Nikola Tesla vs Thomas Edison
Who? Pick one and see how the world splits.
- Nikola Tesla Croatia · 1856–1943 59% · #6 in the world
- Thomas Edison United States · 1847–1931 41% · #15 in the world
What the votes say
The world picks Nikola Tesla over Thomas Edison, 59% to 41%. Nikola Tesla is #6 of the 185 thinkers in the world ranking. Thomas Edison is #15, and #1 of the 31 from the United States.
The case for each
Nikola Tesla: Invented the AC induction motor and the alternating-current system that powers the world's grids, then the Tesla coil and early radio work. Died poor in 1943; now a hero of inventors everywhere.
Thomas Edison: The Wizard of Menlo Park: the phonograph, a practical light bulb, early movie cameras and over a thousand US patents. Built the first industrial research lab and early power stations, but backed direct current in the war of the currents.
Side by side
| Nikola Tesla | Thomas Edison | |
|---|---|---|
| World rank | #6 | #15 |
| Country | Croatia | United States |
| Lived | 1856–1943 | 1847–1931 |