One of the most common questions we see at Crypto Pulse Blog is:
“Why are there so many blockchains?”
For beginners, the number of blockchain networks can feel overwhelming. Ethereum, Solana, BNB Chain, Avalanche all claiming to solve something important. But the truth is simpler than the noise makes it seem.
Different blockchains exist because different problems require different designs.
Just like you wouldn’t use the same tool to send money, build a game, and secure sensitive data, you shouldn’t expect one blockchain network to handle everything perfectly.
In this guide, Crypto Pulse explains 10 major blockchain networks, what each one is best at, and why they all coexist instead of competing for dominance.
No hype. No price talk. Just clear explanations.
10 Major Blockchain Networks Explained
1. Ethereum: The Foundation of Smart Contracts
Ethereum is the most established smart contract blockchain and the reference point for almost every other network.
Best known for:
Smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps).
Problem it was built to solve:
Removing middlemen by allowing code to execute agreements automatically.
How it differs from other blockchains:
Ethereum prioritizes security and decentralization over speed and low fees.
Use cases:
DeFi, NFTs, DAOs, stablecoins.
Strength:
Largest developer ecosystem in crypto.
Limitation:
High transaction fees during peak activity.
Ethereum introduced smart contracts, allowing developers to build decentralized applications directly on the blockchain
(source: ethereum.org).
2. BNB Chain: Low Fees and Accessibility
BNB Chain focuses on making blockchain usage affordable and fast.
Best known for:
Low transaction costs and quick confirmations.
Problem it was built to solve:
High Ethereum gas fees.
Difference from Ethereum:
More centralized validation in exchange for speed and low fees.
Use cases:
Retail DeFi, gaming, meme coins.
Strength:
Beginner-friendly and widely used.
Limitation:
Lower decentralization.
3. Solana: High-Speed Blockchain
Solana was designed to handle thousands of transactions per second.
Best known for:
Speed and low-cost transactions.
Problem it was built to solve:
Blockchain scalability.
Difference from Ethereum:
Runs everything on a single high-performance layer.
Use cases:
NFTs, trading platforms, payments.
Strength:
Very fast user experience.
Limitation:
Past network stability issues.
4. Avalanche: Custom Blockchain Networks
Avalanche allows developers to build specialized blockchains.
Best known for:
Subnets and customization.
Problem it was built to solve:
One blockchain cannot fit all applications.
Difference from Ethereum:
Encourages multiple application-specific chains.
Use cases:
Gaming, DeFi, enterprise blockchain solutions.
Strength:
Flexibility and fast finality.
Limitation:
More complex ecosystem.
5. Polygon: Ethereum Scaling Solution
Polygon exists to make Ethereum usable at scale.
Best known for:
Ethereum scaling.
Problem it was built to solve:
High Ethereum fees and congestion.
Difference from Ethereum:
Faster and cheaper, while settling on Ethereum.
Use cases:
NFTs, Web3 gaming, social platforms.
Strength:
Strong Ethereum compatibility.
Limitation:
Security trade-offs.
6. Arbitrum: Layer 2 for Ethereum
Arbitrum reduces Ethereum fees using rollups.
Best known for:
Optimistic rollups.
Problem it was built to solve:
Ethereum congestion.
Difference from Ethereum:
Processes transactions off-chain before settlement.
Use cases:
DeFi and DAO governance.
Strength:
Lower costs without leaving Ethereum.
Limitation:
Withdrawal delays.
7. Optimism: Scalable and Mission-Driven
Optimism focuses on sustainable Ethereum scaling.
Best known for:
Public goods funding and rollups.
Problem it was built to solve:
Scalable Ethereum with aligned incentives.
Difference from Ethereum:
Lower fees through Layer 2 execution.
Use cases:
DeFi, governance, public funding.
Strength:
Strong ecosystem philosophy.
Limitation:
Dependent on Ethereum.
8. Tron: Payment-Focused Blockchain
Tron is heavily used for stablecoin transfers.
Best known for:
USDT transactions.
Problem it was built to solve:
Expensive cross-border payments.
Difference from Ethereum:
Optimized for simple transfers.
