Top 15 Most Promising Layer-1 Blockchains: Investment Guide for 2025

In today’s cryptocurrency world, the Layer-1 crypto list has become one of the most important factors for investors to understand. Layer-1 blockchains are not just technical platforms but also the foundation for the entire crypto ecosystem, ensuring transaction security and consensus at the most fundamental level.

Understanding What Layer-1 Blockchain Is

Layer-1 blockchain, also called the base layer, refers to the core networks where transactions are finalized and permanently recorded. Unlike Layer-2 scaling solutions built on existing blockchains, Layer-1 protocols exist as independent networks with their own consensus mechanisms and security models.

The importance of these networks lies in their ability to ensure decentralized, secure, and transparent transaction processing. They provide a decentralized foundation, strong security, immutability, and transparency—essential elements for building a completely new digital financial system.

Why Is the Layer-1 Crypto List Especially Noticed?

Layer-1 blockchains are the backbone of modern crypto technology, offering five key advantages:

1. Decentralization and Security
No single entity controls the network. All transactions are permanent, accurate, and public, building trust and accountability across the system.

2. Autonomous Operation
Layer-1 blockchains execute transactions and smart contracts independently, using consensus mechanisms like Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS) to verify and protect network integrity.

3. Native Tokens Are Indispensable
Most Layer-1 networks have native tokens used for paying transaction fees, staking, and governance, enhancing utility and economic value of the network.

4. Flexible Platform for Developers
Popular Layer-1 blockchains are widely integrated, providing an ideal environment for building diverse decentralized applications (dApps).

5. Strong Network Effects
Layer-1 networks handle congestion better than Layer-2 because the more users, the higher the value and utility. Although Layer-2 can alleviate immediate congestion issues, they still rely on the underlying security of Layer-1.

Top 15 Notable Layer-1 Blockchains

1. Solana (SOL) - Unmatched Speed and Efficiency

Current Stats:

• Price: $123.87
• Market Cap: $69.70B
• 1-Year Volatility: -37.35%
• TVL: $1.65 billion

Solana stands out as a powerful Layer-1 blockchain thanks to high throughput and low transaction costs. Its innovative Proof of History (PoH) combined with Proof of Stake (PoS) enables extremely fast transaction processing, making it a favorite for dApps.

The SOL token is used to pay transaction fees, execute smart contracts, and is staked by validators to secure the network. Currently, Solana ranks fifth by market capitalization.

In 2023, Solana’s ecosystem made significant progress: the Solana Improvement Documents (SIMD) formalized protocol upgrade processes, the Firedancer project promises to significantly increase transaction speeds, and the network now has over 2,000 nodes. Successful integration of Helium in 2022 and the launch of Solana Mobile Saga demonstrate ecosystem expansion. Jupiter has become a key player in Solana’s DeFi with world-class routing tools.

2. Avalanche (AVAX) - Perfect Balance

Current Stats:

• Price: $12.47
• Market Cap: $5.36B
• 1-Year Volatility: -69.03%
• TVL: $781 million

Avalanche (AVAX) is a high-performance Layer-1 blockchain platform designed for decentralized applications and customizable blockchain networks. It features fast transaction processing, achieving finality in under two seconds.

Its unique consensus mechanism combines elements of Classical (Classical) and Nakamoto consensus, offering a strong mix of security, scalability, and decentralization. The AVAX token is used for fee payments, network security via staking, and participating in consensus.

In 2023, Avalanche’s C-Chain set a record with approximately 3.07 million transactions, indicating increasing adoption. Over 50% of transactions are related to NFT minting, significantly increasing transaction fees. In just five days, users paid $13.8 million for minting and transferring NFT-related tokens. C-Chain reached a new high with 2.3 million transactions daily in November, compared to an average of 450,000. Notable partnership with J.P. Morgan’s Onyx blockchain highlights its utility and recognition.

3. Kaspa (KAS) - Leading GHOSTDAG Technology

Current Stats:

• Price: $0.05
• Market Cap: $1.21B
• 1-Year Volatility: -62.12%
• TVL: Data unavailable

Kaspa (KAS) is a decentralized blockchain network using the “GHOSTDAG” consensus mechanism, enabling fast transaction processing and superior scalability compared to traditional blockchain architectures. Its strengths include high block speed and immediate finality.

The KAS token is used for transaction fees, as a medium of exchange, to incentivize miners, and for economic activity. In 2023, Kaspa transitioned to the Dag Knight consensus mechanism and moved from GoLang to Rust to fully leverage modern hardware.

KAS’s native token surged over 1,800% in 2023, reflecting growing interest. Plans include establishing Kaspa as a fast, scalable, secure PoW Layer-1 cryptocurrency focused on building a robust platform for smart contracts and dApps.

