Top Layer 1 Crypto Projects in 2024

Updated 11th January 2025
Editorial Note: The coinpress Marketing Editor Team provided a neutral viewpoint when creating the content. Though we receive commission for sponsored additions, this has no bearing on our assessments of the subject.

Layer 1 crypto projects serve as the foundation for the entire blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem. Leading with a total market cap of over $2.38 Trillion, the layer 1 solutions assist with hosting decentralized applications (dApps). Furthermore, they also ensure the security and decentralization of the blockchain. However, one must never be careless when it comes to crypto investments, considering the inherent market risks. 

This article includes the top Layer 1 crypto projects in 2024. Each of these projects have shown an impressive growth trajectory over the past years and have been among the most preferred crypto investment options for the global traders.

What are Layer 1 cryptocurrencies?

Layer 1 crypto serves as the backbone of the industry. These solutions provide the framework for blockchain. Furthermore, they also enable scalability, security, and decentralization. 

Layer 1 solutions are different from layer 2 ones that are built over existing blockchain. They often operate as independent networks. These solutions also have separate and unique consensus mechanisms and security models. This further makes them efficient in ensuring secure and transparent transaction processing in the crypto space. Layer 1, Layer. 2, and Layer 3 projects have their own nuances.  While this list only focuses on Layer 1 blockchains, do check out the top Layer 2 projects

What makes our list unique?

We have selected the top 10 crypto layer 1 projects based on various factors. It includes the leading ones in the market as per the following factors:

  • Market cap
  • Scalability
  • Speed
  • Energy efficiency
  • Security
  • Community stand

We have weighted the project’s not just against one, but multiple indicators, thus ensuring the reliability.

The Layer 1 (L1) world has overcome the myth of not being the profit-turning machine in the crypto domain. As of 11th January 2025, top Layer 1 (L1) coins are moving in the right direction with a mind-blowing market cap of $2,680,573,125,250, which is only down by 0.47%. If we look at the 24-hour volume, $104,378,788,594, it has shown some dramatic movement. However, don’t forget to check the top gainers and top losers in this section.

$2,680,573,125,250 -0.47%

Layer 1 (L1) coin Market Cap

$104,378,788,594 -1.72%

Layer 1 (L1) coin 24h Trading Volume

Top gainers

Gainers Coin Icon

Supra

$0.03222154

18.05%
Gainers Coin Icon

AIOZ Network

$1.004

16.07%
Gainers Coin Icon

Redbelly Network

$0.183552

12.14%

Top losers

Losers Coin Icon

Zano

$15.31

-8.57%
Losers Coin Icon

Kujira

$0.547248

-7.71%
Losers Coin Icon

XION

$3

-6.95%

Top Layer 1 Blockchains

thunderstromFeature your project
Name Price 24HR Change Market Cap Total Volume Circulating Supply
Bitcoin

1. Bitcoin

$94,475.0000 -0.50% $1.87T $51,702,546,032 19.81M Visit
Ethereum

2. Ethereum

$3,244.3400 -1.92% $390.90B $22,883,439,039 120.49M Visit
aelf

3. aelf

$0.47744500 4.70% $351.79M $15,393,288 736.44M Visit
Solana

4. Solana

$186.9900 -2.55% $90.55B $4,185,010,269 484.22M Visit
Toncoin

5. Toncoin

$5.4100 3.57% $13.74B $191,195,140 2.54B Visit
Cardano

6. Cardano

$0.94020900 -0.55% $33.72B $933,983,715 35.86B Visit
TRON

7. TRON

$0.24249100 0.05% $20.90B $701,502,516 86.18B Visit
Stacks

8. Stacks

$1.51000000 -2.38% $2.28B $82,405,799 1.51B Visit
Sei

9. Sei

$0.38441000 0.26% $1.62B $88,592,129 4.21B Visit
BNB

10. BNB

$693.3100 -0.41% $101.14B $678,119,742 145.89M Visit
Cronos

11. Cronos

$0.14168100 -0.45% $3.86B $27,369,423 27.21B Visit

Top Layer 1 Projects in 2024

BITCOIN-LOGO

Bitcoin

Bitcoin is the first-ever layer 1 blockchain launched in 2009. It is widely known for its stability and market dominance. It has a peak valuation of over $1.08 trillion and is the cryptocurrency with the largest market cap. Bitcoin has also experienced fluctuations, dropping below $16K and rebounding to over $45K at present. But, it has always stood resilient, with a ~110% growth over the past year. 

Current prices present an amazing entry point in the market with this crypto, considering the bullish trend on arrival and the higher potential for BTC. Also, events like the SEC approving the first Bitcoin ETF and the upcoming halving event in April 2024 add to the bullish sentiment. All this makes Bitcoin a preferred choice for long-term investors.

Ethereum-Logo

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum is another premier layer 1 blockchain in the top layer 1 blockchain list for decentralized applications. It is also a go-to choice for developers in the web3 space. It faces severe competition, and its network hosts major cryptocurrencies, metaverses, and decentralized apps and exchanges from the ecosystem.

