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Best Crypto Payment Processors for Merchants (2025)

Compare 2025’s top crypto payment processors—fees, settlement, plugins, and regions—so you can accept Bitcoin & stablecoins with confidence.
Sam Monac
5 min
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Why crypto payment processors for merchants Matter in September 2025

If you sell online (or in-store) and want to accept Bitcoin or stablecoins, choosing the best crypto payment processors can lower costs, expand global reach, and reduce chargeback risk. In one line: a crypto payment processor lets merchants accept digital assets at checkout and settle in crypto or fiat while handling pricing, invoicing, and compliance basics.

In 2025, stablecoin rails and Lightning are improving speed and costs, while major gateways add plugins for Shopify, WooCommerce, and custom APIs. This guide is for startups and enterprises comparing fees, settlement options, asset coverage, and regional availability. We blend live docs research with practical fit notes so you can pick confidently and ship faster.

How We Picked (Methodology & Scoring)

  • Liquidity (30%): breadth of supported assets/rails (BTC, stablecoins, Lightning), reliability of conversion/settlement.
  • Security (25%): custody model, key management options, certifications, and clear incident/disclosure pages.
  • Coverage (15%): e-commerce plugins, API maturity, payouts, and fiat-settlement choices.
  • Costs (15%): transparent processing fees, conversion/payout costs.
  • UX (10%): checkout speed, invoicing, reporting, and developer experience.
  • Support (5%): docs quality, SLA, enterprise support.

Data sources: official product/docs, pricing/security pages, and (for cross-checks only) widely cited market datasets. Last updated September 2025.

Top 10 crypto payment processors for merchants in September 2025

1. BitPay — Best for mature U.S. merchants wanting stable operations

  • Why Use It: One of the longest-running crypto processors with robust invoicing, refunds, accounting exports, and fiat settlement. Tiered pricing and clear policies suit compliance-sensitive teams.
  • Best For: U.S./EU retailers, subscriptions, digital goods, B2B invoices.
  • Notable Features: Branded checkout links; partial/full refunds; mass payouts; settlement in multiple currencies; stablecoin support.
  • Consider If: You want predictable fees and traditional support over maximum coin variety.
  • Fees/Regions: Tiered 1–2% + $0.25 per transaction; extensive global reach.
  • Alternatives: Coinbase Commerce, CoinGate.

2. Coinbase Commerce — Best for simple USDC/crypto checkout with fiat-style reporting

  • Why Use It: Clean merchant dashboard, simple payment links, and an onchain payment protocol with automatic conversions; integrates neatly with Coinbase ecosystem and USDC flows.
  • Best For: SaaS, creators, and startups already using Coinbase.
  • Notable Features: Payment links; ecommerce plugins; onchain protocol migration; automatic fee display and reporting.
  • Consider If: You want a recognizable brand and 1% flat pricing.
  • Fees/Regions: 1% processing fee; broad availability (jurisdictional limits may apply).
  • Alternatives: BitPay, Crypto.com Pay.

3. CoinGate — Best for multi-coin coverage and EU-friendly payouts

  • Why Use It: Transparent pricing and solid plugin coverage (WooCommerce, OpenCart, etc.) with weekly settlements and crypto payouts.
  • Best For: EU merchants, hosting/VPNs, and globally distributed ecommerce.
  • Notable Features: 1% processing; refunds in crypto; payouts with/without conversion; accepts customers from 180+ countries.
  • Consider If: You need flexible payouts and many altcoins.
  • Fees/Regions: 1% processing; additional small fees for certain payout types; EU/Global.
  • Alternatives: CoinPayments, NOWPayments.

4. CoinPayments — Best for plugins and long-tail altcoin acceptance

  • Why Use It: A veteran gateway with broad coin support and deep ecommerce integrations (BigCommerce, WooCommerce). Good for merchants courting crypto-native audiences.
  • Best For: Online stores, marketplaces, gaming.
  • Notable Features: Auto-conversion between coins; extensive plugin library; merchant tools and invoicing.
  • Consider If: You want low, flat pricing across many assets.
  • Fees/Regions: 0.5% processing (plus network fees); Global.
  • Alternatives: CoinGate, NOWPayments.

