EVM vs Non-EVM, which one is the future direction?

Written by: veDAO Research Institute

On September 12, the blockchain wallet MetaMask launched a beta feature called Snaps, which will allow third-party developers to customize wallet features and mechanisms, enabling the MetaMask wallet to seamlessly operate assets on non-EVM (Non-EVM) blockchains. This version can be seen as another step for MetaMask towards being completely unconditional and decentralized; another noteworthy point is that MetaMask has also begun to support non-EVM. This article will analyze the differences between EVM and non-EVM to further understand the similarities and differences between these two blockchain virtual machines.

EVM and Non-EVM

Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)

The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is the first virtual machine created for the blockchain industry, serving as an abstraction layer between physical machines (nodes) and smart contract code. It allows programs running on it to be isolated from each other and separated from the Ethereum main chain. Simply put, it is a chain developed quickly based on the Ethereum ecosystem, reducing development workload and avoiding starting from scratch. Each Ethereum node runs an instance of the EVM, and they work together to form a network or a global decentralized computer. As Vitalik Buterin said, Ethereum is even referred to as the "world computer."

The EVM is the heart and soul of the Ethereum network, and it is also the platform for deploying and executing smart contracts. The physical instantiation of the EVM cannot be described in terms of cloud or waves, but it does exist as an entity maintained by thousands of connected computers running Ethereum clients. The EVM is Turing complete, meaning it will find answers if there are problems. Users can create smart contracts using Ethereum's programming language, Solidity, and send them to the EVM for interpretation and execution. In simple terms, the benefit of the EVM is easier interoperability with the Ethereum ecosystem. It inherits existing dApps on the Ethereum chain; however, the downside is also obvious, as it is constrained by Ethereum's roadmap, which may interfere with project plans, requiring them to follow Ethereum's pace.

Non-EVM Virtual Machine (Non-EVM)

Other blockchains have chosen a different path regarding EVM compatibility, known as non-EVM blockchains. Non-EVM can be understood as completely detached from the Ethereum ecosystem, with developers and projects rebuilding the blockchain virtual machine. This means that non-EVM is independent of the Ethereum roadmap, resulting in lower fees and faster speeds compared to Ethereum. However, it also faces many obstacles, as developers and users must re-enter a new ecosystem, leading to higher entry costs. Nevertheless, it is clear that non-EVM chains have greater room for innovation, free from the constraints of Ethereum.

Differences Between EVM and Non-EVM

EVM is compatible with Ethereum, while non-EVM is not. For example, the two can be likened to two different smartphone operating systems: the Android system in our phones is EVM, while the Apple system is non-EVM. Therefore, all applications developed based on the Android system can be used on Android phones, which we collectively refer to as EVM, while software developed based on the Apple system cannot be installed and used on the Android system, which we refer to as non-EVM.

Notable EVM chains include Ethereum, Bsc, Arbitrum, Polygon, Avalanche, etc., while non-EVM chains include Solana, Mixin, DefiChain, Osmosis, EOS, etc.

Currently, most of the top ten blockchains are EVM compatible, and EVM remains the market leader among public chains. However, the growth rate of emerging non-EVM blockchains is also very rapid.

Functions of EVM and Non-EVM

The function of EVM and non-EVM (collectively referred to as blockchain virtual machines) is to determine and track the state of each network block. Although it sounds like a monitoring tool, it actually refers to state changes, which are signals or causes of actions in various computer systems. For example, state changes occur when opening or closing something, activating or deactivating, sending or receiving something, or moving files or documents. These state changes lead to modifications in the data structures of computing systems.

Blockchain virtual machines can review changes in the state of the network and dApps, allowing the public chain and its dApps to operate in a decentralized manner while addressing issues such as network congestion or operational priorities. In this way, blockchain virtual machines allow any developer to run code without needing a third-party trust-based ecosystem, and the execution and interaction results of the software are guaranteed and predictable.

The EVM vs. Non-EVM Debate

There has long been a debate between EVM chains and non-EVM chains. Although it seems that the EVM virtual machine is the clear winner, non-EVM chains like Solana make this battle worth watching. EVM compatibility is the primary requirement for evaluating public chain platforms.

