A Detailed Comparative Analysis of Blockchain Consensus Mechanisms

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Andrews, Kaeli, Ngo, Linh B., Amiruzzaman, Md
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Andrews, Kaeli
Ngo, Linh B.
Amiruzzaman, Md
author_facet Andrews, Kaeli
Ngo, Linh B.
Amiruzzaman, Md
contents This paper presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of two dominant blockchain consensus mechanisms, Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS), evaluated across seven critical metrics: energy use, security, transaction speed, scalability, centralization risk, environmental impact, and transaction fees. Utilizing recent academic research and real-world blockchain data, the study highlights that PoW offers robust, time-tested security but suffers from high energy consumption, slower throughput, and centralization through mining pools. In contrast, PoS demonstrates improved scalability and efficiency, significantly reduced environmental impact, and more stable transaction fees, however it raises concerns over validator centralization and long-term security maturity. The findings underscore the trade-offs inherent in each mechanism and suggest hybrid designs may combine PoW's security with PoS's efficiency and sustainability. The study aims to inform future blockchain infrastructure development by striking a balance between decentralization, performance, and ecological responsibility.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2511_15730
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle A Detailed Comparative Analysis of Blockchain Consensus Mechanisms
Andrews, Kaeli
Ngo, Linh B.
Amiruzzaman, Md
Cryptography and Security
Computational Engineering, Finance, and Science
Computers and Society
14J60 (Primary) 14F05, 14J26 (Secondary)
F.2.2; I.2.7
This paper presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of two dominant blockchain consensus mechanisms, Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS), evaluated across seven critical metrics: energy use, security, transaction speed, scalability, centralization risk, environmental impact, and transaction fees. Utilizing recent academic research and real-world blockchain data, the study highlights that PoW offers robust, time-tested security but suffers from high energy consumption, slower throughput, and centralization through mining pools. In contrast, PoS demonstrates improved scalability and efficiency, significantly reduced environmental impact, and more stable transaction fees, however it raises concerns over validator centralization and long-term security maturity. The findings underscore the trade-offs inherent in each mechanism and suggest hybrid designs may combine PoW's security with PoS's efficiency and sustainability. The study aims to inform future blockchain infrastructure development by striking a balance between decentralization, performance, and ecological responsibility.
title A Detailed Comparative Analysis of Blockchain Consensus Mechanisms
topic Cryptography and Security
Computational Engineering, Finance, and Science
Computers and Society
14J60 (Primary) 14F05, 14J26 (Secondary)
F.2.2; I.2.7
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2511.15730