Layer 1 blockchains serve as the foundational infrastructure of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Unlike secondary tokens (such as those built on ERC-20 or BEP-20 standards), layer 1 networks govern their own consensus models, transaction processing, and governance structures.
This guide explores the 10 best layer 1 crypto projects for investors, evaluating each blockchain based on:
- Performance
- Efficiency
- Scalability
- Use cases
- Price potential
Ranking the Best Layer 1 Cryptocurrencies
Here are the top 10 layer 1 blockchain projects worth considering today:
- Ethereum – The leading smart contract platform powering decentralized applications (dApps), decentralized finance (DeFi), and NFTs.
- BNB – Binance’s native token supporting fast, low-cost transactions on the BNB Chain.
- Ripple (XRP) – A banking-friendly blockchain facilitating near-instant cross-border payments.
- Sei – A high-speed layer 1 network capable of processing 20,000 transactions per second.
- Solana – A scalable Ethereum competitor optimized for dApps and Web 3.0 projects.
- Bitcoin – The original cryptocurrency and a dominant store of value.
- Bitcoin Cash – A payments-focused fork of Bitcoin with faster transactions.
- Stellar – A blockchain enabling low-cost fiat transfers and asset tokenization.
- Polkadot – A pioneer in cross-chain interoperability for seamless blockchain communication.
- Kaspa – A proof-of-work blockchain achieving 1-second block confirmations.
Detailed Analysis of Top Layer 1 Projects
1. Ethereum: The Smart Contract Pioneer
Ethereum remains the most widely used layer 1 blockchain for decentralized applications. Key highlights:
- Supports thousands of ERC-20 tokens (e.g., Chainlink, Uniswap).
- Powers major DeFi protocols (e.g., Aave, Compound).
- Transitioned to proof-of-stake (PoS) in 2022, improving scalability.
🔹 Price Performance:
- ETH has surged over 1,000,000% since launch.
- Up 70%+ in the past year.
👉 Why Ethereum remains a top investment
2. BNB: Binance’s High-Performance Blockchain
BNB Chain offers low fees and high throughput, making it ideal for:
- Trading on Binance (with fee discounts).
- Launching BEP-20 tokens.
- Running dApps efficiently.
🔹 Price Performance:
- BNB is 55% below its all-time high.
- Binance’s quarterly token burns reduce supply.
3. Ripple (XRP): Banking’s Favorite Blockchain
Ripple’s fast, low-cost transactions attract 200+ financial institutions, including:
- Bank of America
- PNC Bank
- Standard Chartered
🔹 Price Performance:
- XRP is up 10,400%+ since launch.
- Gained 58% in the last year.
4. Sei: The Fastest Emerging Layer 1
Sei boasts 20,000 TPS and sub-second finality, making it ideal for:
- High-frequency trading.
- Gaming and NFT platforms.
🔹 Price Performance:
- 3,400%+ surge since August 2023.
5. Solana: The Ethereum Killer
Solana excels in speed and scalability, handling:
- Thousands of TPS
- Sub-cent fees
🔹 Price Performance:
- SOL surged 330%+ in the past year.
Layer 1 vs. Layer 2 Blockchains
| Feature | Layer 1 | Layer 2 |
|---------|---------|---------|
| Purpose | Base blockchain (e.g., Ethereum) | Scaling solution (e.g., Polygon) |
| Speed | Moderate (e.g., Bitcoin: 7 TPS) | Faster (e.g., Lightning Network) |
| Security | Highest (native consensus) | Depends on Layer 1 |
👉 Best strategies for investing in Layer 1 coins
FAQs
What are the fastest Layer 1 blockchains?
- Sei (20,000 TPS)
- Solana (2,000+ TPS)
- Kaspa (1-second blocks)
Why invest in Layer 1 tokens?
- Direct exposure to blockchain adoption.
- Demand grows as more projects build on them.
Is Bitcoin a Layer 1?
Yes—Bitcoin is the original Layer 1 blockchain.
Conclusion
Layer 1 cryptos offer long-term growth potential, with Ethereum, Solana, and Bitcoin leading the market. Investors should:
- Diversify across multiple Layer 1 projects.
- Monitor scalability upgrades.
- Avoid hype-driven tokens.
👉 Explore top Layer 1 investment opportunities
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency investments carry risk. Always conduct independent research.