In this article, we have prepared an in-depth guide to Blockchain networks.
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Introduction
In this article, we take an in-depth look at the most commonly used blockchain networks. After a brief overview of blockchain technology, we'll examine each blockchain network in this article. We'll begin with a general introduction to the blockchain networks we're examining, covering their basic statistics, pros and cons, popular applications on the network, and the ecosystem.
What is Blockchain?
Encrypted data blocks containing data composed of blocks are called "Blockchains." They are combined into a chain. The information on each block is stored as immutable records and verified by other stakeholders in the network. Discovered in 2008, these networks enable the creation of cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and applications. There are thousands of Blockchain networks worldwide, and their number is increasing daily. They are divided into L1 (Layer 1) and L2 (Layer 2).
What is L1 (Layer 1) Blockchain Network?
The main chain (mainnet), which forms the foundation of the blockchain ecosystem, is called Layer 1 (L1). It contains two different consensus mechanisms, called Proof of Work and Proof of Stake. All transactions, including block generation and network security, operate at this layer. Layer 1 networks operate at the protocol level. This means that changing the network's transaction speed, block size, or security model requires a direct update to the chain.
L1 Blockchain networks include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Avalanche (AVAX), and Internet Computer (ICP). Regarding the characteristics of the L1 Blockchain network, L1 networks have their own native token (coin). They use an independent consensus mechanism. Transactions are recorded directly on the chain, and an advanced database mechanism is provided that allows for transparent information sharing. The blockchain database stores data in interconnected blocks on a chain. Because you cannot delete or modify the chain without network consensus, data is chronologically consistent. These ledgers make data immutable and immutable. This increases security and decentralization in the network but limits scalability. As a result, L1 Blockchain networks are highly efficient for tracking orders, payments, accounts, and other transactions.
What is L2 (Layer 2) Blockchain Network?
Layer 2 (L2) Blockchain networks are auxiliary networks built on L1 networks and aim to address the scalability and speed issues of these networks. L2 Blockchain networks perform transactions off-chain and write the results to Layer 1, both reducing transaction costs and increasing speed.
For example, Layer 2 Blockchain networks include the Polygon (MATIC) network, which provides a scaling solution for the Ethereum network. The Arbitrum (ARB) network is an Ethereum-based Optimistic Rollup network. The Lightning Network is a payment network solution for Bitcoin. L2 Blockchain networks operate on the L1 chain. They process transactions off the main chain and write the results back to the L1 network. L2 networks offer lower transaction fees, higher speed, and largely inherit security from the main chain (L1).
To help you better understand the situation, we've prepared a comparison table for L1 and L2 blockchain networks.
Feature | Layer 1 (L1) | Layer 2 (L2) |
---|---|---|
Definition | Main blockchain protocol | Scaling layer built on L1 |
Transaction Location | On-chain (on-chain) | Off-chain (off-chain, then committed to L1) |
Examples | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana | Polygon, Arbitrum, Lightning Network |
Advantage | High security and decentralization | High speed and low transaction costs |
Disadvantage | Scalability issues | Dependency on the main chain |
Blockchain Networks
Now, let's continue our article by examining each blockchain network. We'll begin with a general introduction to the blockchain networks we've examined, including basic statistics, pros and cons, popular applications on the network, and the ecosystem.
Bitcoin (BTC) Blockchain Network
Feature | Data / Information |
---|---|
Layer Type | L1 (Layer 1) |
Founders | Satoshi Nakamoto (pseudonym, anonymous person, or group) |
Year of Foundation | 2009 |
Consensus Mechanism | Proof of Work (PoW) |
Native Token | BTC (Bitcoin) |
Average Daily Transactions | ~600,000 transactions/day |
Monthly Active Addresses (2025) | ~20–22 million addresses |
Transaction Speed (TPS) | Approximately 7 TPS (10-minute interval per block) |
Average Transaction Fee | ~$1.20 USD (varies with network density) |
FDV (Fully Diluted Valuation) | ~$1.3 trillion (approximately, based on 21 million BTC supply) |
Total Address Count | ~1.2 billion created addresses |
Energy Efficiency | High energy consumption (due to PoW mining) |
Introduction
Bitcoin was the first blockchain created in 2009 by an anonymous developer or group of developers nicknamed Satoshi Nakamoto. This network uses the Proof of Work (PoW) consensus mechanism and its primary goal is to provide a decentralized, censorship-resistant digital value transfer system. With a 21 million unit limit, Bitcoin is not only a digital currency but also considered "Digital Gold." Recently, it has been widely adopted as a reserve asset by institutional buyers and governments. The network is extremely robust in terms of security and integrity. High transaction costs and limited transaction capacity cause scalability issues. These issues can be addressed with L2 networks.