4. Bitcoin (BTC) - The Unstoppable Pioneer

Current Stats:

• Price: $88.58K
• Market Cap: $1,768.67B
• 1-Year Volatility: -10.91%
• TVL: $302.04 million

Bitcoin remains the pioneering Layer-1 blockchain. As the first decentralized digital currency introduced in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin features pioneering blockchain technology with high security and immutability.

Bitcoin is widely recognized as a store of value and medium of exchange. With a limited supply of only 21 million BTC, it’s often called “digital gold.”

Bitcoin Halving, a key event occurring roughly every four years, reduces block rewards and drives scarcity of new Bitcoin mined. In 2023, Bitcoin’s ecosystem saw major developments: protocols like Bitcoin Ordinals enable NFT minting directly on the Bitcoin blockchain (such as ORDI, SATS, RATS, DOVI). Bitcoin sidechains and Layer-2 solutions like Stacks emerged to address Bitcoin’s limitations in supporting smart contracts, opening new DeFi possibilities.

5. Internet Computer (ICP) - Decentralized Computing

Current Stats:

• Price: $3.03
• Market Cap: $1.66B
• 1-Year Volatility: -72.86%
• TVL: $33 million

Internet Computer (ICP), developed by DFINITY Foundation, aims to extend traditional blockchain capabilities by enabling storage of smart contracts and entire software systems on-chain.

It features a unique consensus mechanism allowing high throughput and scalability. ICP’s ambitious goal is to recreate the internet by creating a decentralized cloud computing environment without servers.

In 2023, ICP’s ecosystem made notable advances: Websockets enable real-time app interactions, stable memory expansion allows more complex applications, canisters can securely call Web 2.0 HTTPS endpoints, expanding smart contract use cases. Direct integration with Bitcoin simplifies cross-chain transactions.

6. Sei (SEI) - DeFi-Focused Blockchain

Current Stats:

• Price: $0.11
• Market Cap: $724.41M
• 1-Year Volatility: -75.47%
• TVL: $10.44 million

Sei (SEI) is a Layer-1 blockchain designed mainly for DeFi applications, providing a high-speed, efficient environment for financial transactions. Its strengths include an optimized order book function and native matching tools, significantly reducing latency and improving DEX efficiency.

In 2023, the Sei Ecosystem Fund grew to $120 million after a $50 million investment from Foresight Ventures. Growth strategies focus on penetrating Asian markets, leveraging technological sophistication and high crypto adoption rates. Sei has excelled in optimizing chain-level performance and scalability for trading apps.

( 7. Sui )SUI### - Performance-Oriented Design

Current Stats:

• Price: $1.41
• Market Cap: $5.26B
• 1-Year Volatility: -68.73%
• TVL: $488 million

Sui is a new high-throughput, scalable blockchain platform supporting many dApps with fast performance. It uses the Move programming language for secure, flexible smart contracts.

In 2023, Sui’s ecosystem grew significantly with strategic token reallocation. After mainnet launch, it achieved a record 65.8 million transactions in a day and a TVL of $188 million, ranking among the top 10 blockchains. The introduction of zkLogin revolutionized user access to dApps with enhanced privacy.

( 8. Aptos )APT### - Advanced Move Technology

Current Stats:

• Price: Data unavailable
• Market Cap: $2.9B
• 1-Year Volatility: -45%
• TVL: $171 million

Aptos is a Layer-1 blockchain focused on high scalability, reliability, and usability. Its strength lies in using the Move language to develop secure, flexible smart contracts.

In 2023, Aptos’s ecosystem expanded rapidly with over $400 million in funding from prominent investors. Its technological capabilities have driven TVL over $85 million. Aptos integrated Sushi, partnered with Coinbase Pay, and expanded into gaming with Microsoft, NEOWIZ, MARBLEX.

( 9. Polkadot )DOT### - Multi-Chain Interaction

Current Stats:

• Price: $1.72
• Market Cap: $2.83B
• 1-Year Volatility: -77.14%
• TVL: $162 million

Polkadot is a multi-chain blockchain platform enabling different blockchains to transfer messages and value trustlessly. Its strengths include interoperability, scalable multi-chain architecture, and connectivity/security for specialized chains (parachains).

In 2023, Polkadot’s ecosystem underwent renewal with a record 19,090 GitHub developer contributions. Parathread offers a cost-effective model, and Next-Generation Scheduling improves scalability. Polkadot 2.0 has been announced, promising major upgrades. Stake activity increased by 49% thanks to new Nomination Pools.

( 10. Cosmos )ATOM### - Inter-Blockchain Protocol

Current Stats:

• Price: Data unavailable
• Market Cap: $3.6B
• 1-Year Volatility: -36%
• TVL: $1.6 million (CosmosHub)

Cosmos is a decentralized network of independent blockchains designed to address scalability and interoperability issues. Its strength is the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, enabling blockchains to interact and share data.

