The 15 Layer-1 Blockchains to Watch in 2025: The Ultimate Battle of Performance and Security

When we talk about Layer-1 blockchains, we are essentially discussing the backbone supporting the entire crypto ecosystem. These foundational networks handle billions of dollars in transactions and serve as the true base for DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 applications. As Ethereum shifts to proof of stake, eco-friendly blockchains emerge, and Layer-2 solutions are gradually improving, the landscape of Layer-1 is undergoing dramatic changes. So, which Layer-1 projects are most worth paying attention to in 2025? We analyze them one by one.

What exactly is a Layer-1 blockchain? Why is it so important?

First, clarify the concept: Layer-1 blockchain (also known as the base layer) is where transactions are finalized and recorded. Unlike Layer-2 solutions that depend on existing blockchains to improve speed and capacity, Layer-1 is an entirely independent network with its own consensus mechanism and security model.

Imagine Layer-1 as the main roads of a city — they must be sturdy and transparent enough to properly record all transactions. That’s why security, decentralization, and transaction finality are so critical for Layer-1.

What are the core advantages of Layer-1?

Complete independence: Layer-1 blockchains operate independently, without relying on external systems, managing all transactions and smart contract executions themselves.

Diverse consensus mechanisms: Whether it’s proof of work(PoW) or proof of stake(PoS), major Layer-1s choose the validation method best suited for them.

Native token economic ecosystem: Almost all Layer-1s have their own native tokens used for paying fees, staking, and governance, forming a complete economic cycle.

Strong network effects: Well-known Layer-1s with large user bases are usually less congested than Layer-2s. The more users, the higher the network value.

Empowering developers: Mature Layer-1 ecosystems provide developers with rich tools, frameworks, and protocols, inspiring innovation.

The 15 most worth paying attention to Layer-1 projects in 2025

1. Solana (SOL) | The Speed King Continues to Dominate

Key Data

• TVL: $3.46 billion
• Market Cap: $61 billion
• Yearly Change: 464%

Solana’s status as a speed benchmark hinges on its unique proof of history(PoH) consensus mechanism, combined with proof of stake(PoS), achieving transaction throughput that other Layer-1s find hard to match. Low fees and high speed make Solana the top choice for DEXs and NFT applications.

Ecosystem Highlights: In 2023, Solana experienced an ecosystem explosion — SIMD processes enable developers to systematically propose protocol upgrades, with 79 proposals so far; the Firedancer upgrade is expected to significantly boost validator performance; Helium successfully migrated to Solana, demonstrating its capacity to host large projects; applications like STEPN, Raydium, Orca are flourishing.

2. Bitcoin (BTC) | The Enduring Value Store

Key Data

• TVL: $1.1 billion
• Market Cap: $1.2 trillion
• Yearly Change: 108%

As the first decentralized digital currency, Bitcoin’s position is unshakable. Its fixed supply of 210,000,000 coins and proof of work mechanism have earned it the title of “digital gold.”

Key Developments in 2023: Ordinals protocol made NFTs on Bitcoin a reality(ORDI, SATs); Layer-2 solutions like Stacks bring smart contract capabilities to Bitcoin; Taproot asset protocol uses UTXO scripts for asset recording — Bitcoin is evolving into a full-fledged application platform.

3. Ethereum (ETH) | The Definition of Ecosystem Prosperity

Key Data

• TVL: $49 billion
• Market Cap: $349.70 billion (Updated to 2025)
• Yearly Change: -16.55%

With over 3,000 active applications, Ethereum remains the undisputed leader among Layer-1s. Since launching in 2015, Ethereum has completed its transition to proof of stake and continues to optimize performance through Layer-2 solutions like Rollups.

Ongoing Upgrades: Ethereum 2.0’s full implementation is imminent, and Ethereum is evolving toward greater efficiency and environmental friendliness. The Dencun upgrade further reduces Layer-2 costs, enabling a quantum leap in ecosystem scalability.

4. Avalanche (AVAX) | High-Performance Chain with Sub-Second Confirmations

Key Data

• TVL: $1.5 billion
• Market Cap: $5.24 billion (Updated to 2025)
• Yearly Change: -69.42%

Avalanche is known for transaction finality in under 2 seconds. Its hybrid consensus mechanism(融合古典共识和中本聪共识) offers the best balance of security and decentralization.