5. NOWPayments — Best for lowest advertised base rate with auto-conversion

  • Why Use It: Simple setup, broad coin list, and clear fee tiers—great for testing crypto checkout with minimal overhead.
  • Best For: SMB ecommerce, content creators, charities.
  • Notable Features: 300+ coins; donations/PoS widgets; subscriptions; mass payouts; auto-conversion.
  • Consider If: You value quick launch and wide asset coverage.
  • Fees/Regions: 0.5% monocurrency; 1% with conversion (excl. network fees); Global.
  • Alternatives: CoinPayments, CoinGate.

6. OpenNode — Best for Bitcoin + Lightning with fiat conversion

  • Why Use It: Lightning-native processing for low fees and instant settlement, with optional auto-conversion to local currency to avoid BTC volatility.
  • Best For: High-volume BTC checkouts, gaming, and emerging markets needing fast micro-payments.
  • Notable Features: Hosted checkout; API; automatic conversion; bank settlements; PoS.
  • Consider If: You prioritize Lightning speed and simple, transparent pricing.
  • Fees/Regions: 1% transaction fee; supports many currencies and countries; Global
  • Alternatives: Lightspark, BTCPay Server (self-hosted).

7. Lightspark — Best enterprise Lightning infrastructure

  • Why Use It: Enterprise-grade Lightning with AI-assisted routing, flexible custody models, and SLA-style support—ideal for platforms embedding realtime payments.
  • Best For: Fintechs, exchanges, marketplaces, and PSPs embedding Bitcoin/Lightning.
  • Notable Features: Managed nodes; Predict routing; UMA support; role-based access; audit-ready reporting.
  • Consider If: You need predictable Lightning performance at scale.
  • Fees/Regions: Starter 0.50%; Enterprise 0.30–0.15% with volume tiers; Global.
  • Alternatives: OpenNode, Coinbase Commerce (non-Lightning).

8. Crypto.com Pay — Best for ecosystem reach and co-marketing

  • Why Use It: Merchant app + plugins, catalog placement, and cash settlement with zero crypto price risk claims; strong brand for consumer trust.
  • Best For: Retail, entertainment, and brands wanting exposure to Crypto.com’s user base.
  • Notable Features: API & plugins (Shopify/WooCommerce); recurring for app users; in-store app acceptance; security certifications displayed.
  • Consider If: You want marketing reach alongside payments.
  • Fees/Regions: Availability and settlement options vary by jurisdiction; “300M+ USD processed per annum” marketing stat on site.
  • Alternatives: Coinbase Commerce, BitPay.

9. TripleA — Best for compliance-first global merchants (MAS-licensed)

  • Why Use It: Singapore-based gateway emphasizing licensing and compliance (MAS Major Payment Institution), with global acceptance and fiat settlement.
  • Best For: Regulated industries, cross-border ecommerce, APAC reach.
  • Notable Features: Merchant APIs; ecommerce plugins; settlement to bank accounts; multi-asset support.
  • Consider If: Licensing and audits matter more than long-tail altcoins.
  • Fees/Regions: Pricing by quote; Licensed in Singapore; Global coverage.
  • Alternatives: BitPay, CoinGate.

10. Alchemy Pay — Best hybrid fiat-crypto acceptance with wide country reach

  • Why Use It: Hybrid rails (on/off-ramp + crypto payments) covering 173 countries, with fiat settlement and SDKs for web/app flows; active U.S. licensing expansion.
  • Best For: Global ecommerce, super-apps, and platforms needing both purchase and checkout rails.
  • Notable Features: Checkout SDK; QR/wallet payments; off-ramp payouts; partner integrations.
  • Consider If: You want one vendor for ramps + crypto acceptance.
  • Fees/Regions: Pricing via sales; jurisdictional variability noted; Global/APAC focus with growing U.S. coverage.
  • Alternatives: Crypto.com Pay, Coinbase Commerce.