In 2023, Cosmos ecosystem grew significantly with developments like Interchain Security and Interchain Accounts. Daily transaction activity surged to an average of 500,000. Cosmos Hub 2.0 outlined a new vision, and the Interchain Fund allocated $26.4 million for Interchain Stack development in 2024.

( 11. Ethereum )ETH### - dApp Empire

Current Stats:

• Price: $2,960
• Market Cap: $357.86B
• 1-Year Volatility: -15.19%
• TVL: $35 billion

Ethereum dominates the Layer-1 blockchain space with the largest developer community and a vibrant ecosystem of over 3,000 active dApps. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum has become the largest ecosystem for dApps, NFTs, DeFi, and more.

Ethereum offers an open, decentralized blockchain system empowering developers to build and deploy applications without central authority. Its main advantages include pioneering technology and a large developer community fostering a rich ecosystem.

In 2023, Ethereum continued its journey toward Ethereum 2.0 with key milestones. Major developments include improving Layer-2 solutions, especially rollups technology. The 2024 vision focuses on scalability and energy efficiency improvements.

( 12. BNB Chain )BNB( - Growing Ecosystem

Current Stats:

• Price: $839.60
• Market Cap: $115.64B
• 1-Year Volatility: +19.49%
• TVL: $3.6 billion

BNB Chain, formerly Binance Smart Chain )BSC###, is a blockchain platform developed by the world’s leading exchange Binance. Launched in September 2020, it offers a high-performance network designed for smart contract applications.

BNB Chain features a dual-chain architecture, allowing seamless asset transfers between chains for DeFi, NFT, and gaming apps. Although its ecosystem is younger than Ethereum’s, it is rapidly growing with over 1,300 active dApps.

Its PoSA consensus mechanism enables fast transactions and lower costs. In 2023, the project was officially renamed BNB Chain, introducing a separate PoS chain for staking and governance. In 2024, a strong focus on scalability with Layer-2 integration is expected.

( 13. Cronos )CRO( - Supported by Crypto.com

Current Stats:

• Price: $0.09
• Market Cap: $3.60B
• 1-Year Volatility: -40.89%
• TVL: $329 million

Cronos, launched in November 2021, is a relatively new Layer-1 blockchain built on Cosmos SDK. Supported by Crypto.com, it aims to provide a fast, secure, and interoperable platform for DeFi, NFT, and GameFi.

It leverages Proof-of-Stake )PoS### for efficient, low-cost transactions. Its ecosystem is rapidly expanding with over 200 dApps. Built on Cosmos SDK, Cronos integrates seamlessly with Cosmos chains and Ethereum via IBC.

Its impact on DeFi is significant through protocols like VVS Finance, Tectonic, and Ferro Protocol. Cronos has also made notable progress in NFTs and gaming. In 2024, it aims to further strengthen its position as a leading Layer-1 blockchain by continuing infrastructure improvements.

( 14. Kava )KAVA( - Cosmos and EVM Fusion

Current Stats:

• Price: $0.08
• Market Cap: $82.74M
• 1-Year Volatility: -84.06%
• TVL: $234 million

Kava is a unique Layer-1 blockchain combining Cosmos SDK’s scalability with an EVM-compatible chain, allowing Ethereum dApps to leverage Kava’s features.

Its “co-chain” architecture places Kava at the center of innovative DeFi applications with fast transactions, low fees, and access to diverse assets. Smaller but rapidly growing ecosystem with over 110 dApps.

KAVA token serves as governance and staking token. Kava’s blockchain uses Cosmos’s Tendermint BFT consensus, ensuring high security. Recent upgrades include direct USDt issuance on Cosmos. In 2023, major upgrades focused on enhancing DAO flexibility.

) 15. ZetaChain ###ZETA( - Leading Omnichain Blockchain

Current Stats:

• Price: $0.07
• Market Cap: $80.39M
• 1-Year Volatility: -88.85%
• TVL: $610,000

ZetaChain aims to revolutionize interoperability as the first Layer-1 “omnichain” blockchain. It can connect and interact with any blockchain, regardless of architecture or smart contract capabilities.

This enables asset transfers, data exchanges, and even cross-chain smart contracts, fostering a unified Web3 experience. ZetaChain opens new possibilities for cross-chain interaction.

Conclusion

The Layer-1 crypto list 2025 showcases the diversity and ongoing development of blockchain technology. From established giants like Bitcoin and Ethereum to emerging projects like Kaspa and ZetaChain, each Layer-1 blockchain offers unique advantages and use cases. Before investing, it’s essential to understand their technical features, ecosystems, and growth potential to make informed decisions.