Ecosystem Breakthroughs: In 2023, Avalanche’s C-Chain set a new record with 3.07 million transactions; the ASC-20 token boom drove daily transaction volume over 2.3 million; partnerships like JPMorgan’s Onyx platform showcase its institutional application potential.

5. Kaspa (KAS) | PoW Rising Star

Key Data

• Market Cap: $1.19 billion (Updated to 2025)
• Yearly Change: -62.62%

Kaspa employs the revolutionary GHOSTDAG consensus mechanism, achieving high throughput that’s difficult for traditional PoW chains. After migrating from Golang to Rust, performance has hit new highs.

Technical Breakthroughs: Dag Knight consensus further optimizes transaction speed and block processing; high-performance mobile wallets meet user needs; in 2023, KAS price surged 1800%, reflecting market recognition of its innovations.

6. BNB Chain (BNB) | The Exchange Ecosystem’s Ace

Key Data

• TVL: $5.2 billion
• Market Cap: $113.49 billion (Updated to 2025)
• Yearly Change: +17.08%

Launched by Binance, BNB Chain combines the flexibility of dual-chain architecture with EVM compatibility. Over 1,300 active applications make it one of the most vibrant Layer-1s.

Competitive Advantages: PoSA consensus is faster and cheaper than Ethereum; seamless compatibility with existing Ethereum tools; rebranded as BNB Chain in 2023 to signify ambitions beyond exchanges; expected Layer-2 integrations and cross-chain bridges in 2024.

7. The Open Network (TON) | Telegram Ecosystem Dark Horse

Key Data

• TVL: $145 million
• Market Cap: $21.9 billion
• Yearly Change: 169%

Originally developed by Telegram founder Durov, TON faced regulatory hurdles but was revived through a community of independent developers. Its multi-layer sharding structure ensures high efficiency.

Ecosystem Opportunities: Telegram announced that 50% of ad revenue will be distributed to channel creators, paid via TON blockchain with Toncoin, directly increasing TON’s utility; if Telegram goes public and further integrates blockchain features, TON’s potential is huge.

8. Polkadot (DOT) | Pioneer of Cross-Chain Interoperability

Key Data

• TVL: $230 million
• Market Cap: $2.79 billion (Updated to 2025)
• Yearly Change: -77.31%

Polkadot’s core innovation is enabling different blockchains to communicate and share security. This cross-chain interoperability is vital for the Web3 ecosystem.

Key Progress: In 2023, Polkadot recorded 19,090 GitHub contributions — a new high; the Polkadot 2.0 white paper outlined new scalability and governance blueprints; nomination pools increased staking participation by 49%, boosting community engagement.

9. Cosmos (ATOM) | Federation of Independent Chains

Key Data

• Market Cap: $973.67 million (Updated to 2025)
• Yearly Change: -70.93%

Cosmos uses the IBC(跨链通信) protocol to keep chains independent while enabling interaction. This “sovereignty first” philosophy is attracting more developers.

Ecosystem Expansion: Cross-chain security upgrades protect smaller chains; Cosmos Hub handles an average of 500,000 transactions daily; upgrades like Theta and Rho introduce cross-chain accounts and liquid staking; $26.4 million investment from the Interchain Foundation will further accelerate ecosystem development.

10. Internet Computer (ICP) | Decentralized Cloud Computing Testbed

Key Data

• TVL: $88 million
• Market Cap: $1.65 billion (Updated to 2025)
• Yearly Change: -72.82%

ICP’s most ambitious goal is to “rebuild the internet” — hosting complete websites and applications on the blockchain instead of traditional centralized servers.

Technological Innovations: Websockets enable real-time interactive apps; stable memory expansion allows deploying more complex applications; direct integration with Bitcoin network enables trustless cross-chain interactions; SNS system enhances DAO governance capabilities.

11. Sui (SUI) | Security Revolution with Move Language

Key Data

• TVL: $557 million
• Market Cap: $5.14 billion (Updated to 2025)
• Yearly Change: -69.41%

Sui uses the Move programming language to bring new ideas to smart contract security. Its parallel execution engine makes large-scale concurrent transactions possible.

