Infrastructure · Category ranking
Best Chains in 2026
149 Chains ranked by DappsAtlas score and total value locked. Open any row for the full review.
- Listed
- 149
- Reviewed
- 149
- Page
- 1/3
A chain is the base blockchain that other dApps are built on. It keeps the shared ledger, runs smart contracts and decides how fees and security work. This category covers independent Layer 1 networks, Ethereum Layer 2 rollups, sidechains and appchains, each aimed at a particular use such as payments, gaming, AI or Bitcoin-linked DeFi.
Chains earn money mostly from transaction fees paid in a native token such as TRX, NEAR, RON or MNT. Rollups like Fraxtal and World Chain also collect fees from users and pay a smaller cost to settle on Ethereum. Many networks add staking rewards, token incentives and points programs to draw users and developers. Those incentives can inflate activity, so they are worth treating with caution.
When comparing chains, look at what the network is built for, how decentralized its validators or sequencers are, and how much real activity it has. TVL helps for DeFi chains such as Fraxtal, Noble and Immutable zkEVM, but many leaders like Tron, Near and Internet Computer are better judged by usage and ecosystem. Also check fees, wallet and bridge support, token economics and how long the chain has been running. Never put in more than you can afford to lose, and if a chain hosts gambling apps, you must be 18+ (21+ where required) and check local laws first.
Chains at a glance
- Tracked
- 149
- Reviewed
- 149
- Total TVL
- $308M
- Avg. score
- 6.0/10
Largest by TVL
- 1
Fraxtal$165M
- 2
Noble$89.2M
- 3
XION Finance$22.7M
- 4
Immutable zkEVM$22.6M
- 5
K2$4.67M
Highest rated
- 1
Ethereum Finance7.5
- 2
Tron7.4
- 3
Near7.4
- 4
Internet Computer7.3
- 5
| Chains | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ethereum FinanceReviewed | Ethereum | — | — | 7.5 |
| 2 | TronReviewed | Tron | — | — | 7.4 |
| 3 | NearReviewed | Near | — | — | 7.4 |
| 4 | Internet ComputerReviewed | ICP | — | — | 7.3 |
| 5 | FraxtalReviewed | Ethereum | $165M | −0.5% | 7.2 |
| 6 | IoTeXReviewed | Other | — | — | 7.2 |
| 7 | Bnb ChainReviewed | BNB Chain, Op_Bnb | — | — | 7.2 |
| 8 | Solana WorldsReviewed | Solana | — | — | 7.2 |
| 9 | Place SolanaReviewed | Solana | — | — | 7.1 |
| 10 | TempoReviewed | Tempo | — | — | 7.0 |
| 11 | GnosisReviewed | xDai | — | — | 7.0 |
| 12 | Near CrowdReviewed | Near | — | — | 7.0 |
| 13 | EthereumadsReviewed | Ethereum | — | — | 7.0 |
| 14 | MntReviewed | Mantle, Ethereum | — | — | 6.8 |
| 15 | RoninReviewed | Ronin | — | — | 6.8 |
| 16 | ConcordiumReviewed | Other | — | — | 6.8 |
| 17 | The CoreReviewed | Core | — | — | 6.8 |
| 18 | GunzReviewed | Gunz, Solana | — | — | 6.8 |
| 19 | ArweaveReviewed | — | — | — | 6.8 |
| 20 | ParticleReviewed | — | — | — | 6.6 |
| 21 | NobleReviewed | Other | $89.2M | +2.0% | 6.5 |
| 22 | NeoReviewed | Neo | — | — | 6.5 |
| 23 | HemiReviewed | Hemi | — | — | 6.5 |
| 24 | BittensorReviewed | Bittensor | — | — | 6.5 |
| 25 | Unique OneReviewed | Polkadot | — | — | 6.5 |
| 26 | MyriaReviewed | Ethereum | — | — | 6.5 |
| 27 | World ChainReviewed | World Chain | — | — | 6.5 |
| 28 | Injective ProtocolReviewed | Injective | — | — | 6.5 |
| 29 | Supra FinanceReviewed | Supra | — | — | 6.5 |
| 30 | Celo TrackerReviewed | Celo | — | — | 6.5 |
| 31 | DogecoinReviewed | — | — | — | 6.5 |
| 32 | Harmony One BullsReviewed | Harmony | — | — | 6.5 |
| 33 | Tron ChainReviewed | Tron | — | — | 6.4 |
| 34 | Immutable zkEVMReviewed | Ethereum | $22.6M | −7.3% | 6.3 |
| 35 | BitcoincashReviewed | Bitcoin Cash | — | — | 6.3 |
| 36 | Mantle FinanceReviewed | Mantle, Ethereum | — | — | 6.3 |
| 37 | Thx NetworkReviewed | — | — | — | 6.3 |
| 38 | Ancient8Reviewed | Ethereum | $224K | −1.6% | 6.0 |
| 39 | CornReviewed | Corn | — | — | 6.0 |
| 40 | StoryReviewed | Story | — | — | 6.0 |
| 41 | WaxReviewed | Wax | — | — | 6.0 |
| 42 | BeamReviewed | Ethereum, Base +1 | — | — | 6.0 |
| 43 | VfxReviewed | Other | — | — | 6.0 |
| 44 | Akash NetworkReviewed | Cosmos | — | — | 6.0 |
| 45 | sx NetworkReviewed | Sxnetwork | — | — | 6.0 |
| 46 | Qubic NetworkReviewed | — | — | — | 6.0 |
| 47 | IOTAReviewed | IOTA, IOTA EVM | — | — | 6.0 |
| 48 | Onyx DappReviewed | — | — | — | 6.0 |
| 49 | PearlReviewed | Other | — | — | 5.8 |
| 50 | WaterfallReviewed | — | — | — | 5.8 |
Ranked by DappsAtlas score, then total value locked. Click a column to re-sort this page. TVL data via DefiLlama.
