Key Takeaways
- Blockchain speed affects transaction costs and user experience. Slow networks cause congestion, high fees, and failed transactions, pushing developers to faster alternatives.
- Fast blockchains use advanced consensus mechanisms, sharding, and Layer 2 solutions to process thousands of transactions per second, improving scalability.
- Internet Computer Protocol, Taraxa, and Solana rank among the fastest blockchains, with real-time speeds exceeding 900 TPS, making them suitable for DeFi and Web3.
- Users should verify transaction speed data from multiple sources, as some networks report inflated numbers that differ from real-world performance.
Traditional blockchains are too slow to support global adoption—and if you’re still relying on networks with outdated transaction speeds, you’re feeling the impact. Delays, high fees, and network congestion frustrate simple transactions, especially in DeFi and Web3 applications.
A blockchain’s transaction speed, measured in transactions per second (TPS), determines how efficiently it can handle demand. Ethereum’s rise has highlighted the problem—its popularity leads to congestion, driving developers to look for faster alternatives. Several factors affect speed, including consensus mechanisms like Proof-of-Stake, block size and time, and network upgrades such as sharding and rollups.
For perspective, Visa handles around 65,000 TPS, while Bitcoin processes just 7 TPS. A slow blockchain results in higher costs, slippage in DeFi, failed transactions, and a poor user experience. In short, speed matters, and it’s worth understanding the fastest blockchains, how they achieve this, and whether they suit your needs.
10 Fastest Blockchains by TPS
The table below, based on data from Chainspect, summarizes the current performance of the top 10 fastest blockchains by TPS.
| Blockchain | Native Token | Main Use Cases | Actual TPS (tx/s) | Theoretical TPS (tx/s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solana | SOL | DeFi, NFTs, Web3 applications | 1,133 | 65,000 |
| Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) | ICP | Web services, enterprise applications | 1,035 | 209,708 |
| Taraxa | TARA | Audit logging, informal agreements | 263.3 | 50,000 |
| BNB Chain | BNB | Smart contracts, token swaps | 183.1 | 2,222 |
| Tron | TRX | Content monetization, decentralized finance | 118.6 | 2,516 |
| Stellar | XLM | Cross-border payments, remittances | 103.6 | 2,032 |
| Base | None | Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solutions | 94.45 | 1,429 |
| NEAR Protocol | NEAR | Smart contracts, developer tools | 63.73 | 12,000 |
| Aptos | APT | DeFi, high-performance applications | 61.73 | 160,000 |
| Sei | SEI | Trading and DeFi applications | 54.71 | 12,500 |
Solana – 1,133 TPS
Solana leads in real-world throughput of the fastest blockchain with approximately 1,133 transactions per second (TPS), despite a theoretical ceiling of 65,000 TPS. Since its 2020 launch, Solana has built a reputation around its speed, enabled by a unique Proof-of-History (PoH) mechanism that optimizes transaction ordering and finality.
The network supports various applications, such as DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and Web3 projects. SOL, the native token, drives network activity and incentivizes validators. Developers enjoy Solana’s fast performance despite occasional network congestion during peak usage.
Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) – 1,035 TPS
With an actual TPS of 1,035, Internet Computer Protocol stands out for its ambition to redefine how internet services are hosted. Launched in 2021, ICP uses Chain Key cryptography to achieve fast transaction finality and support for scalable, decentralized web services.
The ICP token supports governance and smart contract execution. Its architecture is designed to power enterprise-grade applications, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional web services and decentralized systems with high theoretical throughput exceeding 200,000 TPS.
Taraxa – 263.3 TPS
Taraxa clocks in at 263.3 TPS, utilizing a directed acyclic graph (DAG)-based consensus mechanism to confirm transactions almost instantly. Released in 2023, the protocol targets applications such as audit logging and informal agreement tracking—use cases where speed and immutability are crucial.
TARA, the native token, supports governance and network operations. Taraxa’s architecture appeals to users who value rapid confirmations and lightweight infrastructure, offering an alternative to conventional blockchains.
BNB Chain – 183.1 TPS
BNB Chain processes around 183.1 TPS and supports a robust smart contract ecosystem. Originally launched as Binance Smart Chain, its rebranding reflects a broader application scope beyond the Binance exchange. It supports DeFi, token swaps, and other decentralized applications.
BNB serves multiple roles within the ecosystem, including transaction fee payments and validator rewards. The network strikes a balance between speed and decentralization, offering developers familiar tools and robust infrastructure support.
Tron – 118.6 TPS
Tron handles 118.6 TPS in practice, using a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) model to enable quick block times and low fees. Since launching in 2018, Tron has focused on content distribution and financial applications, including stablecoin transfers.
The TRX token powers smart contracts and supports on-chain governance. While Tron’s TPS is modest compared to newer entrants, it remains a viable option for developers seeking stable performance and cost-efficient operations.
Stellar – 103.6 TPS
Stellar records around 103.6 TPS and specializes in cross-border payments and remittance services. Its lightweight consensus model, introduced in 2014, facilitates fast, low-cost transactions across diverse fiat and digital currencies.
The native token, XLM, enables transfers and supports liquidity between asset pairs. Partnerships with traditional finance companies, such as MoneyGram, enhance its credibility and broaden its adoption among financial service providers.