Ethereum has also shown a 67% surge in the past 12 months and is currently trading at a 40% discount from the highest rate.

Aelf-official-logo

aelf (ELF)

aelf is an AI-enhanced layer 1 blockchain platform, which means it offers a base layer for dApps (decentralized applications) and blockchain operations. The platform offers efficient transaction validation through DPoS, a decentralized DAO governance model. The governance model allows stakeholders to vote on system updates and modifications supporting a developer-friendly ecosystem. It offers high scalability, quick transactions, and adaptability to various application kinds. This layer 1 blockchain network features a multi-layer architecture and independent dAppChain. It has seamless and hassle-free Web 2 and Web 3 integration through Portkey Wallet.

Solana-logo

Solana (SOL)

Solana, the best layer 1 crypto 2024, provides inexpensive and speedy transactions. It is a blockchain that functions effectively in many different contexts. Decentralized apps, or dApps, decentralized finance, or DeFi, and NFT enterprises can benefit from this speed. There are many different types of projects within the Solana ecosystem, ranging from gaming to finance. The Solana Foundation supports innovation by providing grants and resources to select developers. SOL, the native southeast coin, is used on the platform to pay for governance, staking, and transaction fees. Solana holds a prominent position in the cryptocurrency space thanks to its developers’ support, speed, efficiency, and—above all—support.

Toncoin-logo

Toncoin (TON)

Toncoin or the Open Network coin is an asset that enables fast and safe settlements. The same team that developed the well-known messaging app Telegram originally developed TON, which has extremely high scalability and can process millions of transactions per second. The layers in its structure allow for the processing and storage of data. Toncoin, a new layer 1 crypto, is used in secure messaging, DeFi applications, and microtransactions. The blockchain underpins the smart contracts used by decentralized applications, or it offers tools and solutions that developers can utilize, fostering innovation.

Cardano

Cardano (ADA)

Cardano is an academic-focused blockchain with a strong emphasis on sustainability, scalability, and high security. This methodology gives Cardano’s architecture a strong research foundation that is ingrained in both the academic foundation of Cardano’s development and peer-reviewed literature. The native platform currency, ADA, is applied for payments, staking, and voting.

Cardano, best layer 1 crypto, offers an ecosystem that can be used for a number of projects, including identity platforms, social media, and DeFi. Its multi-layered structure is intended to boost modularity and keep it safe from potential intrusions by separating the layer of computations from the layer of settlements. Cardano aims to become a stable, trustworthy environment for the development of decentralized applications (dApps), with an emphasis on innovation and science combined with environmental responsibility. 

Tron-Logo

Tron (TRX)

Tron is a distributed platform built on the blockchain that is used to publish and distribute different kinds of digital media content. Creators can now distribute their content directly thanks to Tron, a decentralized Internet platform developed by Justin Sun. It uses an effective blockchain to run decentralized apps (dApps) and smart contracts.

Tron, the top layer 1 crypto, utilizes TRX, its native cryptocurrency, for governance, staking, and transaction processing. The main goals of DPoS are low transaction fees for social networking and content sharing, while also making the system quick and safe. The Tron Project has a variety of projects that fit into various categories, such as DeFi and gaming. Consequently, Tron undermines the established media production industries while decentralizing content and supporting creators.

stacks

Stacks (STX)

Stacks, the best layer 1 crypto, is the partner in the crime of Bitcoin. Stacks is a popular open-source network that integrates dApps and smart contracts with Bitcoin, despite being two distinct blockchain platforms. Blockstack was the original name of this project, which aimed to be a layer-1 solution with Bitcoin acting as its foundation layer. Nevertheless, it became Stacks later in 2020. Stacks’ primary unique selling point is its connection to Bitcoin, the biggest and most valuable digital asset. All Stacks layer transactions are automatically resolved on the Bitcoin L1 hash. All of Bitcoin’s hash power is used to secure stack blocks.

Sei

Sei (SEI)

Sei is a rising star in the top layer 1 blockchain list. It launched its native cryptocurrency, SEI, in 2023. It is currently witnessing significant growth since its inception. Sei stands out for its capability to handle up to 20,000 transactions per second. Furthermore, it is remarkably efficient. 

It has a market cap of just around $2 billion. Sei also provides an attractive entry point at present for investors seeking exposure to a high-potential layer 1 cryptocurrency.

BNB (BNB)

BNB is also one of the largest layer 1 cryptocurrencies by market cap. It plays a key role in supporting the Binance ecosystem. BNB facilitates smart contracts and dApps and offers a 25% discount on trading commissions on the Binance exchange. 

BNB has faced a 9.8% upsurge in the past 12 months and is also trading ~48% below its ATH. However, it still never fails short while providing investors with exposure to Binance’s substantial growth. This makes it a preferred choice among layer 1 crypto projects.

