List of the Top 10 Layer 1 Protocols for Kiln in 2025

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.

Aptos Labs focuses on developing a Layer 1 blockchain that is designed to be user-friendly for everyone. Users can create a wide array of applications on the Aptos Blockchain, participate in node operations, and immerse themselves in the swiftly expanding Aptos community. When a user initiates a transaction on this blockchain, they are effectively requesting an update to the ledger state that incorporates the specifics of their transaction. You are empowered to generate, submit, and validate transactions on the Aptos Blockchain, starting with crafting your very first Move Module specifically for the Aptos ecosystem, and moving on to deploy your inaugural coin on the network. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to learn how to build your first decentralized application (dapp). Each account within the Aptos network is assigned a unique account address that corresponds to a set of public and private keys owned by the account holder, alongside an associated authentication key. To facilitate interactions with the blockchain, Aptos provides a REST API that allows users to smoothly scan transactions and accounts across the network. You can also access comprehensive ledger information from the FullNode, which contains detailed account data and the resources linked to those accounts. By engaging with the Aptos ecosystem, you not only sharpen your technical skills but also forge connections with a dynamic community of developers who share your interests and aspirations. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and encourages continuous learning among its members.

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.

Tezos stands out as an open-source framework for digital assets and applications, prioritizing security and sustainability, and it is backed by a global community of validators, researchers, and developers. By addressing critical obstacles that have impeded the widespread use of blockchain, Tezos ensures smart contract safety, facilitates long-term upgrades, and encourages open participation among users. Tailored for high-value applications, it guarantees the safety and accuracy of the code essential for effective asset management. The platform’s native smart contract language, Michelson, incorporates formal verification—a method commonly employed in high-stakes industries such as aerospace, nuclear energy, and semiconductor production. Tezos features a versatile architecture along with a structured upgrade process, enabling the seamless integration and adoption of emerging technological innovations. This proactive strategy, coupled with an on-chain invoicing mechanism, positions Tezos to remain at the forefront of the blockchain landscape in the years to come, all while ensuring that community consensus is preserved. Ultimately, Tezos embodies an innovative solution that meets the shifting needs and expectations of the blockchain sector, promoting a collaborative environment for future advancements. Its commitment to adaptability and security underscores its role as a leader in the evolution of digital technology.

Persistence operates as a Layer-1 network utilizing the Tendermint/Cosmos framework, aimed at promoting a range of decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions while striving to establish liquid-staked assets as the norm in the proof-of-stake (PoS) economy. Its key feature is interoperability, which empowers developers to create applications that can function independently, be modular, or built upon Persistence's CosmWasm layer. Users within the Persistence ecosystem can establish App-chains that retain compatibility with the extensive Cosmos/IBC ecosystem, enabling efficient routing of IBC assets through the Persistence Core-1 chain. Moreover, developers are granted the option to build Modular Apps directly on the Core-1 chain, leveraging components of the Persistence architecture as easily incorporated interfaces. The incorporation of CosmWasm further paves the way for the development of high-performance Smart Contract Apps on the Persistence chain, facilitating smooth upgrades and improvements over time. This forward-thinking methodology not only positions Persistence as a vital entity within the decentralized finance sector but also enhances its potential to adapt to future innovations and demands in the market. As the DeFi space continues to evolve, the capabilities offered by Persistence are likely to play a significant role in shaping its trajectory.

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.

Harmony is a high-speed, open blockchain that operates its mainnet to run Ethereum applications with a remarkable two-second response time and fees that are 100 times lower. With secure bridges, Harmony enables seamless cross-chain asset transfers between Ethereum, Binance, and various other networks, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for creators to engage with their communities. Its bridges facilitate connections between both Proof of Work and Proof of Stake chains, ensuring versatility and inclusivity. The FlyClient architecture is designed to be completely trustless and highly gas-efficient, currently safeguarding tens of millions of cross-chain assets from Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain. Developers can easily switch the Chain ID, allowing for swifter execution of EVMs that maintain identical bytecode, simplifying migration to Harmony with their existing Web3 tools. For users, familiar platforms like MetaMask and Ledger remain accessible, and they will benefit from significantly reduced transaction fees. Additionally, any Ethereum portal or wallet can operate on Harmony without requiring code alterations or new installations, making it an attractive option for a broader audience. Overall, Harmony's innovative approach not only enhances performance but also streamlines the user experience across different blockchain environments.