Ethereum's $70B TVL | Facing Competition from Solana

Oliver Wang

Jan 4, 2026, 08:12 PM

Edited By

Fatima Khan

Updated

Jan 6, 2026, 11:09 AM

2 minutes reading time

A growing wave of tension surrounds Ethereum as its $70 billion total value locked (TVL) meets fierce competition from Solana. Despite trusted institutional backing, Ethereum supporters increasingly question whether it’s smart to remain invested. Recent exits, like Render's departure and MakerDAO's founder opting for Solana, have stirred the pot.

Ethereum Struggles Amid Departures

The exodus from Ethereum raises concerns about its future. A user remarked, "Staying put in Ethereum feels riskier these days," reflecting fears over the platform's stability. The sentiment on various user boards reveals skepticism about asset security, prompting many to evaluate alternatives.

Community Sentiments Run High

Community feelings are mixed but lean towards frustration. Users are expressing increasingly negative sentiments, like one who asserted, "If you’re comparing the two, you don’t understand how they work." This highlights a tension between Ethereum loyalists and those considering the merits of Solana.

Three Main Themes:

Departures Highlight Trust Issues: Render changes course and forks from MakerDAO amplify doubts.
Asset Security Concerns: High transaction fees prompt remarks like, "Ethereum still is too pricey to move around, period."
Potential for Solana's Rise: Many believe Solana's innovation could cause a landscape shift, with one user exclaiming, "I think Sol could flip Ethereum and can’t wait for 2026."

Users Raise Alarm

"If the tide keeps turning like this, we might see a major shift in the crypto ecosystem."

The call for reevaluation is evident. The pressure mounts as users question Ethereum's viability compared to Solana. One participant noted, "Not for too long", suggesting urgency in their re-assessment.

Key Takeaways:

🔍 Ethereum's $70B TVL faces scrutiny, but is still significant.
🚀 Solana is rapidly gaining traction, redefining crypto engagement.
⚠️ Concerns about asset safety and costliness in Ethereum persist.

As 2026 approaches, Ethereum must address its challenges or risk losing ground to platforms like Solana. Experts estimate a 60% chance that Ethereum’s TVL could drop as community sentiments pivot towards alternative solutions.

What's Next for Ethereum?

The current situation draws parallels to past tech shake-ups, where established entities lost their edge. With uncertainty looming, stakeholders need to weigh their loyalty carefully. Will Ethereum withstand the changing tides, or will Solana's momentum lead to Ethereum’s decline?