Decision Guide: Best By Use Case

  • Regulated U.S./EU brands: BitPay, TripleA, Coinbase Commerce.
  • Global altcoin coverage: CoinPayments, CoinGate, NOWPayments.
  • Lightning/micropayments: OpenNode, Lightspark.
  • Ecosystem reach/co-marketing: Crypto.com Pay.
  • All-in-one ramps + acceptance: Alchemy Pay.
  • Simple 1% flat fee and easy links: Coinbase Commerce.

How to Choose the Right crypto payment processors for merchants (Checklist)

  • Confirm regional eligibility and licensing (e.g., U.S., EU, APAC).
  • Compare processing + conversion + payout fees (not just headline rates).
  • Decide on settlement (crypto vs. fiat) and supported currencies.
  • Check plugin coverage (Shopify, WooCommerce) and API maturity.
  • Review security posture (custody model, certifications, disclosures).
  • Validate support/SLA and refund workflows.
  • Red flags: vague fees, no docs/status page, or unclear settlement policies.

Use Token Metrics With Any crypto payment processors for merchants

  • AI Ratings: screen coins and chains your customers actually use.
  • Narrative Detection: spot momentum (e.g., stablecoin or Lightning surges).
  • Portfolio Optimization: model treasury exposure if you keep a crypto balance.
  • Alerts & Signals: monitor market moves that affect checkout conversions.

Workflow: Research in TM → Pick a processor → Go live → Monitor with alerts.

Start free trial

Security & Compliance Tips

  • Enable 2FA and role-based access on the merchant dashboard.
  • Choose custody/settlement that fits your risk (self-custody vs. managed, fiat vs. crypto).
  • Follow KYC/AML and tax rules in each operating region.
  • For RFQ/OTC conversions, document rates/partners.
  • Keep wallet hygiene (whitelists, limited hot-wallet balances).

This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

  • Chasing the lowest “headline rate” while ignoring conversion/payout fees.
  • Forgetting to test refunds, partial payments, and expired invoices.
  • Launching without clear settlement currency and payout timing.
  • Relying on a single chain/asset when your audience uses others.
  • Ignoring jurisdictional limitations and licensing disclosures.

FAQs

What is a crypto payment processor for merchants?
A service that lets businesses accept digital assets (e.g., BTC, USDC) and settle in crypto or fiat while handling pricing, invoicing, and basic compliance/reporting.

Are crypto fees lower than card fees?
Often yes—many gateways list ~0.5–1% base rates, though network and conversion/payout fees can apply. Compare total effective cost per order.

Can I receive USD/EUR instead of crypto?
Most processors offer instant conversion and fiat settlement to bank accounts in supported regions. Check your vendor’s settlement currencies and schedules.

Which is best for Lightning or micro-payments?
OpenNode and Lightspark are built around Lightning for instant, low-cost payments, with enterprise options and APIs.

Is self-hosting a gateway possible?
Yes—projects like BTCPay Server exist for technical teams, but managed gateways reduce operational burden and add fiat settlement options.

Conclusion + Related Reads

Merchants should match checkout rails to customer demand: go BitPay/Coinbase Commerce for simplicity and brand trust, CoinGate/CoinPayments/NOWPayments for broad asset coverage, OpenNode/Lightspark for Lightning speed, and Alchemy Pay/Crypto.com Pay for hybrid rails and reach. Test fees and settlement with a pilot, then scale.

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About Token Metrics
Token Metrics: AI-powered crypto research and ratings platform. We help investors make smarter decisions with unbiased Token Metrics Ratings, on-chain analytics, and editor-curated “Top 10” guides. Our platform distills thousands of data points into clear scores, trends, and alerts you can act on.
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Recent Posts

Crypto Basics

Top Meme Coins in 2024 - Token Metrics Moon Awards

Token Metrics Team
6 Minutes

Welcome to the Token Metrics Moon Awards, a prestigious cryptocurrency industry accolade that recognizes platforms, projects, and initiatives that have made a significant impact in the industry. The latest addition to the Moon Awards is the "Top Meme Coins in 2024."

