Blockchain Network Directory

Ethereum

ETH

Proof of Stake

Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a team of co-founders, Ethereum introduced programmable blockchain technology and is the foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and thousands of ERC-20 tokens. The network transitioned from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake consensus in September 2022 through 'The Merge', significantly reducing energy consumption. Ethereum remains the largest smart contract platform by total value locked and developer activity.

Bitcoin

BTC

Proof of Work

Bitcoin is the first and largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation, created in 2009 by the pseudonymous developer Satoshi Nakamoto. Operating on a decentralized peer-to-peer network, Bitcoin uses Proof of Work consensus to secure transactions without intermediaries. With a fixed supply cap of 21 million coins, Bitcoin is widely regarded as digital gold and a store of value. The Bitcoin network processes transactions through mining and has spawned an entire ecosystem of Layer 2 solutions like the Lightning Network for faster, cheaper payments.

Arbitrum

ARB

Optimistic Rollup

Arbitrum is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution that uses optimistic rollup technology to deliver faster and cheaper transactions while inheriting Ethereum's security. Developed by Offchain Labs, Arbitrum has become one of the most popular L2 networks with a thriving DeFi ecosystem including major protocols like GMX, Camelot, and Radiant Capital. The network launched its native ARB governance token in March 2023. Arbitrum supports full EVM compatibility, making it easy for developers to deploy existing Ethereum smart contracts.

Base

Optimistic Rollup

Base is an Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain built by Coinbase using the OP Stack (Optimism's open-source rollup framework). Launched in August 2023, Base offers low-cost, developer-friendly infrastructure with full EVM compatibility. The network has rapidly grown to become one of the top L2s by transaction volume and TVL, attracting major DeFi protocols and a vibrant on-chain social ecosystem. Base does not have its own native token and uses ETH for gas fees. As part of the Superchain vision, Base contributes to Optimism's collective governance.

Solana

SOL

Proof of History + Proof of Stake

Solana is a high-performance blockchain platform designed for decentralized applications and crypto-native projects. Known for its exceptionally fast transaction speeds (up to 65,000 TPS) and low fees, Solana uses a unique Proof of History consensus mechanism combined with Proof of Stake. Founded by Anatoly Yakovenko and launched in 2020, Solana has become a major hub for DeFi, NFTs, and meme coin trading. The ecosystem includes popular protocols like Jupiter, Raydium, Marinade, and the Phantom wallet.

Polygon

POL

Proof of Stake

Polygon (formerly Matic Network) is an Ethereum scaling platform that provides multiple solutions for building and connecting blockchain networks. Starting as a Plasma sidechain, Polygon has expanded into a comprehensive suite of scaling technologies including Polygon PoS, Polygon zkEVM, and Polygon CDK. The platform offers low transaction costs and fast confirmation times while maintaining compatibility with Ethereum. Polygon is widely adopted by major brands and enterprises for Web3 applications, gaming, and DeFi protocols.

BNB Chain

BNB

Proof of Staked Authority

BNB Chain (formerly Binance Smart Chain) is an EVM-compatible blockchain ecosystem built by Binance. It consists of the BNB Beacon Chain for governance and staking, and the BNB Smart Chain for smart contract execution. Known for low transaction fees and fast block times, BNB Chain hosts a large ecosystem of DeFi protocols including PancakeSwap, Venus, and BiSwap. The network uses a Proof of Staked Authority consensus mechanism and supports cross-chain interoperability with Ethereum and other networks.

Avalanche

AVAX

Avalanche Consensus

Avalanche is a smart contracts platform designed for speed, low costs, and environmental sustainability. Created by computer scientist Emin Gün Sirer and developed by Ava Labs, Avalanche features a unique tri-chain architecture (X-Chain, C-Chain, P-Chain) and a novel consensus protocol that achieves sub-second finality. The platform supports Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility through its C-Chain and enables the creation of custom subnets for specialized use cases. Avalanche has attracted institutional interest and hosts a diverse DeFi ecosystem.

Optimism

OP

Optimistic Rollup

Optimism is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution that uses optimistic rollups to provide faster, cheaper transactions while maintaining Ethereum's security guarantees. The network is powered by the OP Stack, an open-source modular framework that enables any project to build their own L2 chain as part of the Superchain ecosystem. Optimism pioneered retroactive public goods funding and operates with a bicameral governance system through the Optimism Collective. Major protocols on Optimism include Velodrome, Synthetix, and Aave.

Fantom

FTM

Lachesis (aBFT)

Fantom is a high-performance, EVM-compatible blockchain platform that uses a directed acyclic graph (DAG) based consensus mechanism called Lachesis. Designed for speed and scalability, Fantom achieves near-instant transaction finality with low fees. The network hosts a variety of DeFi protocols including SpookySwap and Beethoven X. Fantom is transitioning to Sonic, an upgraded version of the network promising even faster performance and improved developer tooling.

