Ethereum, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has undergone several significant transformations since its inception. Among these changes, two notable forks—Ethereum Classic (ETC) and Ethereum PoW (ETHW)—stand out as key alternatives for those who want to stay true to the original vision of the Ethereum network.
Both Ethereum Classic and Ethereum PoW provide a unique approach to blockchain technology, following the Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus model that the original Ethereum used before its transition to Ethereum 2.0’s Proof-of-Stake (PoS). However, each version of Ethereum has distinct features, philosophies, and use cases, particularly regarding payment acceptance.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between Ethereum Classic and Ethereum PoW, comparing their strengths and weaknesses as payment solutions. Additionally, we’ll show you how to accept crypto payments into your business using the NOWPayments platform, enabling you to start accepting crypto payments with ease.
What is Ethereum PoW (ETHW)?
Following Ethereum’s transition to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) during ‘The Merge‘ on September 15, 2022, Ethereum PoW (ETHW) was created to provide a continuation of the original Proof-of-Work blockchain. This transition was part of Ethereum’s broader plan to improve scalability, reduce energy consumption, and increase network security. The Merge marks the end of Ethereum mining and the beginning of a more sustainable future for the network.
Since its launch, Ethereum PoW has faced challenges in terms of market adoption, with its lower transaction volume and limited ecosystem growth compared to Ethereum. Despite this, it remains active as a community-driven project for miners and those who prefer the Proof-of-Work model.
As of 2024, its market value and network usage have remained relatively low, but it is still supported by a dedicated group within the cryptocurrency community.
What is Ethereum Classic (ETC)?
Ethereum Classic (ETC) is a well-established open-source and decentralized blockchain platform. It was created as a result of a split within the Ethereum community following the DAO hack in 2016.
Ethereum Classic continued with the original code of Ethereum, whereas Ethereum’s main chain chose to implement a hard fork to reverse the hack. Ethereum Classic has maintained its commitment to the Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism, making it a robust network for miners.
In recent years, it has focused on maintaining its security and decentralization, despite competition from newer PoW chains like Ethereum PoW. As of 2024, Ethereum Classic continues to play an important role in the broader Ethereum ecosystem, with active development and a committed community.
The difference between Ethereum PoW and Ethereum Classic
Both Ethereum Classic as well as Ethereum PoW use the same, Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism. However, both networks are different. Ethereum Classic offers a blockchain for building decentralized applications (dApps) and an option to mine cryptocurrencies, while for the time being, Ethereum PoW is generally seen as a reward system for the mining process and is used for transactions.
As of 2024, the market cap and circulating supply for both Ethereum Classic (ETC) and Ethereum PoW (ETHW) have changed significantly. Ethereum Classic, known for its stability, has a consistent market cap, while ETHW is a smaller entity in the cryptocurrency landscape. The differences between Ethereum and Ethereum Classic are evident, as Ethereum transitioned to Ethereum 2.0, enhancing its capabilities with smart contracts and the Ethereum blockchain, whereas Ethereum Classic remains focused on maintaining the original Ethereum network.
| Network: | Ethereum Classic (ETC) | Ethereum PoW (ETHW) |
| Consensus Mechanism: | Proof-of-Work (PoW) | Proof-of-Work (PoW) |
| Release Date: | July 30, 2015 | September 15, 2022 |
| Circulating Supply (as of October 30, 2025) | 138,376,716 ETC | 107,818,996 ETHW |
| Value (as of October 30, 2025) | $3894 Per Coin | $0.91 Per Coin |
| Market Cap (as of October 30, 2025) | $469,928,313,304 | $98,332,773 |
Which Ethereum Is Better as a Payment Tool?
Although both Ethereum Classic (ETC) and Ethereum PoW (ETHW) use the Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism, their network performance can differ due to factors like miner participation, transaction volume, and blockchain updates.
Ethereum Classic has a well-established network, but like Ethereum PoW, it can face congestion during times of high usage, resulting in higher gas fees. As Ethereum PoW is a newer network, it may have fluctuations in transaction fees as the ecosystem evolves. For both Ethereum and Ethereum Classic, gas fees can change significantly based on network activity and incentives for miners.
How to Accept Ethereum PoW or Ethereum Classic Payments?
NOWPayments is one of the largest cryptocurrency gateways available in the crypto market. The service is aimed at providing tools to all kinds of eCommerce and even brick-and-mortar businesses and aims to enable them the opportunity to accept over 300 different cryptocurrencies.
NOWPayments even lets individuals accept cryptocurrencies, and if you want to accept crypto for your business or conduct mass payouts, NOWPayments can efficiently accomplish this goal. And even features crypto-to-fiat and fiat-to-crypto conversion features.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how anyone can begin accepting ETHW or ETC payments:
- Head over to the NOWPayments crypto payment gateway website, and create an account.
- Select which cryptocurrency wallet address you will be using. Any future payments made to your website will send cryptocurrencies directly to this wallet.
- Generate your own unique API key through the website by going to the API Keys section. Make sure to select what kind of payments you will be sending or receiving here.
- Introduce the Payment Solution to your website. You can do this by installing a plugin. There is a complete list of all of the available options here. Remember that you can access plugins and enable Ethereum Classic (ETC) and Ethereum PoW (ETHW) payments on your website with ease on websites built using WooCommerce among other platforms. Remember that developers or users can also integrate the API directly.
- Begin accepting ETC and ETHW cryptocurrencies through your added payment option. Remember that NOWPayments is a non-custodial service, which means that users remain in full control over their wallets, and the transactions are made from one cryptocurrency wallet to another.
This enables a much higher level of security, and anyone, from anywhere in the world can send or receive over 300 different cryptocurrencies.
Conclusion
Hopefully, now you know everything there is to know surrounding the key differences between Ethereum Classic (ETC) and Ethereum PoW (ETHW) and how you can set up crypto payment processing. While both networks and their native cryptocurrencies might seem similar, they were created at different points in time and fill two completely separate purposes.
Now that you’ve explored the key differences between Ethereum Classic (ETC) and Ethereum PoW (ETHW), you should have a clearer understanding of their roles in the crypto landscape. While both networks continue to serve different niches, they are both viable options for accepting crypto payments.
By leveraging the power of NOWPayments, you can easily integrate Ethereum Classic’s and Ethereum PoW into your business’s payment solutions. This allows you to connect with a global community of cryptocurrency users and improve your transaction processing capabilities.