Ecosystem
Bitcoin is a Layer 1, or L1, network. The Lightning Network operates as an L2 network, integrated with the Bitcoin network for fast and low-cost payment processing. Ordinals Protocol creates and controls entries for Bitcoin-based NFT systems. Runes defines the fungible token standard on Bitcoin. Stacks (STX) operates as an L2 layer, providing smart contract capabilities to Bitcoin. Liquid Network is an enterprise-focused sidechain.
Pros
The Bitcoin network has been operating without being attacked for over 15 years and is the most secure blockchain.
It is the blockchain network with the highest network value.
Wide adoption rate: It has a wide adoption rate among exchanges, institutions, and governments.
Lightning Network L2 integration allows for faster and cheaper transactions.
Its Ordinals and Runes protocols allow for the creation of NFTs and tokens.
Cons
With an average of 7 TPS, scalability is limited, resulting in slow transaction speeds.
The Proof of Work architecture requires significant energy, resulting in high energy consumption.
Evaluation
The Bitcoin ecosystem is growing rapidly as of 2025. Global Bitcoin adoption, in particular, has increased significantly. Significant growth has been achieved with BTC ETF approvals and institutional adoption. Bitcoin, with a supply limited to 21 million units, is not limited to small investors; it has been adopted as a reserve asset by institutional investors and governments.
With the Bitcoin Halving, which occurs every four years, supply reduction continues, and miner efficiency becomes more important. The proximity to the maximum supply increases, which, in turn, increases its value. Layer-2 solutions (Lightning, Stacks, Ark, Liquid) continue to grow. Bitcoin-based NFTs and tokens are expected to increase, particularly with the development of the Ordinals and Runes infrastructure. Institutions such as MicroStrategy, Metaplanet, BlackRock, and Fidelity are increasing the value of the network by purchasing BTC.
Bitcoin remains the world's most secure and valuable blockchain. Bitcoin is the backbone of the blockchain world.
Ethereum (ETH) Blockchain Network
Feature | Data / Information |
---|---|
Layer Type | L1 (Layer 1) |
Founders | Vitalik Buterin, Gavin Wood, Joseph Lubin, Anthony Di Iorio, Charles Hoskinson |
Foundation Year | 2015 |
Consensus Mechanism | Proof of Stake (PoS) |
Local Token | ETH (Ether) |
Average Daily Transactions | ~1.7 million transactions/day |
Monthly Active Addresses (2025) | ~15-18 million addresses |
Transaction Speed (TPS) | Approximately 25 TPS (L1) |
Average Transaction Fee | ~0.60 USD |
FDV (Fully Diluted Valuation) | ~$500 billion (approximately) |
Total Address Count | ~Over 330 million |
Energy Efficiency | 99.9% less energy consumption after PoW |
Introduction
Ethereum was created in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Gavin Wood, Joseph Lubin, and other founding developers. Ethereum is a Layer-1 (L1) blockchain network designed to run smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). With "The Merge" update in 2022, the Ethereum network switched from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS), reducing energy consumption by over 99% and making the ecosystem more sustainable.
Ecosystem
The Ethereum network hosts most of the DeFi, NFT, DAO, GameFi, and stablecoin infrastructure. DeFi platforms such as Uniswap, Aave, Curve, and Compound are integrated into the network. Hundreds of thousands of users can trade NFTs on NFT platforms such as OpenSea, Blur, and Rarible. By 2025, Ethereum will hold more than 50% of the total DeFi asset value locked (TVL) of all blockchains.
Pros
The Ethereum network has set the global standard for dApps, NFTs, and DeFi applications with its developer-friendly infrastructure.
It has a very large community and ecosystem with thousands of active projects and protocols.
It is one of the blockchains with the most validators in the world, and scalability is increased with L2 solutions.
Cons
Gas fees increase during busy network periods, leading to high transaction fees.
Congestion can occur due to low TPS.
Transitions such as sharding and proto-danksharding are technically challenging. Therefore, the user experience often has to be migrated to L2 networks.
Evaluation
They plan to reduce L2 data costs and increase scalability with future upgrades to Denkun and Proto-Danksharding. They also plan to offer a faster and more secure L2 experience with their zkEVM project. Ethereum is considered the heart of technological innovation in the blockchain world. With thousands of smart contracts, the network is dazzling. While transaction fees and L1 congestion remain issues, the PoS migration and L2 expansion have made the network future-proof, and developments are ongoing.
