⚖️ Solana SPL Tokens vs Ethereum ERC-20: Key Differences
When launching a crypto token, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing the right blockchain. Two of the most prominent standards are Solana’s SPL and Ethereum’s ERC-20.
While both enable token creation, they differ in architecture, speed, cost, and ecosystem compatibility.
Let’s explore the key differences — and help you decide which one fits your project best.
⚙️ Technical Architecture
Ethereum ERC-20: Each token is a separate smart contract written in Solidity.
Solana SPL: All tokens use the same Token Program on-chain (no separate contract needed).
- 🧱 ERC-20: Custom contract per token
- 🧩 SPL: Shared program, minimal overhead
🚀 Speed and Throughput
Solana is built for scale — using parallel execution (Sealevel) and Proof of History for fast consensus.
Ethereum is slower due to its single-threaded EVM and longer confirmation times.
- ⚡ Solana: Up to 65,000 TPS
- ⏱️ Ethereum: ~15–30 TPS
💸 Transaction Costs
Fees on Ethereum can spike during network congestion, often costing several dollars per transaction.
Solana offers near-zero fees, making it ideal for microtransactions and high-volume apps.
- 💰 ERC-20: $1–$100+ (gas)
- 🪙 SPL: ~$0.00025 per tx
🔗 Ecosystem and Wallet Support
ERC-20 is supported by nearly all wallets, exchanges, and DeFi protocols.
SPL is supported by Solana-native platforms and growing rapidly.
- 🌐 ERC-20: Broadest ecosystem reach
- 🌱 SPL: Growing ecosystem, especially in NFTs and games
🛠️ Developer Experience
ERC-20 development is straightforward with Solidity and tools like Hardhat and OpenZeppelin.
SPL tokens are easy to create for standard use, but custom logic requires knowledge of Rust or Anchor.
- 🔧 ERC-20: Easy with frameworks
- 🔬 SPL: Beginner-friendly token creation, advanced if customized
📊 Best Use Cases
- ERC-20: Projects needing DeFi, bridging, or Layer 2 compatibility
- SPL: On-chain apps needing fast, cheap tokens (games, utilities, rewards)
🚀 Summary
- Solana SPL = faster, cheaper, native token program
- Ethereum ERC-20 = mature ecosystem, broader support
- Choose SPL for performance, ERC-20 for integration
Solana Token Creator helps you launch SPL tokens in seconds — no code needed, IPFS ready, and wallet-compatible.