Layer 1 (L1)
By Menno — 13 years in crypto, 3 bear markets survived, zero paid promotions
Last updated: March 2026
A Layer 1 is the base blockchain protocol — the foundational network that processes and records transactions. Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most prominent Layer 1 blockchains.
Layer 1 (L1) refers to the base blockchain network — the foundational layer that provides security, consensus, and data availability. All transactions are ultimately settled on Layer 1.
Major Layer 1 blockchains: - Bitcoin (BTC): the original, focused on security and decentralization - Ethereum (ETH): the leading smart contract platform - Solana (SOL): high-throughput L1 optimized for speed and low fees - Avalanche (AVAX): fast finality with subnet architecture - Cardano (ADA): research-driven PoS blockchain - BNB Chain: Binance's high-throughput, lower-decentralization chain
L1 trade-offs (the "blockchain trilemma"): Every L1 must balance three properties, and typically excels at only two: 1. Security: resistance to attacks 2. Decentralization: distributed among many participants 3. Scalability: transaction throughput
Bitcoin maximizes security and decentralization at the cost of scalability. Solana maximizes speed and decentralization at some cost to security. This is why Layer 2 solutions exist — to extend L1 capacity without compromising its core properties.
For investors, L1 tokens (BTC, ETH, SOL) form the core of most crypto portfolios because they represent fundamental infrastructure with strong network effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Layer 1 and Layer 2?
Layer 1 is the base blockchain (Ethereum, Bitcoin). Layer 2 is built on top of L1 to handle more transactions faster and cheaper, then settles back to L1 for security. Think of L1 as the foundation and L2 as an extension built on top of it.
Which Layer 1 should I invest in?
This depends on your thesis. Bitcoin is the digital gold store-of-value play. Ethereum is the smart contract platform play. Solana is the high-performance trading and DeFi play. Most balanced portfolios hold multiple L1s — evaluate each based on technology, ecosystem, and tokenomics.
Related Terms
Layer 2 (L2)
A Layer 2 is a secondary blockchain built on top of a main chain (like Ethereum) to process transactions faster and cheaper. Popular L2s include Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base.
Bitcoin (BTC)
Bitcoin is the first and largest cryptocurrency by market cap, created in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. It functions as a decentralized digital currency and store of value secured by proof-of-work mining.
Ethereum (ETH)
Ethereum is the second-largest cryptocurrency and the leading smart contract platform. It enables decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi protocols, and NFTs through programmable smart contracts.
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