Which Layer 1 Blockchain Projects Deserve Your Attention in 2025?

Understanding the Foundation: What Makes Layer 1 Blockchains Critical

In the rapidly evolving blockchain ecosystem, Layer 1 networks form the backbone of cryptocurrency infrastructure. These base-layer protocols operate independently with their own consensus mechanisms and security models, unlike their Layer 2 counterparts that build atop existing networks. The distinction matters: while Layer 2 solutions enhance transaction speed and reduce costs, they ultimately depend on Layer 1 networks for security and finality.

Layer 1 blockchains deliver several core advantages that explain their persistent dominance:

Security & Decentralization: Operating without reliance on external systems, these networks employ consensus mechanisms like Proof of Work or Proof of Stake to validate transactions and maintain integrity.

Native Token Economics: Layer 1 projects feature integrated tokens essential for network operations—covering transaction fees, validator staking, governance participation, and ecosystem incentives.

Established Infrastructure: The most successful Layer 1 networks benefit from strong network effects, widespread developer adoption, and robust ecosystem integration across services and platforms.

Developer Flexibility: Layer 1 blockchains provide the foundational architecture upon which developers build diverse decentralized applications, from DeFi protocols to NFT marketplaces.

The Current Landscape: Evaluating Established Layer 1 Leaders

Bitcoin (BTC) - The Immutable Standard

Current Metrics:

• Price: $88.94K
• Market Cap: $1.78 trillion
• 1-Year Performance: -10.54%

Bitcoin remains the Layer 1 benchmark for security and immutability. Introduced by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009, this pioneer cryptocurrency continues redefining digital value storage. Its 21 million coin supply cap and decentralized architecture have positioned it as a “digital store of value.”

The Bitcoin ecosystem experienced transformation through the Ordinals protocol launch, enabling direct NFT minting on the blockchain. Projects like ORDI, SATS, and RATS demonstrated new possibilities. Beyond this, Bitcoin Layer-2 solutions—including Stacks and various sidechains—have emerged to address limitations in smart contract capabilities, expanding the ecosystem’s DeFi potential without compromising the main chain’s security.

Strategic partnerships with infrastructure providers and renewed developer interest in Bitcoin’s foundational layer suggest the ecosystem is moving beyond purely transactional use cases.

Ethereum (ETH) - The Ecosystem Powerhouse

Current Metrics:

• Price: $2.98K
• Market Cap: $359.85 billion
• 1-Year Performance: -14.72%

Ethereum’s dominance stems from housing the largest developer community in crypto—over 3,000 active decentralized applications leverage its infrastructure. Since Vitalik Buterin’s 2015 launch, it has evolved from a currency platform into the primary Layer 1 hub for DeFi, NFTs, and complex smart contract execution.

The transition to proof-of-stake and ongoing Layer 2 development represent Ethereum’s adaptation strategy. Rollup solutions have become critical for managing transaction volume and fees, effectively creating a symbiotic relationship where Layer 2 efficiency depends on Layer 1’s underlying security. Recent developments emphasize Ethereum 2.0’s completion, with enhanced scalability and energy efficiency gains anticipated throughout 2025.

BNB Chain (BNB) - The Exchange-Backed Contender

Current Metrics:

• Price: $842.70
• Market Cap: $116.07 billion
• 1-Year Performance: +19.97%

Launched as Binance Smart Chain in 2020, BNB Chain has cultivated a rapidly expanding ecosystem with over 1,300 active dApps. The dual-chain architecture enables seamless asset transfers, making it particularly attractive for users already within the Binance ecosystem.

BNB Chain’s PoSA consensus delivers faster, cheaper transactions than Ethereum while maintaining compatibility with existing Ethereum tools and smart contracts. This compatibility factor has become pivotal for developer attraction. The recent formal rebranding and emphasis on DeFi and NFT capabilities signal Binance’s commitment to Layer 1 ecosystem expansion. Expected 2025 developments include Layer 2 integrations and potential sharding implementations.

Emerging High-Performance Layer 1 Networks

Solana (SOL) - Speed as a Feature

Current Metrics:

• Price: $124.79
• Market Cap: $70.21 billion
• 1-Year Performance: -36.82%

Solana’s Proof of History consensus mechanism combined with Proof of Stake creates a uniquely efficient Layer 1 architecture. High throughput at minimal transaction costs has made it the choice network for developers seeking performance-first blockchain infrastructure.

The Solana ecosystem demonstrated remarkable diversity in 2023-2024, from memecoin proliferation (evidenced by BONK airdrops) to sophisticated protocols like Marinade Finance and Jito for liquid staking. Jupiter emerged as a critical DeFi player, building a routing engine that rivals centralized exchange capabilities. Strategic infrastructure partnerships with Google Cloud and AWS have enhanced network transparency and simplified RPC node deployment.

