Think TPS doesn’t matter? Think again! Learn why transaction speed is still key to blockchain success. #TPS #Blockchain #Scalability
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Yes, TPS Still Matters. Debunking Myths Around the Metric’s Supposed Downfall
John: Hi everyone, I’m John, your go-to tech blogger for all things Web3, metaverse, and blockchain on this site. Today, we’re diving into why Transactions Per Second, or TPS, is still a vital metric in blockchain, based on a recent article from Metaverse Post dated 2025-08-14, and we’ll debunk some myths surrounding it.
Lila: That sounds interesting, John—I’ve heard people say TPS is outdated with all the new tech out there. So, what exactly is TPS, and why are there myths about it not mattering anymore?
The Basics of TPS
John: Great question, Lila. TPS stands for Transactions Per Second—it’s a straightforward metric that measures how many transactions a blockchain network can process in one second. In the past, like back in the early 2010s when Bitcoin launched, TPS was crucial for understanding a network’s speed and capacity.
Lila: Okay, that makes sense for beginners like me. But how does it compare to something everyday, like credit card payments?
John: Think of it this way: Visa handles around 1,700 TPS on average, according to reliable sources like CoinTracker. Blockchains aim to match or exceed that for real-world use, but early ones like Bitcoin only manage about 7 TPS, which sparked debates on scalability.
Background on TPS Criticism
Lila: If TPS measures speed, why do some people say it’s not important anymore?
John: In the past, around 2020-2023, critics pointed out that TPS doesn’t capture everything, like transaction complexity or network fees. A Cointelegraph article from 2024-03-06 questioned if TPS was still the best benchmark, suggesting alternatives like throughput or latency might be smarter.
Lila: Latency? What’s that in simple terms?
John: Latency is the time it takes for a transaction to be confirmed (think of it as the delay before your payment goes through). Critics argued TPS ignores these factors, leading to myths that it’s an outdated metric as blockchains evolved with layers and sharding.
Debunking Common Myths
Lila: Myths like what? Can you break down a few?
John: Sure, let’s debunk them one by one. Myth one: TPS is irrelevant because of layer-2 solutions. But as the Metaverse Post article from 2025-08-14 explains, TPS still signals a base layer’s ability to handle scale—even with add-ons, a weak base TPS limits overall performance.
John: Myth two: High TPS claims are always real. Some networks boast thousands of TPS in tests, but real-world figures are lower due to decentralization trade-offs. A Medium post from Chainspect in 2024 notes that true TPS must account for security and decentralization, not just speed.
Lila: That reminds me of the blockchain trilemma—balancing speed, security, and decentralization, right?
John: Exactly! Myth three: TPS doesn’t matter for user experience. Currently, in 2025, low TPS leads to congestion and high fees during peaks, as seen on Ethereum before upgrades. The article debunks this by showing TPS directly impacts apps like DeFi or gaming.
Current TPS Landscape in 2025
Lila: What’s the TPS like for major blockchains right now?
John: Based on the latest stats from IPI Blog dated 2025-04-25, Solana leads with up to 65,000 TPS in bursts, while Ethereum, post-upgrades, averages around 15-30 TPS on its mainnet but scales higher with layer-2s. Bitcoin still sits at about 7 TPS, emphasizing its focus on security over speed.
John: Newer ones like Sonic Labs claim theoretical highs of 370,000 TPS, per a post on X from 2025-02-27, but these are often lab-tested and not fully realized in live networks yet.
Lila: Any tips on how to evaluate TPS claims?
John: Absolutely—here’s a quick list of do’s and don’ts:
- Do check independent sources like Chainspect or CoinTracker for verified TPS data.
- Don’t trust hype without real-world testing; look for sustained TPS under load.
- Do consider the methodology—peak vs. average TPS matters.
- Don’t ignore costs; high TPS often means higher fees or centralization risks.
John: Remember, regulatory compliance varies by jurisdiction, so always verify with official docs for any blockchain project.
Why TPS Still Matters Today
Lila: With all these advancements, why does the Metaverse Post article say TPS still matters in 2025?
John: Currently, TPS is a key indicator of whether a blockchain can support mass adoption. For example, in DeFi, low TPS causes delays, as we saw during 2021 bull runs. The article argues it’s imperfect but essential for comparing networks fairly.
John: Looking ahead, experts propose metrics like TPS per dollar (TPS/$) from a 2025-05-02 AInvest news piece, to factor in efficiency and cost, but TPS remains the foundation.
Lila: That’s eye-opening—it’s not dead, just evolving.
Looking Ahead to TPS Innovations
John: In the past, TPS limited blockchain to niche uses, but currently, innovations like zero-knowledge proofs are pushing boundaries. Looking ahead, Ethereum’s vision, as shared in X posts from 2025-08-10, aims for 10 million TPS ecosystem-wide through scaling.
Lila: Will that solve everything?
John: Not entirely—risks like centralization persist if speed is prioritized. Builders should focus on balanced designs, and users should stay informed via trusted sources. (And hey, if TPS debates were a blockchain, they’d have infinite scalability by now!)
John: To wrap up, TPS isn’t going away—it’s a core metric that’s adapting to new tech realities. By debunking myths, we see it’s still key for evaluating blockchain performance in 2025. Thanks for joining the chat, Lila; readers, dive into the sources for more.
Lila: Great breakdown, John—key takeaway: TPS matters for real-world use, so don’t dismiss it amid the hype. Stay curious, everyone!
This article was created based on publicly available, verified sources. References:
- Original Source
- Is measuring blockchain transactions per second (TPS) stupid in 2024? Big Questions
- Latest TPS Statistics Across Major Blockchains (2025) → IPI Blog
- What is What is transactions per second (TPS)? Measuring blockchain speed | CoinTracker
- Blockchain Expert Proposes TPS/$ Metric to Combat Misleading Performance Claims