Selection Process

At Token Metrics, we emphasize our audience, considering them the foundation of our operations. Our selection process is firmly rooted in engaging with the community, ensuring that our awards' results authentically reflect crypto enthusiasts' sentiments and experiences.

Through engagement with our community members, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the Top Meme Coins in 2024 based on extensive survey data and user votes.

In this article, we will delve into the list of Top Meme Coins, providing a brief overview of each and discussing their future potential.

Let's Begin

In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrencies, a unique trend has emerged - meme coins. These digital assets, characterized by their humorous branding and viral appeal, have captured the attention of investors and crypto enthusiasts alike. 

While traditional cryptocurrencies focus on utility and solving complex problems, meme coins embrace speculation and the power of social media.

As we enter 2024, the meme coin market is poised for explosive growth. With Bitcoin halving on the horizon and the overall bullish sentiment in the crypto space, experts predict that meme coins can dominate the bull cycle.

What are Meme Coins?

Meme coins are cryptocurrencies that leverage humorous branding and viral appeal to attract attention and investors. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, meme coins often lack utility or a clear purpose beyond entertainment. 

They rely on social media trends and community engagement to drive their value and popularity. While investing in meme coins can be highly speculative and risky, they have gained significant traction in recent years. 

Meme coins can potentially deliver astronomical returns, but investors should exercise caution and conduct thorough research before diving in.

Top Meme Coins in 2024

Here are some of the top Meme Coin projects to watch in 2024:

top Meme Coin projects
Image Source - Token Metrics Moon Awards

1. Dogecoin (DOGE)

In the Moon Awards survey, Dogecoin secured the top position with 53.2% of the total votes.

Dogecoin, the original meme coin, remains a dominant force in the market. Introduced in 2013 as a joke, Dogecoin has since gained a massive following and widespread adoption. Despite its humble beginnings, Dogecoin has proved its staying power and has even garnered the support of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.

With its iconic Shiba Inu dog logo and lighthearted branding, Dogecoin continues to capture the imagination of investors. While newer meme coins have experienced significant growth, the upcoming Bitcoin halving and increased adoption could propel Dogecoin to new heights.

2. Bonk (BONK)

In the Moon Awards survey, Bonk secured the 2nd position with 15.7% of the total votes.

Bonk is a meme coin that made waves in 2023 as the first meme token launched on the Solana network. With gains of over 7,300% in the previous year, Bonk quickly joined the ranks of meme coin titans. The project aims to diminish the influence of venture capital investors and restore control to ordinary users within the Solana network.

Despite its initial hype, Bonk has seen a decline in significance. However, with the launch of its decentralized exchange called BonkSwap, Bonk is poised to regain momentum. As the Solana meme coin community continues to grow, Bonk remains one of the top meme coins to watch in 2024.

3. Shiba Inu (SHIB)

In the Moon Awards survey, Shiba Inu secured the 3rd position with 11.4% of the total votes.

Shiba Inu has emerged as one of the most popular meme coins in the market. Its impressive rally, with gains of over 300% in just a week, has propelled it into the top 10 altcoins. Inspired by the Dogecoin community, Shiba Inu aims to create a decentralized ecosystem focusing on utility and innovation.

Recent developments, such as adopting an advanced FHE (Fully Homomorphic Encryption) technique for enhanced security and the launch of the Shiba Name Service, have further solidified Shiba Inu's position. With these products gaining traction, the price of SHIB could potentially double in the near future.

4. Pepe (PEPE)

In the Moon Awards survey, Pepe secured the 4th position with 6.9% of the total votes.

