List of the Top 5 Layer 1 Protocols for Covalent in 2025

MultiversX, which was formerly known as Elrond, represents a decentralized blockchain ecosystem that prioritizes scalability and security, with the goal of enabling groundbreaking applications for individuals, enterprises, and society while also delving into the burgeoning metaverse. Harness the power of the Multiverse to bring your ideas to life by crafting new applications, economies, and environments. Featuring a self-governing blockchain module along with key core applications, this platform allows for rapid solution deployment in just minutes, while offering a wide range of customization possibilities. Its expansive array of features caters to creatives, brands, and organizations, fostering innovation and collaboration. As a gateway to the Metaverse, it creates a digital space for your avatar that includes a comprehensive suite of financial services—such as a debit card—alongside social functionalities that let users chat and connect with friends. Designed to be accessible to a global audience, it paves the way for users everywhere, acting as a vibrant world-building engine that links various interoperable metaverses, and ultimately sets the stage for the debut of the first Metaverse planet within this evolving digital realm. Furthermore, the platform continuously seeks to adapt and expand, ensuring it remains at the forefront of technological advancements and user engagement.

Polkadot represents a groundbreaking blockchain network tailored for the Web 3.0 vision, which seeks to establish a decentralized and fair internet where users maintain control over their personal data, thereby cultivating vibrant markets through improved network efficiency and robust security. Founded in 2016 by Gavin Wood, a former Co-Founder and CTO of Ethereum, Polkadot tackles significant obstacles that have previously slowed the broader adoption of blockchain technology. Its development framework, Substrate, created by Parity Technologies, is designed to simplify the creation of customized blockchains that cater to individual developer requirements. Furthermore, Polkadot promotes interoperability among different blockchains, ensuring that upgrades occur effortlessly, and implements a "shared security" model that enables developers to focus on technological advancements rather than allocating resources to manage a new blockchain's operational team. This innovative strategy not only accelerates the development process but also strengthens the entire blockchain ecosystem, fostering collaboration and innovation across various platforms. In this way, Polkadot is not just a technological solution, but a catalyst for a new era of interconnected blockchain applications.

NEAR is a cutting-edge open-source framework that simplifies the development of decentralized applications, providing the fastest pathway for creators to launch their projects in the market. Committed to building tools that support community-led progress worldwide, NEAR, developed by Near Inc, aims to integrate blockchain technology into a variety of mainstream uses. By focusing on enhancing both the developer experience and the end-user journey, NEAR delivers a high-performance infrastructure that is accessible to a diverse audience. This platform for decentralized applications is built with a strong emphasis on security, capable of managing critical assets like money and identity, while also ensuring ease of use for everyday activities, thereby empowering users to harness the advantages of the Open Web. The NEAR token economy revolves around the NEAR token, which acts not only as a medium of exchange within the ecosystem but also enables holders to interact with applications, participate in governance, and earn rewards through staking. Ultimately, NEAR is revolutionizing the way individuals engage with blockchain technology by blending exceptional performance with strong security measures. The platform’s innovative architecture encourages ongoing development and engagement, fostering a vibrant ecosystem where creativity and collaboration can thrive.

Ethereum stands as a community-centric platform that underpins the cryptocurrency ether (ETH) alongside a diverse array of decentralized applications. This cutting-edge technology supports not only digital currency transactions but also facilitates global payments and a wide range of applications. Through the power of collaboration, the community has nurtured a dynamic digital economy, opening up new avenues for creators to monetize their work online and much more. With accessibility for anyone possessing an internet connection, Ethereum dismantles obstacles for billions who are either unbanked or encounter limitations on their financial dealings. Its decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem operates tirelessly and impartially, enabling users to send, receive, borrow, earn interest, and even stream funds across the globe. Unlike conventional internet services that often demand compromises on personal data privacy, Ethereum prioritizes transparency as a core tenet—requiring only a wallet for participation. By staking your ETH, you have the opportunity to act as a validator, playing a crucial role in safeguarding and upholding the integrity of this revolutionary platform. Consequently, Ethereum not only empowers individuals but also promotes a more inclusive financial landscape for all, inspiring innovation and creativity in the digital realm. As the platform evolves, it continues to attract a diverse range of participants eager to explore its limitless potential.

Build on Avalanche and unleash your creativity. This platform stands out as a highly adaptable and open environment for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. You can deploy Ethereum-based dapps here, benefiting from instant transaction confirmations and the ability to process thousands of transactions per second, far exceeding the performance of existing decentralized blockchains. Tailor blockchains to meet your unique application needs. You can establish your own virtual machine and set the operational parameters of your blockchain, allowing for a high degree of customization. By staking or locking your AVAX tokens, you actively participate in transaction processing and bolster the platform's security, offering assurances that surpass the conventional 51% threshold. Chances are, you already have the necessary hardware to engage with the platform effectively. Avalanche is fully compatible with Solidity, meaning all your favorite development tools—including Remix, Truffle, and Tenderly—will work smoothly. Additionally, the cost of deploying smart contracts on Avalanche is significantly reduced, at just one-tenth of Ethereum's fees, effectively addressing high gas expenditures, front-running concerns, and the challenges posed by slow smart contract blockchains. With its innovative features, Avalanche not only paves the way for a more accessible decentralized finance landscape but also enhances efficiency and scalability for developers and users alike. Embrace the future of finance with Avalanche and find new opportunities to innovate.