Best Layer 1 Protocols for Ethereum

This is a Solana-based fork featuring integrated EVM compatibility, creating the fastest hybrid chain by combining EVM with EBPF while incorporating the best attributes of Solana into the Ethereum ecosystem. It allows for the deployment of all smart contracts originally designed for the Ethereum blockchain. Users experience remarkably efficient performance at a significantly lower cost, with the option to stake and contribute to decentralization while earning rewards in the process. The Velas Network offers users access to a range of decentralized services, allowing them to entrust the security of their passwords, keys, and seed phrases to advanced segmentation algorithms and validators dedicated to data protection. Crucially, the information is securely distributed across the network, ensuring that it remains inaccessible to any individual participant. This innovative approach not only enhances security but also promotes user confidence in decentralized technologies.

Meter serves as a highly efficient infrastructure designed to enable smart contracts to scale and navigate effortlessly across diverse blockchain networks. Functioning as both a Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchain protocol, Meter is built around two primary tokens: MTRG, which acts as the governance token (with eMTRG representing its ERC20 version), and MTR, designed to be a stable currency token. To facilitate the unrestricted movement of financial assets between blockchains, Meter employs a HotStuff-based consensus mechanism that supports thousands of validator nodes, positioning it as the most decentralized Layer 2 solution for Ethereum. With the capacity to process thousands of transactions every second, transactions on Meter are confirmed in nearly real time. Additionally, Meter Passport enables assets and smart contracts to traverse and interact across various blockchains, optimizing for price, liquidity, and yield. Meter stands out as an Ethereum-compatible platform enhanced with distinctive features. In contrast to other Layer 2 solutions, decentralized exchanges (DEXes) built on Meter are resistant to front running and miner extractable value (MEV) issues, ensuring they are both swift and censorship-resistant. This combination of capabilities makes Meter a formidable player in the blockchain ecosystem.

Polkadot is an innovative blockchain network designed to support Web 3.0, which aims to create a decentralized and equitable internet where individuals have control over their data, fostering thriving markets through enhanced network efficiency and security. Established in 2016 by Gavin Wood, who previously served as the Co-Founder and CTO of Ethereum, Polkadot addresses key challenges that have hindered the widespread adoption of blockchain technology in recent years. The platform's development toolkit, known as Substrate, was created by Parity Technologies and simplifies the process for developers to create tailored blockchains suited to their specific needs. Additionally, Polkadot facilitates interoperability between various blockchains, making upgrades seamless, and introduces a model of “shared security” that allows developers to prioritize their technological innovations rather than expend resources on assembling a team of operators to manage a new blockchain. This approach not only streamlines the development process but also enhances the overall robustness of the blockchain ecosystem.

Introducing the pioneering blockchain specifically designed for GameFi and the Metaverse, Vision aims to establish a metaverse environment characterized by exceptional performance, seamless interoperability, scalability, and robust security, thereby facilitating easier access for users. This innovative protocol has evolved from a Proof of Stake (PoS) foundation, representing the result of extensive dedication and hard work. The VPoS network features a global array of independent validator nodes that ensure a high level of safety, making user logins straightforward while presenting significant challenges to potential attackers. Transactions within the Vision ecosystem are completed in mere seconds and incur minimal costs. Furthermore, Vision's compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) allows users to effortlessly deploy and operate their Ethereum decentralized applications (dApps) on the Vision platform. Notably, Vision is 100% compatible with Ethereum, enabling developers to launch their dApps at a significantly reduced cost while taking advantage of Vision’s outstanding performance. The source code of Vision is entirely open source, allowing anyone to access it, track its development, provide feedback, and contribute to the expansion of the ecosystem. Additionally, Vision Metaverse Go! Creator serves as an innovative tool tailored for content creation, featuring a scripted, component-based, and data-driven approach to game development, making it a versatile option for creators. This unique combination of features positions Vision as a transformative force in the gaming and metaverse landscape.

