⚖️ 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.