Ecosystem Development: After mainnet launch, single-day transaction volume reached 65.8 million, ranking in the top ten by TVL; zkLogin revolutionized privacy login; Turbos DEX’s TurboStar plan supports incubating new projects, fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem.

12. Aptos (APT) | Another Exploration of Move Ecosystem

Key Data

• TVL: $342 million
• Market Cap: $1.25 billion (Updated to 2025)
• Yearly Change: -82.54%

Aptos also uses Move but follows a different technical route. Its parallel execution engine and efficient block structure lead the industry in transaction throughput.

Partnership Ecosystem: Collaborations with Sushi to deepen DeFi; integration with Coinbase Pay to improve user experience; partnerships with Microsoft and others to expand gaming and entertainment prospects; new digital asset standards pave the way for real-world applications.

13. Sei (SEI) | High-Performance Chain Focused on Trading

Key Data

• Market Cap: $710.13 million (Updated to 2025)
• Yearly Change: -75.96%

Sei specializes in optimizing trading scenarios, integrating native order books and matching engines, significantly reducing DEX latency. Its targeted design makes it the preferred choice for trading applications.

Market Expansion: Ecosystem funds have grown to $120 million, focusing on NFTs, gaming, and DeFi; strategic focus on Asia, with partnerships like India’s Graviton; chain-level optimizations have boosted DEX and trading app performance.

14. Kava (KAVA) | The Hybrid of Cosmos and EVM

Key Data

• TVL: $193 million
• Market Cap: $81.26 million (Updated to 2025)
• Yearly Change: -84.24%

Kava’s “cross-chain” architecture is its core strength — supporting both Cosmos SDK’s extensibility and EVM compatibility, allowing developers to leverage both.

Upgrade Trajectory: Kava 12 and 13 upgrades continuously optimize Cosmos DAO and user experience; Kava 14 enables direct minting of USDt on Cosmos; the fixed supply reform of KAVA tokens(Tokenomics 2.0) aims to increase scarcity; $240 million community treasury demonstrates commitment to decentralization.

15. ZetaChain (ZETA) | True Pioneer of Full-Chain Interoperability

Key Data

• Market Cap: $79.06 million (Updated to 2025)
• Yearly Change: -89.03%

ZetaChain is the first truly “full-chain” Layer-1, capable of interacting with any blockchain without intermediaries. It addresses the fragmentation problem in multi-chain worlds.

Rapid Growth: Testnet has surpassed 1 million active users; over 6.3 million cross-chain transactions set a new interoperability benchmark; more than 200 test applications demonstrate developer enthusiasm; partnerships with Ankr accelerate Web3 infrastructure deployment; collaborations with BYTE CITY and Ultiverse enable cross-chain social and gaming experiences.

Layer-1 vs. Layer-2: A New Era of Ecosystem Collaboration

This question is often simplified as “who is stronger,” but in reality, Layer-1 and Layer-2 are evolving into a symbiotic relationship.

Irreplaceability of Layer-1: No matter how efficient Layer-2 solutions are, final transaction settlement still depends on Layer-1. The security, decentralization, and finality provided by Layer-1 are irreplaceable by Layer-2.

Mutual Promotion of Upgrades: Ethereum’s sharding plans will enhance the performance of all Layer-2s; conversely, successful applications on Layer-2 are driving optimization of Layer-1. This bidirectional iteration accelerates the entire ecosystem’s evolution.

Inevitability of Multi-Layer Architecture: The future blockchain world will inevitably be layered — Layer-1 ensures security, Layer-2 enhances user experience, and their collaboration provides users with applications that are both secure and efficient.

Summary: Layer-1 remains the cornerstone of the future

By 2025, Layer-1 blockchains are transitioning from “competition” to “differentiation” — Bitcoin strengthens its financial attributes, Ethereum optimizes its ecosystem experience, Solana pursues extreme speed, Cosmos advances interoperability. Each chain is finding its own position.

For investors and developers, the choice is no longer “which is the best,” but “which is most suitable for my application scenario.” This marks the maturing of the Layer-1 ecosystem.