Layer-1 coins represent the foundational assets of blockchain networks, powering transactions and securing decentralized ecosystems. This guide explores trending Layer-1 projects, their core components, and how they compare to Layer-2 solutions.
Trending Layer-1 Coins (2024)
| Coin | Price | Market Cap | 24h Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperliquid (HYPE) | $12.93B | $12.93 billion | -5.08% |
| Sonic (S) | $920.84M | $920.84 million | -5.06% |
| Sui Network (SUI) | $10.14B | $10.14 billion | -4.25% |
| SEI | $1.40B | $1.40 billion | -8.23% |
| EOS | $749.15M | $749.15 million | -3.89% |
What Are Layer-1 Coins?
Layer-1 coins are native cryptocurrencies of independent blockchains that validate transactions without external support. Examples include:
- Ethereum (ETH): Powers smart contracts via EVM
- Bitcoin (BTC): Pioneering PoW blockchain
- Solana (SOL): High-speed PoH network
👉 Discover how Layer-1 blockchains compare to Layer-2 solutions
Core Components of Layer-1 Blockchains
- Block Production: Miners/validators create immutable transaction chains.
- Transaction Finality: Irreversible record-keeping ensures ledger integrity.
Native Assets:
- Coins (BTC, ETH) for fees/rewards
- Tokens (UNI, LINK) for dApps
- Security: Consensus mechanisms (PoW/PoS) prevent attacks.
Layer-1 Sharding Explained
Sharding divides blockchains into parallel "shards" to boost throughput:
- Processes multiple transactions simultaneously
- Enhances security vs. multi-chain systems
- Requires only signature validation post-verification
Limitation: Complex inter-shard communication may reduce security.
The Blockchain Trilemma
Layer-1 networks struggle to balance:
| Decentralization | Security | Scalability |
|---|---|---|
| Distributed nodes | Attack resistance | High TPS |
Solutions:
- Block size increases
- Consensus changes (PoW → PoS)
- Sharding implementations
Layer-1 vs. Layer-2: Key Differences
| Feature | Layer-1 | Layer-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Independence | Self-sufficient | Relies on Layer-1 |
| Scalability | Sharding/forking | Rollups/sidechains |
| Examples | Bitcoin, Ethereum | Polygon, Lightning Network |
👉 Explore Layer-1 investment opportunities
Top 5 Layer-1 Cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin (BTC)
- Pioneering PoW blockchain
- 7 TPS base layer; 1M+ TPS via Lightning Network
Ethereum (ETH)
- EVM-enabled smart contracts
- Hosts L2s like Polygon and Arbitrum
Solana (SOL)
- Proof-of-History consensus
- High-performance DeFi hub
Polkadot (DOT)
- Parachain interoperability
- Shared security model
Cardano (ADA)
- Peer-reviewed PoS blockchain
- Multi-layer architecture
FAQ: Layer-1 Blockchains
Q: How many Layer-1 blockchains exist?
A: 115+ and growing (as of January 2024), with new projects launching regularly.
Q: What are low-cap Layer-1 projects?
A: Filter by market cap on tracking platforms to discover emerging networks.
Q: Why choose Layer-1 over Layer-2?
A: For maximum security/decentralization, despite lower scalability.
Final Thoughts
While Layer-1 coins face scalability challenges, they remain the backbone of Web3. Innovative solutions like sharding and consensus upgrades continue to evolve these networks.
Pro Tip: Always research a project's use case and technical merits before investing in Layer-1 assets.