Best Layer 1 Protocols

Compare the Top Layer 1 Protocols as of October 2025

What are Layer 1 Protocols?

Layer 1 protocols, also known as layer 1 blockchains, are blockchain protocols that are built as the base layer of a blockchain. A layer 1 protocol serves as the underlying base blockchain of a blockchain network, as opposed to a layer 2 protocol which is designed to improve the scaling problems and transaction speeds and fees that layer 1 blockchain networks and protocols face. Decentralized applications and cryptocurrencies can be built on Layer 1 protocols, and layer 1 protocols interact with layer 2 protocols in order to improve efficiency and overall user experience. Compare and read user reviews of the best Layer 1 Protocols currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.

  • 1
    Inery

    Inery

    Inery Blockchain

    Inery is layer-1 blockchain designed to offer the solution of decentralized database management with the vision to enable a new paradigm for data. It lays the foundation for web3 by seamlessly connecting with systems, applications, and layer-1 networks. Inery’s data management system (IneryDB) integrates blockchain functionalities with distributed database management properties. Built on a decentralized infrastructure, IneryDB supports high throughput, low latency, complex query search and owner-controlled data assets. IneryDB allows developers and enterprises to securely store, access, manage and deliver data on a decentralized infrastructure supporting various industries. Inery's layer-1 blockchain facilitates secure data sharing with greater speed and better security. It lays the foundation of the underlying infrastructure to deploy decentralized applications and allow cross-chain interoperability.
  • 2
    Holochain

    Holochain

    Holochain

    An end-to-end open source P2P app framework. Local circles of trust provide data integrity without centralized authorities. Holochain delivers the promises of blockchain with a mashup of proven tech that provides self-owned data, a distributed database, and peer accountability. Holochain helps by creating an alternative to the dominant centralized systems of the Internet, protecting our ability to make our own choices, and giving trustworthy information we can act on. We call this 'digital agency', and we believe it will give us the power to face today's complex problems, together. Access other Holochain apps as if they were part of your codebase. No HTTP client, just function calls with optional access control. Compute and data live at the edges, which means there’s no infrastructure for you to maintain and defend. Holochain automatically adapts to disruptions and threats.
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