Cardano

ADA

Ouroboros (Proof of Stake)

Cardano is a third-generation blockchain platform developed through peer-reviewed research and evidence-based methods. Founded by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson and built by Input Output Global (IOG), Cardano uses the Ouroboros Proof of Stake consensus protocol. The platform emphasizes sustainability, scalability, and interoperability, with development progressing through distinct eras (Byron, Shelley, Goguen, Basho, Voltaire). Cardano supports smart contracts through Plutus and has a growing DeFi ecosystem including SundaeSwap and Minswap.

Polkadot

DOT

Nominated Proof of Stake

Polkadot is a heterogeneous multi-chain blockchain platform designed to enable cross-chain interoperability and shared security. Founded by Ethereum co-founder Gavin Wood and developed by Parity Technologies, Polkadot uses a relay chain architecture that connects specialized blockchains called parachains. The network uses Nominated Proof of Stake consensus and supports forkless upgrades through on-chain governance. Polkadot's ecosystem includes numerous parachains like Moonbeam, Acala, and Astar, each optimized for specific use cases.

Cosmos

ATOM

Tendermint BFT

Cosmos is an ever-expanding ecosystem of interconnected blockchains, often referred to as the 'Internet of Blockchains'. Using the Cosmos SDK and Tendermint BFT consensus engine, developers can create sovereign, application-specific blockchains that communicate through the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. The Cosmos Hub, powered by ATOM, serves as the economic center of the ecosystem. Major chains built with the Cosmos SDK include Osmosis, Injective, Celestia, dYdX, and Cronos.

NEAR Protocol

NEAR

Nightshade (Proof of Stake)

NEAR Protocol is a Layer 1 blockchain designed for usability and scalability. Using a novel sharding approach called Nightshade, NEAR achieves high throughput while keeping transaction costs low. The protocol features human-readable account names, a developer-friendly environment with support for Rust and JavaScript smart contracts, and innovative access keys for smooth user experiences. NEAR co-founder Illia Polosukhin is also a co-author of the foundational Transformer paper that underpins modern AI. The ecosystem includes Aurora (EVM compatibility layer) and a growing DeFi landscape.

Tron

TRX

Delegated Proof of Stake

TRON is a blockchain-based operating system that aims to decentralize the internet. Founded by Justin Sun, TRON has become one of the most widely used blockchains for stablecoin transfers, particularly USDT (Tether). The network uses Delegated Proof of Stake consensus with 27 Super Representatives validating transactions. TRON supports Solidity smart contracts and has a significant DeFi ecosystem including JustLend, SunSwap, and Sun.io. The network is known for its high throughput, zero-fee capability, and dominance in stablecoin transfers.

Sui

SUI

Narwhal & Bullshark (PoS)

Sui is a Layer 1 blockchain that uses an object-centric data model and the Move programming language, originally developed at Meta for the Diem project. Designed for high throughput and low latency, Sui can process transactions in parallel for improved performance. Founded by former Meta engineers at Mysten Labs, Sui features innovations like zkLogin for easy onboarding and sponsored transactions. The network has grown rapidly with a focus on gaming, social applications, and DeFi protocols like Cetus and Turbos.

Aptos

APT

AptosBFT (Proof of Stake)

Aptos is a Layer 1 blockchain built by former Meta engineers using the Move programming language. Founded by Mo Shaikh and Avery Ching, who led the Diem blockchain project at Meta, Aptos focuses on reliability, safety, and scalability. The network uses a parallel execution engine (Block-STM) that enables high transaction throughput. Aptos has attracted significant investment and features a growing ecosystem of DeFi protocols, NFT platforms, and gaming applications.

Cronos

CRO

Proof of Authority

Cronos is an EVM-compatible blockchain network built by Crypto.com using the Cosmos SDK. Designed to bring DeFi, NFTs, and GameFi to the Crypto.com ecosystem, Cronos offers low transaction fees and fast finality. The network bridges the Crypto.com ecosystem with the wider DeFi world, supporting protocols like VVS Finance, Tectonic, and MM Finance. Cronos uses Proof of Authority consensus with a roadmap toward greater decentralization.

Algorand

ALGO

Pure Proof of Stake

Algorand is a blockchain platform created by MIT professor and Turing Award winner Silvio Micali. Using its Pure Proof of Stake consensus mechanism, Algorand achieves immediate transaction finality with minimal energy consumption. The platform supports smart contracts through AVM (Algorand Virtual Machine) and has been adopted for various use cases including CBDCs, tokenized assets, and carbon credit markets. Algorand is known for its strong academic foundations and focus on institutional-grade performance.

Celo

CELO

Proof of Stake

Celo is a mobile-first blockchain platform focused on making financial tools accessible to anyone with a smartphone. The network supports algorithmic stablecoins (cUSD, cEUR, cREAL) and enables transactions using phone numbers as addresses. Celo transitioned to an Ethereum Layer 2 using the OP Stack in 2024. The platform emphasizes social impact and financial inclusion, with significant adoption in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia for mobile payments and remittances.

