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Traditional blockchains are too slow to support global adoption—and if you’re still relying on networks with outdated transaction speeds, you’re feeling the impact.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 means higher costs, slippage in DeFi, failed transactions, and poor user experiences. 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.
| Name | Native Token | Main Use Cases | Real-Time TPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) | ICP | Web services, enterprise applications | 1,286 |
| Taraxa | TARA | Audit logging, informal agreements | 1,020 |
| Solana | SOL | DeFi, NFTs, Web3 applications | 964 |
| Tron | TRX | Content monetization, decentralized finance | 129 |
| NEAR Protocol | NEAR | Smart contracts, developer tools | 85.76 |
| Stellar | XLM | Cross-border payments, remittances | 79.28 |
| Base | None | Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solutions | 67.44 |
| BNB Chain | BNB | Smart contracts, token swaps | 57.81 |
| opBNB | None | BNB Chain Layer 2 enhancements | 49.78 |
| Sei | SEI | Trading and DeFi applications | 49.34 |
Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) – 1,286 TPS
Internet Computer Protocol(ICP) handles approximately 1,286 TPS. Launched in 2021, this network aimed to change how applications and services are hosted online. It uses a unique Chain Key cryptography method for fast finality and efficient transaction processing. ICP supports decentralized web services and enterprise-grade applications.
Developers appreciate its native coin, ICP, which facilitates on-chain governance and funds ecosystem growth. The network offers smart contract functionality and competes with other innovative protocols by delivering impressive throughput.
Taraxa – 1,020 TPS
Launched in 2023, Taraxa achieves approximately 1,020 transactions per second (TPS) with near-instant finality, meaning transactions are confirmed without delay. Taraxa uses a directed acyclic graph (DAG)-based consensus model, which provides a unique alternative to traditional blockchain architectures.
Its native token, TARA, supports governance and network operations. Taraxa attracts users who need fast confirmation times to record off-chain agreements.
Solana – 964 TPS
Solana offers roughly 964 TPS in real-world conditions, even though its theoretical capacity reaches far higher numbers. Since its launch in 2020, Solana has become known for its fast processing times. It uses a Proof-of-History mechanism that optimizes transaction ordering and reduces confirmation delays.
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.
Tron – 129 TPS
Tron handles approximately 129 TPS and operates on a delegated Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism. Since its inception in 2018, Tron has targeted content distribution and decentralized finance. The network’s primary token, TRX, supports smart contracts and on-chain governance. Tron offers relatively quick block times, which allow for steady transaction flows.
Although its TPS figures may appear modest compared to others on this list, Tron emphasizes cost efficiency and low transaction fees. Its focus on decentralized content monetization continues to attract a loyal user base interested in affordable, efficient solutions.
NEAR Protocol – 85.76 TPS
Charting a modern course in blockchain design, NEAR Protocol delivers roughly 85.76 TPS through innovative sharding. Launched in 2020, NEAR breaks its workload into smaller parts that run concurrently, which increases overall throughput. The network supports a variety of smart contracts and developer-friendly tools.
NEAR’s native token supports transaction fees and governance, and its design aims to reduce user and developer complexities. With its sharding technology, NEAR competes closely with older networks by offering a modern alternative for decentralized application development.
Stellar – 79.28 TPS
Linking international transfers with efficiency, Stellar clocks in at approximately 79.28 TPS. Introduced in 2014, Stellar connects financial institutions and individuals through its efficient network. Its native token, XLM, facilitates quick and affordable money transfers across different currencies. Stellar’s architecture targets the improvement of global financial inclusion, and its lightweight design makes it a practical choice for remittance services.
Partnerships with companies like MoneyGram enhance its credibility and broaden its adoption among financial service providers. Explore our coverage on digital payment systems for further context on how such networks integrate with traditional finance.
Base – 67.44 TPS
Addressing scalability challenges head-on, Base operates at roughly 67.44 TPS as a dedicated Ethereum Layer 2 solution. Developed by Coinbase, Base aims to address Ethereum’s scalability challenges. Although Base does not have a native token, it inherits Ethereum’s security features and developer ecosystem.
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.
BNB Chain – 57.81 TPS
BNB Chain processes around 57.81 TPS and supports an extensive ecosystem of smart contracts and decentralized applications. Formerly known as Binance Smart Chain, it was rebranded to highlight its broader utility beyond Binance’s exchange. The native token, BNB, serves multiple functions, including transaction fee payments and participation in network governance. BNB Chain attracts projects related to DeFi, NFTs, and token issuance.
Its architecture provides an attractive balance between speed and security, making it a favored option among developers looking for reliability and consistent performance.
opBNB – 49.78 TPS
Enhancing throughput through innovative design, opBNB records about 49.78 TPS by extending BNB Chain’s capacity. As a Layer 2 solution built on BNB Chain, opBNB increases throughput by processing transactions off-chain.
This design helps reduce fees and relieve congestion on the main network. opBNB caters to users and developers who prioritize cost-effectiveness and higher transaction volumes. Its approach demonstrates how secondary protocols can boost network performance without altering the underlying blockchain’s architecture.
Sei – 49.34 TPS
Sei processes roughly 49.34 TPS and focuses on trading and financial applications within the decentralized ecosystem. Launched to optimize transaction speed for high-frequency trading, Sei tailors its consensus model to financial operations. Its native token, SEI, supports network transactions and governance.
Sei attracts traders and developers looking for efficient, low-latency environments that handle rapid market movements. Although its TPS is lower than that of other networks on this list, its specialized design serves a specific niche where every millisecond counts.
What Determines Blockchain Transaction Speed (TPS)?
Several factors determine how many transactions a blockchain processes 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.
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 offer transparent insights into how many transactions 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 concluding a network’s capabilities.
Closing Thoughts
Transaction speed remains a defining factor for blockchain networks, influencing costs, user experience, and adoption. While some networks push the limits of transactions per second, real-world performance often depends on 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.
