XRP vs Sui: Comparing a Payments Veteran and a Next-Gen App Chain

Introduction: XRP and Sui

XRP and Sui are two very different players in the blockchain ecosystem: The former is a payments-focused network with over a decade of history, while the latter is a newer Layer-1 (L1) optimised for consumer-facing decentralised applications (dapps).

Launched in 2012, XRP is known for its speed, low fees, and role in facilitating cross-border transactions through the XRP Ledger (XRPL) and Ripple’s enterprise solutions. Sui, on the other hand, debuted in 2023 with a developer-centric approach, introducing the Move programming language and an object-based data model aimed at high-throughput applications.

Both aim to push blockchain adoption forward, but they differ sharply in their technical architecture, governance, target users, and market positioning.

Key Differences Between XRP and Sui

XRP Overview

XRP is the native cryptocurrency of XRPL, a decentralised, open-source blockchain launched in 2012 to enable fast, low-cost global payments. 

Its network uses a consensus mechanism predicated on a ‘Federated Byzantine Agreement’ (FBA) algorithm, and has no mining or staking. Instead, the Unique Node List (UNL) validates transactions.

XRP’s primary role is a bridge currency used in cross-border transactions, though it is also used in decentralised exchanges (DEXs) and liquidity pools (LPs) on XRPL.

Check out XRP’s current value and recent price trends.

Sui Overview

Sui is an L1 blockchain launched in 2023 by Mysten Labs, designed for high-performance dapps. 

It introduces an object-based data model and uses the Move programming language, originally developed for the Diem project. Sui’s Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) consensus enables parallel transaction processing, making it well-suited for applications that require high throughput, such as gaming, NFTs, and real-time decentralised finance (DeFi) protocols.

Check out SUI’s current value and recent price trends. 

Ecosystem Comparison: XRP vs Sui

1. Consensus Mechanisms

The XRP Ledger uses a consensus mechanism that is built upon the Federated Byzantine Agreement (FBA) model, where validators agree on transactions using a UNL. Operators can choose their own UNL, though many follow the default list published by the XRP Ledger Foundation. This design allows transactions to finalise in 3 to 5 seconds with minimal energy consumption.

Sui’s DPoS consensus mechanism allows token holders to delegate their SUI to validators who produce blocks and earn rewards. Its architecture supports parallel transaction execution, allowing some transactions to finalise in sub-second times under optimal conditions.

2. Scalability

XRPL can handle hundreds of transactions per second under typical network loads, with fees often priced at a fraction of a cent. It supports native features like a built-in DEX, token issuance, and payment channels without requiring smart contracts.

Sui’s parallel processing model enables high throughput, with the potential to handle thousands of transactions per second for specific workloads. Fees are kept low and predictable, with Sui introducing novel features like its storage fund economics to ensure long-term network sustainability.

3. Governance and Decentralisation

XRPL’s governance is community-driven, but it is strongly influenced by the XRP Ledger Foundation and Ripple, particularly through the default UNL. Changes to the protocol require validator consensus, and any operator can run a node and select their own trusted validators.

Sui’s governance is led by validators and delegators, with Mysten Labs playing a significant role in early-stage development and network upgrades. Over time, governance is expected to transition towards greater community participation through on-chain proposals and voting.

Tokenomics and Utility Comparison: XRP vs Sui

Tokenomics

XRP has a fixed maximum supply of 100 billion tokens that were pre-mined at launch. No new XRP can be created and transaction fees are burned, making it deflationary. Distribution has been a point of contention, with a significant portion originally allocated to Ripple for funding development and partnerships.

SUI has a total supply cap of 10 billion tokens distributed between community reserves, early contributors, investors, and Mysten Labs. New tokens are released gradually through staking rewards which incentivise validators and delegators to secure the network.

Utility

XRP is primarily used as a bridge currency for cross-border payments, liquidity provisioning in XRPL’s DEXs, and as collateral in DeFi protocols on XRPL.

SUI is used to pay transaction and storage fees, stake for network security, and participate in governance. It also underpins the execution of smart contracts and DeFi protocols, as well as NFT minting and trading on Sui-based marketplaces.

Other Real-World Uses

XRP is integrated into Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) product, enabling financial institutions to settle cross-border transactions instantly without pre-funding accounts. At the end of 2024, Ripple launched RLUSD, a US dollar-backed stablecoin issued on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum intended to enhance liquidity and provide a regulated settlement asset for enterprises and DeFi use cases. 

XRP is also used by payment processors and remittance services in multiple regions, particularly in the Asia Pacific and Latin America.

SUI is increasingly being adopted into gaming, NFT platforms, and social dapps. Projects leverage its high throughput and low fees to deliver smooth, interactive experiences, making it attractive for consumer-facing Web3 applications.

Key Pricing Moments

XRP - Key Price Events

SUI - Key Price Events

Regulatory and Legal Landscape: XRP vs Sui

XRP

Regulatory action has been a defining factor for XRP’s trajectory. In December 2020, the SEC filed a lawsuit against Ripple Labs, alleging that XRP was sold as an unregistered security. A 2023 US court ruling provided partial clarity, stating that programmatic sales of XRP on exchanges did not constitute securities offerings, while certain institutional sales could still be subject to securities laws.

In August 2025, the case officially came to a close when both the SEC and Ripple withdrew their appeals. The final settlement required Ripple to pay a $125 million fine and upheld an injunction restricting institutional XRP sales. This resolution ended nearly five years of legal uncertainty.

