Aptos vs. Sui: Which is the ideal L1 blockchain?

Aptos and Sui are two emerging layer 1 (L1) blockchains with promising efficiency and scalability. However, both differ in terms of their mechanism and architecture. In the Aptos vs. Sui battle, how do you pick the ideal L1 for your blockchain project?

This article explores the features and potential to determine which holds the upper hand as the ideal L1 blockchain solution.

Consensus mechanism

Although both use different versions of the Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, they are still distinct. The first relies on the PoS based on the Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) to enhance security and high-speed transactions.

In contrast, Sui uses a Delegated PoS (DPoS) mechanism that increases decentralisation and efficiency. Also, it depends on the Narwhal and Bullshark protocol through which it can process transactions in parallel. 

Privacy and security

The Aptos vs. Sui comparison shows that both blockchains have similar approaches. Both L1 blockchains rely on the secure smart contract language, Move, for their basic model. The use of this language in both Sui and Aptos makes them safe and transparent.

Although Move ensures privacy and security, formal third-party audits are still essential. Both Aptos and Sui have ensured it by undergoing audits from different external platforms.

Aptos has been audited by renowned security firms like Halborn, Certik, OtterSec, and MoveBit. Similarly, Sui is regularly audited by firms like Halborn and Zellic. 

Scalability

In terms of scalability, both perform well, but their approaches differ.

Aptos has a standard modular design, which is easy to customise, giving the network flexibility. Besides, it works with the parallel execution of transaction techniques to maximise the network capacity. It helps in improving the network’s speed and provides scalability. 

On the other hand, Sui has a directed acyclic graph (DAG) design with multiple layers. It relies on sharding techniques to improve its TPS (transactions per second). The blockchain’s structure can split different processes like data storage, consensus, and computation, which inflates overall scalability and efficiency.

Tokenomics

At the launch of the Aptos mainnet, 1 billion APT tokens were introduced. Around 82% of this total supply is reserved for PoS contributions. However, Aptos Labs provides the initial token distribution breakdown as follows:

In comparison, Sui has provided a clearer overview of its economy via its whitepaper. The total supply of its native tokens is 10 billion, distributed in five parts. The largest part (50%) is reserved for the community, and the other four elements are divided among early contributors, investors, Mysten Labs treasury, and community access program and app testers.

Aptos vs. Sui: Final verdict

The comparison shows that both L1s offer solid infrastructures for deploying smart contracts. They provide architectures that are scalable, efficient, and secure.

However, both projects are nascent and have yet to impact the industry. So, it will be crucial to see how the two compete with the L1 giants like Ethereum, Solana, and others.