Notable ecosystem activity includes the Solana Mobile Saga smartphone launch and collaboration with Helium Mobile, positioning Solana as a Layer 1 attempting to bridge Web3 adoption into consumer devices.

Avalanche (AVAX) - Sub-Second Finality

Current Metrics:

• Price: $12.47
• Market Cap: $5.36 billion
• 1-Year Performance: -69.03%

Avalanche’s consensus mechanism combining Classical and Nakamoto elements delivers transaction finality in under two seconds—a critical performance metric for financial applications. This architecture supports scalability without sacrificing security or decentralization.

The 2023-2024 period saw explosive growth in on-chain activity, with the C-Chain reaching record transaction volumes. Inscription protocol adoption surged to over 50% of network transactions, though this dynamic drove up network fees significantly. The rise of ASC-20 tokens pushed the network to process 40+ transactions per second. Strategic partnerships, including collaboration with J.P. Morgan’s Onyx blockchain division, validated Avalanche’s enterprise-grade utility across institutional and retail segments.

Kaspa (KAS) - PoW Innovation

Current Metrics:

• Market Cap: $2.7 billion (from original data, specific 2025 price unavailable)
• 1-Year Performance: 257% (from original data)

Kaspa introduces a novel consensus mechanism called GHOSTDAG, enabling rapid transaction processing while maintaining Proof of Work security model. The shift from Go to Rust programming language optimization represents a technical evolution aimed at maximizing modern hardware capabilities.

The network’s development roadmap includes scaling to unprecedented transaction and block processing speeds. High-performance mobile wallet development addressed growing demand for mobile-first cryptocurrency interaction. Plans to establish Kaspa as a fast, scalable, and secure Layer 1 PoW platform emphasize robust smart contract and decentralized application support.

Specialized Layer 1 Architectures

Internet Computer (ICP) - Decentralized Computing

Current Metrics:

• Price: $3.04
• Market Cap: $1.66 billion
• 1-Year Performance: -72.78%

The DFINITY Foundation’s Internet Computer project reimagines blockchain’s potential beyond transaction settlement. Its Layer 1 enables hosting entire software systems and smart contracts on-chain, expanding blockchain’s computing capabilities significantly.

Recent advancements include Websocket integration for real-time applications, expanded stable memory for complex dApps, and direct HTTPS outcalls to Web 2.0 systems. Bitcoin network integration streamlined cross-blockchain transactions while eliminating intermediary dependencies. The Service Nervous System enables permissionless token issuance for DAO governance, potentially democratizing organizational structure creation.

Sui (SUI) - Move Programming & Horizontal Scaling

Current Metrics:

• Price: $1.41
• Market Cap: $5.27 billion
• 1-Year Performance: -68.70%

Sui’s distinctive approach combines the Move programming language with innovative consensus design for horizontal scalability. The platform recorded 65.8 million daily transactions post-mainnet launch, demonstrating genuine throughput capability.

The introduction of zkLogin revolutionized user experience by enabling Web 2 social account authentication with enhanced privacy. The TurboStar program incentivizes ecosystem development through fundraising support and accelerated access to presales. Strategic focus on developer experience and ecosystem security has positioned Sui as a Layer 1 alternative for builders prioritizing reliability and programmability.

Aptos (APT) - Parallel Execution Excellence

Current Metrics:

• Price: $1.70
• Market Cap: $1.27 billion
• 1-Year Performance: -82.26%

Aptos leverages the Move programming language and highly efficient parallel execution engine for enhanced transaction speed and throughput. Over $400 million in funding from Tiger Global and PayPal Ventures signals institutional conviction in the project’s technical foundation.

Strategic ecosystem partnerships have expanded Aptos’s reach: Sushi integration enhanced DeFi services, Coinbase Pay collaboration improved wallet transaction flows, and partnerships with Microsoft, NEOWIZ, and entertainment entities opened gaming and content frontiers. The Digital Asset Standard and Indexer infrastructure upgrades support real-world asset tokenization and NFT applications.

Interoperability-Focused Layer 1 Networks

Polkadot (DOT) - The Relay-Based Multichainverse

Current Metrics:

• Price: $1.73
• Market Cap: $2.85 billion
• 1-Year Performance: -76.94%

Polkadot’s revolutionary architecture enables multiple independent blockchains (parachains) to maintain individual characteristics while pooling shared security from the relay chain. This interoperability model addresses a fundamental Layer 1 challenge: scaling without sacrificing security or specialization.

Record developer contributions (19,090 on GitHub in March) reflect sustained ecosystem health. Parathreads introduced cost-effective blockchain onboarding, while Next-Generation Scheduling optimized network scalability. Polkadot 2.0 promises significant governance and interoperability upgrades. Nomination Pools expanded staking participation by 49%, democratizing network security participation. Integration of Circle’s USDC and Rocco Testnet optimization initiatives strengthen DeFi infrastructure.

