Vitalik Buterin Admits Bitcoin’s Edge in Decentralization and Censorship Resistance

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has acknowledged that Bitcoin holds key advantages over Ethereum in terms of decentralization and censorship resistance. According to Buterin, Bitcoin’s strengths stem from its simpler protocol, slower rate of change, and larger number of full node operators.

Buterin pointed out that Bitcoin’s minimal code complexity makes it easier to audit and more resistant to bugs. In contrast, Ethereum’s advanced smart contract capabilities introduce added complexity, increasing the potential for vulnerabilities. This simplicity not only boosts Bitcoin’s reliability but also reinforces its position as the most secure blockchain network.

He also emphasized that Bitcoin’s community is highly conservative regarding protocol updates. This cautious approach fosters greater trust and long-term predictability. Ethereum, on the other hand, frequently undergoes upgrades, which, while driving innovation, can also introduce instability.

A major factor contributing to Bitcoin’s censorship resistance is its higher full node count. More users run Bitcoin full nodes compared to Ethereum, allowing the network to remain more decentralized and self-sustaining. Moreover, Bitcoin nodes operate independently without relying heavily on centralized infrastructure.

Ethereum applications, however, often depend on centralized RPC services like Infura to function properly. This reliance can compromise decentralization and introduce potential censorship points, making Ethereum apps more susceptible to external control.

Buterin’s remarks highlight a growing recognition of Bitcoin’s foundational strengths, particularly in areas where decentralization and trust minimization are critical. While Ethereum continues to lead in programmability and innovation, Bitcoin’s robust, conservative design still offers unmatched resilience in the eyes of many in the crypto community.