In this article, I will discuss the best crypto Layer 1 projects in 2025, focusing on the most promising blockchains that are set to lead the market. As the crypto space evolves, these projects must offer scalability, security, decentralization, and innovation. Let’s explore the top Layer 1 blockchains to watch in 2025 and what makes them stand out.
Key Points & Best Crypto layer 1 Projects In 2025
| Project | Key Points | Consensus Mechanism | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | First cryptocurrency, store of value | Proof of Work (PoW) | Peer-to-peer digital currency, store of value |
| Ethereum (ETH) | Smart contracts, dApps, DeFi | Proof of Stake (PoS) | Smart contracts, decentralized applications, DeFi |
| Solana (SOL) | High-speed, low-cost transactions, scalability | Proof of History (PoH) + PoS | DeFi, NFTs, dApps, high-speed transactions |
| Binance Smart Chain (BSC) | Fast transactions, low fees | Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) | Decentralized apps, DeFi, low-cost transactions |
| Avalanche (AVAX) | High scalability, interoperability | Proof of Stake (PoS) | Decentralized finance, dApps, high throughput |
| Polkadot (DOT) | Multi-chain interoperability | Nominated Proof of Stake (NPoS) | Cross-chain interoperability, dApps, scalability |
| Cardano (ADA) | Focus on security, sustainability, formal verification | Proof of Stake (PoS) | Smart contracts, scalable and sustainable blockchain |
| Terra (LUNA) | Algorithmic stablecoins, DeFi ecosystem | Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) | Algorithmic stablecoins, DeFi |
| Algorand (ALGO) | Fast, scalable, and secure with low fees | Pure Proof of Stake (PPoS) | Decentralized apps, financial services, supply chain |
| Cosmos (ATOM) | Blockchain interoperability, scalability | Tendermint (PoS) | Multi-chain ecosystem, interoperability |
| Near Protocol (NEAR) | Sharding, user-friendly dApp development | Proof of Stake (PoS) | Scalable dApps, NFTs, decentralized storage |
| Tezos (XTZ) | Self-amending, formal verification | Liquid Proof of Stake (LPoS) | Smart contracts, decentralized governance |
| Flow (FLOW) | Focus on NFTs and gaming | Proof of Stake (PoS) | NFTs, gaming, digital collectibles |
| Fantom (FTM) | High throughput, low-latency | Lachesis (aBFT PoS) | DeFi, dApps, enterprise blockchain solutions |
| Harmony (ONE) | Fast, secure, sharding mechanism | Effective Proof of Stake (EPoS) | Decentralized apps, cross-chain finance |
| XRP Ledger (XRP) | Fast, low-cost payments | Consensus Algorithm (Unique) | Payments, remittances, cross-border transactions |
| Elrond (EGLD) | High scalability, secure proof-of-stake | Secure Proof of Stake (SPoS) | Payments, dApps, decentralized finance |
| EOS (EOS) | High performance, scalability, decentralized apps | Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) | Smart contracts, decentralized applications |
| Kusama (KSM) | Experimental version of Polkadot, governance | Nominated Proof of Stake (NPoS) | Testing and experimentation for Polkadot |
| Zilliqa (ZIL) | Sharded blockchain, high scalability | Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (pBFT) | DeFi, scalable smart contracts |
20 Best Crypto layer 1 Projects In 2025
1.Bitcoin (BTC)
Bitcoin (BTC) rutunity remains the number one crypto but starting from 2025 on, it has been predicted that promising Layer one projects will take off. Ethereum has, however, largely maintained a lead with smart contracts, Solana focuses on speed, while Cardano concentrates on scalability. Avalanche enables low latency transactions whereas Near Protocol enhances the ease of development.
Such Layer 1s are strong as they have their own ecosystems and innovations that make them a perfect match to Bitcoin and will surely lead the world of blockchain in the years to come.
2.Ethereum (ETH)
If some analysts do not consider the investments in Ethereum to be risky and targeting layer 1 that at the time had only three attributes, namely Solana Center Chain, Avalanche Center chain and Cardano Center Chain. According to analyst predictions, other projects will grow concurrently with ethereum, pushing the latter to the side by 2025.
The vision these investigators had was clearly backed by the 50th anniversary of Visa, as payment level and technology integration have always been in distinct silos. In light of this vision, the meteoric rise of Ethereum and its support for Visa growth in the coming years is quite encouraging, as Ethereum promotes the ease of use of dApps.
