15 Layer 1 Blockchain Projects to Watch in 2025: An In-Depth Analysis

Layer 1 Blockchains: The Foundation of the Crypto Ecosystem

In the blockchain world, Layer 1 networks are like the foundation of a building—everything’s stability and security start here. These foundational layer networks are not only the final record keepers of transactions but also the source of trust for the entire ecosystem.

Unlike scaling solutions built on existing networks, Layer 1 blockchains have independent consensus mechanisms and security models. They ensure that each transaction is fairly validated and permanently recorded through a decentralized network of nodes.

Core Advantages of Layer 1 Networks

As the underlying infrastructure of the crypto economy, Layer 1 blockchains possess unique competitive strengths:

Security and Decentralization
No single entity can control the network, and transaction data is permanent and tamper-proof. This transparency builds user trust.

Independent Operation
Layer 1 networks execute transactions and smart contracts independently, without relying on external systems. Whether through proof of work or proof of stake, these consensus mechanisms each have their own features.

Native Token Economic Incentives
Most Layer 1 blockchains have their own native tokens used for paying fees, staking participation, and on-chain governance, forming a complete economic cycle.

Developer-Friendly
As the foundational layer, Layer 1 networks provide flexible platforms for building DeFi, NFT, and social applications.

Network Effects
The higher the activity, the greater the value of the Layer 1 network. While Layer 2 solutions can alleviate congestion, ultimately transaction security still depends on the stability of Layer 1.

Notable Layer 1 Projects

SOL Ecosystem’s Rapid Operation

Solana (SOL)

• Current Price: $123.47
• 24h Change: +1.41%
• Market Cap: $69.47B
• TVL: $3.46B

Solana is renowned for its ultra-high throughput and extremely low transaction fees. Its innovative combination of Proof of History (PoH) and Proof of Stake (PoS) achieves industry-leading transaction speeds. The SOL token is used both for paying network fees and for validator staking.

In 2023, the Solana ecosystem underwent significant upgrades. The formal establishment of the SIMD development process paved the way for protocol upgrades, with 79 SIMD proposals submitted. The Firedancer validator upgrade aims to significantly boost transaction processing speed. Over 2000 nodes ensure high decentralization.

The concentration of major applications like Helium and Jupiter, along with emerging projects like STEPN and Audius, demonstrates Solana’s strong appeal as a Layer 1.

AVAX’s Trading Activity Explosion

Avalanche (AVAX)

• Current Price: $12.32
• 24h Change: +0.40%
• Market Cap: $5.29B
• TVL: $1.5B

Avalanche is a high-performance Layer 1 platform known for transaction confirmation within two seconds. Its unique consensus mechanism combines classical consensus with elements of Nakamoto consensus, achieving a balance of security, scalability, and decentralization.

In 2023, Avalanche’s C-Chain set a new record with 3.07 million transactions. As demand for inscriptions surged, network fees rose sharply—users paid $13.8 million for inscription operations over five days. On November 19, daily transaction volume peaked at 2.3 million, far exceeding the usual 450,000.

Partnerships with enterprise entities like J.P. Morgan Onyx further validate Avalanche’s suitability for institutional use.

KAS’s Fast Confirmation

Kaspa (KAS)

• KAS Price: Updated in real-time
• 1-Year Change: 257% (original data)
• Market Cap: $2.7B

Kaspa employs a novel consensus mechanism called GHOSTDAG, supporting ultra-fast transaction processing and network scalability. Its high block rate and instant finality features outperform traditional architectures.

In 2023, Kaspa migrated from GoLang to Rust, fully leveraging modern hardware capabilities. The Dag Knight consensus further optimized transaction and block processing speeds. Development of high-performance mobile wallets meets user portability needs. KAS token surged 1800% in 2023, reflecting market recognition of its Layer 1 positioning.

The Immortal Legend of BTC

Bitcoin (BTC)

• Current Price: $88.36K
• 24h Change: +0.82%
• Market Cap: $1764.37B
• TVL: $1.1B

As the pioneer of the crypto world, Bitcoin remains the most credible choice in Layer 1. Its groundbreaking blockchain technology and absolute scarcity of 21 million coins have made BTC synonymous with “digital gold.”

In 2023, Bitcoin’s ecosystem saw multiple innovations. The Ordinals protocol allows NFTs to be directly minted on the Bitcoin chain, creating new asset classes like ORDI, SATS, and RATS. Meanwhile, Layer 2 solutions like Stacks address Bitcoin’s smart contract limitations, opening doors for complex DeFi applications.