The BNB Smart Chain (BSC) is a blockchain framework created by Binance that facilitates the development of decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. Functioning alongside Binance Chain, it merges rapid transaction speeds with the programmability found in Ethereum-compatible smart contracts. BSC employs a Proof-of-Staked-Authority (PoSA) consensus model, which boosts both scalability and efficiency while lowering transaction fees. Its compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) simplifies the process for developers to migrate dApps and projects from Ethereum seamlessly. As a result, BSC has gained significant traction within the decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, and NFT sectors, providing users with an efficient, cost-effective, and secure environment for blockchain innovations. The growing ecosystem surrounding BSC continues to attract new projects and users alike, further solidifying its position in the market.

Create on Avalanche. Create without restrictions. Avalanche serves as an open, programmable foundation for decentralized finance applications. Launch Ethereum dapps that achieve instantaneous transaction confirmations and handle thousands of transactions each second, surpassing the capabilities of any existing decentralized blockchain platform. Tailor blockchains to cater to your specific application requirements. You can construct your own virtual machine and define the precise operations of the blockchain. By staking or locking up your AVAX, you contribute to transaction processing and enhance the platform's security, offering protections that exceed the conventional 51% threshold. You likely possess the necessary hardware to participate in this ecosystem. Avalanche is compatible with Solidity, ensuring all your preferred tools, such as Remix, Truffle, and Tenderly, function seamlessly. The cost of deploying smart contracts on Avalanche is merely a fraction—just one-tenth—of what it is on Ethereum. The challenges of high gas fees, front-running, and the negative impacts associated with sluggish smart contract blockchains are now behind us, paving the way for a more efficient and user-friendly experience. Embrace the freedom to innovate and transform your ideas into reality on Avalanche.

The final groundbreaking Layer 1 blockchain initiative is set to unveil a transformative public network that offers an endless landscape for smart contracts, enabling operations at web speed while dramatically scaling and minimizing computational expenses by a factor of a million or beyond. You can create a diverse range of applications, from decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms to large-scale tokenized social media services functioning entirely on-chain, or enhance existing Ethereum dapps. Embark on a journey toward blockchain singularity and experience a boundless blockchain ecosystem that embodies the power, velocity, and scalability comparable to the Internet itself. This network empowers developers to construct tokenized social media platforms exclusively through the use of smart contracts, revolutionizing how we interact online. The possibilities are as limitless as the technology itself, paving the way for innovations that could redefine digital engagement.

The landscape of blockchain technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, yet both public and private blockchain networks continue to function independently from one another. It is essential for Open Finance to establish connections among these networks. This revolutionary movement fosters financial independence, empowerment, and interconnectedness that humanity has not witnessed before. Our goal is to enhance this transformation through a network of global connections. Wanchain stands out as the premier platform for blockchain interoperability, bridging the gap between isolated public and private blockchains to facilitate the seamless transfer of digital assets and data worldwide. Users can lock tokens on their originating blockchain using a decentralized, non-custodial method, and subsequently utilize proxy tokens within various DApps across Wanchain’s expansive cross-chain ecosystem. After utilizing the proxy tokens, users can burn them to release their original tokens. Furthermore, Wanchain supplies the foundational economic infrastructure that enables developers to create innovative financial applications that traverse multiple blockchains and engage diverse communities, paving the way for a more integrated financial future.

In the early days of the internet, applications were confined to isolated networks that required various methods of access and interaction. Today, we find ourselves in a similarly fragmented environment where different ecosystems lack robust interoperability. The Nervos Network addresses these issues by providing a comprehensive array of solutions that empower developers to create Universal Apps. Users can select their preferred interface and cryptocurrency while still being able to navigate through the entire ecosystem seamlessly. Gone are the days of juggling multiple wallets, exchanges, and seed phrases, as Nervos simplifies this process. By building on Nervos, developers can effortlessly target any Virtual Machine (VM), allowing for smooth porting of decentralized applications and immediate access to the broader blockchain landscape. Additionally, the platform incorporates sustainable crypto-economics with a built-in store of value mechanism, tackling some of the most pressing sustainability challenges faced by public blockchains today. This innovative approach not only enhances user experience but also fosters a more interconnected and efficient blockchain network.

