Best Layer 1 Protocols

Compare the Top Layer 1 Protocols as of January 2026

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
    Concordium

    Concordium

    Concordium

    A blockchain that’s compliance ready with today’s and tomorrow’s economies. That enables private and public transactions. That offers high throughput, fast transactions, and predictable fees. That allows businesses, developers, and traders to harness blockchain’s true power and potential. Concordium’s decentralised blockchain technology is the first with layer-one ID built into the protocol. This means it offers forward-thinking businesses, application developers, and cryptocurrency traders unrivalled security, privacy, transparency and most importantly, compliance with regulations, if and when these come through. Utilizing zero-knowledge-proofs (ZKP) allows parties to verify information without exchanging or storing that information on-chain other than hash functions, so users can trust that their confidential business will become no one else’s business.
    Starting Price: Free
  • 2
    Ontology

    Ontology

    Ontology

    Ontology supports identity authentication and data collaboration between users, vehicles, and third parties. Data can only be accessed, used and stored with the consent of the owner. Through the Ontology Trust Framework and Self-Sovereign Data Storage, a number of cryptographic algorithms are implemented to protect user identity and data privacy security. Each data exchange operation requires authorization and selective exchange can be achieved through authorization protocols and cryptographic algorithms. Traceability, authorization and authentication of personal data is possible through blockchain. In some cases, we integrate TEE technology to support data analysis and processing without privacy disclosure. It's time to reclaim control of your digital identity. ONT ID enables autonomous control of your private data. You decide if and when your data is accessible by others.
  • 3
    KILT

    KILT

    KILT Protocol

    Experiment with our KILT Demo Client and request play money from the Mashnet Faucet. See how easy it is to build your own blockchain apps using our KILT SDK. Check out our running KILT blockchain nodes and look at live transactions happening on the KILT Blockchain right now! KILT is a decentralized identity blockchain network, with decisions made by the community of KILT Coin holders using a sophisticated system of governance. The vast amount of users on one service automatically generates a monopoly. Better services coming up have little chance of being recognized, and the monopoly service will not evolve as fast as it could because it does not fear competition. The amount of data collected by only a few services gives these services an unfair advantage in the age of artificial intelligence.
  • 4
    Nxt

    Nxt

    Jelurida Swiss

    Nxt is an open source blockchain platform and the first to rely entirely on a proof-of-stake consensus protocol. Launched in November 2013 and written from scratch in Java, Nxt is proof that blockchain technology is not only about simple transfer of value but also has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives with the various decentralized applications that can be built with it. Today, Nxt remains one of the most tested and reliable platforms in the industry, influencing numerous other projects. With its many easy to use modular built-in features, Nxt covers most of the dApp use cases and at the same time is perfectly suitable for private blockchain implementations. Nxt was the first to implement a pure proof-of-stake consensus protocol.
  • 5
    Corda
    A blockchain platform built for business and longevity. Unlock new value and transform your business by building any blockchain application on top of Corda. R3’s vision is of a world where everyone can transact directly and privately with trust. Business partners operate in perfect synchrony, and trustless interactions are a thing of the past. R3’s Corda is an enterprise blockchain platform that delivers privacy, security, interoperability and scalability. Corda underpins top-of-stack applications, CorDapps, built by ecosystem participants. R3 leads the largest blockchain ecosystem in the world. Participation as an app builder or explorer offers comprehensive benefits tailored to your institution’s needs and development stages.
  • 6
    Neo

    Neo

    Neo Team

    The blockchain development platform. Neo provides a full stack of features out of the box, but doesn't keep you boxed in. Native functionality provides all the infrastructure you need to build complete decentralized applications, while advanced interoperability allows you to harness the power of the global blockchain ecosystem. Neo has a unique dual token model that separates governance from utility. NEO token holders are the owners of the network and are able to participate in governance. NEO holders also receive passive distribution of the network utility token, GAS - No staking required. GAS rewards are increased for voting participation. GAS is used to pay for network fees, smart contract deployments, and in dApp purchases.
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