Solana (SOL) Blockchain Network
Feature | Data / Information |
---|---|
Layer Type | L1 (Layer 1) |
Founders | Anatoly Yakovenko, Raj Gokal (Solana Labs) |
Founding Year | 2020 |
Consensus Mechanism | Proof of Stake (PoS) + Proof of History (PoH) |
Native Token | SOL |
Average Daily Transactions | ~2–3 million transactions/day |
Monthly Active Addresses (2025) | ~40.9 million active users (TokenTerminal & Artemis data) |
Transaction Speed (TPS) | Practical average ~4,000–4,500 TPS; Theoretical Capacity ~65,000 TPS |
Average Transaction Fee | ~0.00025 USD (very low fee level) |
FDV (Fully Diluted Valuation) | ~$140 billion (DefiL data) |
Total Address Count | Millions of Active Users |
Energy Efficiency | PoS + PoH energy consumption is very low compared to PoW chains |
Introduction
Solana is a high-performance Layer-1 (L1) blockchain network developed in 2020 by Solana Labs, led by Anatoly Yakovenko and Raj Gokal. By combining Proof of Stake (PoS) and Proof of History (PoH), the network is capable of processing thousands of transactions in seconds. Proof of History is a protocol that attempts to prove the order in which transactions occur on the Solana blockchain and whether they proceed correctly. With its low transaction fees and high TPS, it is a prominent blockchain for DeFi, NFT, and gaming applications.
Ecosystem
The Solana blockchain network has many applications. Applications such as Serum, Raydium, and Orca are available in the DeFi sector. In the NFT and Metaverse category, projects include Magic Eden, Solanart, and Star Atlas. L2 projects include Wormhole and Neon Labs. NFT and GameFi projects are particularly active on the Solana network.
Pros
High transaction capacity: 4,000–4,500 TPS in practice, with a theoretical capacity of up to 65,000 TPS.
Low transaction fees of $0.00025 USD per transaction offer significant advantages.
Solana, a developer-friendly blockchain network, has a strong DeFi, NFT, and gaming ecosystem.
Cons
Solana has occasionally experienced brief outages due to validator errors or network congestion, and there has been criticism regarding the validator set and the stakers who manage the network.
There are limited bridge compatibility issues with L2 and other chains.
Evaluation
Solana is a blockchain focused on high speed. It's a Layer-1 blockchain that stands out with its advantages of low fees and scalability. It has a strong use case in the NFT, GameFi, and DeFi ecosystems. However, past network outages and decentralization debates are its downsides. Overall, we can consider the Solana blockchain network a suitable blockchain for performance- and speed-focused applications.
Binance Smart Chain (BNB) Blockchain Network
Feature | Data / Information |
---|---|
Layer Type | L1 (Layer 1) |
Foundation Year | 2020 |
Consensus Mechanism | Proof of Staked Authority (PoSA) |
Native Token | BNB |
Average Daily Transactions | ~9.9 million transactions/day |
Monthly Active Addresses (2025) | ~56.4 million active addresses |
Transaction Speed (TPS) | Average ~249 TPS |
Average Transaction Fee | ~0.109 USD |
FDV (Fully Diluted Valuation) | ~92.6 billion USD |
Total Address Count | ~656 million addresses |
Energy Efficiency | Low energy consumption thanks to PoSA consensus |
Introduction
Binance Smart Chain (BSC) is a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain network launched by the Binance cryptocurrency exchange in 2020. The BSC network is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), allowing Ethereum-based dApps to be easily ported to the BSC network. With low transaction fees and fast transaction times, the network provides a robust ecosystem for DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and other decentralized applications. The BSC network's native token is BNB.
Ecosystem
DeFi Projects: The BSC network hosts DeFi projects such as PancakeSwap, Venus, and ApeSwap. BakerySwap and Treasureland are NFT platforms. My DeFi Pet and CryptoBlades are applications that have made significant progress in gaming and the metaverse. Developers can create content with applications like Truffle, Hardhat, and Remix. BSC is a chain actively used, particularly in DeFi and NFT projects, and offers the advantage of high-speed and low-cost transactions.
Pros
The network, which is quite successful with its high transaction capacity, can reach an average speed of ~249 TPS.
User-friendly with low transaction fees. ~0.109 USD per transaction.
With EVM compatibility, Ethereum-based dApps can easily be ported to the BSC network.