ThunderCore merges exceptional performance with the principles of decentralized trust. This integration stems from extensive academic research, resulting in an EVM-compatible public blockchain that provides enhanced throughput, quicker confirmation times, and reduced costs, facilitating swift deployment and scaling of DApps. The platform features the ThunderCore Hub, which serves as a secure and user-friendly crypto wallet equipped with a comprehensive DApp browser. Users can manage their digital assets effectively while engaging with fast, scalable, and user-friendly decentralized applications that are uniquely enabled by ThunderCore's high-performance blockchain. The native currency of this independent public blockchain is Thunder Token, which aligns with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) standards. Furthermore, tokens adhering to the ERC-20 standard can be created and launched on ThunderCore, allowing developers to utilize Thunder Token for building and monetizing decentralized applications. In this way, ThunderCore empowers innovation in the blockchain space, making it an attractive option for developers and users alike.

Telos stands out as the premier network for practical applications across a variety of sectors, with Telos-based tokens, NFTs, and smart contracts already being utilized in decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, and social media, all set against a backdrop of nearly limitless real-world applications. More than 100 projects are currently being developed on the Telos platform, and prominent brands are leveraging the Telos blockchain for tangible initiatives such as transparent hackathon evaluations and payment processing via Taikai. The network seamlessly integrates eosio C++ smart contract technology, establishing itself as the leading decentralized framework for high-throughput applications. Notably, Telos is on track to be the first EVM-compatible blockchain built upon eosio, allowing developers to deploy and operate their Ethereum applications on Telos EVM for optimal performance in DeFi. By joining Telos, you become part of a growing community of hundreds of developers and thousands of users who recognize its potential. The network emphasizes economic and geographic decentralization to enhance the security and integrity of the chain, supported by initiatives like the Telos Works proposal system and grant opportunities for emerging projects. This commitment to community-driven development fosters innovation and collaboration among its users and developers alike.

Qtum is a publicly accessible blockchain platform that is open-source, combining the security of the UTXO model with support for various virtual machines, including the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Utilizing a Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, Qtum features a Decentralized Governance Protocol (DGP) that permits alterations to certain blockchain parameters through smart contracts, allowing changes like increasing the block size without necessitating a hard fork. This platform guarantees a reliable and standardized environment for developing smart contracts, which makes it easier for businesses to code, deploy, and execute their applications. As a decentralized application platform, Qtum ensures compatibility with existing blockchain systems and is designed to be modular, allowing for the integration of new technologies as they emerge. Additionally, a wide array of cryptocurrency wallets is available for Qtum, catering to the diverse needs of its user base. The platform also offers robust development resources that facilitate blockchain and application development, ensuring that developers have the tools necessary to innovate effectively. Ultimately, Qtum stands out for its unique combination of features that make it conducive to both individual and enterprise-level blockchain solutions.

IOST is a cutting-edge blockchain network that offers exceptional speed, scalability, and security, utilizing an innovative consensus mechanism known as “Proof of Believability” (PoB). Our accomplished team of professionals, supported by leading investors, aims to serve as the foundational framework for online platforms that fulfill the demands of security and scalability within a decentralized economy. The high transaction fees and sluggish processing times associated with the Ethereum network have created opportunities for novel solutions, positioning IOST as a trailblazer with its advanced and transformative technology since the launch of its mainnet in 2019. The core technology of IOST—a decentralized blockchain capable of high throughput—outperforms 37 prominent competitors, including EOS and Ethereum, by over five times, based on recent assessments from China's Center for Information and Industry Development. With an impressive block time of 0.5 seconds and the ability to handle 8,000 transactions per second, developers can create applications on IOST without worrying about performance limitations. This remarkable capability not only enhances user experience but also broadens the scope for innovative applications in the blockchain space.