Cronos (CRO)

Cronos was launched in November 2021. It stands as a relatively new player in the space among layer 1 blockchains. It is affiliated with Crypto.com, and it prioritizes scalability, low transaction fees, and smart contracts. It is also one of the top crypto exchanges, positioning Cronos for potential growth in this bull season. 

CRO tokens are currently trading at a 90% discount from all-time highs. This also enables the investors to gain exposure to Crypto.com’s expanding market share.

Layer 1 vs Layer 2 projects

Layer 1 and Layer 2 represent distinct architectural layers within the space of blockchain technology. Each of these layers serves unique functions. 

Layer 1 includes the pioneers like Bitcoin and Ethereum. It is characterized by systems built directly on the blockchain, executing transactions. 

In contrast, Layer 2 is constructed atop Layer 1 to primarily enhance scalability. Layer 2 implementations, such as Arbitrum and Polygon on Ethereum, contribute to faster transaction speeds by conducting transactions independently of Layer 1. They thus effectively reduce Ethereum’s load and fortify security.

How to choose which L1 Crypto project to invest in

Here are some factors to be considered while choosing a crypto project to invest in:

  • Market Capitalization: Market Capitalization is calculated by multiplying the price per coin/token by the total quantity in circulation. While considering this, it is essential to distinguish between “Current Market Cap” and “Fully Diluted Market Cap”. If a discrepancy exists between these values, it signals future price declines with more tokens entering the market. This metric helps evaluate a project’s viability.
  • Trading Volume: High and consistent trading volumes indicate significant interest and accessibility to an asset. Liquidity is a vital aspect and is also related to trading volume. It also influences an investor’s ability to exit a position, especially on decentralized exchanges.
  • Use Cases and Real-world Adoption: Successful crypto projects require robust use cases and real-world adoption for profits. It is thus essential to evaluate a project’s potential adoption size against its current market cap. It also helps unveil some detailed insights. If you identify a realistic use case and estimate the necessary adoption size for profitability, it helps best assess the project’s value.
  • Tokenomics: It is essential to understand how a token operates. Tokenomics describes the token’s economic model. It also reveals critical aspects influencing price, such as supply and demand, token utility, token generation, lock-up periods, and potential burns.
  • Development Team: The expertise and commitment of a project’s development team are essential to be verified while evaluating a project. Assessing the team’s background, skill set, and work ethic provides insights into their ability to deliver on promises.
  • Community Support: A thriving community of a project reflects its potential future users and customers. It is essential to distinguish between genuine interest and speculative participation. A community composed of speculators may result in significant sell pressure once the asset is tradeable. Thus, wisely evaluate the factors.
  • Security and Transparency: Security issues and lack of transparency can devalue a project. It is thus essential to identify potential points of failure, governance structures, and transparency levels in a project. This effectively aids in the early detection of fraudulent behavior.
  • Performance: Past performance serves as an indicator of future expectations. Projects having a good track record, especially those resilient during market downturns, may present lower risks and higher potential returns.

Conclusion

The decision to invest in Layer 1 crypto projects should involve in-depth research and consideration of various risk factors. The unique rules, consensus mechanisms, and governance models of Layer 1 ecosystems set the stage for long-term demand. Before making investment decisions, it is essential to assess factors such as market capitalization, trading volume, use cases, tokenomics, development team competence, community support, security, transparency, and historical performance for better outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many layer 1 chains are there?

There are currently 38 Layer 1 blockchain projects.

2. Which is the fastest growing layer 1 project?

Solana (SOL) is recognized as one of the fastest and most efficient Layers 1 blockchain, drawing attention for its potential to compete with Ethereum in market share.

3. Which is the fastest Layer 1?

The fastest Layer 1 blockchain is Tectum. It claims a speed of 1.3 millions TPS.

4. Is Layer 1 a blockchain?

Layer 1 is a term that refers to blockchains that are the foundation level blockchains for the crypto ecosystem.

5. How many Layer 1 blockchains are there?

There are 25+ major Layer 1 blockchains, with countless chains with low volume and liquidity.

Vignesh Selvasundar
Vignesh brings a decade’s worth of experience in tech journalism and crypto. He initially started out as a tech journalist, covering the latest trends. He's a crypto-native person who for the last last 5 years has been working exclusively only with crypto companies. As the Senior Editor at coinpress, he ensures the highest quality of our articles with fact-checking, in-depth research, and other optimizations to provide valuable content for our readers. Follow him on Twitter at @nextgenguy and reach out to him at vignesh[at]coinpress.live
Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.
Methodology

coinpress prepared a review methodology to rate crypto exchanges, tools, and apps. We curated a list of metrics to evaluate crypto platforms based on their services, user experience, security and customer support, payment gateways and charges, pricing and promotions. Visit our Review Methodology page to learn more about how we review each crypto platform.

This content is purely for educational purposes and should not be considered as financial advice. Do your own research before investing in any crypto platform and only invest the amount you can afford to lose.