$ADA $ADA is the native cryptocurrency of the Cardano blockchain, designed to support secure, scalable, and sustainable decentralized applications. Created by Charles Hoskinson, a co-founder of Ethereum, Cardano uses a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism called Ouroboros, making it energy-efficient and eco-friendly. ADA is used for staking, transactions, and governance within the network. Cardano stands out for its research-driven, peer-reviewed development process. While it’s praised for its strong academic foundation and long-term vision, critics point to slow rollouts and limited adoption compared to rivals like Ethereum. Still, ADA remains a top cryptocurrency with a loyal community and potential for future growth.