Where they run
Chains by chain
Guides
Infrastructure guides
Wallets and tools
Blockchain Notifications and Alerts: Tools and SetupBlockchain alerts turn on-chain events, wallet activity and market movements into notifications you can act on. Learn how alert tools work, which type fits your needs, and how to set them up safely.
Wallets and tools
Onchain Wallet Guide: How Wallets Work and How to Use OneAn onchain wallet lets you manage blockchain accounts and authorize transactions. Learn what it controls, how to use one safely, and what to check before you send crypto or connect to an app.
Wallets and tools
What Is a Multi-Chain Crypto Wallet?A multi-chain crypto wallet lets you manage assets and use apps on more than one blockchain through one wallet interface. Learn how it works, what it does not do, and how to choose and use one safely.
Wallets and tools
What Is an Onchain Wallet? Keys, Fees, and RisksAn onchain wallet lets you manage blockchain accounts and authorize transactions with a private key or other signing method. Learn how it works, what it can do, and how to use one more safely.
Wallets and tools
Secure Messaging on the Blockchain: How It Works in 2026Public reporting we reviewed do not document DappsApp's features, token, or launch status, so this guide explains how blockchain-based secure messaging works and the checks to run before trusting any messenger.
Wallets and tools
Solana Pay Explained: How On-Chain Commerce Works in 2026Solana Pay is an open payment protocol that lets a shopper send SOL or SPL tokens, usually stablecoins, through a standard payment request that wallets can read from a QR code or link. This guide explains how the protocol works, how merchants confirm payments, and what to check before accepting crypto at checkout in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is a blockchain in the dApp context?
A chain is the base blockchain or network that other dApps run on. It records transactions, runs smart contracts and sets fees, security rules and the native token used for gas. Lending apps, exchanges and games on our site all sit on top of one of these chains.
What is the difference between a Layer 1 and a Layer 2 chain?
A Layer 1, such as Tron, Near or Neo, runs its own validators and security. A Layer 2, such as Fraxtal, Mantle (MNT) or World Chain, executes transactions off Ethereum and posts the results back to it. Layer 2s often have lower fees but depend on Ethereum and on the rollup operator's design.
Does a higher TVL mean a chain is better?
No. TVL is the value of assets deposited in apps on a chain. It is useful for DeFi-heavy networks like Fraxtal or Noble, but it says little about payment, gaming or AI-focused chains. Many chains on this page show no TVL at all, so compare usage, security design and developer support as well.
Which chains on this page are built for gaming?
Gaming-oriented chains include Ronin, Immutable zkEVM, Gunz, Ancient8 and Myria. Ronin hosts Axie Infinity and Pixels, while Immutable zkEVM and Myria offer tools for game studios. Check which games are live and how active they are, since a chain is only as useful as what runs on it.
Which chains focus on stablecoins and payments?
Tron focuses on stablecoin transfers, and Tempo, built by Stripe and Paradigm, targets high-volume stablecoin payments for businesses. Noble is a Cosmos chain used to issue native stablecoins such as USDC. They differ in how they are governed and who runs the validators.
Are newer or smaller chains risky to use?
Yes, in several ways. Smart contract bugs, bridge failures and centralized sequencers or validators can cause losses. Small chains with very low TVL, such as Rari Chain or AlienX, may also have thin liquidity and uncertain long-term support. Only use money you can afford to lose, and nothing here is financial advice.
Can I use these chains for crypto gambling?
Chains themselves are not casinos, but some crypto casinos and gambling dApps run on them. If you gamble, you must be 18 or older, or 21 or older where the law requires it, and you should check that online gambling is legal where you live. Follow the age and identity checks of any platform you use.
What is the largest chain by TVL?
Fraxtal is the largest chain by total value locked, with $165M. It is followed by Noble ($89.2M) and XION Finance ($22.7M). TVL figures come from DefiLlama and change daily.
Which chain has the highest DappsAtlas score?
Ethereum Finance has the highest score at 7.5/10, ahead of Tron (7.4) and Near (7.4). Scores weigh security, ease of use, fees and features, and are based only on facts we could verify.
How many chains does DappsAtlas track?
DappsAtlas tracks 149 chains. Of these, 149 have a full review and 13 report value locked, $308M in total.
What chains do most chains run on?
Which chains grew the most this week?
Among chains with at least $1M locked, Noble had the biggest 7-day TVL gain (+2.0%) and Immutable zkEVM the biggest drop (−7.3%). Combined TVL moved −0.5% over the same seven days.
What is the average score for chains?
The 82 rated chains average 6.0 out of 10. Of these, 0 score 8 or higher and 5 score below 5.