What is Blockchain Layer 1 and the promising projects in 2025-2026

Layer 1 blockchain refers to independent blockchain platforms that operate as the main infrastructure of the entire ecosystem. They have the ability to process and finalize transactions on their own network without relying on any external networks. Each Layer 1 blockchain typically has its own native token used for paying transaction fees and network activities.

Layer 1 blockchains are not just transaction platforms; they also serve as the foundation for numerous decentralized applications, financial protocols, and second-layer networks such as Layer 2 solutions or dApps (decentralized applications) built on top of them.

Definition of Layer 1 Blockchain and Core Functions

Layer 1 blockchain is the outermost foundational layer of the blockchain ecosystem, primarily responsible for verifying transactions and maintaining network security. Unlike Layer 2 solutions, which are auxiliary methods to increase speed, Layer 1 is where all final transactions are recorded and protected by independent nodes.

The roles of Layer 1 blockchain include: verifying and recording all transactions, providing security through consensus mechanisms, issuing native tokens for network operations, and offering a platform for other applications to develop.

Transaction Processing Performance: TPS Comparison Across Layer 1s

Transaction speed (TPS - Transactions Per Second) is a key metric for evaluating the performance of Layer 1 blockchains. Different platforms have vastly different capabilities.

Bitcoin, the first Layer 1 blockchain, processes about 1,700 transactions per block and takes 10 minutes (600 seconds) to mine a block. This results in an average speed of approximately 2.83 TPS, with a peak of 4.17 TPS when a block contains 2,500 transactions. This performance is quite limited compared to current practical needs.

Ethereum, one of the most popular Layer 1 blockchains, creates a block every 13 seconds with a gas limit of 30 million per block. Since each basic transaction requires 21,000 gas, the theoretical maximum is about 1,428 transactions. In practice, this number is around 11.8 TPS due to complex smart contract interactions requiring more gas.

Newer generation Layer 1 blockchains show significant improvements: Solana operates at around 110,000 TPS, Aptos reaches 160,000 TPS, and Sui and Sei also have high throughput capabilities. This leap reflects substantial technological advancements in designing new Layer 1 blockchains.

Why Do Newer Layer 1s Outperform Older Platforms?

Early Layer 1 blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum face fundamental limitations: slow processing speeds, high transaction fees during network congestion, and scalability issues. To address these, next-generation Layer 1 projects are built on lessons learned from predecessors but incorporate new consensus mechanisms, optimized network architectures, and parallel processing technologies.

These improvements enable new Layer 1 blockchains to deliver superior performance, lower transaction fees, faster confirmation times, and better scalability. At the same time, they aim to maintain high decentralization and security, similar to their predecessors.

Prominent Layer 1 Projects for Investors in 2025-2026

Aptos (APT) is a notable Layer 1 blockchain based on the Move language architecture, offering high security and processing speeds of 160,000 TPS. As of March 2026, APT is trading at $1.00, up 0.89% in the past 24 hours.

Sui (SUI) is another Layer 1 platform designed to support high-performance applications. SUI is currently trading at $0.90, down 6.06% in 24 hours, with a market cap of $3.52 billion USD.

Sei (SEI) focuses on decentralized finance applications. SEI trades at $0.07, down 2.26% over the last 24 hours, reflecting overall market volatility.

Benefits and Development Outlook of Layer 1 Blockchain

Investing in Layer 1 blockchains offers multiple advantages. First, these blockchains are built on robust technological foundations, providing higher reliability and security. Second, as their ecosystems grow, the value of their native tokens tends to increase significantly.

Projects like Aptos, Sui, and Sei are gradually building rich application ecosystems. Supported by major investment funds and with clear development roadmaps, the growth of these ecosystems will drive demand and increase the value of their native tokens.

However, investors should be aware that the Layer 1 market is still rapidly evolving and carries risks. New Layer 1 projects have high potential but also face challenges such as widespread adoption, competition with established platforms, and macroeconomic factors. Investment decisions should be based on thorough research of the technology, ecosystem, and long-term potential of each Layer 1 blockchain.