Cosmos (ATOM) - IBC Protocol Leadership

Current Metrics:

• Price: $2.03
• Market Cap: $985.30 million
• 1-Year Performance: -70.73%

Cosmos pioneered Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, enabling sovereign blockchains to interact while maintaining independence. This design philosophy directly addresses Layer 1 scalability through ecosystem specialization rather than monolithic growth.

Interchain Security enhancement strengthened smaller blockchain protection within the ecosystem. Cosmos Hub’s transaction activity reached 500,000 daily average, validating the network’s practical utility. Theta upgrade introduced Interchain Accounts for enhanced cross-chain interactions, while Rho enabled Liquid Staking and NFT modules. The Interchain Foundation’s $26.4 million allocation for Stack development in 2024 represents continued commitment to ecosystem expansion.

Next-Generation Layer 1 Experiments

The Open Network (TON) - Telegram-Enabled

TON originated from Telegram founders’ vision but evolved into community-driven development after regulatory challenges. The blockchain’s multi-level sharding structure manages high transaction volumes efficiently.

March 2024 announcement of Telegram advertising revenue distribution through TON sparked 40% Toncoin value surge. This practical application within Telegram’s expansive user base demonstrates how Layer 1 adoption depends on integration with consumer platforms. Potential Telegram IPO could substantially impact TON’s network effects and utility perception.

Sei (SEI) - DeFi-Optimized Architecture

Sei specializes in decentralized exchange efficiency through native matching engine integration and optimized order book functionality. The $120 million Sei Ecosystem Fund (boosted by $50 million Foresight Ventures injection) demonstrates capital commitment to ecosystem expansion.

Chain-level DEX optimizations significantly reduced latency for trading applications. Strategic focus on Asian market penetration leveraged regional crypto adoption and technological sophistication.

ZetaChain (ZETA) - True Omnichain Ambitions

ZetaChain challenges the fundamental Layer 1 problem: ecosystem fragmentation. By enabling smart contracts that execute across different chains, it creates genuine omnichain developer experience.

The testnet exceeded 1 million active users from 100+ countries, recording 6.3 million cross-chain transactions with 200+ deployed dApps. Strategic partnerships with Ankr Protocol and gaming platforms like Ultiverse expand utility beyond pure DeFi.

Kava (KAVA) - Cosmos-EVM Hybrid

Current Metrics:

• Price: $0.08
• Market Cap: $82.94 million
• 1-Year Performance: -84.03%

Kava’s co-chain architecture combines Cosmos SDK benefits with EVM compatibility, attracting developers familiar with Ethereum while leveraging Cosmos infrastructure advantages. Over 110 active dApps demonstrate ecosystem traction despite smaller scale versus Ethereum.

Kava 14 upgrade introduced capabilities for USDt minting directly on Cosmos. The transition to fixed KAVA token supply through Tokenomics 2.0 aims to foster scarcity and adoption. The $300 million community-owned Strategic Vault signals commitment to decentralized value creation.

Layer 1 vs. Layer 2: Complementary, Not Competing

The relationship between Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions has matured beyond zero-sum comparison. Layer 2 networks enhance performance and reduce costs, but architectural dependencies remain: Layer 2 solutions ultimately settle on Layer 1 blockchains, inheriting their security guarantees.

This symbiotic relationship creates ongoing innovation feedback loops. Ethereum’s sharding developments could enhance Layer 2 rollup efficiency. Conversely, successful Layer 2 patterns inform Layer 1 protocol upgrades. Both layer types are evolving simultaneously, addressing marketplace demands for balanced security, decentralization, scalability, and transaction speed.

The 2025 Layer 1 Landscape: Consolidation and Specialization

As the blockchain ecosystem matures, Layer 1 competition increasingly centers on specialization rather than generalization. Bitcoin maintains primacy as a security-first settlement layer. Ethereum continues optimizing as the primary decentralized application platform. Emerging networks like Solana and Avalanche prove high-performance infrastructure remains viable. Newer entrants like Sei and ZetaChain tackle specific problems—DEX efficiency and cross-chain execution respectively.

The diversity of successful Layer 1 approaches suggests the 2025 ecosystem won’t converge to a single winner. Instead, expect growing sophistication in Layer 1 + Layer 2 stack combinations, increased interoperability protocols connecting disparate chains, and continued specialization addressing niche market demands from DeFi optimization to entertainment and gaming.

Each Layer 1 blockchain offers distinct attributes—from Bitcoin’s unmatched security to Solana’s blazing speed to Polkadot’s revolutionary interoperability model. This heterogeneity strengthens the overall ecosystem by enabling developers and users to select infrastructure matching their specific requirements rather than forcing universal compromises.