3.Solana (SOL)
Solana (SOL) currently is the fastest growing high speed, low cost blockchain solution, but by the year 2025 it will have other Layer 1 competitors. Ethereum (ETH) leads in smart contract deployment, Avalanche (AVAX) gives scalability proper focus, while Cardano (ADA) ensures the sustainability factor is met.
Near protocol (NEAR) is more focused on the ease of use, whereas, Sui (SUI) improves the transaction speed. Such new Layer 1s, together with Solana, will build the new and vibrant scalable decentralized landscape for the years to come.
4.Binance Smart Chain (BSC)
The Binance Smart Chain (BSC) still leads among Layer 1 blockchains which allow for cheap and fast transactions but it would not be the only one to grow in prominence come the year 2025. Smart contracts are the core of Ethereum’s (ETH) strategy, while Solana’s (SOL) key competitive advantage is their speed enhanced scalability.
Avalanche (AVAX) on the other hand is better suited for efficiency. Cardano(ADA) aims at the environmental goals while Near Protocol (NEAR) focuses on user-friendliness. With BSC, these projects and the rest are advancing a remarkable and high capacity blockchain ecosystem to the next level.
5.Avalanche (AVAX)
Almost all crypto projects have thisworldwide ambition of wanting to make transactions that are fast, cheap and easily scalable for a growing customer base, Avalanche (AVAX) has been among the top projects that are set to achieve this, but by 2025 other Layer 1 projects will also thrive. We will be talking about layer 1 protocols and the role of EVM chains. Ethereum (ETH) is at the center with smart contracts
Solana (SOL) speed, Cardano (ADA) sustainability and Binance Smart Chain (BSC) efficiency while Near Protocol (NEAR) aims at easier development. Along with Avalanche, these Layer 1 networks are paving the way for a powerful, open, and expandable blockchain ecosystem.
6.Polkadot (DOT)
Polkadot is a multi-chain system that aims to achieve interoperability across diverse blockchain systems. It facilitates the exchange of data and assets between independent blockchains, ensuring increased scalability, security, and flexibility. Polkadot’s main component is a relay network that links many networks, referred to as parachains, which are optimized for different purposes.
This design enables bridges to be created for the efficient exchange of information and the swift processing of transactions with fewer suboptimal conditions. The DOT token is important for the economy as it covers governance, staking, and network security, thus enabling its owners to participate in the voting on protocol upgrades and changes. Polkadot’s goal is to assist in the building of a decentralized web where different blockchains will work together.
7.Cardano (ADA)
Cardano is known as the third generation of block chain solutions that focuses on security, scalability, and sustainability. It employs a proof of ownership mechanism called Ouroboros which is less costly in terms of energy than proof of work. The architecture is structured into layers distinguishing the settlement substrate (for payment) and the computation substrate (where smart contracts are executed).
Cardano has great desire to achieve a well-balanced and secure environment for dApps and smart contracts. Such development is represented by the combination of research and best practices as clinical trials are conducted to protect purposes and security. ADA, as the native coin, is used to stake, govern, and perform transactions within the ecosystem.
8.Terra (LUNA)
Terra is a blockchain focused on stablecoin and decentralized finance ecosystem DeFi. The key difference of Terra is algorithmic stablecoin application that is associated with currencies such as USD with the self fixing feature of TerraUSD (UST). The method of consensus in Terra is proof of sacrifice in which token holders are encouraged to lock their LUNA tokens to protect the network.
Within the Terra ecosystem, users can build a variety of decentralized applications such as financial services, including lending, saving, and payment. LUNA is the native coin that can be used for staking governance and collaterals to back up and keep the fixed coin’s value constant. The aim of Terra is to make blockchain based financial products accessible to everyone.
9.Algorand (ALGO)
Algorand is a decentralized and scalable blockchain which emphasizes on security, thus solving the blockchain trilemma. It employs a proof of stake mechanism that enables rapid and safe transactions. Algorand’s unique approach to consensus, called Pure Proof-of-Stake (PPoS), ensures that the network can scale without compromising on decentralization.
The platform supports smart contracts and decentralized applications, which has a lot of use cases. The native token ALGO provides the means for governance participation, staking, and increasing security. The purpose of Algorand is to foster a decentralized economy worldwide.
