Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana show decentralization tradeoff between performance and control

Blockchain decentralization is not a simple split between centralized and decentralized systems. Network design places each chain at a different point across auditability, security, governance and ownership. In its “Ark Invest + Glassnode: The Decentralization Spectrum” report published on Sept. 1, 2026, Glassnode said Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana showed different decentralization profiles across four design features and six measurable dimensions. The report compared the three networks by auditability, security, governance and ownership structure. The report said design choices such as block size and staking models determine where a network sits on the spectrum.