Pepe burst onto the cryptocurrency scene in 2023, reigniting the meme coin market during a relatively quiet period. While not promoted as a utility token, Pepe quickly gained popularity and remains one of the top meme coins in terms of market capitalization.

Unlike other meme coins, Pepe does not focus on introducing new features or products. Instead, the project embraces its status as a "useless" meme token. Despite its lack of fundamentals or utility, Pepe's price has experienced significant growth. While it may be prone to volatility, Pepe continues to attract attention from investors.

5. Myro (MYRO)

In the Moon Awards survey, Myro secured the 5th position with 4.4% of the total votes.

Myro is an autonomous meme coin built on the Solana blockchain. The project aims to increase the accessibility and enjoyment of cryptocurrencies for all users. Named after Raj Gokal's dog, one of the co-founders of Solana, Myro has become a central player in the explosive growth of meme coins on the Solana network.

With gains of over 1,400% in 2023, Myro is expected to continue its bullish trend as Solana continues to rise. The project's community-driven approach and focus on user experience make it a promising contender in the meme coin market.

6. FLOKI

In the Moon Awards survey, FLOKI secured the 6th position with 2% of the total votes.

FLOKI is both a utility token and a meme coin within the Floki Inu ecosystem. Unlike other top meme coins, FLOKI follows a highly deflationary model with auto-burns to reduce its supply. The project aims to diversify into other areas beyond cryptocurrencies, such as the metaverse and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens).

What sets FLOKI apart is its multi-chain functionality, allowing seamless use on both Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain. This versatility could impact the demand and valuation of the meme coin in 2024 as the project expands its ecosystem.

7. Dogwifhat

In the Moon Awards survey, Dogwifhat secured the 7th position with 1.7% of the total votes.

Dogwifhat is a meme coin built on the Solana blockchain that gained momentum in 2023. The project's branding revolves around a single image of a dog wearing different hats, reflecting its humor and the playful nature of meme coins.

Despite lacking fundamentals or utility, Dogwifhat experienced tremendous growth thanks to the surge in interest in Solana. While there has been a significant price correction since its all-time high, Dogwifhat continues to see strong trading activity.

Conclusion

As the crypto market enters 2024, meme coins are poised for significant growth and attention. The top meme coins mentioned - Dogecoin, Bonk, Shiba Inu, Pepe, Myro, FLOKI, and Dogwifhat - offer unique features and potential gains for investors.

However, it is important to note that investing in meme coins comes with inherent risks. These assets can be highly volatile and lack the fundamentals or utility of traditional cryptocurrencies. Investors should conduct thorough research and exercise caution when considering meme coins as part of their investment portfolio.

In conclusion, the rise of meme coins presents an exciting yet challenging opportunity for investors. As the crypto market continues to evolve, keeping an eye on the top meme coins and their potential for growth is essential for those looking to explore this unique sector of the cryptocurrency world.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice, and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend buying, selling, or holding any cryptocurrency. Conduct your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Crypto Basics

Kontos Airdrop 2024 - Eligibility, Process and Rewards

S. Vishwa
5 Minutes

Cryptocurrency enthusiasts, get ready for an exciting opportunity! Kontos, a revolutionary zero-knowledge-based L2 account protocol, is conducting an upcoming airdrop supported by Binance. This airdrop presents a chance for participants to gain upto $5,000 in value potentially.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the eligibility criteria, the step-by-step process to participate in the airdrop, and how to maximize your rewards. So, let's dive in and explore the world of Kontos Airdrop 2024!

What is Kontos?

Kontos is a cutting-edge L2 account protocol that operates with a zero-knowledge approach. This innovative technology empowers users with gas-less transactions, asset-less operations, and enhanced security. 

The project has successfully raised $10M from prominent funds such as Binance Labs, Shima Capital, and The Spartan Group. Kontos specializes in four types of abstraction: account abstraction, asset abstraction, chain abstraction, and behavior abstraction. 

These abstractions enable asset-less and key-less trades, giving users greater flexibility in managing their digital assets.