CasperLabs facilitates blockchain adoption by offering extensive professional services and support to businesses leveraging the Casper platform. The Casper Network stands out as the pioneering live proof-of-stake blockchain, stemming from the innovative Casper CBC specifications. Its architecture is tailored to enhance both enterprise and developer engagement with blockchain technology now, while also adapting to future user demands. Developed from the foundational CBC Casper specifications created by Ethereum developers, Casper allows businesses the flexibility to create either private or permissioned applications within its ecosystem. The proof-of-stake framework of Casper is set to support sharding, which is a crucial database-scaling mechanism. Additionally, features like upgradeable contracts, transparent gas fees, and WebAssembly compatibility ensure that Casper continues to progress alongside the evolving needs of businesses. The team behind the Casper Network, CasperLabs, is dedicated to providing a broad range of services and support that cater to organizations of varying sizes, from established enterprises to emerging startups, thereby enhancing the overall blockchain landscape. Ultimately, Casper's commitment to innovation positions it as a key player in the future of blockchain technology.

Aleph Zero is a privacy-focused public blockchain designed for enterprise, Web 3.0, and DeFi applications, featuring instant transaction finality. This blockchain utilizes a proof-of-stake mechanism and integrates a unique aBFT consensus protocol along with a tailored substrate stack. Currently, the team is enhancing the platform by incorporating a privacy framework that leverages Zero-knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) and secure Multi-Party Computation (sMPC), providing developers with an innovative method for creating private smart contracts. In a laboratory environment, Aleph Zero's peer-reviewed consensus protocol, known as AlephBFT, demonstrated impressive metrics, achieving 89,600 transactions per second with a confirmation time of just 416 milliseconds across a decentralized setup involving 112 AWS nodes distributed globally. However, the actual performance of Aleph Zero in real-world scenarios, especially under substantial network traffic, remains to be fully assessed. Notably, the Aleph Zero Consensus Protocol has undergone rigorous peer review and has been officially accepted for publication in the proceedings of the Advances in Financial Technology conference held in 2019, marking a significant milestone in its development journey. The ongoing enhancements aim to solidify Aleph Zero's position as a leader in blockchain privacy solutions.

Introducing the first interoperable Layer 1 blockchain specifically designed for NFTs, featuring an NFT launchpad and marketplace that is community-owned and operates with zero gas fees while being carbon neutral through proof-of-stake mechanisms, all secured by a network of over 100 validators. This platform leverages CosmWasm for programmability and supports interoperability through Cosmos IBC, along with Ethereum connectivity via the Gravity Bridge. To initiate your minting project, you can utilize a suite of command-line tools; simply clone an example repository and substitute it with your own project's files. The Stargaze sg721 contract enables the use of off-chain metadata storage, and it is advisable to implement a decentralized storage solution like IPFS for better efficiency. The NFT metadata on Stargaze adheres to OpenSea's standards, allowing for seamless integration. Organize your images and metadata into designated directories, then compile them into a single IPFS CAR (Content Addressable aRchive) file for upload. Once you obtain the CID for your metadata, you can designate it as the base URL within your contract, ensuring that the contract can link each token ID to its unique token URI independently, which streamlines the process significantly. This innovative framework not only enhances the user experience but also promotes sustainable practices in the NFT space.

Canto operates as a permissionless, general-purpose blockchain leveraging the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) to fulfill the vision of decentralized finance (DeFi), which seeks to create a financial ecosystem that is accessible, transparent, and devoid of central control. Its mission is to provide a free public infrastructure where essential DeFi components will lack sovereign governance tokens and will not be designed to generate profit for any single entity in the future. Furthermore, Canto intentionally steers clear of user ownership that is dependent on interfaces, as its public infrastructure decentralized exchanges (DEXes) do not feature swapping interfaces, compelling users to trade through third-party aggregators. This design choice is intended to enhance the onboarding process for new protocols within the ecosystem. Ultimately, Canto represents a collective of DeFi enthusiasts dedicated to advancing the cause of a truly open and public financial infrastructure. In this way, it aims to reshape the landscape of finance by prioritizing community over profit.

