List of the Top 9 Layer 1 Protocols for Integral in 2026

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.

The BNB Smart Chain (BSC), launched by Binance, is a blockchain designed to support decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. Operating in conjunction with Binance Chain, it combines high-speed transaction capabilities with the flexibility of smart contracts that are compatible with Ethereum. By employing a Proof-of-Staked-Authority (PoSA) consensus mechanism, BSC enhances both scalability and efficiency while keeping transaction costs low. Its alignment with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) simplifies the process for developers looking to migrate dApps and projects from the Ethereum network. Consequently, BSC has seen considerable growth in the decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, and NFT sectors, offering users a fast, affordable, and secure platform for blockchain innovations. Additionally, the expanding community and ecosystem not only draw in cutting-edge projects but also foster greater user participation and interaction. This ongoing evolution signifies BSC's pivotal role in shaping the future of decentralized technologies.

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.

Arweave offers a groundbreaking storage solution that ensures data is secured through sustainable and continuous funding, enabling both users and developers to permanently archive information. It operates like a shared hard drive that preserves memories, allowing for the retention of important data, applications, and historical documents without the risk of modification. By protecting our past, Arweave plays a crucial role in preventing the distortion of history by others. Furthermore, the Arweave network features the permaweb, a globally organized, community-oriented platform where individuals can actively contribute and receive rewards for maintaining its infrastructure. Although it mirrors the traditional web, the permaweb guarantees that all its resources—from images to full-fledged applications—are permanently available, quickly accessed, and decentralized. While the original web connected people across vast distances, the permaweb links individuals over extensive periods, addressing common issues like 404 errors, unexpected content alterations, and the degradation of web applications. This innovative approach to data retention and accessibility not only transforms our engagement with information but also reshapes the way we perceive and interact with history. Ultimately, Arweave stands as a testament to the potential of technology to redefine our understanding and preservation of the past.

Sei is set to transform the consumer application landscape by enhancing blockchain technology through its open-source initiatives. The foundation of its blockchain lies in a strong architecture that offers a reliable and secure environment for your projects. With remarkable scalability, Sei enables your initiatives to grow significantly without facing any performance limitations. Furthermore, Sei is designed for flexibility and expansion, ensuring that your projects remain at the cutting-edge of blockchain evolution. This platform is perfectly suited for groundbreaking applications while also integrating the latest trends and innovations in the blockchain industry. In addition, Sei is committed to achieving carbon neutrality, making it an excellent option for developers who prioritize sustainability, thus paving the way for a responsible future in blockchain technology. Consequently, Sei not only supports projects but also fosters responsible practices that are beneficial for both users and the environment, reinforcing its commitment to a greener tomorrow. Such dedication to sustainability and innovation positions Sei as a leader in creating impactful blockchain solutions.

Solana stands out as an incredibly fast, secure, and censorship-resistant blockchain, providing the vital infrastructure necessary for its global adoption. Many leading projects in decentralized finance (DeFi), Web3, and blockchain gaming choose to build on Solana, emphasizing their commitment to sustainability over the long term. With the capability to process an astonishing 50,000 transactions per second, Solana distinguishes itself in the competitive blockchain environment. However, don’t just take our word for it—experience the network's exceptional speed for yourself. Say goodbye to high fees and slow transaction confirmations, as Solana is specifically designed for rapid execution without sacrificing quality. By leveraging Proof of History and other cutting-edge technologies, Solana effectively scales in line with Moore's Law. There’s no need to worry about rising costs as your user base grows; Solana assures consistently low fees, even for apps catering to billions of users. Its integrated global state fosters effortless composability between various projects, thereby removing the obstacles typically associated with multiple shards or layer 2 solutions. Consequently, developers are empowered to concentrate on innovation, free from the constraints of conventional blockchain systems, and can explore new possibilities in their projects without limitations.

Gnosis Chain emerges as a frontrunner among Ethereum's sidechains, diligently maintaining its core values. It enables contributors worldwide to easily run nodes, fortified by a solid security framework that includes over 120,000 validators. The diverse makeup of its validator community, along with governance led by its users, ensures that Gnosis Chain remains committed to credible neutrality while offering services at a fraction of the cost of the primary Ethereum network. Being EVM-compatible, it benefits from stakers operating from various locations, effectively addressing the needs of its users. Additionally, Gnosis Chain offers user-friendly tools and is set to introduce trustless bridges to the mainnet, which will further improve its functionality and outreach. This evolution places Gnosis Chain as a compelling choice for both developers and users in the ever-expanding blockchain landscape. Its commitment to innovation and accessibility continues to attract a diverse range of participants.

Berachain is an advanced Layer-1 blockchain that integrates Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility with a novel Proof-of-Liquidity (PoL) consensus mechanism, enhancing network security through rewards for liquidity providers. This approach incentivizes active participation from users, fostering a dynamic community that can earn governance tokens. By leveraging the modular BeaconKit framework, Berachain ensures scalability and seamless interoperability with existing Ethereum applications. Its distinctive tri-token system comprises BERA (the utility token), HONEY (a stablecoin), and BGT (the governance token), each serving essential roles that contribute to a balanced and efficient ecosystem. Currently, Berachain is in the testnet phase, with aspirations to launch its mainnet by late 2024, aiming to establish a high-performance environment tailored for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. As the platform evolves, Berachain is committed to transforming the DeFi landscape by delivering groundbreaking solutions that emphasize user liquidity and engagement. Additionally, the project aims to create an inclusive ecosystem that empowers users while enhancing the overall DeFi experience.

Cardano stands out as a groundbreaking blockchain platform crafted for innovators, changemakers, and visionaries, offering essential tools and technologies that create opportunities for individuals and communities while catalyzing global change. As the pioneer of proof-of-stake blockchain technology, Cardano is grounded in thorough peer-reviewed research and utilizes evidence-based approaches for its evolution. This forward-thinking platform merges sophisticated technologies to provide unparalleled security and sustainability for decentralized applications, systems, and communities. Guided by a reputable team of engineers, Cardano's mission is to empower individuals by redistributing power from unaccountable institutions and paving the way for significant progress and transformation. Furthermore, Cardano aims to restore trust in global systems by developing a more secure, transparent, and sustainable framework for transactions, governance, and enterprise growth. In addition to its focus on innovation, Cardano also emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, recognizing that collective effort is vital for achieving lasting change. Ultimately, the platform embodies a dedication to applying scientific principles for societal advancement, ensuring that the benefits of progress are shared by all.