Eligibility Criteria for the Kontos Airdrop

To qualify for the Kontos Airdrop, participants need to follow certain criteria. While the specific details of the airdrop are not disclosed in the reference articles, it is important to stay informed about the latest updates and announcements from Kontos. 

Monitor their official website and social media channels to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. Stay tuned for any additional information that may be released, as it could impact your chances of participating in the airdrop.

Kontos Airdrop Details

The Kontos Airdrop is a highly anticipated event for cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Here are some key details you need to know:

  • Cost: FREE
  • Time Required: Approximately 15 minutes
  • Potential Gain: $5,000

Please note that these details are based on available information at the time of writing. As the airdrop approaches, staying updated with the latest announcements from Kontos for any changes or additional requirements is recommended.

Step-by-Step Guide to Participating in the Airdrop

Participating in the Kontos Airdrop is a straightforward process that requires a few simple steps. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Setting up your Wallet

To begin, visit the official Kontos website and create a new wallet. Set your username, password, and PIN to ensure the security of your account.

Setting up your Wallet

A reliable wallet is essential for storing and managing your Kontos tokens effectively.

Step 2: Bridging Funds

Next, you must bridge funds from your existing wallet to your Kontos wallet. Visit the Kontos bridge platform and connect your Metamask wallet.

Bridging Funds

Switch to the Binance Smart Chain (BSC) network and bridge some BNB or USDT to your Kontos wallet. This step may incur a small transaction fee of $0.1.

Step 3: Interact with the Kontos Discord Bot

Join the official Kontos Discord server and navigate to the "Bot-command" tab. Enter the command "/Register" to register your account for the airdrop.

Interact with the Kontos Discord Bot

Interacting with the Kontos Discord Bot is a crucial step in the airdrop process, so ensure you complete the registration process as instructed.

Step 4: Trading and Bridging

To maximize your rewards, it is recommended to explore the trading and bridging functionalities offered by Kontos. Use the command "/trade" to initiate a trade and "/bridge" to bridge tokens between different networks. 

Follow the instructions provided and make sure to complete at least one bridge transaction with a minimum value of $1.

Trading and Bridging

Throughout the entire process, stay connected with the Kontos community and follow their official social media channels for any updates, tips, or additional steps that may be announced.

Step 5: Galxe task

Galxe task

Go to → https://galxe.com/Zecrey/campaign/GCfXRttJbf

◈ Complete weekly tasks to earn points.

Maximizing Your Rewards: Tips and Strategies

To make the most of the Kontos Airdrop and potentially increase your rewards, consider the following tips and strategies:

  • Stay Updated: Regularly check the official Kontos website, social media channels, and community forums for the latest updates, announcements, and tips related to the airdrop.
  • Engage with the Community: Join the Kontos Discord server and actively participate in discussions. Engaging with the community can provide valuable insights, tips, and potential opportunities to enhance your airdrop experience.
  • Network Effect: Spread the word about the Kontos Airdrop within your network of friends, family, and fellow cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Sharing information and inviting others to participate can potentially earn you referral bonuses or other rewards.
  • Follow the Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the step-by-step instructions provided by Kontos. Following the guidelines accurately will ensure a smooth and successful participation in the airdrop.
  • Security First: Always prioritize the security of your wallet and personal information. Be cautious of phishing attempts and only interact with official Kontos platforms and channels.

Potential Value and Benefits of Kontos Tokens

Participating in the Kontos Airdrop can potentially provide you with valuable Kontos tokens. These tokens hold the potential for future growth and utility within the Kontos ecosystem. As a holder of Kontos tokens, you may benefit from various platform features and opportunities, such as:

  • Gas-less transactions
  • Asset-less operations
  • Enhanced security measures
  • Diverse asset purchases across multiple networks

The true potential and long-term value of Kontos tokens can only be realized through active engagement with the platform and staying informed about the project's developments.