10.Cosmos (ATOM)
A decentralized network of blockchains that are sovereign and parallel in structure yet can interface with each other. Building off of the idea of having a custom-built blockchain by building off of the operability and scalability of Cosmo, a neoteric solution. For this reason, Cosmos employs the Tender mint consensus algorithm to achieve their goals, as it uses the Byzantine Fault Tolerance Mechanism and the Proof of Stake Mechanism. This means obfuscation and security is not compromised when validating and transacting.
The Cosmos Hub facilitates interaction between blockchains contained in the hub by enabling them to communicate with each other. The staking, governance and security of the network system is undertaken by ATOM, which is also the native coin for the system. The goal of cosmos is to create an “Internet of Blockchains” that is able to connect blockchains togethe
11.Near Protocol (NEAR)
LNear Protocol, on the other hand, focuses more on a decentralized community that is friendly rather than sacrificing scalability. It does that by using the proof of stake consensus and a modified form of sharding which is called Nightshade. Nightshade has been created to scale blockchains by enabling them to parallelize the execution of transactions hence protecting the safe nature of the blockchain.
Using NEO tokens holders are allowed to participate in staking and voting on the necessary forms of governance. Developers and users are the main target of Inverse Labs as they set their goal to enable easy access to cryptography and web 3.0
12.TEZOS
TEZOS Self-Amending Blockchain is a new form of blockchain that offers multi-functional capabilities such as the ability to create, manage or even execute smart contracts or applications. One of its unique features is the use of LPOs or Liquid Proof of Stake which is less resource tiring and gives the network a water wave combination structure.
This allows it to protect anonymity while increasing security in the network. Its main area of focus is in the areas of providing security and network uptime. The reason that TOS tokens were created was for transaction fees, staking, and taking part in network governance. With Tezos it becomes easier for creators of DeFi’s and Decentralized Applications to create a more efficient network.
13.FLOW (FLOW)
FLOW is a blockchain that was built with video games and other digital assets in mind, including NFTs, focusing on performance and ease of use. Unique amongst blockchains, Flow uses a multi-node architecture proof-of-stake system that guarantees high throughput and low latency. The Flow network has a layered architecture consisting of four different node types, each performing distinct roles in more sophisticated processes such as consensus and validation in addition to the realisation of the processes.
This enables Flow to offer faster processing of transactions which is critical to the mass adoption of gaming and NFT applications. FLOW serves as the blockchain’s native currency, used for staking, transaction fees and governance of the Flow blockchain. The vision of Flow is to create the infrastructure for the next wave of digital assets and entertainment.
14.Fantom (FTM)
Fantom out stands to be a cutting edge blockchain interface, purposed to provide instant transaction for decentralized applications and finance. The consensus mechanism, called as Liquid proof of stake (LPOS) is employed by Fantom. This is achieved by combining the DAG structure with their outstanding consensus, Lachesis. While achieving low latency and high throughput, the Fantom architecture remains secure and decentralized.
A large variety of applications makes use of this platform, primarily due to its focus on smart contracts, and its utilization in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector, as well as Non-fungible tokens (NFTs). FTM is the native token, which is used for governance purposes and transaction fees. Therefore, Fantom provides an optimal solution for the future web, with the desired degradation cost and high assurance of control over operations on the blockchain.
15.Harmony (ONE)
Harmony is a decentralized application focused blockchain platform. with fast and secure transactions. It has interesting features such as a sharding feature. This in turn helps the entire blockchain achieve high throughput by splitting around the network and allowing simultaneous transactions. Effective Proved of Stake consensus in other terms known Epos makes Harmony a powerful tool.
This adds onto security, and as we all know harmony is a decentralized platform. Promote smart contracts and decentralized applications in finance, gaming and other countless industries. For staking, governance and transaction fee payments, there is ONE, A Native token. Last but not the least, Harmony’s mission is to bring blockchain closer to reality – faster, more scalable and energy-efficient for most of the decentralized applications.
16.XRP Ledger (XRP)
XRP Ledger is a blockchain designed for cross-border payments with low fees and speeds to payment. It is a combination of consensus with assets and RippleNet consensus algorithms which is not proof of stake or proof of work. It is able to last transactions in several seconds which makes it an attractive offer for real-time transactions.
