At the core of the Web3 ecosystem are Layer-1 blockchains, which provide the base infrastructure on which decentralised applications (dApps), smart contracts, and other blockchain-based solutions are built. Using distributed ledger technology (DLT), these networks allow transactions to be validated and recorded across a decentralised network rather than through a central authority. Their consensus mechanisms, transaction validation processes, and security infrastructure collectively form the foundation for blockchain-based applications and services.
Every Layer-1 network has a native crypto asset that supports activity within its ecosystem. These Layer-1 tokens can be used to pay transaction fees and interact with blockchain applications, while their broader functions vary across networks. On Ethereum, for instance, Ether (ETH) is required for transaction fees and smart contract interactions. Native tokens may also be used for governance, validator incentives, and mechanisms that help maintain the security and operation of their respective networks.
The continued growth of blockchain adoption is pushing Layer-1 networks to improve their capabilities while addressing challenges around scalability, transaction speed, and efficiency. Against this backdrop, this article examines the top 10 Layer-1 crypto tokens by market capitalisation, based on internal research. The list is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research before making investment decisions.
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Top 10 Notable Layer-1 Coins
| Coin Name | Current Price | Market Capitalization | 24-Hour Volume |
| Bitcoin (BTC) | $78,053.47 | $1.56 trillion | $30.16 billion |
| Ethereum (ETH) | $2,459.86 | $296.89 billion | $12.71 billion |
| BNB (BNB) | $686.17 | $91.45 billion | $1.14 billion |
| Solana (SOL) | $102.33 | $59.88 billion | $2.76 billion |
| TRON (TRX) | $0.3289 | $31.22 billion | $579.25 million |
| Hyperliquid (HYPE) | $83.90 | $21.11 billion | $1.32 billion |
| Zcash (ZEC) | $856.10 | $14.42 billion | $741.18 million |
| Cardano (ADA) | $0.1999 | $7.34 billion | $323.77 million |
| Monero (XMR) | $525.64 | $9.87 billion | $173.02 million |
| Canton (CC) | $0.1196 | $4.72 billion | $23.09 million |
Note: This list has been made based on internal research and should not be taken as investment advice. Investors should do their thorough research before buying or selling crypto assets.
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.
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.
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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.
Should I Invest in Layer-1 Crypto Coins?
Layer-1 tokens occupy an important position in the crypto ecosystem because they are directly tied to the blockchain networks that underpin decentralised applications (dApps), smart contracts, and a wide range of digital assets. Networks such as Ethereum and other leading Layer-1 blockchains have developed broad ecosystems involving developers, users, protocols, and applications. Their established infrastructure, continued upgrades, and expanding adoption have helped make their native tokens some of the most closely followed assets in the market.
At the same time, the maturity of a Layer-1 network does not eliminate the risks associated with its native token. Market conditions can change rapidly, and token prices may be affected by developments within the network as well as broader crypto market trends. Investors should therefore consider the project’s technology, token utility, network adoption, tokenomics, development activity, and long-term outlook before making an investment decision. Aligning any investment with individual financial objectives and risk tolerance, while conducting independent research, remains essential.
Also Read: What are Blockchain Layers
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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.
