Layer-1 blockchains are the backbone of the crypto ecosystem, providing the core infrastructure that powers decentralised applications (dApps), smart contracts, and blockchain networks. Leveraging distributed ledger technology (DLT), these networks enable secure, transparent, and decentralised transaction processing without relying on central authorities. By maintaining consensus, validating transactions, and securing the network, Layer-1 blockchains create the foundation upon which the broader Web3 ecosystem is built.
The native crypto assets of these networks, known as Layer-1 tokens, are essential to their functionality. For instance, Ether (ETH) is used to power transactions and smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. These tokens typically facilitate transaction fee payments, network governance, and validator incentives, helping maintain the security and efficiency of the blockchain. As blockchain adoption continues to grow, Layer-1 networks remain at the forefront of innovation, although many continue to address scalability and performance challenges. In this article, we explore the top 10 Layer-1 crypto tokens by market capitalisation. The list is based on internal research and is intended for informational purposes only. Investors should conduct their own research before making any investment decisions.
Also Read: Crypto Wallet vs Exchange: What is the Difference?
Top 10 Notable Layer-1 Coins
| Coin Name | Current Price | Market Capitalization | 24-Hour Volume |
| Bitcoin (BTC) | $62,951.18 | $1.26 trillion | $34 billion |
| Ethereum (ETH) | $1,673.54 | $201.99 billion | $15.91 billion |
| BNB (BNB) | $598.48 | $80.69 billion | $1.21 billion |
| Solana (SOL) | $66.14 | $38.32 billion | $2.65 billion |
| TRON (TRX) | $0.3267 | $30.97 billion | $490.87 million |
| Hyperliquid (HYPE) | $62.59 | $15.88 billion | $771.09 Million |
| Zcash (ZEC) | $426.03 | $7.10 billion | $1.15 billion |
| Canton (CC) | $0.1570 | $6.08 billion | $33.22 million |
| Cardano (ADA) | $0.1670 | $6.05 billion | $486.09 million |
| Monero (XMR) | $314.58 | $5.90 billion | $103.18 million |
Bitcoin (BTC)
As the initial and most significant crypto based on market capitalisation, Bitcoin continues to stand out as the premier layer-1 project. With a restricted supply of only 21 million tokens, Bitcoin is well-suited to function as a store of value. The Bitcoin Halving event, which took place in April 2024, triggered a prolonged bullish trend.
Ethereum (ETH)
The Ethereum blockchain hosts thousands of crypto tokens, establishing it as the preferred layer-1 blockchain for developers. Ethereum encompasses a wide range of applications, including metaverses, play-to-earn games, and decentralised finance ecosystems. Despite its substantial market capitalisation in current trading, many analysts believe its current value represents only a fraction of its future potential.
BNB (BNB)
Supporting one of the largest crypto ecosystems globally, BNB serves as Binance’s primary layer-1 blockchain. It is essential for settling transaction fees on the BNB chain. BNB operates as a deflationary layer-1 project, with Binance regularly reducing tokens from the circulating supply.
Solana (SOL)
This primary blockchain layer presents a compelling substitute for Ethereum, particularly in terms of speed, cost efficiency, and scalability. Solana can manage smart contracts and decentralised applications without compromising security or energy efficiency.
TRON (TRX)
This Layer-1 blockchain is designed to support high-throughput applications, particularly in the areas of decentralised content sharing and digital entertainment. TRON focuses on fast transaction speeds and low costs, enabling developers to deploy smart contracts and decentralised applications at scale while maintaining network efficiency and accessibility.
Hyperliquid (HYPE)
This Layer-1 blockchain is built with a strong focus on decentralised trading infrastructure, offering high-speed execution and low-latency performance. Hyperliquid is designed to support advanced on-chain financial applications, particularly decentralised derivatives, while maintaining transparency, scalability, and capital efficiency.
Zcash (ZEC)
Zcash is a blockchain-based crypto designed to offer enhanced privacy and secure digital transactions through zero-knowledge proof technology known as zk-SNARKs. The project is widely recognized for enabling users to shield transaction details while maintaining blockchain security and transparency. Its privacy-focused innovation has also contributed to advancements in smart contracts and broader decentralized application development within the crypto ecosystem.
Canton (CC)
Canton (CC) is the native token of the Canton Network, a Layer 1 blockchain built to power institutional finance, tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), and compliant financial applications. It is used for transaction fees, validator incentives, and securing the network’s operations.
Cardano (ADA)
Cardano is a third-generation proof-of-stake blockchain platform that provides scalability, interoperability, and sustainability based on peer-reviewed academic research. It uses a specially designed proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain protocol for consensus called Ouroboros. Cardano’s native asset is the ADA crypto, which plays a critical role in maintaining and operating the network.
Monero (XMR)
This privacy-focused Layer-1 blockchain is designed to enable secure, untraceable transactions through advanced cryptographic techniques. Monero prioritises user anonymity and fungibility, ensuring transaction details remain confidential while maintaining a decentralised and censorship-resistant network.
Also Read: What are Blockchain Oracles?
Should I Invest in Layer-1 Crypto Coins?
Layer-1 crypto tokens are often viewed as some of the most established assets in the crypto market because they power the foundational blockchain networks on which decentralised applications (dApps), smart contracts, and digital assets are built. Popular Layer-1 blockchains support extensive ecosystems of developers, users, and real-world use cases, making them an important part of the broader blockchain industry. Their widespread adoption, active development, and network security have contributed to their prominence among crypto investors.
However, investing in Layer-1 crypto blockchains still involves risk, as the crypto market remains highly volatile and subject to rapid changes. Before investing in Layer-1 tokens, it is essential to evaluate factors such as technology, utility, adoption, tokenomics, and long-term growth potential. Conducting thorough research and aligning investments with your financial objectives and risk appetite can help you make more informed decisions in the evolving crypto landscape.
Also Read: What are Blockchain Layers
Unravel everything that you need for your crypto journey via ZebPay blogs. Get started today and join 6 million+ registered users on ZebPay!
FAQs
What is a Layer-1 blockchain?
A Layer-1 blockchain is the foundational blockchain network that processes and finalizes transactions, maintains consensus, and provides the base protocol on which decentralised applications (dApps) and secondary layers can be built. These networks operate independently and have their own native tokens used for fees and security.
How do Layer-1 blockchains maintain security and validate transactions?
Layer-1 blockchains use consensus mechanisms like Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS) to validate transactions and secure the network. In PoW, participants (miners) solve cryptographic puzzles to add blocks, while in PoS, validators stake tokens to earn the right to validate and secure the network.
Why are Layer-1 blockchains important for decentralised applications (dApps)?
Layer-1 networks provide the core infrastructure, processing power, security, and consensus needed for dApps, smart contracts, and token ecosystems to function. Without a robust Layer-1, higher-level applications wouldn’t have a reliable base to build on.
What are the main challenges Layer-1 blockchains face?
Common challenges include scalability limits (slower transaction throughput during peak usage) and, for some networks using PoW, higher energy consumption. These constraints are part of the “blockchain trilemma” balancing speed, decentralisation, and security.
How do Layer-1 and Layer-2 blockchains differ?
Layer-1 blockchains are the base networks that independently process transactions and maintain security. Layer-2 solutions are built on top of these base chains to improve performance, especially scalability and cost, by handling some transaction load off the main network while still relying on Layer-1 for settlement.