Outside the US, XRP generally enjoys greater regulatory clarity and is used by payment service providers in jurisdictions such as the European Union (EU), Japan, and Singapore.

Sui

Sui has yet to face any high-profile enforcement actions. Its native token, SUI, has not been explicitly classified as a security by any major regulator, though its distribution model and staking rewards could attract scrutiny depending on evolving laws. 

Mysten Labs and the Sui Foundation have publicly stated their intent to comply with relevant regulations, and the network has found traction in jurisdictions with supportive environments for blockchain gaming, NFTs, and DeFi experimentation.

Developments and Roadmaps: XRP vs Sui

XRP (XRPL)

1. Native AMM Went Live on Mainnet (XLS‑30)

XRPL now supports both order books and automated market makers (AMM) natively, without relying on third-party apps. This extends the built-in order book DEX with liquidity pools, letting users earn yields by providing liquidity while traders benefit from deeper markets.

2. Sidechains and Cross‑Chain Bridges

The XChainBridge amendment introduced sidechains, allowing XRPL to add new functionality without straining the main network. One example is the Xahau sidechain, which adds smart contract-style programmability to XRPL. This modular approach gives XRPL new features while keeping its base chain fast and efficient.

3. Hooks (Smart Contract Proposal)

‘Hooks’ are a proposal for lightweight, on-ledger logic tied to accounts — essentially small programs that can automate certain functions. They are running on public testnets but have not yet been adopted on XRPL mainnet. Unlike Ethereum, XRPL is not trying to be a full smart contract chain, but is exploring lighter programmability options.

Where it’s headed: XRPL’s roadmap emphasises protocol‑level liquidity (AMM+DEX) and modular programmability via sidechains and amendments, rather than turning the blockchain into a general‑purpose smart‑contract chain. 

Sui

1. Low‑Latency Consensus Improvements

Sui’s unique consensus system (Narwhal + Bullshark) has been upgraded with a ‘fast path’ for quicker confirmations. New research like Mysticeti (2025) is exploring even faster settlement. In practice, transactions are processed quickly and the network is constantly improving speed.

2. DeFi Primitives Maturing

DeepBook, Sui’s on-chain central limit order book (CLOB), has advanced to Version 3. It’s designed to handle institutional-level trading flows. This provides Sui with a native, reliable DeFi marketplace that can scale for larger players and regular users.

3. Mainstream UX On‑Chain

Features like zkLogin let users sign in with familiar accounts such as Google or Twitch, eliminating private keys management. Sponsored transactions mean someone else can pay gas fees for new users. These make Sui easier to use for those new to crypto.

4. Economic Sustainability

Sui’s storage fund ensures that as the blockchain’s data grows, the costs are fairly distributed across fees and validator rewards. This helps the network remain economically healthy over time.

Where it’s headed: Sui’s roadmap concentrates on latency reduction, scaling shared objects, and refining user experience primitives while pushing DeFi infrastructure towards production scale. 

Community Comparison: XRP vs Sui

XRP

XRP has one of the most established communities in crypto, often referred to as the ‘XRP Army’. It’s known for being highly active on X, YouTube, and dedicated forums, with a strong focus on XRP’s role in global payments and long-term investment potential. 

The community played a visible role during the SEC lawsuit years, rallying around news events, sharing legal analyses, and promoting adoption stories. XRP’s presence spans a broad demographic, including retail holders, payment industry professionals, and cross-border remittance advocates.

Sui

Sui’s community is newer and smaller, but its members are highly engaged within the developer and Web3 enthusiast space. Most activities happen on Discord, Telegram, and GitHub. 

Community initiatives often centre around hackathons, NFT drops, and gaming integrations, with active participation from ecosystem partners. While it lacks the sheer scale of XRP’s following, Sui’s community is notable for its rapid growth and high involvement in technical discussions and project launches.

XRP vs Sui: A Summary

Conclusion: XRP vs Sui

XRP and Sui occupy opposite ends of the L1 spectrum. XRP is a battle-tested network built for fast, low-cost payments.

Sui, by contrast, represents a new generation of performance-driven L1s. While it lacks XRP’s global payment corridors and regulatory maturity, its architecture and rapid ecosystem growth show it’s aiming to lead in consumer-facing Web3 applications.

Choosing between them depends less on technical superiority and more on purpose. For those seeking proven settlement rails and broad market access, XRP remains a top contender. For builders and users drawn to high-throughput dapps, NFTs, and innovative UX, Sui offers a fast-evolving environment.

When considering investment or participation in either platform, it's essential to assess objectives and risk tolerance before making any decisions.

Due Diligence and Do Your Own Research

All examples listed in this article are for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, cybersecurity, or other advice. Nothing contained herein shall constitute a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by Crypto.com to invest, buy, or sell any coins, tokens, or other crypto assets. Returns on the buying and selling of crypto assets may be subject to tax, including capital gains tax, in your jurisdiction. Any descriptions of Crypto.com products or features are merely for illustrative purposes and do not constitute an endorsement, invitation, or solicitation.

Although the term 'stablecoin' is commonly used, there is no guarantee that the asset will maintain a stable value in relation to the value of the reference asset when traded on secondary markets or that the reserve of assets, if there is one, will be adequate to satisfy all redemptions.

Past performance is not a guarantee or predictor of future performance. The value of crypto assets can increase or decrease, and you could lose all or a substantial amount of your purchase price. When assessing a crypto asset, it’s essential for you to do your research and due diligence to make the best possible judgment, as any purchases shall be your sole responsibility.