XRP vs Sui: What are the differences?

At first glance, XRP and Sui may look like just another Layer-1 comparison. In reality, they represent different answers to what blockchains should be good at. We break down how they are built and why they are used so differently.

What is XRP and how does it work?

XRP is the native digital asset of the XRP Ledger (XRPL), a Layer-1 blockchain launched in 2012 for supporting fast, low-cost value transfers. The network was built with a primary focus on payments, settlement and liquidity movement rather than general-purpose smart contracts.

Unlike blockchains that rely on mining or staking, XRPL uses a consensus mechanism based on a Federated Byzantine Agreement. Transactions are validated by independent validators that follow a Unique Node List (UNL), allowing the network to reach agreement without energy-intensive processes.

This design enables transactions to settle within a few seconds under typical conditions, with fees kept intentionally low. Fees paid in XRP are burned, which helps prevent network spam while keeping transaction costs predictable.

XRP is commonly used as a bridge asset in cross-border payments, reducing the need for pre-funded accounts in multiple currencies. It also plays a role in decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and liquidity pools built directly on the XRP Ledger.

What is Sui and how does it work?

Sui is a Layer-1 blockchain developed by Mysten Labs and launched in 2023. It was designed to support high-performance, consumer-facing decentralized applications, with an emphasis on scalability, low latency and improved on-chain user experience.

A defining feature of Sui is its object-centric data model. Instead of treating all transactions as changes to a shared global state, Sui allows many transactions involving independent objects to be processed in parallel, reducing bottlenecks and improving efficiency for certain application types.

Sui uses the ‘Move’ programming language, originally developed for Meta’s Diem project. ‘Move’ seeks to improve asset safety by enforcing clear ownership and transfer rules at the language level.

The network employs a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) model, where validators process transactions and token holders can participate by delegating SUI. This architecture is well suited for gaming, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and interactive applications that require frequent, low-latency transactions.

XRP vs Sui: Core design differences

Network architecture

The XRP Ledger uses an account-based ledger model, where balances and transactions are associated with accounts. This structure is optimized for payments and settlement flows; simple transfers and native exchanges can be done without relying on complex smart contracts.

Sui, by contrast, uses an object-based architecture. Assets are represented as distinct objects that can be owned and modified independently. Thus, many transactions to be processed simultaneously, particularly when they don’t compete for the same on-chain resources.

Consensus and transaction processing

XRPL reaches consensus through validator agreement on transaction ordering, prioritizing fast finality and low operational overhead. The absence of mining or staking helps keep transaction costs stable and energy usage relatively low.

Sui’s design enables parallel transaction execution alongside DPoS consensus. Transactions that don’t interact with shared objects can be confirmed quickly, while more complex interactions are handled through coordinated consensus, reflecting different scalability trade-offs by design.

XRP vs SUI: Key differences at a glance

XRP vs SUI: Tokenomics and utility comparison

XRP tokenomics and utility

XRP has a fixed maximum supply of 100 billion tokens, all of which were created at launch. No new XRP can be minted. Transaction fees paid in XRP are permanently burned, which introduces a modest deflationary mechanism over time.

In practice, XRP is most visibly used within cross-border payment and liquidity flows. It underpins Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) solution; financial institutions and payment providers get to settle international transfers without pre-funding accounts in destination currencies.

Beyond institutional payments, XRP is also used in:

• XRP Ledger’s native DEX, where it can serve as a base asset for liquidity pools and currency pairs. 
• Supporting emerging XRPL-based applications, including token issuance, automated market makers and settlement-focused financial tools.

Learn more about crypto tokens and how they work

SUI tokenomics and utility

SUI has a maximum supply of 10 billion tokens, distributed across community reserves, early contributors, investors and ecosystem development. Tokens are released gradually through staking rewards, which incentivize validators and delegators to help secure the network.

SUI is used to pay transaction and storage fees on the Sui network, as well as to participate in delegated staking and governance processes. These functions tie the token directly to network operation and security.

SUI also plays a core role in application activity on the network. Examples include:

• Supporting the execution of smart contracts written in ‘Move’ 
• Driving user interactions in areas such as blockchain gaming, NFT marketplaces and consumer-facing decentralized applications (dApps). 
• Features like sponsored transactions and storage fund mechanics further shape how SUI is used within app-driven environments.

