Which Layer-1 blockchain technology is the most worth watching in 2025?

What Is Layer-1? Why Is It Important?

Layer-1 blockchain is the main foundation of the cryptocurrency world — where transactions are processed, smart contracts are executed, and network security is maintained. Unlike Layer-2 solutions built on existing platforms, Layer-1 blockchains are independent networks with their own consensus mechanisms, not relying on other systems.

The strength of Layer-1 coins lies in their decentralization, transparency, and security. Every transaction is permanently recorded, and no one can control the network independently. Additionally, these blockchains support native tokens for transaction fees, staking, and governance, creating a complete economic system.

Differences Between Layer-1 Coins

Not all Layer-1 coins are the same. Each blockchain has a unique design:

Speed: Solana (SOL) stands out with its Proof of History mechanism, achieving hundreds of thousands of transactions per second. Kaspa (KAS) uses GHOSTDAG for instant block processing. Ethereum (ETH) is less fast but improving through Layer-2 solutions.

Security: Bitcoin (BTC) is considered the most secure due to its extensive decentralized network. Polkadot (DOT) offers shared security among parachains. Cosmos (ATOM) uses the IBC protocol to securely connect separate blockchains.

Interoperability: ZetaChain (ZETA) is an “omnichain” blockchain capable of connecting any Layer-1. Kava (KAVA) combines Cosmos SDK with EVM virtual machine, bridging two major ecosystems.

Notable Layer-1 Coins Today

Solana (SOL) - Leading Speed

• Current Price: $123.87
• Market Cap: $69.70B
• 1-Year Change: -37.35%

Solana is one of the fastest Layer-1 coins globally. With Proof of History combined with Proof of Stake, this network processes transactions quickly with minimal costs. In 2023-2024, the SOL ecosystem boomed with the explosion of memecoin (BONK), liquidity staking protocols like Marinade Finance, and even Solana Mobile Saga.

Jupiter has become Solana’s DEX hub with the introduction of the JUP token. This protocol affirms Solana’s importance in the DeFi space.

Bitcoin (BTC) - The King of Layer-1

• Current Price: $88.58K
• Market Cap: $1,768.67B
• 1-Year Change: -10.91%

Bitcoin remains the highest market cap Layer-1 coin. As the first decentralized cryptocurrency launched in 2009, BTC is not only a means of payment but also a store of value — “digital gold” due to its limited supply of 21 million.

In 2023, Bitcoin Ordinals revolutionized the network by enabling NFT minting directly on the blockchain. Sidechains and Layer-2 solutions like Stacks extend smart contract capabilities, addressing Bitcoin’s previous limitations.

Ethereum (ETH) - DeFi King

• Current Price: $2.96K
• Market Cap: $357.86B
• 1-Year Change: -15.19%

Ethereum continues to lead the dApp ecosystem with over 3,000 active applications. The switch to Proof of Stake in 2022 not only reduced energy consumption but also paved the way for new upgrades.

Ethereum 2.0’s journey continues with Layer-2 solutions like Arbitrum, Optimism, and other rollup technologies. The goal is to reduce fees and increase transaction throughput — a significant step forward for Layer-1 coins like Ethereum.

Avalanche (AVAX) - Consensus Innovation

• Current Price: $12.46
• Market Cap: $5.35B
• 1-Year Change: -69.03%

Avalanche stands out with its consensus mechanism combining Classical Consensus and Nakamoto, achieving finality in under 2 seconds. In 2023, C-Chain recorded 3.07 million transactions, with over 50% involving NFTs, leading to increased transaction fees.

Partnerships with J.P. Morgan on the Onyx blockchain show AVAX’s recognition from traditional finance.

Kaspa (KAS) - Rising Star

• Current Price: $0.05
• Market Cap: $1.21B
• 1-Year Change: -62.12%

Kaspa is a new Layer-1 coin with high block processing speed and instant finality. Transitioning from GoLang to Rust allows full utilization of modern hardware capabilities.

In 2023, KAS surged over 1,800%, reflecting growing interest. Improvements to enable P2P between storage nodes expand access to historical data.

