Staking basics

BNB vs EVM Chains: A Comparative Analysis of Two Blockchains

Zainab Saberi

Apr 12, 2023 • 5 min read

Launched in 2020, BNB Smart Chain quickly gained significant attention owing to its characteristic low cost and rapid transactions. Many projects initially taking root on other blockchain platforms are considering migrating to the BNB Chain platform. This article compares the BNB Chain with other EVM Chains to clarify for readers contemplating shifting their projects from other EVM Chains to the BNB Chain.

Importance of the Blockchain network

The blockchain network serves as the backbone of decentralized applications and digital assets. It is vital because it offers security, transparency, and immutability without requiring a central authority.

What is BNB Chain?

The BNB Chain ecosystem is a dual-chain architecture. It consists of the Beacon Chain (BC) for governance, offering features such as staking and voting, and the BNB Smart Chain (BSC) - now called as BNB Chain and an EVM compatible chain, launched in 2020. BNB Chain brings smart contract functionality to the BNB Chain ecosystem, being an avenue for the creation of DeFi, Gaming, Social, and other decentralized applications (DApps). With its low gas fees and quick transactions, BNB Chain became especially prominent in early 2021.

What is EVM Chain?

EVM stands for Ethereum Virtual Machine, essentially serving as a virtual CPU for Ethereum, designed to execute smart contract bytecodes. Ethereum, as a pioneering public blockchain offering smart contract functionality, has faced challenges with slow and expensive transactions due to network congestion over time.

This situation has led to the emergence of new blockchains that offer reduced transaction costs, faster settlements, and EVM compatibility to attract developers and users alike. EVM compatibility is significant as it provides a simplified route for developers migrating smart contracts to a new EVM-compatible chain, eliminating the need to rewrite the code entirely. Notable EVM chains include BNB Chain, Polygon, and Avalanche.

Difference between BNB & EVM Chains

In this section, let’s compare these two platforms on a variety of parameters:

Innovation
BNB Chain, being an enhanced version of Ethereum, implements the Proof of Staked Authority (PoSA) consensus algorithm, combining the features of Proof of Authority (PoA) and Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS). EVM chains, such as Polygon, represent a Layer-2 sidechain to Ethereum, leveraging the Plasma framework and Proof of Stake (POS) chains to secure digital assets. While BNB Chain has recently announced the integration of ZkRollup, Polygon is also aiming to release one in the future.

Relationship with Ethereum
Polygon operates as a Layer-2 scaling solution that employs sidechains for computation, effectively acting as a Commit Chain of Ethereum. This means that Polygon’s existence is intrinsically linked to Ethereum, as the final transactions are conducted on the Ethereum network. Conversely, BNB Chain is a hard fork of Ethereum and functions as a separate Layer-1 blockchain, independent of Ethereum's uptime or downtime.

EVM Compatibility
BNB Chain and Polygon, like other EVM chains, are designed to be compatible with the Ethereum Network. This compatibility ensures developers can smoothly transfer their decentralized applications (dApps) between the Ethereum network, BNB Chain, Polygon, and other EVM-compatible networks.

Architecture
Overview of BNB Chain’s Architecture:

BNB Chain comprises two significant blockchains: the BNB Beacon Chain (BC) and the BNB Smart Chain (BSC). BNB Chain’s architecture involves multiple components, each with its unique role, including BNB Beacon Chain for governance (staking, voting), BNB Smart Chain (EVM compatibility, consensus layers), BNB Sidechain (custom blockchains, dApps), and BNB ZkRollup (scaling solution). Despite BSC’s initial association with the Beacon Chain, it operates as a standalone blockchain, compatible with the Ethereum mainnet and adopting staking-based consensus and native cross-chain communication.

Overview of Polygon’s Architecture:

Polygon's architecture has three layers: the Ethereum layer, the Heimdall layer, and the Bor layer. The Ethereum layer consists of contracts for functionalities like staking and rewards. Based on the Tendermint protocol, the Heimdall layer functions as the validation layer, monitoring staking contracts and committing Polygon Network checkpoints to Ethereum. The Bor layer controls block production and operates in sync with Heimdall nodes.