With the advantages of Ethereum, EVM-compatible public chains can quickly acquire customers and grow in the early stages, benefiting from developer friendliness, user experience, and ecosystem incentives, but they must compete with many other chains in the Ethereum ecosystem. On the other hand, non-EVM compatible chains can more easily develop in trending areas and niche markets where new ideas emerge. Various public chains can succeed in fields such as NFTs, GameFi, and payments.

Overall, it is difficult to say which is better between EVM chains and non-EVM chains. Attracting Ethereum traffic is the fastest way for new chains to grow, and EVM compatibility is the most convenient solution; while non-EVM can choose its development direction based on demand, free from the constraints of the main chain.

Let’s take a look at their respective advantages and disadvantages to understand the actual situation of EVM and non-EVM.

Advantages and Disadvantages of EVM and Non-EVM

EVM

Advantages of EVM

As mentioned above when introducing EVM, it allows anyone to develop decentralized applications, so there are no security barriers or restrictions. The scalability of EVM and the process of migrating from the Ethereum ecosystem are relatively simple, making it easier for users to access projects. The convenience of EVM has allowed NFTs to become one of the breakout contents in the crypto world.

Disadvantages of EVM

Despite being decentralized, the EVM network is not completely decentralized. The vast majority of Ethereum nodes are hosted on centralized cloud servers like Amazon Web Services. If the operators of these services decide for any reason that they do not like Ethereum, nodes may be rejected, harming the network.

Gas fees can be very high during network congestion. This can cause significant inconvenience for Ethereum users; while those sending large transactions may not be affected, those sending small transactions may encounter network access issues for a period. When many users interact with DApp smart contracts and execute numerous transactions, excessively high gas fees can bring many negative impacts to the project.

Due to its bytecode language and rigid native functions, EVM is overly complex and lacks sufficient virtual machine capabilities for secure design. Additionally, due to the rules of Ethereum and EVM, designers need to implement many key parts of the EVM's functions and execution models themselves.

Non-EVM

Advantages of Non-EVM Blockchains

Non-EVM allows programmers to expand their user base and application range. For example, projects like Raydium and Serum on the Solana chain are exclusive to Solana. Terra was once a unique public chain aimed at connecting on-chain and off-chain payments. Furthermore, platforms that are not EVM compatible can offer end users fast transaction times and low costs.

These advantages make non-EVM blockchains a choice that stands out in specific use cases and markets, providing developers and users with more options and flexibility.

Disadvantages of Non-EVM Blockchains

High development costs: Chains that are not EVM compatible may require additional development work to adapt to their unique ecosystems and rules, which can lead to increased development costs.

High entry barriers: Non-EVM compatible chains may have a higher entry threshold for developers and users, as they need to adapt to new tools, technologies, and ecosystems.

Difficult project migration: Migrating projects from EVM-compatible chains to non-EVM chains may face challenges, including the need to rewrite smart contracts and adapt to new ecosystems.

Due to the significant disadvantage in the number of projects on non-EVM compatible chains, developers tend to prefer EVM-compatible chains.

This allows them to quickly replicate and deploy to new chains, helping to save time and costs.

Conclusion

So, who has won in the competition between EVM and non-EVM chains? There is no clear winner between the two, as each case is unique, and developers must choose a public chain that corresponds to their project's development path. Different projects and use cases may be better suited to different chains, so there is no one chain that can be absolutely chosen as superior to another; decisions should be made based on specific needs and project goals. EVM compatibility can help developers attract traffic and expand ecosystems, as Ethereum users can quickly migrate to new chains. Meanwhile, non-EVM compatibility will undoubtedly allow developers to experiment and innovate.

In the blockchain space, no single chain can meet all needs, so developers and project teams must make choices based on their unique goals and use cases to achieve the best results. Therefore, in the long run, the future will not be dominated by EVM alone; multi-chain coexistence is the direction of blockchain. After all, the diversity and continuous evolution of the blockchain ecosystem are its essence.