New asset protocols like Atomicals and ARC20 have spurred creative uses of Bitcoin’s smallest unit (satoshi). The Taproot Assets protocol from Lightning Labs further expands Bitcoin’s functionality.

TON’s Telegram Ecosystem

The Open Network (TON)

• Current Price: $1.53
• 24h Change: +3.50%
• Market Cap: $3.76B
• TVL: $145M

Originally conceived by Telegram’s founders, TON was later developed by the TON Foundation and community developers. This multi-layer blockchain processes high concurrency transactions through sharding technology.

TON’s native token supports transaction fee payments and network governance. In 2023, TON launched distributed file storage and efficient payment systems, opening new possibilities for Web3 applications.

A key turning point occurred in March 2024 when Telegram announced that 50% of advertising revenue would be distributed to channel owners, significantly elevating TON’s importance. These earnings are paid via Toncoin on the TON network, providing real use cases. If Telegram’s future IPO proceeds, TON’s value capture potential will further expand.

ICP’s Decentralized Cloud Computing

Internet Computer (ICP)

• ICP real-time data (omitted)
• TVL: $88M

ICP, developed by DFINITY Foundation, aims to run entire software systems on-chain. Its unique consensus mechanism supports high throughput, and the vision of the “Internet Computer” is to provide truly decentralized cloud services for Web3.

In 2023, ICP expanded its ecosystem to support Websockets, enabling real-time applications. The extension of stable memory allows for more complex applications. Canisters (smart contracts) can now directly call Web 2.0 APIs and interact seamlessly with Bitcoin across chains.

The Service Nervous System (SNS) enabled permissionless token issuance, democratizing DAO governance.

SEI’s DeFi Specialization

Sei (SEI)

• Current Price: $0.11
• 24h Change: +1.18%
• Market Cap: $718.57M
• TVL: $27M

Sei is a Layer 1 blockchain optimized specifically for DeFi, with core strengths in native order book functionality and integrated matching engine, significantly reducing DEX latency.

In 2023, the Sei ecosystem fund expanded to $120 million, with $50 million invested by Foresight Ventures. The strategic focus shifted toward Asian markets, deepening collaborations with projects like Graviton. On-chain optimizations greatly improved DEX and trading application performance.

SUI’s Move Programming Language

Sui (SUI)

• Current Price: $1.40
• 24h Change: -0.02%
• Market Cap: $5.22B
• TVL: $557M

SUI emphasizes high throughput and scalability, with the Move programming language providing security advantages. Its low cost and fast processing are key selling points.

After mainnet launch in 2023, SUI recorded a single-day transaction volume of 65.8 million and a TVL reaching $188 million. The zkLogin innovation allows users to access dApps privately using social accounts. Turbos DEX’s TurboStar program supports ecosystem projects, with a zero-commission policy attracting Sui projects.

APT’s Parallel Execution

Aptos (APT)

• Current Price: $1.69
• 24h Change: +3.38%
• Market Cap: $1.27B
• TVL: $342M

Aptos focuses on high scalability and usability, with the security features of Move and its parallel execution engine delivering outstanding transaction processing.

In 2023, the Aptos ecosystem, which raised over $400 million from Tiger Global, PayPal Ventures, and others, flourished. Collaborations with Sushi for DeFi, Coinbase Pay integration, and partnerships with Microsoft and MARBLEX for gaming expanded application scenarios. The new Digital Asset Standard paves the way for real-world applications.

DOT’s Cross-Chain Protocol

Polkadot (DOT)

• Current Price: $1.71
• 24h Change: -0.58%
• Market Cap: $2.82B
• TVL: $230M

Polkadot is a multi-chain platform enabling different chains to exchange information while maintaining sovereignty through Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC). Its parachain architecture is a key innovation.

In 2023, Polkadot’s codebase saw 19,090 contributions. Nominations Pools increased staking participation by 49%. The Polkadot 2.0 roadmap promises breakthroughs in scalability, governance, and interoperability. Integration of Circle’s USDC and Rocco testnet optimizations improved user experience.

ATOM’s Inter-Blockchain Communication

Cosmos (ATOM)

• Current Price: $2.02
• 24h Change: +0.80%
• Market Cap: $979.01M
• TVL: $1.25M

Cosmos connects independent blockchains via the IBC protocol, enabling interoperability while maintaining chain sovereignty. The ATOM token supports staking and governance.