Consensus Algorithms
Polygon leverages the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus algorithm. In this system, validators are selected based on the amount of tokens they are willing to stake as collateral.

On the other hand, BSC employs the Proof-of-Staked-Authority (PoSA) consensus, a hybrid between PoS and PoA. BSC was initially launched with 21 validators but now supports a larger set, aiming for a future increase. The network has active validators who produce blocks and inactive validators known as “Candidates.”

Overall:

Though multiple EVM-compatible blockchains appear similar, they are designed with specific use cases in mind, each having unique security and availability requirements. BSC, for instance, has undergone multiple iterations to assure exceptional performance and top-notch security, making it a strong competitor in the blockchain space.

Ethereum vs. BNB Chain: Which is better?

Choosing between Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain isn't a clear-cut decision, particularly with the ongoing transition of Ethereum towards its Eth2 consensus layer, a move to a Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus. The Eth2 upgrade aims to significantly scale up the Ethereum blockchain, enhancing its transaction speed and reducing costs, thereby potentially reshaping the BNB Chain vs. ETH landscape.

Will BNB Chain overtake Ethereum? This remains uncertain, and responses may vary based on what individuals prioritize regarding blockchain attributes and performance.

Given the rapid pace at which the crypto and blockchain landscape evolves, predicting the developments over the next few years, let alone the next decade is a challenge. From Bitcoin's lone existence to today’s vibrant industry teeming with multiple blockchains, change has been the only constant in this dynamic environment.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]:

Q: What is the transaction processing speed of BNB Chain and EVM chains?

A: BNB Chain has a block time of approximately 3 seconds, ensuring fast transaction processing. Depending on the implementation, EVM chains vary but aim for quick transactions, with block times ranging from 1 to 15 seconds.

Q: What are the token economics and governance models of BNB Chain and EVM chains?

A: BNB Chain uses BNB as its native token, with governance primarily managed by BNB holders and validators. EVM chains typically have their own native tokens (e.g., MATIC for Polygon) and often feature a PoS-based governance model, where token holders can stake to participate in network decisions.

Q: What is the ecosystem and adoption of BNB Chain and EVM chains?

A: BNB Chain has a thriving ecosystem with diverse DApps, DeFi platforms, and tokens. EVM chains, such as Polygon, have seen significant adoption due to their compatibility with Ethereum, fostering a wide array of DApps, DeFi protocols, and partnerships.

Q: How do BNB Chain and EVM chains ensure security and scalability?

A: BNB Chain employs a consensus model that aims to balance security and scalability effectively. EVM chains like Polygon utilize Layer 2 solutions and sidechains to scale while maintaining strong security through their association with the Ethereum mainnet.

Q: What are the fees and gas costs associated with transactions on BNB Chain and EVM chains?

A: Transaction fees on BNB Chain are relatively low, with gas costs payable in BNB. EVM chains, like Polygon, are known for significantly lower transaction fees, often near zero, as part of their value proposition.

Q: What types of applications can benefit from using BNB Chain and EVM chains?

A: BNB Chain and EVM chains are well-suited for DeFi applications, NFT platforms, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and other DApps seeking faster and more cost-efficient operations while remaining compatible with the Ethereum network.

Q: How do BNB Chain and EVM chains compare to other blockchain networks?

A: BNB Chain and EVM chains offer lower transaction fees and faster confirmation times than many other networks. They maintain high compatibility with Ethereum, making them attractive for developers, although some compromises might be made on decentralization to achieve these advantages.

Q: What is the future outlook for BNB Chain and EVM chains?

A: The future outlook for BNB Chain and EVM chains, like Polygon, appears promising, given their increasing adoption and growing ecosystems. Their alignment with the Ethereum roadmap and commitment to addressing scalability and cost issues position them as strong contenders in the evolving blockchain space.