but floundered without solid foundations, we may see some cryptocurrencies suffer similar fates. While certain tech ventures exploded in popularity, others faded because they could not meet user expectations sustainably. This serves as a reminder that without robust testing and a focus on functional performance, the crypto space risks repeating past mistakes. It could be a lesson learned, where todayβs rapid TPS claims might tell a compelling story, but history warns us that substance will always reign supreme.