Somnia is an innovative Layer 1 blockchain that is fully compatible with EVM and engineered for high performance, making it ideal for real-time applications aimed at mass consumers, including gaming, social networking, and immersive metaverse experiences. Its unique multistream consensus mechanism, alongside the advanced IceDB database, allows the network to handle upwards of 400,000 transactions each second with remarkably quick finality, all while maintaining exceptionally low transaction fees. This architecture empowers developers to leverage familiar EVM tools and pre-existing code, paving the way for smooth integration and expedited project development. Additionally, by incorporating reactive primitives into Solidity, Somnia supports the development of entirely on-chain applications that can dynamically react to data changes and events, thereby catalyzing a new generation of decentralized applications. With a strong emphasis on both scalability and cost-effectiveness, Somnia stands out as a prime platform for creating intricate on-chain games, vibrant social ecosystems, and comprehensive metaverses, all while enhancing user sovereignty, fostering composability, and ensuring transparency in operations. This advancement in blockchain technology opens up exciting possibilities for developers and users alike, indicating a promising future for decentralized digital experiences.

ConsenSys Quorum empowers businesses to harness the capabilities of Ethereum for their sophisticated blockchain applications. Companies can utilize the Quorum open-source protocol as a foundation and enhance it with product modules from ConsenSys, external providers, or their internal development teams to create high-performance, tailored applications. Our goal is to facilitate the smooth integration of blockchain technology into business operations. Additionally, ConsenSys Quorum allows for the integration of various product modules from ConsenSys, third-party developers, or your own team to develop highly efficient, customizable applications. The framework comprises two open-source initiatives: one developed from Hyperledger Besu and the other from GoQuorum. Furthermore, ConsenSys Quorum Blockchain Service Support offers a subscription model that provides on-demand assistance for developers and businesses, delivering support for the Quorum open-source protocol projects, along with extra tools and updates to ensure the effective operation of your production systems. This comprehensive support is designed to enhance user experience while maximizing the potential of blockchain technology in diverse applications.

The CLV Chain is a unique Layer 1 blockchain built on Substrate, designed to be fully compatible with EVM and capable of cross-chain interactions. It provides a robust infrastructure that supports the expansion of decentralized applications within the evolving multi-chain ecosystem. CLV facilitates efficient multi-chain indexing, enabling seamless access to data across major networks like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and Polkadot. Within this unified platform, users can effortlessly search for blocks, transactions, and accounts, enhancing their overall experience. To promote growth among dApp developers, CLV rewards them by distributing a portion of transaction fees, thereby cultivating a thriving community and driving innovation within the DeFi space on both Sakura and CLV. Additionally, CLV introduces a Dynamic Fee Schedule, an innovative gas calculation mechanism that offers users discounts on gas fees based on their activity levels—those who engage less are charged more, while frequent users benefit from reduced costs over time, encouraging consistent participation and engagement. This system not only incentivizes developers but also enhances user experience, contributing to a more active and interconnected blockchain environment.

Monad stands out as a robust Layer 1 blockchain that seamlessly integrates with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). With an impressive capacity to process up to 10,000 transactions per second, it achieves block confirmations in just one second and ensures finality in a single slot. The platform is engineered to maintain low hardware demands, facilitating the efficient scaling of decentralized applications without sacrificing security or the principles of decentralization. Its innovative architecture includes advanced functionalities like optimistic parallel execution, asynchronous processing, and a tailored state database known as MonadDB, all of which enhance its overall performance and scalability. This makes Monad an attractive choice for developers seeking to build high-performance blockchain applications.

Harmony is a fast and open blockchain. Our mainnet runs Ethereum applications at a speed of two seconds and with 100 times lower fees. Harmony's secure bridges allow cross-chain asset transfers between Ethereum, Binance, and other chains. Harmony is a platform that allows creators to connect with the community. Harmony's bridges are able to connect any Proof of Work and Proof of Stake chains. FlyClient architecture is completely trustless and extremely gas-efficient. Our bridges for Ethereum or Binance Smart Chain currently secure tens to millions of cross-chain assets. Developers can simply change the Chain ID to enjoy faster executions of EVMs identical at bytecode level. They can easily migrate to Harmony using their familiar Web3 tooling. What about users? Users can use MetaMask and Ledger as usual, but they will now only have to pay minimal fees. Any Ethereum portal or wallet can work on Harmony without any code modifications or new installs.