Its currency known as XRP is used to transact by using it as a bridge currency. Hence, the primary purpose of XRP Ledger is to provide a payment platform on a global level targeting international remittances and lowering the transaction costs.
17.Elrond (EGLD)
Elrond this is a scalable blockchain which will allow low cost and fast transactions for decentralized applications. Its functioning is based on an innovative state sharding technology that improves scalability by dividing a network into separate divisions and safe proof of stake to guarantee security and cutting edge dispersion of center.
Elrond has smart contracts, de-fi apps, and NFTs hoping to build a healthy ecosystem for its users and developers. Its native token is called EGLD which is earmarked for deposit, transaction costs and operations. The ultimate goal of Elrond is to develop a world-class blockchain that meets all requirements of world applications and services.
18.EOS (EOS)
EOS is an open-source software based on a Blockchain which is designed to accommodate the development of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). The EOSIO network employs a delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS) consensus which allows token holders to elect block producers that thereafter confirm all transactions. Thanks to these characteristics, EOS achieves high speed and unlimited throughput with transactions remaining secure.
Despite these features, EOS also maintains a strong focus on decentralization by offering developers an ecosystem with high throughput and no transaction costs for end users. It encompasses a range of decentralized applications such as games, finance, and social networks. Cartridge holders otherwise stake and vote with EOS tokens. Delphi is seeking to provide scalable and high performance solutions for the development and deployment of dApps on blockchain.
19.Kusama (KSM)
Kusama is a second-level blockchain of polka dot, which is modulated for the development and execution of new features and additional integrations of polka dot. Kusama is less ‘restricted’ than Polkadot in terms of how it can operate. Developers can work with Kusama & Polkadot has the ability to change certain features and still be able to test on Kusama.
Because of the purpose and utility of the Chain, it is commonly known as the ‘canary network’ of polkadot. It utilizes a nominated proof of stake (NPoS) where token holders propose block producers who participate in maintaining network security. The governance, security and staking token is called KSM. Experimentation is necessary to advance in the field of development and advancement, and Kusama serves as the environment for Polkadot to be tested.
20.Zilliqa (ZIL)
Zilliqa A high-throughput blockchain that tries to solve the limitations of scaling that traditional blockchains struggle with. It employs sharding, As transactions get executed simultaneously on smaller network fragments termed as shards in other words, it improves the overall throughput. Zilliqa is very scalable and its TPS limit can reach thousands, making it a good fit for dApps, financial services, and games on the blockchain.
The system is also capable of smart contracts and offers high security for dApps. The native token ZIL performs several roles such as payment of fees, staking, and exercising voting rights. Zilliqa has been noted to be a robust secure build for enterprise grade blockchained applications.
How We Choose Best Crypto layer 1 Projects In 2025
Scalability: Projects that are able to conduct several transactions per second while maintaining decentralization and security features should be prioritized and funded.
Security: The consensus mechanism applied (PoW, PoS or other) as well as the security parameters of the project should be evaluated to establish the capability to cope with possible threats and weaknesses.
Decentralization: This avoids a situation that is likely to occur whereby there is excessive centralization in governance, development, and operations of the network.
Adoption & Ecosystem Growth: For the success of the layer one project it is very important to have an ecosystem of supporting dApps, DeFi, NFTs, and many more saturating the market.
Developer Activity: Count the active developers on the project and count the number of updates made, this is because the bigger the developer community, the better for the project in terms of innovation.
Interoperability: Check if the project would allow for bridging with other blockchains which opens up cross-chain interactions and many more possibilities.
Transaction Fees: Since user experience is essential in DeFi and gaming applications, it is better for transaction fees to be low and stable across the board.
Sustainability: You should ask about the project’s eco-footprint as well as whether it applies environmentally friendly consensus mechanisms such as Proof-of-Stake or similar ones.
Governance Model: The inclusion of a governance mechanism of active token holders able to submit bid proposals and vote on changes assures further decentralization and participation.
Conclusion
In 2025, the most promising Layer 1 crypto projects will include scalability, security, decentralization and ecosystem. The most promising projects will focus on high TPS, strong governance and low cost of transactions while nurturing developer activity and cross-chain integration. Enterprise adoption and good community support will be crucial for survival.
Those projects which are active and developing new ways to be efficient and low carbon will be in the front, making them appealing to investors and users as well.