Solana Shines in Network Usage for 2025
As we closed the year 2025, the cryptocurrency landscape observed some remarkable dynamics, especially between leading layer-1 (L1) blockchains such as Solana (SOL) and Ethereum (ETH). While Ethereum maintained its lead in critical on-chain metrics, Solana surprised the market by topping charts for pure network usage. This article dives deep into the trends and data that defined their performance.
2025 in Retrospect: Declines in Top Assets
The crypto market in 2025 witnessed a challenging year with negative ROI for major top-cap assets. Among the top five, Solana emerged as the weakest performer, registering a staggering 30% annual decline. Comparatively, Ethereum’s drop was limited to just 6%, amplifying ETH’s dominance over SOL. To further break it down, the SOL/ETH ratio dropped by 25%, reflecting Ethereum’s relative outperformance over Solana in pricing terms.
Solana’s Network Usage Dominance
Despite its price struggles, Solana’s network usage told a very different story. According to data from Artemis Terminal, Solana led the race across several key metrics:
- Monthly Active Users (MAU): 98 million.
- Total Transactions: 34 billion.
- Trading Volume: $1.6 trillion.
Solana’s outstanding network engagement reinforces its reputation as a highly efficient chain for transactions. While lower fees and faster transaction speeds are often credited for this adoption, Solana’s ability to support vast user activity is a testament to its scalability.
Ethereum: Still a Leader in Core Metrics
Though Solana excelled in network usage, Ethereum remained strong on foundational blockchain metrics:
- Total Transfer Volume: 3rd position (outpacing SOL).
- TVL (Total Value Locked): 2nd among all blockchains.
- Developer Activity: 2nd globally.
- Stablecoin Supply: 3rd rank.
These core metrics highlight Ethereum’s dominance in DeFi (decentralized finance), market depth, and long-term ecosystem sustainability. DeFi protocols and institutional-grade applications continue to favor Ethereum for its robust security and liquidity solutions.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we head into 2026, the debate between Solana and Ethereum will remain hot. Can Solana translate its network dominance into market value? Or will Ethereum’s superiority in foundational metrics continue to underpin its price performance? While adoption trends favor Solana, Ethereum’s ecosystem strength suggests its dominance is unlikely to wane anytime soon.
Product Recommendation: Ledger Nano X for Secure Cryptocurrency Management
If you’re managing Solana, Ethereum, or any other crypto assets, secure storage should be a priority. The Ledger Nano X hardware wallet is an excellent choice for safeguarding your investments. Its compatibility with multiple chains, including SOL and ETH, makes it a versatile tool for crypto investors.