Use cases:
Payments and remittances.
Strength:
Very low transaction costs.
Limitation:
Limited application diversity.
9. Near Protocol: User-Friendly Blockchain
Near focuses on usability.
Best known for:
Easy onboarding.
Problem it was built to solve:
Complex Web3 user experience.
Difference from Ethereum:
Human-readable accounts and simpler UX.
Use cases:
Social platforms, gaming, creator tools.
Strength:
Excellent user experience.
Limitation:
Smaller ecosystem.
10. Base: Emerging Consumer Blockchain
Base is designed for mass adoption.
Best known for:
Coinbase-backed Layer 2 network.
Problem it was built to solve:
Mainstream crypto adoption.
Difference from Ethereum:
Layer 2 with direct access to millions of users.
Use cases:
Payments, social apps, consumer dApps.
Strength:
Distribution power.
Limitation:
Centralization concerns.
Why Different Blockchains Exist Together
There will never be one blockchain that does everything perfectly.
Some blockchain networks focus on security, others on speed, payments, or user experience. Over time, interoperability allows them to work together instead of competing directly.
The future of crypto is multi-chain, not winner-takes-all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blockchain Networks (FAQ)
Why are there so many different blockchains?
There are many different blockchains because no single blockchain can optimize for everything at once. Some blockchains focus on security and decentralization, while others prioritize speed, low fees, payments, or ease of use. Each blockchain is designed with specific trade-offs, which is why multiple blockchain networks exist and continue to grow.
Is Ethereum better than other blockchains?
Ethereum is not necessarily better it is simply built with different priorities. Ethereum focuses heavily on decentralization, security, and long-term reliability. Other blockchains may offer faster transactions or lower fees, but often with trade-offs such as increased centralization or reduced security. The “best” blockchain depends on what problem you are trying to solve.
What is the difference between Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains?
Layer 1 blockchains are the base networks that directly process and secure transactions. Examples include Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, and Near Protocol.
Layer 2 blockchains run on top of Layer 1 networks to improve speed and reduce transaction costs. Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, and Base are examples of Layer 2 solutions that rely on Ethereum for security while handling transactions more efficiently.
Which blockchain is best for beginners?
There is no single best blockchain for beginners. Ethereum offers the most established ecosystem and educational resources. BNB Chain is popular for its low fees, while Near Protocol focuses on user-friendly design. Beginners should focus on understanding what each blockchain is designed to do instead of choosing based on popularity or token price.
Can multiple blockchains work together?
Yes, multiple blockchains can work together through bridges and interoperability tools. Many blockchain networks are designed to specialize in specific tasks while remaining connected to others. This multi-chain approach allows users and developers to benefit from the strengths of different blockchains without relying on just one network.
Are newer blockchains trying to replace Ethereum?
Most newer blockchains are not trying to replace Ethereum. Instead, they aim to improve specific areas such as transaction speed, cost, scalability, or user experience. Many projects still use Ethereum as a settlement or security layer, while other blockchains serve as complementary networks rather than direct replacements.
Crypto Pulse Blog Key Takeaway
If you’re new to crypto, understanding why different blockchains exist matters more than tracking prices. Each blockchain network is a tool designed for a specific purpose, and the future of crypto is built on specialization and collaboration, not a single winner.
How Beginners Should Choose a Blockchain
If you are new to crypto, choosing a blockchain can feel overwhelming. The mistake most beginners make is choosing a blockchain based on hype or token price instead of purpose.
A better approach is to start with use case. If you want to explore DeFi and NFTs, Ethereum and its Layer 2 networks like Arbitrum and Optimism make sense. If your priority is low fees and fast transactions, BNB Chain or Solana may feel easier to use. For payments and stablecoin transfers, Tron is often more practical.
Beginners should also consider ecosystem size. Larger ecosystems usually mean more tutorials, better wallet support, and stronger security testing. Smaller blockchains may offer innovation, but they often come with higher risk.
At Crypto Pulse Blog, we recommend learning why a blockchain exists before using it. Once the purpose is clear, choosing the right network becomes much easier.
At Crypto Pulse Blog, our goal is simple:
Explain blockchain clearly, without noise.
