Two platforms, Pi Network and Ice Open Network, have emerged as top players in the mobile cryptocurrency world due to their unique offerings. They leverage mobile devices to onboard a large number of users into the blockchain industry.
Origins of the Platforms
Pi Network was founded by Stanford graduates in 2019, focusing on making cryptocurrencies accessible by allowing users to mine via smartphones. Recently, on February 20, 2025, Pi transitioned to an open network. In contrast, Ice Open Network (ION) appeared in 2023, focusing on creating a decentralized economy. The ION mainnet was launched on January 29, 2025.
Key Features
Ice Open Network stands out for scalability and speed, capable of handling 1.2 million transactions per second. It supports decentralized applications and is based on an open-source model. Meanwhile, Pi Network focuses on mobile mining, a decentralized app ecosystem, and has a closed source code.
User Adoption and Recent Developments
Pi Network has surpassed 60 million users compared to ION’s over 40 million. Both platforms leverage similar methods to increase user participation through events and partnerships. Both projects have also launched their mainnets and continue to develop actively.
ION and Pi Network share similar goals but approach them differently. The open-source model of ION provides a high level of trust, while Pi Network focuses on simplifying processes for users. Ultimately, the choice of platform depends on user preference.