Ethereum

Ethereum is the original smart contract Layer 1 blockchain, enabling decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi, NFTs, and DAOs. It uses the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) to run programmable contracts and, since “the Merge,” secures the network with Proof of Stake (PoS). While highly decentralized and secure, Ethereum faces scalability limits and higher fees compared to newer chains, which has led to the growth of Layer 2 rollups built on top of it.