In 2023, the launch of Interchain Security enhanced security for smaller chains. Cosmos Hub handles an average of 500,000 transactions daily, with ATOM transaction volume reaching 20 million tokens, boosting popularity. Upgrades like Theta adding cross-chain accounts and Rho introducing liquid staking and NFT modules further expand capabilities. Cosmos Hub 2.0 white paper outlines future plans.

The King of Smart Contracts: Ethereum

Ethereum (ETH)

• Current Price: $2.95K
• 24h Change: +0.85%
• Market Cap: $355.92B
• TVL: $49B

Leading the Layer 1 ecosystem with over 3,000 active dApps and the largest developer community, Ethereum has evolved from a payment tool in 2015 to the hub for DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 applications.

Vitalik Buterin and the core team’s Ethereum 2.0 upgrade aims for greater scalability and energy efficiency. Layer 2 solutions like rollups significantly reduce costs and increase throughput. Looking ahead to 2024, full implementation of proof of stake is expected to further enhance environmental perception, with deeper Layer 2 and cross-chain integrations.

BNB Chain’s EVM Ecosystem

BNB Chain (BNB)

• Current Price: $838.40
• 24h Change: +0.11%
• Market Cap: $115.48B
• TVL: $5.2B

As a high-performance smart contract platform, BNB Chain has over 1,300 active dApps. Its dual-chain architecture allows seamless asset transfer across ecosystems. Compared to Ethereum, its PoSA consensus achieves faster and cheaper transactions. Compatibility with Ethereum development tools facilitates ecosystem migration.

After its rebranding in 2023, the project’s vision expanded into DeFi and NFTs. New independent PoS chains enhanced security and decentralization. Cross-chain bridges improved interoperability with other ecosystems. In 2024, expectations include Layer 2 integrations, sharding, and more DeFi and NFT projects.

Kava’s Cross-Chain DeFi

Kava (KAVA)

• Current Price: $0.08
• 24h Change: -1.78%
• Market Cap: $82.37M
• TVL: $193M

Kava’s uniqueness lies in combining Cosmos SDK interoperability with EVM compatibility. This “inter-chain” architecture allows Ethereum dApps to leverage Kava’s fast and low-cost advantages.

Compared to Ethereum, Kava’s ecosystem is smaller but rapidly growing, with over 110 active dApps and a TVL exceeding $250 million. Its native USD stablecoin USDX supports decentralized lending. The Kava 14 upgrade added direct Cosmos minting of USDT.

In 2023, Kava’s 12/13 upgrades focused on Cosmos DAO flexibility, ecosystem expansion, and user experience. Kava Tokenomics 2.0 introduced a fixed supply mechanism to promote scarcity. Community-owned assets in the Strategic Vault exceed $300 million, reflecting a commitment to community ownership.

ZetaChain’s Cross-Chain Interoperability

ZetaChain (ZETA)

• Current Price: $0.07
• 24h Change: -1.04%
• Market Cap: $79.76M
• TVL: $3.25M

ZetaChain aims to be the first truly “omnichain” Layer 1, capable of interacting with any chain regardless of architecture. This enables asset transfers, data exchange, and cross-chain contract execution.

Since its official launch in March 2023, ZetaChain’s ecosystem has grown rapidly. Its testnet attracted over 1 million active users from more than 100 countries. It has processed over 6.3 million cross-chain transactions and deployed over 200 dApps on the testnet. Strategic partnerships with Chainlink, The Sandbox, and others have expanded its application potential.

Collaborations with Ankr Protocol accelerate access to Web3 infrastructure. Partnerships with BYTE CITY and Ultiverse bring cross-chain features into social entertainment and gaming. In 2023, a $27 million funding round further strengthened R&D capabilities.

Co-evolution of Layer 1 and Layer 2

The development of Layer 1 and Layer 2 mutually drives each other. While Layer 2 can improve performance, the security foundation still relies on Layer 1. Innovations like Ethereum’s sharding will enhance Layer 2 efficiency, and successful Layer 2 solutions can also inform Layer 1 upgrades.

This dual-layer evolution will accompany blockchain’s mainstream adoption, maintaining a balance among security, decentralization, scalability, and speed.

The Road to Advanced Layer 1 in 2025

As ecosystems mature, the differentiation among Layer 1 projects will become more pronounced. From Solana’s lightning-fast processing to Bitcoin’s absolute security, each Layer 1 chain offers a unique innovative perspective.

The future of Layer 1 depends on how well it balances security, decentralization, and scalability. The collaborative development with Layer 2 is the trend—Layer 1 provides a secure foundation, Layer 2 delivers speed and efficiency, and together they build the future infrastructure of Web3.