Proof-of-Work versus Proof-of-Stake: A Comparative Economic Analysis

Nov 1, 2022

Working Paper No. 00075-01

Blockchain proof-of-stake proof-of-work consensus protocols

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We develop an economic model to compare equilibrium security of Proof-of-Work (PoW) versus Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchains. We derive general conditions to determine when PoW blockchains are more secure than otherwise equivalent PoS blockchains and vice versa. Applying real-world parameter values to these conditions, we demonstrate that PoS blockchains are more secure than otherwise equivalent PoW blockchains. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PoS's security advantage over PoW is particularly salient for high-scale blockchains.


Kose John

Kose John

Thomas Rivera

Thomas Rivera

McGill University, Desautels Faculty of Management

Fahad Saleh

Fahad Saleh

University of Florida