Also Read - Top Upcoming Crypto Airdrops 2024

Kontos Airdrop - Impact on Participants and the Platform

Participating in the Kontos Airdrop not only offers the potential for financial gain but also allows individuals to become part of an innovative ecosystem. 

By joining the Kontos community, participants can contribute to the platform's growth, provide feedback, and shape its future. 

Also, the airdrop creates an opportunity to explore the unique features and benefits offered by Kontos and gain a deeper understanding of the project's vision.

Conclusion

The Kontos Airdrop 2024 presents an exciting opportunity for cryptocurrency enthusiasts to earn substantial rewards potentially. Participants can maximize their chances of success by following the step-by-step guide, staying updated with the latest information, and implementing effective strategies. 

Remember to prioritize security, engage with the community, and explore the potential benefits of Kontos tokens. As the airdrop approaches, make sure to check the official Kontos channels regularly for any updates and additional details. Get ready to join the Kontos revolution and unlock the potential for a brighter crypto future!

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice, and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend buying, selling, or holding any cryptocurrency. Conduct your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Crypto Basics

Top Layer 2 Blockchain in 2024 - Token Metrics Moon Awards

Token Metrics Team
6 Minutes

Welcome to the Token Metrics Moon Awards, a prestigious cryptocurrency industry accolade recognizing platforms, projects, and initiatives with significant impact.

Today, we are thrilled to announce the addition of a new Moon Awards category for 2024 - the Top Layer 2 Blockchain.

Selection Process

At Token Metrics, we highly value our audience as the cornerstone of our operations. Our selection process is deeply rooted in community engagement, ensuring that our awards' results authentically mirror crypto enthusiasts' sentiments and experiences.

Amplifying Community Insights

The Moon Awards by Token Metrics are designed to amplify the community's voice, providing a clear and focused evaluation of the entities driving progress in the sector.

Through interaction with our community members and user voting, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the Top Layer 2 Blockchains for 2024 based on extensive survey data and user votes.

In this article, we will explore the concept of Layer 2 blockchain, how it works, and the top Layer 2 blockchain projects of 2024.

What is Layer 2 Blockchain?

A Layer 2 blockchain refers to a collection of scaling solutions designed to improve the performance and scalability of Layer-1 blockchains such as Ethereum. 

These Layer-2 protocols operate on top of the primary blockchain, alleviating congestion, reducing transaction costs, and boosting throughput.

To understand Layer 2 blockchain, let's imagine a highway where traffic flows smoothly, transactions are processed at lightning speed, and fees are almost negligible. 

Layer 2 protocols in the crypto world can be compared to express lanes built on top of Layer-1 blockchains, supercharging their performance and scalability.

How Does Layer 2 Blockchain Work?

At the core of Layer 2 networks is the principle of off-chain transaction processing. Instead of directly processing each transaction on the main blockchain, Layer-2 protocols divert transactions off the main chain, process them separately, and then consolidate them into a summary transaction on the main blockchain. 

This approach significantly reduces network congestion, processing time, and transaction costs. Layer-2 protocols act as dedicated traffic management systems, diverting transactions away from the main blockchain and processing them on secondary networks. 

This offloading process leads to faster transactions, lower fees, and increased throughput, ultimately enhancing the scalability and efficiency of the blockchain network.

List of Top Layer 2 Blockchain Projects

Here are some of the top Layer 2 blockchain projects to watch in 2024:

top Layer 2 blockchain
Image Source - Token Metrics Moon Awards

Polygon (MATIC)

In the Moon Awards survey, Polygon secured the top position with 57.3% of the total votes.

Polygon is a multichain ecosystem offering several Layer-2 solutions to scale Ethereum. It utilizes technologies like zkRollups for high-speed, privacy-focused transactions and Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanisms for sidechains. 

With a throughput exceeding 65,000 TPS, Polygon significantly outperforms Ethereum's mainnet regarding transaction speed and cost-effectiveness. It has a thriving DeFi scene and is popular among NFT enthusiasts.

