Ethereum remains one of the most influential digital assets in the blockchain ecosystem. As of now, the current live price of Ethereum (ETH) is $2,439.09**, with a 24-hour trading volume exceeding **$5.36 billion. Over the past day, ETH has seen a slight dip of 0.07%, while showing a positive trend with a 1.09% increase over the last seven days. With a circulating supply of 120,717,389 ETH, Ethereum holds a total market capitalization of $294.44 billion, securing its position as the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, just behind Bitcoin.
All data is updated in real time, offering traders and investors accurate insights into ETH’s market performance and trends.
What Is Ethereum (ETH)?
Ethereum (ETH) is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain — a decentralized, open-source platform that enables smart contracts, decentralized applications (dApps), and blockchain-based innovation at scale. Often referred to as the "world computer," Ethereum provides a programmable environment where developers can build and deploy applications without relying on centralized intermediaries.
Unlike traditional systems, Ethereum allows users to maintain full control over their digital assets and interactions through blockchain technology. Its core innovations include:
- Smart Contracts: Self-executing agreements coded directly onto the blockchain.
- Decentralized Applications (dApps): Applications that run on peer-to-peer networks rather than centralized servers.
- Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM): A runtime environment for executing smart contracts across all network nodes.
These features have solidified Ethereum's role as a foundational layer for the decentralized web (Web3) and the broader crypto economy.
👉 Discover how Ethereum powers the future of decentralized finance and digital ownership.
Who Created Ethereum?
Ethereum was co-founded in 2014 by a team of eight visionary developers and entrepreneurs. The most prominent among them is Vitalik Buterin, who authored the Ethereum whitepaper at just 19 years old. A seasoned programmer deeply involved in cryptocurrency since 2011, Buterin envisioned a blockchain platform more flexible than Bitcoin — one capable of supporting complex applications beyond simple transactions.
Other key co-founders include:
- Gavin Wood: Developed Solidity, Ethereum’s primary smart contract language, and later founded Polkadot.
- Joseph Lubin: Entrepreneur and founder of ConsenSys, a leading blockchain software company.
- Charles Hoskinson: Former Ethereum CEO who went on to create Cardano.
- Anthony Di Iorio, Mihai Alisie, Amir Chetrit, and Jeffrey Wilcke also played critical early roles.
While many original members have moved on to other projects, Vitalik Buterin remains actively involved in guiding Ethereum’s evolution.
Before its official launch in July 2015, Ethereum raised funds through an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) in 2014, selling ETH at approximately $0.30 per token — an event that helped establish it on the global crypto map.
What Makes Ethereum Unique?
Several key attributes set Ethereum apart from other blockchains:
Inflationary Supply Model
Unlike Bitcoin’s fixed supply cap of 21 million, Ethereum does not have a hard supply limit. This makes ETH an inflationary asset, though recent upgrades have introduced mechanisms to counterbalance issuance through token burning.
Native Use Case: Gas Fees
ETH is required to pay for transaction fees (known as “gas”) on the network. Every interaction — from sending tokens to executing smart contracts — requires gas paid in ETH.
Wrapped Ether (wETH)
For cross-chain compatibility, ETH can be converted into Wrapped Ether (wETH), an ERC-20 token pegged 1:1 to ETH. This allows ETH to be used across DeFi platforms and other blockchains that support ERC-20 standards.
Smart Contracts Explained
Smart contracts are self-executing programs stored on the blockchain. They automatically enforce terms when predefined conditions are met — eliminating the need for intermediaries. First introduced on Ethereum, they now power everything from lending protocols to NFT marketplaces.
Their transparency, immutability, and automation make them essential to decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 development.
Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)
The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) acts as a global, decentralized computer that executes code across thousands of nodes. It ensures consensus and security by isolating smart contract execution from external systems. The EVM supports multiple programming languages but primarily uses Solidity.
Its interoperability has inspired numerous EVM-compatible chains like Polygon and Binance Smart Chain.
Tokens & NFTs on Ethereum
Ethereum supports various token standards, enabling diverse use cases:
- ERC-20: Standard for fungible tokens (e.g., USDC, DAI).
- ERC-721: Basis for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), representing unique digital assets like art or collectibles.
- ERC-1155: Allows both fungible and non-fungible tokens within a single contract.
Ethereum’s robust infrastructure has made it the dominant platform for NFTs and DeFi tokens.
EIP-1559: Revolutionizing Transaction Fees
Launched in August 2021 as part of the London hard fork, EIP-1559 reformed Ethereum’s fee structure by introducing:
- Base Fee: Automatically adjusted per block based on network congestion.
- Priority Fee: Optional tip to speed up transaction inclusion.
- Fee Burning: Base fees are permanently destroyed ("burned"), reducing ETH supply over time.
This deflationary pressure can make ETH net-negative in issuance during periods of high activity — potentially increasing scarcity and long-term value.
Ethereum 2.0 & The Merge
To address scalability and environmental concerns, Ethereum transitioned from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) in September 2022 — an event known as "The Merge."
Key benefits include:
- Up to 99.95% reduction in energy consumption
- Improved network security and decentralization
- Introduction of staking: Users can earn rewards by validating transactions with a minimum of 32 ETH
The new system combines the original mainnet with the Beacon Chain, paving the way for future upgrades like sharding — aimed at boosting throughput and lowering fees.
👉 Learn how staking ETH can generate passive income in a secure, eco-friendly network.
Ethereum Name Service (ENS)
The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) simplifies wallet addresses by replacing long hexadecimal strings (like 0x...abc) with human-readable names such as yourname.eth. Functioning like DNS for Web3, ENS improves usability and reduces errors when sending funds.
ENS domains are tradable NFTs, adding another layer of utility to the Ethereum ecosystem.
Are There “Ethereum Killers”?
The term "Ethereum killer" refers to Layer 1 blockchains designed to outperform Ethereum in speed and cost — such as Solana, Polkadot, and Polygon. While these networks offer faster transactions and lower fees, none have matched Ethereum’s combination of:
- Developer activity
- Security
- Ecosystem maturity
- Liquidity
As a result, many so-called "killers" actually complement Ethereum by building interoperable solutions or scaling layers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current price of Ethereum?
As of now, Ethereum is trading at $2,439.09, with dynamic fluctuations based on market demand, macroeconomic factors, and network activity.
How many Ethereum tokens are in circulation?
There are currently 120.7 million ETH in circulation. Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum has no fixed supply cap, but token burns help regulate inflation.
Can I stake Ethereum to earn rewards?
Yes. By becoming a validator with at least 32 ETH or using staking pools, users can earn annual percentage yields (APY) starting around 6%, adjusted based on total staked ETH.
Why did Ethereum switch to Proof-of-Stake?
The shift to PoS via The Merge drastically reduced energy consumption, enhanced scalability, and improved security — aligning Ethereum with sustainable blockchain practices.
Is Ethereum better than Bitcoin?
While Bitcoin focuses on being digital gold and a store of value, Ethereum serves as a programmable platform for DeFi, NFTs, and smart contracts. They serve different but complementary roles in the crypto space.
What affects Ethereum’s price?
Key drivers include network upgrades (like EIP-1559), regulatory news, macroeconomic trends, DeFi adoption rates, NFT market activity, and overall investor sentiment.
👉 Stay ahead of price movements with real-time analytics and secure trading tools.