Base – 94.45 TPS
As an Ethereum Layer 2 network, Base achieves roughly 94.45 TPS by processing transactions off-chain and batching them for Ethereum settlement. Developed by Coinbase, Base provides developers with a low-cost, scalable environment that is closely tied to Ethereum’s security guarantees.
The network processes transactions off-chain before settling them on the Ethereum mainnet, reducing congestion and transaction costs. Base targets developers who need faster and more cost-effective solutions without sacrificing security. For more on how Layer 2 solutions work and enhance performance, refer to our guide on Ethereum scalability.
NEAR Protocol – 63.73 TPS
NEAR Protocol delivers 63.73 TPS through sharding, a technique that splits workload across parallel chains to boost efficiency. Launched in 2020, NEAR prioritizes user and developer accessibility with tools specifically designed for dApp creation.
NEAR, the native token, facilitates fees and governance. While the network’s theoretical TPS reaches 12,000, its current real-world performance is more moderate, serving a diverse range of smart contract applications and tools.
Aptos – 61.73 TPS
Aptos registers 61.73 TPS and is designed for high-performance applications, especially in DeFi. Launched with the Move programming language, Aptos emphasizes parallel execution and modular upgrades for long-term scalability and reliability.
The APT token supports transaction processing and protocol governance. Though it claims a theoretical capacity of 160,000 TPS, actual usage is far lower, reflecting the early-stage nature of its ecosystem.
Sei – 54.71 TPS
Sei reaches 54.71 TPS and focuses specifically on optimizing for trading and financial applications. It features a consensus model tailored to low-latency, high-throughput environments where quick order execution is vital.
SEI, the platform’s native token, handles transaction fees and supports governance. While its actual throughput is lower than some competitors, Sei’s focus on trader needs makes it a specialized platform for financial dApps.
What Determines Blockchain Transaction Speed (TPS)?
Several factors determine the number of transactions a blockchain can process each second. The following points summarize the main elements affecting TPS:
- Consensus Mechanism: The protocol validators used to confirm transactions influence speed. Models like Proof-of-Stake and delegated variants process transactions faster than traditional Proof-of-Work.
- Block Time: Shorter intervals between blocks result in quicker transaction confirmations. A reduced block time allows more frequent updates to the ledger.
- Block Size: Larger blocks can accommodate more transactions, although they may require greater processing computational resources.
- Network Congestion: A high number of users or peak demand can slow transaction processing, regardless of a network’s theoretical capacity.
- Sharding and Layer 2 Solutions: Techniques that split data across multiple chains or process transactions off-chain help maintain speed under heavy load.
Each factor interacts with the others to determine overall network performance. Developers adjust these variables to optimize TPS and create a more fluid user experience.
Real-World Use Cases of High-TPS Blockchains
High-TPS networks matter when real-time activity and transaction speed are non-negotiable. Use cases that rely on the fastest blockchain transactions per second include DeFi platforms, gaming, NFTs, micropayments, and enterprise systems.
- In DeFi, high throughput reduces slippage, keeps pricing accurate, and supports complex trades.
- For NFTs and gaming, the fastest crypto transaction speeds enable interactive environments and rapid ownership updates.
- Micropayments require low fees and quick confirmation—areas where the fastest crypto networks, such as Stellar and Tron, often excel.
- In enterprise settings, blockchain speed supports logistics, tracking, and auditing at scale.
Real-world performance comes from systems that consistently deliver the highest TPS blockchain performance under real usage.
Where Can I Find Transaction Speed Data?
Individual blockchain explorers can access real-time transaction speed (TPS) data, and tools like Chainspect compile performance metrics across various networks. These resources provide transparent insights into the number of transactions that networks process each second.
It is important to note that some networks report inflated TPS numbers. A recent CCN report revealed that specific blockchains, including Solana and Cardano, tend to overstate their speed compared to actual observed performance. Such discrepancies remind users to verify data actively and review multiple sources before drawing conclusions about a network’s capabilities.
The Trade-off Between Speed, Security, and Decentralization
Blockchain systems often face a trade-off between transaction speed, decentralization, and security, commonly known as the blockchain trilemma.
A network aiming to achieve the fastest crypto transaction speed may rely on fewer validators or nodes, which can weaken decentralization. Conversely, more decentralized systems, such as Ethereum, prioritize security and censorship resistance but sacrifice raw throughput. Projects targeting the highest TPS blockchain status may compromise on permissionless participation or data availability.
When evaluating the fastest blockchain, it’s essential to consider not just theoretical TPS but also how the system manages security risks and governance. The question isn’t simply what is the fastest blockchain, but rather: how well does it balance fast transaction finality, user control, and network resilience?
Closing Thoughts
Transaction speed remains a key factor in determining the success of blockchain networks, as it significantly impacts costs, user experience, and adoption. While some networks push the limits of transactions per second, real-world performance often depends on factors such as congestion, network design, and scalability solutions. Faster blockchains offer clear advantages, but speed alone doesn’t guarantee reliability or long-term success. The trade-offs between decentralization, security, and efficiency continue to shape the evolution of blockchain technology, leaving developers and users to decide which networks align with their priorities.
