Who can lead the BlockDAG track? Analysis of the core advantages of four popular projects

Kaspa (KAS) Overview

Kaspa, developed by the DAGLabs team, is a fully decentralized, PoW-based Layer 1 blockchain that utilizes the GHOSTDAG (Greedy Heaviest Observed Subtree DAG) consensus algorithm. This allows multiple blocks to be created in parallel and later merged without wasting orphaned blocks — a key limitation in traditional blockchains. Kaspa aims to deliver a high-throughput, low-latency, and decentralized payments network.

Built in Rust and powered by the kHeavyHash mining algorithm, Kaspa supports GPU mining to ensure broad participation. With strong security and near-instant transaction confirmations, Kaspa stands out as a competitive player in the BlockDAG space.

Key Features

• GHOSTDAG Consensus: Enables parallel block creation and non-conflicting merging into the main chain, avoiding orphan block waste.
• Fast Transaction Finality: Sub-second confirmations with hundreds of transactions per second (TPS).
• Fair PoW Mining: No pre-mining, no VC funding — highly decentralized.

Aleph Zero (AZERO) Overview

Aleph Zero is a high-performance public chain that combines DAG architecture with BFT consensus, designed with a focus on data privacy and enterprise-grade applications. Its proprietary AlephBFT consensus offers high throughput and low latency while supporting privacy features and smart contract functionality.

Targeting Web3, DeFi, and enterprise use cases, Aleph Zero utilizes zk-SNARKs for private transactions and supports WASM-based smart contracts, with Rust compatibility for DApp development.

Key Features

• AlephBFT Consensus: Combines DAG and BFT to improve throughput and security.
• Privacy Features: Supports zk-SNARKs for confidential transactions.
• Smart Contract Support: WASM-compatible and developer-friendly with Rust.

Conflux (CFX) Overview

Conflux is a Layer 1 blockchain that leverages a unique Tree-Graph structure, merging DAG and traditional blockchain elements to support high throughput and concurrency. Fully EVM-compatible, Conflux is smart contract–ready and holds a unique regulatory advantage in China.

Developed by a team from Tsinghua University and backed by the Chinese government, Conflux has established a blockchain research institute in Shanghai. Its Tree-Graph architecture enhances transaction processing and network scalability, aiming to serve Web3, DeFi, and NFT ecosystems.

Key Features

• Tree-Graph Structure: Enables parallel block generation for higher throughput.
• EVM Compatibility: Eases DApp migration and development.
• Regulatory Alignment in China: Government support and strong potential for real-world deployment in the Chinese market.

Qitmeer Network — A Hybrid Approach Combining PoW Security with DAG Scalability

Project Overview

Qitmeer Network utilizes the MeerDAG consensus protocol, an improved BlockDAG approach focused on efficient block generation and strong finality. By combining a Bitcoin-compatible PoW system with a DAG-based structure, Qitmeer addresses scalability and performance challenges in traditional blockchains. The goal is to build a fair, secure, and low-latency distributed network.

Core Technical Advantages

• MeerDAG Consensus: Merges the security of PoW with the parallel-processing capabilities of DAG. Compared to traditional DAGs, MeerDAG offers better block ordering and finality for enhanced security.
• ASIC-Resistant Design: Reduces miner centralization risk and ensures fairer distribution of hash power, promoting decentralization.
• Layer 2 & Cross-Chain Compatibility: Supports interoperability with other blockchains and is compatible with both the UTXO and account models, making it easier to integrate with existing wallets and infrastructure. This opens up scalability and use cases for DeFi and Web3.
• Fair Token Distribution: No VC pre-sales, community-driven development, and a strong commitment to decentralization and fairness.

Qitmeer’s Potential in the BlockDAG Space

Qitmeer stands out in the BlockDAG sector with its unique blend of PoW security and DAG-based scalability. The MeerDAG protocol enhances parallel block production while maintaining a high level of network security and consistency. With compatibility with the Bitcoin UTXO model and Layer 2 readiness, Qitmeer offers strong potential for DeFi and broader financial applications.

🦉Source: https://qitmeer.io/blogs/305