Layer 1 (L1) Coins

Layer 1 (L1) refers to base blockchains that settle transactions and run smart contracts on their own native network, rather than relying on another chain for security. These are the foundational protocols on which applications, tokens and Layer 2 networks are built, and each typically has its own native coin used to pay transaction fees and secure the network. The category includes well-known general-purpose smart-contract platforms as well as chains optimized for specific goals such as speed, low fees or privacy. Layer 1s differ in their consensus mechanism, throughput, decentralization and developer ecosystems, and they often compete to attract builders and liquidity. When comparing these assets, investors commonly look at network activity, the size and health of the developer and application ecosystem, fee revenue, token issuance and how decentralized the validator set is. Keep in mind that the L1 space is crowded and competitive: network effects matter enormously, and a chain with strong technology can still struggle to gain adoption. Performance and relevance can shift quickly as new platforms launch and developer attention moves.

The Layer 1 (L1) category currently tracks 31 cryptocurrencies in our database, with a combined market capitalization of $1.79T and $62.08B in reported trading volume over the past 24 hours. The largest Layer 1 (L1) asset by market cap is Bitcoin (BTC), at $1.27T. Over the last 24 hours 15 of these coins are up and 16 are down, an average move of -0.49% across the category.

Within the Layer 1 (L1) category over the past 24 hours, the strongest 24-hour performer is Internet Computer (ICP) at +2.21%, while the weakest is Canton (CC) at -4.82%.

By value the category is highly concentrated: its 3 largest coins account for roughly 87.5% of the combined Layer 1 (L1) market capitalization.

In cryptocurrency markets, a category groups together tokens and coins that share a common trait — the underlying technology they use, the blockchain ecosystem they are built on, the problem they aim to solve, or the way they are issued. The Layer 1 (L1) grouping shown here reflects the classification published by CoinGecko, a widely used independent market-data provider. The table above lists every Layer 1 (L1) asset in our database, ordered by market capitalization — the current price multiplied by the circulating supply — alongside the live price, the 24-hour change, a seven-day trend line, and 24-hour trading volume, a useful proxy for liquidity and market interest.

Categories frequently overlap: a single coin can belong to several at once, so you will often find the same asset on multiple category pages, each offering a different lens on the market. Among the coins above, Layer 1 (L1) most often appears alongside Smart Contract Platform, Proof of Stake (PoS), FTX Holdings — listed in full under related categories below.

All figures on this page are computed from stored public market data and refreshed regularly. They are provided for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice, a recommendation, or a prediction. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile; always do your own research and consider your risk tolerance before making any investment decision.