Best Layer-1 Blockchains to Watch in 2025

dYdX Chain is a Layer-1 blockchain built on the Cosmos SDK and officially introduced by the dYdX team in October 2023. It is a core part of one of the largest decentralized exchanges — dYdX — which has surpassed $1.4 trillion in lifetime trading volume.

With the launch of dYdX Chain, the exchange has transitioned to a fully decentralized environment for derivatives trading. Governance is entirely community-driven — for example, new trading markets are added through on-chain proposals. The chain features a decentralized orderbook and matching engine, with all transactions processed by validators.

dYdX Chain stands out with high throughput, capable of processing up to 2,000 transactions per second, with an average block time of around 1 second. The network has its native token, DYDX, which is used for staking — strengthening the network's security (as dYdX Chain is based on Proof of Stake) — as well as for governance and trading rewards.

Graphite Network starts with a simple principle: trust should be built into blockchain interactions. Each wallet is assigned a trust score based on transaction history, KYC level, account age, and other factors. To limit fake or disposable accounts, users pay a small activation fee under a “one user, one account” policy. KYC is optional but improves experience. Verification is handled off-chain using zero-knowledge proofs via trusted KYC providers, allowing identity checks without exposing personal data.

Trust scores and KYC levels (stored on-chain) help users assess counterparties and filter accounts that don’t meet their criteria. Developers can build reputation-based smart contracts with custom access rules or perks like lower fees. Tagged addresses will soon add context to wallets (e.g., charity or business use), helping reduce spam, fraud, and sockpuppets.

The native token, @G, powers activation, fees, and rewards for validators and entry-point node operators, who earn directly from the blockchain. Upcoming features include a voting system based on reputation, tools for node runners in low-connectivity areas, a trust-based dating app, a geo-economic game using dePIN, and a phonebook MVP linking trust scores to phone numbers for safer, private communication

VeChainThor is a Layer-1 blockchain launched by the VeChain team in 2018 and serves as the foundation of the entire VeChain ecosystem. The blockchain has a global mission focused on real world adoption of Web3 technologies, and aims to help a wide range of users transition into the Web3 space by successfully applying blockchain technology. Hundreds of enterprise dApps have been deployed on VeChainThor, serving businesses across various industries over the years. Currently, VeChain’s mass adoption strategy focuses on a retail-first approach through its VeBetter platform – a Web3 app store/lifestyle platform focused on sustainability – with two of its apps recently hitting 1 million users each.

VeChainThor currently operates on the Proof of Authority 2.0 (PoA) consensus mechanism, where a group of trusted, reputable validators is selected to process blocks and transactions. This approach enables the blockchain to maintain high scalability and throughput, with a finality gadget ensuring data quality. Through its VeChain Renaissance technical roadmap, the protocol is transitioning to a Weighted Delegated Proof of Stake (WDPoS) model, removing KYC, increasing decentralization, letting users earn enhanced rewards through its new StarGate program in exchange for securing the protocol.

What sets VeChainThor apart is its uninterrupted operation — the network has had 100% uptime since mainnet launch in 2018. Additionally, it features fee delegation, which allows sponsors to cover transaction fees on behalf of users, significantly simplifying onboarding for both retail and business users.

VeChainThor also implements a unique two-token economic model designed to ensure stable and predictable transaction fees, reduce the impact of token volatility, and support long-term benefits for holders:

VET – the native token used for governance, staking, value storage, and access to network services VTHO – the gas token used to pay for transactions and generated as rewards for VET holders Under VeChain Renaissance, VeChain’s tokenomics are being upgraded to build in deflationary features, including:

• Gas fee market modelled on EIP1559
• 100% base fee burn
• Reduced VTHO generation by up to 70%
• VTHO ONLY generated by staking, reducing overall supply
• Delegator/Validator rewards model, empowering users who stake

Ethereum is a Layer-1 blockchain founded in 2013 by Vitalik Buterin, built to advance the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) sector, enabling the creation of decentralized applications (dApps) that run on smart contracts. Ethereum has the largest ecosystem, hosting top-tier blockchain protocols and accounting for over $62 billion in TVL, which represents more than 50% of the total value locked in the entire crypto ecosystem.

Ethereum uses the Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus algorithm (following a transition from PoW) and has a native coin, ETH, which is used to pay transaction fees across the Ethereum ecosystem and for staking. Additionally, Ethereum introduced proposal EIP-7702, aimed at significantly improving the functionality of EOAs by integrating smart contract capabilities — a major step forward for both user and developer experience. These upgrades went live with the Pectra upgrade.

Near Protocol is a layer-1 blockchain launched in 2018 by Illia Polosukhin and Alexander Skidanov. Near stands out for its user-friendly approach, allowing users to interact with the network through named accounts (wallet addresses) and manage multiple access keys for more convenient access to wallet and interaction with DeFi applications.

Near Protocol operates on the Thresholded Proof of Stake (TPoS) consensus mechanism, which differs from traditional PoS models by using a deterministic validator rotation to include a large number of participants in network maintenance — increasing decentralization.The blockchain has a native coin, NEAR, which ranks in the top 50 by market capitalization and is used for staking and paying all network fees on Near Protocol. In addition, Near Protocol offers strong scalability, finalizing transactions in approximately 1.2 seconds with a block time of 600 milliseconds.

BNB Smart Chain is a Layer-1 blockchain introduced in 2020 as part of the BNB Chain ecosystem. Since launch, it has become one of the leading networks, known for its large ecosystem with over 2,000 dApps, more than 1 million daily active users, and over 554.8 million unique addresses.

BNB Smart Chain operates on the Proof of Staked Authority (PoSA) consensus algorithm, which combines features of Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) and Proof of Authority (PoA). This design allows for faster block finalization, delivers an improved user experience with an average block time of around 3 seconds, and contributes to greater decentralization of the network.

BNB Smart Chain has a native coin, BNB, which is used to pay gas fees across the entire ecosystem, for staking, and for governance. In addition, BNB ranks among the top 5 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization.

Bitcoin is the first blockchain network, introduced in 2008 by an unknown person or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Throughout its existence, Bitcoin has remained the largest and most decentralized Layer-1 blockchain in the world. Its native coin, BTC, holds the top position by market capitalization and often accounts for over 50% of the entire crypto market cap.

Bitcoin was created to enable payment freedom, allowing users to send and receive cryptocurrency anytime, anywhere, with full control over their funds. It operates on the Proof of Work (PoW) consensus algorithm and is secured by miners around the world who support the network through computational power.