Top 9 Layer 1 Cryptos to Watch in 2025
Despite market fluctuations and volatility, Layer 1 blockchains continue to be the backbone of the crypto ecosystem.
These foundational networks provide the infrastructure for decentralized applications (dApps), smart contracts, and various blockchain-based solutions.
But what exactly are Layer 1 blockchains, and why should you care?
Unlike Layer 2 solutions that build on top of existing chains, Layer 1 blockchains operate independently. They handle their own security, process transactions directly, and use their own consensus mechanisms to validate data. In other words, they’re self-sustaining ecosystems that set the stage for everything else in crypto.
As we move into 2025, some Layer 1 projects are starting to rise above the noise. Whether it's through cutting-edge technology, improved scalability, or growing mainstream adoption, these networks are shaping the future of blockchain—and they’re worth keeping an eye on.
Here are the top 9 Layer 1 Cryptocurrencies to Watch
1. Bitcoin (BTC)
As the first and largest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin holds a dominant market capitalization of around $1.9 trillion. It’s known for its scarcity, with a fixed supply of 21 million coins, and is often referred to as "digital gold" due to its role as a store of value.
Founded in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin was created with the goal of offering a decentralized alternative to traditional currencies. Today, it’s widely used as both a payment option and an investment vehicle, with many believing it will solidify its status as the ultimate store of value.
Since its launch, Bitcoin has skyrocketed by an unbelievable 197,947,495.43%—yes, you read that right! However, scalability has been a long-standing issue. That’s where Layer 2 solutions like the Lightning Network come in, helping to boost transaction speeds and push Bitcoin toward mass adoption.
2. Ethereum (ETH)
Ethereum is arguably the most popular Layer 1 blockchain, founded in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a group of co-founders. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as a digital currency, Ethereum is the go-to platform for decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts.
With a market capitalization of $329 billion, Ethereum remains a powerhouse in the blockchain space. Since its launch, Ethereum has surged by an insane 648,128.37%.
One of the biggest upgrades in Ethereum’s history, Ethereum 2.0, has transitioned the network from proof-of-work (PoW) to proof-of-stake (PoS). This move has enhanced its scalability, reduced energy consumption, and made it a more sustainable and efficient blockchain for developers and users alike.
3. Solana (SOL)
Solana is known for blazing-fast transactions and low fees, making it one of the most promising Layer 1 blockchain out there. Founded in 2017 by Anatoly Yakovenko, a former Qualcomm engineer, Solana was designed to handle massive transaction loads efficiently.
With a current market cap of $85 billion, Solana has delivered a jaw-dropping return of 34,331.97% since its launch. However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing—Solana has faced network outages, transaction failures, and concerns about centralization, especially during high-traffic events like the memecoin frenzy. These challenges have raised questions about its long-term scalability and reliability, but the network continues to evolve and improve.
4. Avalanche (AVAX)
As a major competitor to Ethereum and Solana, Avalanche is a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain known for its fast transactions and low fees. Launched in 2020 by Ava Labs– a company founded by Cornell University professor Emin Gün Sirer and computer science PhDs Kevin Sekniqi and Maofan "Ted" Yin, Avalanche uses a unique consensus mechanism that allows it to process 4,500 transactions per second (TPS), making it one of the fastest blockchains out there.
With a market cap of $9.8 billion, AVAX has gained a strong reputation in DeFi, NFTs, and enterprise blockchain solutions. Since its launch, Avalanche has surged by 760.62%, proving itself as a strong competitor in the Layer 1 space.
5. Binance Smart Chain (BSC)
Binance Smart Chain (BSC) is Binance’s answer to Ethereum—a blockchain designed for faster and cheaper transactions while maintaining compatibility with Ethereum’s ecosystem. Launched in 2017 by Binance co-founders Changpeng Zhao (CZ) and Yi He, BSC was built to run alongside the original Binance Chain, bringing smart contract functionality to Binance’s ecosystem.
Over the years, BSC has evolved into a major hub for decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming platforms, and NFTs, experiencing an astronomical rise of over 683,907% since its launch. Its appeal? Low transaction fees and high-speed processing make it a go-to choice for developers and users looking to escape Ethereum’s congestion and high gas fees.
With a market cap of $93 billion, BSC remains a dominant force in the blockchain space, largely due to its strong backing from Binance. However, it hasn’t been without controversy—critics argue that its centralized validator system gives Binance too much control, raising concerns about true decentralization. Despite this, its ever-expanding ecosystem and continued adoption make BSC a Layer 1 blockchain to keep an eye on.
6. Cardano (ADA)
Cardano is a third-generation blockchain focused on scalability, sustainability, and interoperability. Founded in 2015 by Charles Hoskinson, one of Ethereum’s co-founders, Cardano has built a reputation for scientific research and peer-reviewed development.
Currently boasting a market cap of $26 billion, ADA has grown by an impressive 4327.14% since its launch. With its recent upgrades, including smart contracts and layer 2 solutions, Cardano is positioning itself as a strong alternative to Ethereum.
7. Polkadot (DOT)
Polkadot is a multi-chain network designed to connect different blockchains, allowing them to work together seamlessly. Created by Gavin Wood, another Ethereum co-founder, Polkadot aims to solve scalability and interoperability issues.
With a market cap of $7 billion, DOT has seen a price growth of 78.9% since the launch of its Relay Chain in 2020. Its parachain auctions and cross-chain capabilities make it one of the most innovative Layer 1 projects in the space.
8. Cosmos (ATOM)
Cosmos is often called the "Internet of Blockchains" because it enables different blockchains to communicate and interact. Launched in 2019 by Jae Kwon and Ethan Buchman, Cosmos focuses on scalability and interoperability, making it a favorite among developers building decentralized applications.
With a market cap of $1.8 billion, ATOM has gained 314.12% in value since its launch. Its Tendermint consensus mechanism ensures fast and secure transactions, making it a key player in the blockchain ecosystem.
9. Near Protocol (NEAR)
As a major competitor to Solana, Near Protocol is a developer-friendly Layer 1 blockchain that focuses on scalability, usability, and low-cost transactions. Launched in 2020 by Illia Polosukhin and Alexander Skidanov, Near uses sharding technology to process transactions efficiently by splitting a large dataset or network into smaller, more manageable partitions (shards) to improve scalability and reduce the load on an individual node.
With a market cap of $3.7 billion, NEAR has grown in price by 503.4% since its launch. Its user-friendly features and focus on mainstream adoption make it one to keep an eye on in 2025.
Bonus: Pi Network (PI)
Pi Network is one of the most controversial yet promising Layer 1 projects. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, Pi uses a mobile-first mining model, allowing users to mine directly from their smartphones with minimal energy consumption.
Although Pi is yet to be listed on major exchanges, it has a strong and engaged user base of over 60 million. With its mainnet scheduled for February 20, it could become a major player in the Layer 1 space.
Conclusion
It is not without reason that as we navigate 2025, Layer 1 blockchains will continue to evolve, shaping the future of finance, gaming, social interactions, and enterprise solutions.
Already, we can see institutional adoption and partnerships gaining momentum, driving further innovation in the industry. While Bitcoin and Ethereum remain dominant, emerging networks like Solana, Cardano, and Avalanche are contributing to the expanding possibilities of blockchain technology. Their development may influence how the industry progresses in the coming years.