Discussion about crypto networks often focuses on more than short-term market moves, including how mature a project’s technology and governance appear. Cardano (ADA) and Hyperliquid (HYPE) have drawn attention for recent upgrades and active trading activity, while Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is being presented by its team as an early-stage project with components it says are already built ahead of a token sale.
Below is a high-level comparison of the narratives around each project, based on publicly discussed features and project-provided descriptions where applicable.
Cardano (ADA) Shows Steady Progress in Its Price Path
From January 2024 to November 2025, Cardano moved from $0.25 to $0.38, a gain of 52 percent. This period coincided with work on Mithril protocol checkpoints and sidechain frameworks intended to support developers and DeFi tooling. At the same time, some community members have pointed to delays around Hydra scaling as a factor that has affected expectations for near-term performance improvements.
Cardano’s development approach is often described as methodical, but it can also mean longer timelines between research, implementation, and broad deployment. For observers looking for rapid iteration and visible throughput gains, that cadence may be viewed as a trade-off.
Hyperliquid (HYPE) Builds Its Rise on Trading Volume
Hyperliquid’s price moved from $1.14 to $2.15 over the same period, an increase of 88 percent. Commentators have linked this to activity on its perpetual DEX engine and its visibility across social platforms and trading dashboards. However, price forecasts and market sentiment can change quickly, and high-volume-driven attention does not necessarily indicate long-term technical durability.
Some critics argue that projects that become primarily associated with trading activity can face challenges if they do not expand their technical roadmap beyond the initial use case. Whether that applies here is uncertain and depends on how the protocol evolves.
Zero Knowledge Proof: Project Claims a Compute System Ahead of Launch
Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is being marketed by its team as a decentralized compute network that would become active alongside an early-stage token sale. In project materials, it describes an on-chain auction mechanism for token distribution and “Proof Pods,” which it presents as devices intended to help generate zero-knowledge proofs for AI-related compute tasks.
The project also describes a structure in which tokens are distributed through participation in auctions or by running Proof Pods, rather than through early unlock schedules. These mechanics, including validator rules and any hardware-related payouts, should be treated as project-reported until independently verified.
Zero Knowledge Proof further states that $100 million has been used for development, $20 million spent on infrastructure, and that $17 million worth of Proof Pods have been produced. These figures have not been independently confirmed in this article.
As with any early-stage crypto project, readers may want to weigh what is demonstrably live today versus what is planned, and consider the risks associated with new token launches and unproven systems.
The team says a whitelist is currently available for the token sale and that the auction and Proof Pod system are intended to go live at launch. The practical details, timelines, and availability are subject to change and should be checked directly with the project’s own updates.
Final Thoughts
Cardano continues to evolve through protocol work, and Hyperliquid’s activity has been closely tied to trading usage. Zero Knowledge Proof is positioning itself around a compute-focused narrative and an auction-based distribution model, but many of the key points are based on the project’s own descriptions and should be evaluated carefully.
Readers comparing crypto projects may find it helpful to focus on verifiable deployments, transparent documentation, and the risks involved with early-stage tokens and fundraising events.
Find Out More About Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP):
Website (project reference): zkp.com
This article contains information about an early-stage token sale. This outlet is not affiliated with the project mentioned. As with any initiative within the crypto ecosystem, readers may wish to do their own research before participating, carefully considering both the potential and the risks involved. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.
