L1 networks and smart contract platforms
An L1 network is the base layer that settles its own transactions, without relying on another chain for security. It is the most contested category in crypto because they all compete for the same three things: developers, liquidity and users. The real differences between them are not the throughput figures in marketing material, but what each one gives up to achieve them.
What to compare: Compare the cost of running a validator, since it determines how decentralized the network can stay; the outage history; and whether the token captures value through fees, staking, or only through narrative.
12 entries
Ethereum
ETH · #2
The main settlement layer for DeFi, stablecoins, L2s, and tokenization.
Settlement layer
Solana
SOL · #5
A high-throughput Layer 1 built around fast block times and low fees.
High-throughput L1
Cardano
ADA · #8
A peer-reviewed approach to building a blockchain, with the delays that implies.
Research-driven L1
Avalanche
AVAX · #11
A network whose main idea is letting anyone launch their own purpose-built chain.
Custom L1s and institutions
NEAR Protocol
NEAR · #18
An L1 that tries to hide blockchain complexity from the people using it.
Chain abstraction
Aptos
APT · #20
A high-throughput chain using Move, a language designed to make asset bugs harder.
Move L1
Sui
SUI · #23
A Move chain that treats everything as an object, so simple transfers skip consensus.
Move object chain
Algorand
ALGO · #29
An academically designed L1 focused on finality and institutional use.
Pure proof-of-stake L1
Tezos
XTZ · #32
A chain that upgrades itself through on-chain governance, without hard forks.
Self-amending governance chain
Fantom
FTM · #35
A DAG-based EVM chain whose ecosystem has been migrating to its Sonic successor.
High-throughput EVM chain
aelf
ELF · #37
A multi-sidechain platform repositioned around AI-driven applications.
Modular AI-oriented chain
Sei
SEI · #41
A layer-1 engineered specifically around exchange and trading workloads.
Trading-optimized L1