BNB Chain (BNB) - Accessible Platform

• Current Price: $839.60
• Market Cap: $115.64B
• 1-Year Change: +19.49%

BNB Chain, formerly known as Binance Smart Chain, has long been popular for its low fees and EVM compatibility. With over 1,300 dApps, its ecosystem is rapidly expanding.

Renaming to BNB Chain in 2023 signifies a broader vision, emphasizing DeFi, NFTs, and Layer-2 solutions.

( Polkadot )DOT### - Multi-Chain Connectivity

• Market Cap: About $8.5B
• 1-Year Change: -0.29%

Polkadot is a Layer-1 that enables different blockchains to interact without relying on a trusted intermediary. Its strength lies in parachain architecture and shared security.

In 2023, Polkadot 2.0 was announced, promising scalability improvements. Staking activity increased by 49% thanks to Nomination Pools.

( Cosmos )ATOM### - IBC Infrastructure

• Current Price: $2.03
• Market Cap: $982.36M
• 1-Year Change: -70.82%

Cosmos builds an “Internet of Blockchains” via the IBC protocol. Its strength is enabling independent blockchains to interact while maintaining sovereignty.

Interchain Security was introduced to protect smaller chains. Online activity surged with an average of 500,000 transactions daily.

( Internet Computer )ICP### - Decentralized Computing

• Current Price: $3.03
• Market Cap: $1.65B
• 1-Year Change: -72.86%

Internet Computer aims to recreate the internet through decentralized cloud computing. Canisters can securely call HTTPS to Web 2.0, expanding smart contract capabilities.

Direct integration with Bitcoin allows seamless cross-chain transactions.

( Sui )SUI### - High Performance

• Current Price: $1.41
• Market Cap: $5.26B
• 1-Year Change: -68.73%

Sui is a new Layer-1 designed for high performance, using the Move language. After mainnet launch, Sui reached 65.8 million transactions in a single day.

zkLogin revolutionizes dApp access with social Web 2. accounts. The TurboStar program promotes project growth.

( Aptos )APT### - Parallel Execution

• Current Price: $1.69
• Market Cap: $1.27B
• 1-Year Change: -82.30%

Aptos focuses on scalability through parallel execution. With over $400 million in funding from Tiger Global and PayPal Ventures, the project has strong backing.

Regular transactions reach hundreds of thousands. Integration with Sushi and partnership with Coinbase Pay expand the ecosystem.

( Sei )SEI### - DeFi Focus

• Market Cap: $1.4B
• 1-Year Change: 7,283%

Sei is a Layer-1 built specifically for DeFi, focusing on optimized order books. Its native order matching tool significantly reduces latency.

Sei’s ecosystem fund has grown to $120 million. Growth strategies focus on the Asian market.

( Cronos )CRO### - Cosmos Sidechain

• Current Price: $0.09
• Market Cap: $3.60B
• 1-Year Change: -40.89%

Cronos is built on Cosmos SDK, supported by Crypto.com. With over 200 dApps, its ecosystem is rapidly developing despite being relatively new.

Cronos ID enhances digital identity. Cronos Rollups are a key scaling solution.

( Kava )KAVA### - Cosmos-EVM Hybrid

• Current Price: $0.08
• Market Cap: $82.74M
• 1-Year Change: -84.06%

Kava combines Cosmos SDK flexibility with EVM compatibility, allowing Ethereum dApps to leverage Kava. TVL reaches $250 million with over 110 dApps.

USDX stablecoin is pegged to USD. Kava 14 introduces USDt issuance on Cosmos.

( ZetaChain )ZETA### - Omnichain

• Current Price: $0.07
• Market Cap: $80.39M
• 1-Year Change: -88.85%

ZetaChain is the first “omnichain” Layer-1, connecting and interacting with any blockchain. It enables asset transfers, data exchanges, and smart contract execution across chains.

Conclusion: Which Layer-1 Coins to Choose?

Each Layer-1 coin has its strengths. Solana and Kaspa lead in speed. Bitcoin remains the store of value. Ethereum dominates DeFi. Polkadot and Cosmos excel in cross-chain interoperability.

This diversity is healthy for the market. Investors should consider their specific needs, risk tolerance, and long-term vision when selecting Layer-1 coins aligned with their strategy.