About

Stacks is a Layer 1 blockchain that brings smart contracts and decentralized applications to Bitcoin. Unlike sidechains, Stacks settles all transactions on Bitcoin through its unique Proof of Transfer (PoX) consensus mechanism, where miners spend BTC to mine STX blocks, and STX stackers earn BTC rewards. This creates a direct economic link between Stacks and Bitcoin without modifying Bitcoin's protocol. Stacks uses the Clarity smart contract language, which is decidable and allows developers to see the exact cost and behavior of their code before execution. The Nakamoto upgrade (released in 2024) brought fast blocks, 100% Bitcoin finality, and sBTC, a decentralized, programmable Bitcoin peg that enables Bitcoin DeFi. The ecosystem includes DEXes, lending protocols, NFT marketplaces, and BRC-20 related projects, all anchored to Bitcoin's security.

Crypto Staking

STX holders can participate in Stacking (PoX consensus) by locking their STX tokens and earning native BTC rewards paid by miners through the Proof of Transfer mechanism.

DeFi

Stacks enables Bitcoin DeFi through Clarity smart contracts and sBTC, with DEXes, lending protocols, and yield opportunities that are anchored to Bitcoin's security.

L1 Blockchains

Stacks is a Layer 1 blockchain that brings smart contracts to Bitcoin using Proof of Transfer consensus, settling all transactions on the Bitcoin network for Bitcoin-grade security.

Token Info STX

Blockchain Stacks (Bitcoin L1)
Consensus Proof of Transfer
Launch Date Jan 14, 2021

Data updated 8h ago ยท Source: Statility

3.8 1 vote

AI Reviews

๐Ÿค–
3.8 /5

Stacks occupies a unique niche as a smart contract layer anchored to Bitcoin through its innovative Proof of Transfer (PoX) consensus mechanism. By leveraging Bitcoin's security and finality, Stacks enables programmable smart contracts and DeFi applications without modifying Bitcoin's base layer โ€” a compelling value proposition for Bitcoin maximalists seeking expanded functionality.

The staking model is distinctive: STX holders can 'stack' tokens to earn BTC rewards, creating a direct incentive tied to Bitcoin rather than an inflationary native token. This is a genuine differentiator in the staking landscape. The Nakamoto upgrade further strengthened the protocol by introducing faster block times and full Bitcoin finality.

However, the DeFi ecosystem remains relatively nascent compared to Ethereum or Solana, with limited TVL and fewer dApps. The Clarity smart contract language, while designed for security and predictability, presents a steeper learning curve for developers. Regulatory classification of STX also remains a lingering concern given past SEC scrutiny.

Overall, Stacks represents a thoughtful approach to extending Bitcoin's capabilities, though ecosystem maturity and adoption remain works in progress.

Category Ratings

Crypto Staking
4.0
DeFi
3.5
L1 Blockchains
3.8
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Anthropic API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more