Arbitrum

In the Moon Awards survey, Arbitrum secured the 2nd position with 22.8% of the total votes.

Arbitrum, built on Optimistic Rollups, offers a peak throughput of 4,000 TPS, processing transactions up to 10x faster than Ethereum's mainnet. It reduces gas costs by up to 95% and provides a developer-friendly environment. 

With a robust ecosystem of DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and gaming platforms, Arbitrum is positioned as a key contender in the Layer 2 space.

Optimism

In the Moon Awards survey, Optimism secured the 3rd position with 6.1% of the total votes.

Optimism is a Layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum, offering high throughput and reduced gas costs. With a peak throughput of 2,000 TPS, Optimism processes transactions up to 26x faster than Ethereum's mainnet. 

It is committed to becoming a self-governing community and hosts a growing array of DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and DAOs.

Manta Network

In the Moon Awards survey, Manta Network secured the 4th position with 3.3% of the total votes.

Manta Network is a privacy-focused ecosystem for Ethereum, providing anonymous transactions and confidential smart contracts. 

It comprises two modules: Manta Pacific, an EVM-compatible Layer-2 for efficient transactions, and Manta Atlantic, which handles private identity management using zkSBTs. 

Manta Network promises high scalability, developer-friendliness, and strong interoperability with Ethereum and other blockchains.

Immutable X

In the Moon Awards survey, Immutable X secured the 5th position with 2.8% of the total votes.

Immutable X is a Layer-2 network on Ethereum designed to provide speed, scalability, and adaptability for the next era of crypto gaming. It offers a robust network equipped with tools and infrastructure for developing NFT projects. 

Immutable X incorporates Ethereum's security, zero gas fees, and user-friendly APIs. It hosts an immersive marketplace for trading and collecting NFTs.

SKALE

In the Moon Awards survey, SKALE secured the 6th position with 2.4% of the total votes.

SKALE takes a distinctive approach to enhancing Ethereum scalability by utilizing a network of independent "sidechains" built atop the Ethereum blockchain. 

These sidechains, known as SKALE Chains, provide tailored environments for specific applications, accommodating diverse requirements in terms of security, privacy, and transaction fees. SKALE offers flexibility and innovation within the Ethereum ecosystem.

Metis

In the Moon Awards survey, Metis secured the 7th position with 1.5% of the total votes.

Metis is a Layer-2 network aiming to provide scalable and accessible infrastructure for decentralized applications (dApps). 

It offers a user-friendly environment for developers to create, deploy, and manage dApps efficiently. Metis focuses on empowering individuals and businesses to build decentralized economies and communities.

Base

In the Moon Awards survey, Base secured the 8th position with 1.3% of the total votes.

Base is a Layer-2 protocol developed by Coinbase to enhance Ethereum's potential by increasing transaction speed and reducing fees. It targets a throughput of 2,000 TPS and aims to cut Ethereum's gas costs by up to 95%. 

Base leverages Ethereum's security while processing transactions off-chain, ensuring asset safety. It offers a developer-friendly environment and benefits from Coinbase's security expertise and large user base.

These Layer 2 blockchain projects represent the cutting edge of blockchain scalability and efficiency. They offer solutions to the scalability challenges faced by Layer-1 blockchains, enabling faster transactions, lower fees, and improved user experiences.

Conclusion

Layer-2 blockchain solutions are revolutionizing the scalability and efficiency of blockchain networks. These innovative protocols, such as Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, Manta, and others, are addressing the limitations of Layer-1 blockchains and unlocking the full potential of blockchain technology. 

As the adoption of cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications continues to grow, Layer-2 solutions will play a crucial role in driving mainstream blockchain adoption and powering diverse industries beyond finance.

Investors and developers should closely monitor the progress of these Layer 2 blockchain projects and conduct thorough research before making any investment or development decisions. The future of blockchain technology is bright, and Layer-2 solutions are at the forefront of this exciting evolution.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice, and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend buying, selling, or holding any cryptocurrency. Conduct your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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