Cons
Decentralization plays a limited role. Due to the PoSA mechanism, the number of validators is limited.
The BNB token price increase increases transaction fees.
Evaluation
BSC is a Layer 1 blockchain that stands out with its high speed, low transaction fees, and broad ecosystem advantages. While the network, powered by the Binance cryptocurrency exchange, provides a robust platform for DeFi, NFT, and gaming projects, limitations such as decentralization and network congestion should be considered by investors.
Tron (TRX) Blockchain Network
Feature | Data / Information |
---|---|
Layer Type | L1 (Layer 1) |
Foundation Year | 2017 |
Consensus Mechanism | Delegated Proof-of-Stake (dPoS) |
Native Token | TRX |
Average Daily Transactions | ~8 million transactions/day |
Monthly Active Addresses (2025) | ~2.8 million active addresses |
Transaction Speed (TPS) | ~2,000 TPS |
Average Transaction Fee | ~0.0003 USD |
FDV (Fully Diluted Valuation) | ~32.2 billion USD |
Total Address Count | ~100 million addresses |
Energy Efficiency | Low energy consumption thanks to dPoS consensus |
Introduction
TRON is a decentralized digital content platform founded by Justin Sun in 2017. It is a highly popular and adopted network among cryptocurrency enthusiasts worldwide. As of 2025, it offers high transaction speeds and low costs through its delegated Proof-of-Stake (dPoS) consensus mechanism. The network is particularly known for its USDT (Tether) transfers and operates using the TRC-20 token standard. TRON's compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) allows for the easy porting of Ethereum-based applications.
Ecosystem
The Tron network is quite successful with the DeFi projects JustLend, SunSwap, and JustStable. The network offers a user-friendly experience with NFT platforms and wallets such as JustNFT and TRONLink Wallet. The network is kept alive with content and social media platforms such as DLive and BitTorrent. TRON Arcade is quite successful in gaming and the Metaverse with WINkLink.
Pros
With its high transaction capacity, the network can process approximately 2,000 transactions per second (TPS).
The Tron network is a leading network for USDT transfers. TRON carries 51% of the global USDT supply.
The network, which hosts a large ecosystem, hosts various applications such as DeFi, NFTs, and content platforms.
Cons
The dPoS mechanism can limit the network's decentralization.
Evaluation
TRON is a Layer 1 blockchain that stands out with its high transaction speed, low fees, and extensive ecosystem. It is a global leader in USDT transfers. However, limitations such as decentralization and network congestion should be considered by investors.
Avalanche (AVAX) Blockchain Network
Feature | Data / Information |
---|---|
Layer Type | L1 (Layer 1) |
Foundation Year | 2020 |
Consensus Mechanism | Avalanche Consensus + Snowman Protocol |
Native Token | AVAX |
Average Daily Transactions | ~4.6 million transactions/day |
Monthly Active Addresses (2025) | ~3.2 million active addresses |
Transaction Speed (TPS) | ~4,500 TPS |
Average Transaction Fee | ~0.02 USD |
FDV (Fully Diluted Valuation) | ~18.5 billion USD |
Total Addresses Number | ~120 million addresses |
Energy Efficiency | High — Avalanche protocol is 99% more efficient than PoW |
Introduction
Avalanche (AVAX) can be described as a Layer 1 (L1) blockchain network developed with a focus on high speed, low fees, and scalability. Launched by Ava Labs in 2020, Avalanche is optimized for decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi protocols, and NFT ecosystems. The most striking feature of the Avalanche blockchain network is its "Subnet" structure. This technology allows developers to launch their own custom blockchains on the Avalanche ecosystem. Avalanche consists of three main chains: The first chain, X-Chain (Exchange Chain), is used for asset creation and transfers. C-Chain (Contract Chain), is used with smart contract compatibility (EVM). P-Chain (Platform Chain), is responsible for validator management and subnets.
Ecosystem
The Avalanche (AVAX) ecosystem reached over 300 active protocols and a total transaction volume of over $20 billion as of 2025. The Avalanche ecosystem offers a wide range of dApp and infrastructure resources for both individual and corporate users. Trader Joe's, Benqi, Aave, Curve, and GMX are prominent DeFi platforms. Kalao, Joepegs, and OpenSea are also prominent in the Avalanche NFT category. Additionally, enterprise blockchain solutions are offered in collaboration with Deloitte and Ava Labs.
Pros
The Avalanche network's very high TPS capacity is arguably its most prominent advantage.
With EVM compatibility, Ethereum dApps can be ported to the AVAX network, and a customizable chain ecosystem can be created with the subnet structure.