Hedera

HBAR

Hashgraph (aBFT)

Hedera is a public distributed ledger that uses hashgraph consensus rather than traditional blockchain technology. Founded by Leemon Baird (inventor of the hashgraph algorithm) and Mance Harmon, Hedera is governed by a council of up to 39 major organizations including Google, IBM, Boeing, and Deutsche Telekom. The network offers enterprise-grade performance with high throughput, low fees, and carbon-negative operations. Hedera provides native services for token creation, smart contracts, and consensus timestamping.

Stellar

XLM

Stellar Consensus Protocol

Stellar is an open-source blockchain network designed for fast, low-cost cross-border payments and asset tokenization. Founded by Jed McCaleb (co-founder of Ripple) and Joyce Kim, Stellar uses its own Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP) based on Federated Byzantine Agreement. The network has been adopted by major companies including MoneyGram, Circle (USDC), and Franklin Templeton for payments, stablecoin issuance, and tokenized fund management. Stellar focuses on connecting financial institutions and enabling accessible financial services.

zkSync Era

ZK

ZK Rollup

zkSync Era is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution that uses zero-knowledge rollup technology to batch transactions and generate cryptographic proofs for Ethereum validation. Developed by Matter Labs, zkSync Era offers EVM compatibility through its custom zkEVM compiler, enabling developers to deploy Solidity smart contracts. The network provides significantly lower gas fees than Ethereum mainnet while maintaining strong security through mathematical proofs rather than fraud challenges. zkSync launched its native ZK token in June 2024.

Mantle

MNT

Optimistic Rollup

Mantle is an Ethereum Layer 2 network built using an optimistic rollup architecture with a modular design. Backed by one of the largest DAO treasuries (originally BitDAO), Mantle offers low-cost, high-speed transactions while leveraging Ethereum for security. The network features a unique modular data availability solution and supports EVM-compatible smart contracts. Mantle has grown its ecosystem with DeFi protocols like Agni Finance and merchant payment solutions.

Linea

ZK Rollup

Linea is an Ethereum Layer 2 network developed by Consensys, the company behind MetaMask and Infura. Using zero-knowledge proof technology (zkEVM), Linea provides fast, low-cost transactions with full EVM equivalence. As part of the Consensys product suite, Linea benefits from deep integration with MetaMask and other widely-used Web3 development tools. The network has attracted a growing DeFi ecosystem and has no native token, using ETH for gas fees.

Scroll

SCR

ZK Rollup

Scroll is an Ethereum Layer 2 zkEVM rollup focused on achieving full EVM equivalence through zero-knowledge proofs. Unlike other zkEVMs that compile Solidity to custom bytecode, Scroll aims for bytecode-level compatibility with Ethereum, making migration seamless for dApp developers. The project emphasizes community-driven development and open-source contributions to Ethereum's scaling roadmap. Scroll launched its mainnet in October 2023 and its SCR governance token in October 2024.

Blast

BLAST

Optimistic Rollup

Blast is an Ethereum Layer 2 network that offers native yield for ETH and stablecoins. Created by the team behind Blur (the leading NFT marketplace), Blast automatically generates yield on ETH deposits through Lido staking and stablecoin deposits through MakerDAO's T-Bills. This native yield feature means users' balances grow automatically without needing to interact with DeFi protocols. Blast uses an optimistic rollup architecture and has attracted significant TVL through its innovative yield mechanics.

Injective

INJ

Tendermint BFT

Injective is a blockchain built for finance, offering a fully decentralized orderbook, derivatives, and cross-chain trading infrastructure. Built using the Cosmos SDK with a custom Tendermint-based consensus, Injective provides instant transaction finality, zero gas fees for trading, and MEV-resistant order matching. The network supports sophisticated financial primitives including perpetual swaps, options, and prediction markets. Injective's interchain capabilities enable seamless cross-chain trading across Ethereum, Cosmos, Solana, and other networks.

Sei

SEI

Twin-Turbo (Tendermint)

Sei is a Layer 1 blockchain optimized specifically for trading and DeFi applications. Built using the Cosmos SDK with a custom Twin-Turbo consensus, Sei claims to be the fastest blockchain to finality. The network features a built-in central limit order book (CLOB), parallelized EVM execution, and optimistic processing for high-speed trading. Sei V2 introduced EVM compatibility alongside its existing CosmWasm support, enabling both Solidity and Rust smart contracts on the same chain.

Kava

KAVA

Tendermint BFT

Kava is a Layer 1 blockchain that combines the speed and interoperability of the Cosmos SDK with the developer power of Ethereum. The Kava Network features a co-chain architecture merging an EVM-compatible execution environment with a Cosmos SDK environment, enabling developers to build in Solidity or Go. Kava provides decentralized lending, borrowing, and stablecoin services, and its Kava Rise and Kava Lend programmes incentivise protocol development across DeFi verticals.

Metis

METIS

Optimistic Rollup (decentralised sequencer)

Metis is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution based on Optimistic Rollup technology. It distinguishes itself by pioneering a decentralised sequencer model, aiming to eliminate single-point-of-failure risks common in other L2s. Metis supports general-purpose smart contracts, offers low-cost transactions, and provides native storage via MEMO Labs integration. The network targets DeFi, gaming, and enterprise applications with near-instant transaction confirmations and EVM compatibility.