Ethereum and BNB Compete for Layer-1 Supremacy

Key Takeaways
Ethereum and Binance Chain (BNB) are locked in a head-to-head race in the Layer-1 blockchain space. While Ethereum aims to solidify its position with the upcoming Pectra upgrade, BNB is focusing on technical improvements and growing its user base. Both networks are pursuing different strategies to establish themselves as the leading platform in the long term. For crypto enthusiasts and investors alike, this competition offers numerous opportunities — but also challenges.
BNB Chain Leads with the Lorentz Hard Fork
On April 29, 2025, BNB Chain implemented the so-called Lorentz Hard Fork. This upgrade reduced block time to 1.5 seconds. That means faster transactions, shorter wait times, and more efficient network usage. BNB is showing particular strength in the DeFi (decentralized finance) sector: with a Total Value Locked (TVL) of USD 9.34 billion, it ranks fourth among all blockchains. While Ethereum remains far ahead with USD 122 billion, BNB has repeatedly surpassed Ethereum in daily transaction fees — a sign of high network activity.
Stablecoins and New Projects Strengthen the Ecosystem
Another milestone for BNB Chain is the entry of Resolv Labs. The company is bringing two new products to the network: the stablecoin USR and the RLP token, which acts as a risk buffer. These developments indicate growing confidence in the BNB ecosystem. User numbers also tell a clear story: with 1.06 million active addresses, BNB is well ahead of Ethereum, which has 376,000.
Ethereum Bets on Pectra – A Strategic Upgrade
Ethereum is planning a series of technical improvements with the Pectra upgrade. The goal is to further increase the scalability and efficiency of the network. While full details of the upgrade are not yet known, it is clear that Ethereum does not intend to give up its leading role in the Layer-1 space without a fight. The community expects Pectra to bring improvements particularly in terms of smart contracts and transaction costs.
Market Behaviour: Whales Are Backing BNB
A look at trading data shows that large investors — so-called whales — continue to back BNB. The average order size in the spot market has remained high for over a year. This trend coincided with the price surge to USD 720 in the fourth quarter. Although the current price is about 20% below the all-time high, the confidence of major market players remains strong. That indicates solid fundamentals and further growth potential.
Ethereum vs. BNB – Two Different Approaches
Ethereum stands out with a mature ecosystem, strong developer community, and dominant position in DeFi. BNB, on the other hand, impresses with speed, low fees, and high user activity. Both networks are taking different paths to maintain their positions. For you as a user or investor, this means you can choose between two strong platforms, each with its own advantages.
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Our Assessment
The competition between Ethereum and BNB Chain will intensify further in 2025. Ethereum remains a technological leader, but BNB is catching up with targeted upgrades and a growing user base. If you’re looking for a platform for DeFi applications, fast transactions, or stable network costs, it’s worth taking a closer look at both blockchains. The right choice depends on your individual needs — both networks offer solid prospects.