Cons
There is a performance problem because the subnet ecosystem is not yet fully mature.
Although the number of validators on the network is high, the entry cost, that is, the staking ratio, is high.
Evaluation
Avalanche is among the top 10 global blockchains in terms of scalability and flexibility as of 2025. Its subnet architecture, in particular, offers high customization power to Web3 projects. The Avalanche network is a strong alternative for the future multi-chain Web3 ecosystem with its modularity, speed advantage, and EVM compatibility.
Polygon (MATIC) Blockchain Network
Feature | Data / Information |
---|---|
Layer Type | L1 PoS / Sidechain (Polygon PoS) + Layer-2 & AggLayer work |
Foundation Year | 2017 (project start), PoS main chain widely used ~2019-2020 |
Consensus Mechanism | Proof of Stake (PoS) + sidechain & scaling support mechanisms |
Native Token | MATIC |
Average Daily Transactions | ~3.4 million transactions/day (Polygon PoS, Q1 2025) :contentReference |
Monthly Active Addresses / Users (2025) | ~18.9 million monthly active users |
Transaction Speed (TPS) | Actual usage is "a few hundred TPS" on average; theoretical capacities are higher; Typical values seen in some sources are between 50 and 100. |
Average Transaction Fee | ~$0.01 USD (Polygon PoS) |
FDV (Fully Diluted Valuation) | ~$2.5 billion USD |
Total Address Count | Over ~530-540 million total addresses (PolygonScan data) |
Energy Efficiency | Thanks to its Proof of Stake structure, the cost is quite low compared to PoW chains; transactions generally have low cost and energy consumption. |
Introduction
Polygon is a Layer-1/Layer-2 hybrid architecture built to bring scalability to the Ethereum ecosystem and is particularly known for its Polygon PoS chain. Polygon is one of the preferred infrastructures for DeFi, NFT, gaming, and various Web3 projects thanks to its low transaction fees, fast transactions, and compatibility with Ethereum. Polygon Labs is also developing solutions such as "AggLayer" to achieve cross-chain interoperability and greater scalability.
Ecosystem
Land / Tokenized Assets / RWA (Real World Assets): Tokenizing bonds, real estate, and other assets is gaining traction in the real world; Polygon solutions offer the infrastructure for this. However, this adoption is still in its early stages.
Pros
Very low fees create a user-friendly environment.
Ethereum compatibility, strong migration, and interoperability capabilities can provide a good environment.
Its future potential is evident with AggLayer and other scaling solutions.
Cons
Some users may experience delays related to finality.
Although new address and user acquisition is high, the frequency of new address usage can occasionally decrease. For example, the number of new addresses decreased QoQ in Q1 2025.
Evaluation
Polygon holds a strong position in the Web3 world as of 2025, focusing on "high-volume usage," "low-cost," and "favorable developer experience." Polygon stands out as a particularly well-suited blockchain for payment solutions, stablecoin transfers, NFTs, and small microtransactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Fastest Blockchain Network?
The Solana (SOL), Sui (SUI), and Aptos (APT) blockchain networks are known as the fastest networks, with thousands of transactions per second (TPS). The Internet Computer (ICP) also has a high parallel processing capacity. Network speeds increase with each generation thanks to new algorithms.
Which Blockchain Network Has the Cheapest Transactions?
Transaction fees are quite low on the BNB (BSC20), TRON (TRX), Solana (SOL), and Polygon (MATIC) networks. Transaction fees on the Ethereum (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC) networks have been reduced with Layer 2 solutions.
Which Blockchain Network Has the Most Users?
The Bitcoin (BTC) network has a very large number of addresses. Many addresses are in the HODL status. Furthermore, the BNB Chain (BNB), TRON (TRX), and Solana (SOL) networks have millions of active addresses and are quite dense in terms of user density.
Which is the Greenest Blockchain?
Ethereum (ETH), Polygon (MATIC), Avalanche (AVAX), NEAR, and Cosmos (ATOM) require low energy because they are based on PoS (Proof of Stake).
Which Blockchain Network is More Popular Among Developers?
The Ethereum (ETH) network has the largest developer ecosystem. Furthermore, other networks offer numerous options for developers.
Which Network is Most Used for Stablecoin Transfers?
Speed, security, adoption, and transaction fees are the determining factors in this regard. TRON (TRX) and BNB Chain (BNB) are the leaders in USDT and USDC transactions.
Which Blockchain Network is the Most Secure?
Bitcoin (BTC) is considered the most secure network.
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