Is Cardano Losing Its Top 10 Rank to Bitcoin Cash?
2025-12-31 • Ian Irizarry
TL;DR:
Cardano (ADA) is perched at #10 in market cap—but its lead over Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is razor-thin. Unless ADA jolts its price action or delivers strong tech catalysts, it risks slipping out of the top ten fastest.
Why ADA’s Top 10 Spot Could Slip Away
Here’s the thing: Cardano currently holds the 10th largest cryptocurrency spot by market cap—roughly $12.66 billion. Just behind it, Bitcoin Cash is closing in at about $12.07 billion. That’s only a difference of around $66 million, which is practically nothing in crypto terms. So this isn’t some slow-moving race; it’s more like a tense tug-of-war. Cardano vs Bitcoin Cash Ultimate Dominance Fight Is News
While ADA’s price has been pretty stagnant lately, BCH is quietly creeping up with a few modest gains over the past day and even weeks. It’s like BCH has a little bit more wind in its sails right now. Cardano vs Bitcoin Cash Ultimate Dominance Fight Is News
For startups chasing funding, this matters. Falling out of the top 10 can shift investor confidence, media buzz, and institutional interest. Trust me, rankings shape perceptions more than you might think.
The Practical Impact on Startups
Imagine this: Two startups, one built on ADA, another on BCH.
- Startup A’s got the “top 10” badge hanging proudly on its investor deck. That kind of credibility opens doors.
- Startup B rides BCH’s momentum, which feels more promising if ADA starts slipping.
Investors don’t just check the tech specs. They want perceived stability. And if ADA loses its edge, here’s what might happen:
- Project valuations tied to ADA could take a hit
- Media coverage might dwindle—fewer headlines, less hype
- Token liquidity and exit chances could shrink, making partnerships trickier
A little caveat: even if the tech’s solid, market perception often moves faster than reality.
Snapshot: ADA vs BCH Metrics
| Metric | Cardano (ADA) | Bitcoin Cash (BCH) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Cap | ~$12.66B | ~$12.07B |
| 24‐Hour Price Change | Down ~3.4% | Up ~0.6% |
| Weekly Trend | Flat or edging down | Slight upward trend |
Cardano vs Bitcoin Cash Ultimate Dominance Fight Is News
What’s Dragging ADA Down?
Several factors are at play here:
- ADA’s ecosystem hasn’t delivered any big, obvious catalysts recently. The midnight sidechain and DeFi growth are promising—but they haven’t really moved the needle yet.
- BCH is gaining ground just when ADA seems stuck in neutral. Momentum and perception count for a lot.
- Market liquidity is thin, especially at year’s end. That makes small price moves look more dramatic on ADA’s side, while BCH’s gains feel steadier.
- ADA’s circulating supply is high—around 80 to 85 percent of its max supply is out there (36 to 37 billion tokens from 45 billion). This kinda caps how much price can jump. ADA's Circulating Supply Approaches Bitcoin's Level
What ADA Needs to Keep Its Spot
If ADA wants to hold on tight at #10 or better, here’s what it’s got to do:
- Score some visible wins. Think big DeFi launches, partnerships, or upgrades that grab headlines.
- Offer more real-world utility—whether that’s payments, contracts, or interoperability. The more use cases, the stronger the narrative.
- Boost liquidity and trading volume. More action means less risk of small losses turning into big rank drops.
- Prepare for key moments—like year-end or major protocol updates—that investors watch closely.
Why It Matters for Fundraising Startups
Building on ADA? Being in the top 10 isn’t everything, but it’s a huge help.
- When you pitch, expect questions like “Why ADA, not SOL, TRX, or BCH?” That spot makes those conversations smoother.
- Momentum within the ecosystem eases due diligence and risk concerns.
- Holding the top 10 tag opens doors for ICOs, IDOs, listings, and VC interest.
On the flip side, if ADA slips, BCH projects might quietly gain a slight advantage. It’s a race that could tip either way.
Growth Paths: ADA vs BCH Use Cases
Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- Cardano is all about smart contracts, DeFi, and identity systems. It’s research-focused with solid academic roots. Cardano (blockchain platform)
- Bitcoin Cash, meanwhile, focuses on being peer-to-peer electronic cash: fast, scalable, simple. Less hype, but a clearer story for payments.
Which vision sticks with investors? If ADA’s lofty goals don’t translate into market traction, BCH could steal some spotlight.
Real Example: When Ranking Drops Hurt
Take Company X, building a DeFi app on ADA. Early fundraising decks proudly state “Cardano is #10.” Investors like the sound of that.
But just before closing, ADA slips to #11 behind BCH. Suddenly, the valuation multiples take a downturn. Some investors pull back, others want to renegotiate.
The tech didn’t change at all, but the optics did. And in fundraises, optics often rule.
FAQ
Q: Is Cardano already out of the top 10?
A: Not yet. ADA is still #10 with a small lead over BCH. Cardano vs Bitcoin Cash Ultimate Dominance Fight Is News
Q: How close is BCH to overtaking ADA?
A: Very close. Market cap gap is within tens of millions. Daily and weekly price movements favor BCH slightly. Cardano vs Bitcoin Cash Ultimate Dominance Fight Is News
Q: Does ADA’s high circulating supply weaken it?
A: Percentage-wise, yes. ADA has released ~80–85% of its max supply, which can dampen upward price pressure. ADA's Circulating Supply Approaches Bitcoin's Level
Q: Will ecosystem improvements help ADA bounce back?
A: Yes—if they’re timely and visible. Strong launches or big partnerships could shift investor sentiment.
Q: Should projects abandon ADA for BCH or others?
A: Not necessarily. If you're deep in ADA, it makes sense to double down on differentiators. But it’s smart to keep eyes open and explore options.
We’ve seen just how fragile ADA’s grip on the #10 spot really is. Only $66 million in market cap stands between it and BCH. If your company’s chasing capital, you’ll want to factor that volatility into your strategy. Whether you’re building on ADA, BCH, or another chain, clear value, visible traction, and a strong story are what count most. If you want a hand shaping your pitch or figuring out which chain offers you the best runway, I’m happy to dive into your specific case.