Top Layer 1 Tokens by Market Capitalization

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The world of blockchain technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with Layer 1 networks forming the foundational backbone of decentralized ecosystems. These base-layer blockchains process transactions, support smart contracts, and enable the development of decentralized applications (dApps). As investor interest grows, identifying the top Layer 1 tokens by market capitalization offers valuable insight into which platforms are leading in adoption, developer activity, and long-term potential.

This ranking focuses on the most prominent Layer 1 cryptocurrencies based on market cap—a key metric reflecting total value and market confidence. All data is current as of 2025, ensuring relevance for today’s crypto landscape.

What Are Layer 1 Blockchains?

Layer 1 refers to the primary blockchain networks that operate independently and do not rely on another platform for security or consensus. Examples include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. These networks handle transaction validation, block production, and network rules through native consensus mechanisms like Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS).

Key features of Layer 1 blockchains:

Investors often look at market capitalization to gauge stability and growth potential, making it a vital starting point when evaluating Layer 1 projects.

Top Layer 1 Tokens by Market Cap (2025)

1 Bitcoin (BTC)

Market Cap: €1.84T
Price: €92,467.22
24h Change: +0.41%

Bitcoin remains the undisputed leader in the crypto space. As the first decentralized digital currency, BTC operates on a robust Proof of Work network and serves primarily as a store of value. While limited in smart contract capabilities, its security, scarcity (capped supply of 21 million), and global recognition make it the cornerstone of most crypto portfolios.

👉 Discover how Bitcoin continues to shape the future of finance

2 Ethereum (ETH)

Market Cap: €260.93B
Price: €2,161.55
24h Change: +1.90%

Ethereum powers the majority of decentralized applications across DeFi, NFTs, and Web3. Its transition to Proof of Stake has improved energy efficiency and scalability. With ongoing upgrades like EIP-4844 (proto-danksharding), Ethereum aims to reduce gas fees and boost throughput—key factors for mass adoption.

Developers flock to Ethereum due to its mature ecosystem, extensive tooling, and strong community support.

3 BNB (BNB)

Market Cap: €78.59B
Price: €557.82
24h Change: +0.56%

Originally a utility token for reduced trading fees on Binance Exchange, BNB now fuels the BNB Chain—an EVM-compatible Layer 1 network focused on fast and low-cost transactions. It supports a growing number of dApps and decentralized exchanges, making it a major player in emerging markets.

BNB’s deflationary model—through regular buybacks and burns—adds scarcity-driven value over time.

4 Solana (SOL)

Market Cap: €68.14B
Price: €127.43
24h Change: +3.42%

Solana stands out for its high-speed architecture, capable of processing over 65,000 transactions per second using a hybrid consensus combining Proof of History and Proof of Stake. This performance makes it ideal for real-time applications like gaming, payments, and DeFi platforms.

Despite past network outages, Solana has regained developer trust and now hosts one of the most active NFT markets after Ethereum.

5 TRON (TRX)

Market Cap: €23.00B
Price: €0.2426
24h Change: +0.78%

TRON focuses on decentralized content sharing and digital entertainment. With high throughput and near-zero transaction fees, it has become popular in Asia for stablecoin transfers and peer-to-peer transactions. TRON also hosts a significant share of USDT (Tether) transactions globally.

Its integration with BitTorrent enhances file-sharing capabilities within a decentralized framework.

6 Cardano (ADA)

Market Cap: €17.37B
Price: €0.4910
24h Change: +4.97%

Cardano takes a research-driven approach to blockchain development, emphasizing peer-reviewed academic papers and formal verification methods. While slower to roll out features compared to competitors, its focus on security and sustainability appeals to institutional investors.

Smart contract functionality arrived later than others but is now enabling growth in DeFi and identity solutions.

7 Hyperliquid (HYPE)

Market Cap: €10.96B
Price: €32.81
24h Change: +4.98%

Hyperliquid is a rising star in the derivatives trading space, combining a high-performance Layer 1 chain with a decentralized perpetuals exchange. Built using a custom consensus engine optimized for speed, it targets professional traders seeking low-latency execution.

Its native token HYPE is used for governance, staking, and fee discounts.

8 Sui (SUI)

Market Cap: €8.59B
Price: €2.48
24h Change: +4.24%

Sui leverages the Move programming language to deliver exceptional scalability and parallel transaction processing. Designed for Web3 applications requiring high throughput—such as gaming and social networks—it supports instant settlement and low fees.

With growing developer grants and ecosystem incentives, Sui is rapidly expanding its dApp offerings.

Other Notable Layer 1 Projects

While not in the top 10 by market cap, several other Layer 1 tokens show strong promise:

These platforms continue to innovate in areas like interoperability, privacy, and AI integration.

Why Market Cap Matters

Market capitalization provides a more accurate picture of a cryptocurrency’s value than price alone. A low-priced token with a large supply can have a higher market cap—and thus greater stability—than a high-priced token with limited circulation.

For example:

Understanding this helps investors assess risk, dominance, and potential returns.

👉 Learn how to evaluate crypto projects like a pro

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Layer 1 blockchain?

A Layer 1 blockchain is a foundational network that processes transactions and executes smart contracts independently. Examples include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.

How is market cap calculated for cryptocurrencies?

Market cap = Current price × Circulating supply. It reflects the total market value of a cryptocurrency.

Is a higher market cap safer for investment?

Generally yes. Larger market cap tokens tend to be more stable, liquid, and resistant to manipulation compared to smaller ones.

Can new Layer 1 blockchains overtake Ethereum?

While challenging due to Ethereum’s established ecosystem, innovations in speed, cost, or usability could allow newer chains like Solana or Sui to capture specific use cases.

What drives the price of Layer 1 tokens?

Key factors include network usage, developer activity, staking yields, macroeconomic trends, exchange listings, and technological upgrades.

Should I diversify across multiple Layer 1 tokens?

Diversification can reduce risk. Holding a mix of established leaders (BTC, ETH) and promising innovators (SOL, SUI) may balance stability with growth potential.

Core Keywords Identified

👉 Start exploring top-performing Layer 1 ecosystems today

By focusing on fundamentals like adoption, technology, and economic design, investors can make informed decisions in the dynamic world of blockchain innovation. Whether you're interested in proven giants or next-generation platforms, understanding the top Layer 1 tokens is essential for navigating the future of digital assets.