XRP vs Sui: Use cases and ecosystem focus

XRP use cases

• XRP’s most established use case is facilitating cross-border transfers. Its On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) solution lets institutions settle international payments without pre-funding accounts in destination currencies.
• The XRP Ledger supports liquidity provisioning and asset exchange through its native DEX and automated market maker features.
• In late 2024, Ripple introduced RLUSD, a US dollar-backed stablecoin issued on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum, designed to support regulated settlement, liquidity management and enterprise-focused financial use cases.

Sui use cases

• Sui’s ecosystem is designed around consumer-facing dApps that benefit from low latency and high throughput.
• Supports a growing range of DeFi features. One example is DeepBook, Sui’s on-chain central limit order book for handling higher-volume trading activity and providing a native liquidity layer for DeFi applications built on the network.
• Sui has a strong emphasis on user experience, with features such as simplified onboarding and sponsored transactions to reduce friction for non-technical users. An example is zkLogin: users can authenticate using familiar Web2 credentials.

XRP vs Sui: Scalability and network performance

XRP and Sui approach scalability from different architectural starting points. As a result, performance characteristics vary depending on the type of activity being supported.

XRP vs Sui: Risk and considerations

Both XRP and Sui present different considerations based on their network maturity, ecosystem development and design choices, rather than short-term market dynamics.

XRP benefits from a long operational history and established use in payment infrastructure, but its ecosystem evolves more conservatively. 

Governance on the XRP Ledger is community-driven but influenced by the use of default Unique Node Lists, which can concentrate decision-making around a smaller set of trusted validators. This trade-off supports network stability, but may limit how quickly new functionality is adopted.

Sui, as a newer blockchain, continues to expand its tooling, dApps and developer base. High-performance, rapidly evolving systems can face operational challenges; Sui has experienced temporary network disruptions linked to validator coordination and software upgrades.

While these incidents highlight the risks of fast iteration, they also reflect an ecosystem still refining its infrastructure.

How to buy XRP and SUI

Buying XRP or SUI is straightforward with the Crypto.com App. You can do so with supported fiat currencies.

Below is a step-by-step guide to getting started:

1. Download the Crypto.com App, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
2. Complete the sign-up process. On-screen prompts are at hand to guide users. 
3. Funds your account using free bank transfers*, Apple Pay or a prepaid/credit card. Please note that processing times and availability may vary depending on card issuer and other factors. 
4. Once the funds are cleared, you can start buying XRP or SUI, along with large-cap assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), plus an extensive collection of altcoins and memecoins.

Get started with Crypto.com today.

XRP vs Sui: Outlook on the payment veteran and the next-gen dapp chain

XRP and Sui are likely to remain relevant for different reasons tied to how blockchains are used, rather than how their tokens perform in the market. 

XRP’s future relevance is closely connected to demand for reliable payment and settlement infrastructure, particularly in scenarios where speed, cost predictability and interoperability with existing financial systems matter.

Sui’s trajectory, by contrast, depends more on whether application-focused blockchains continue to gain traction with end users. Its design is intended to support high-interaction use cases such as gaming, digital ownership and consumer dApps, where user experience and scalability are key considerations.

Greater institutional use of blockchain-based payments could reinforce XRP’s role, while shifts toward mainstream consumer applications could favor platforms like Sui. At the same time, these outcomes are not guaranteed as frequent changes in regulation, developer preferences and user behaviour may alter adoption patterns.

FAQs about XRP vs Sui

What is the difference between XRP and Sui?

XRP is designed primarily for fast, low-cost payments and settlement on the XRP Ledger, while Sui is a Layer-1 blockchain focused on supporting dApps through parallel transaction processing and an object-based architecture.

Which is better: XRP or Sui?

XRP and Sui are designed for different use cases. XRP focuses on payment and liquidity infrastructure, while Sui targets application development and consumer-facing experiences. Suitability depends on the intended use rather than overall superiority.

Is XRP or Sui faster?

Transaction speed depends on context. The XRP Ledger is optimized for quick payment finality, while Sui is designed to process certain transactions in parallel. Performance characteristics vary based on transaction type and network conditions.

Are XRP and Sui both Layer-1 blockchains?

Yes. Both XRP and Sui operate as Layer-1 blockchains, but they use different architectures and consensus designs to achieve their respective goals.

Can XRP and Sui be used for decentralized applications?

Both networks support dApps, though in different ways. XRP offers limited, purpose-built functionality for financial use cases, while Sui is designed for broader application development using smart contracts.

Where can I learn more about XRP and Sui?

Educational resources on both networks are available through Crypto.com Learn, which provides guides on blockchain fundamentals, token utilities and how different networks operate.

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