Comparative table of top blockchains based on key usage paramaters:

Blockchain	Transaction Volume (24h)	Active Addresses	Total Value Locked (TVL)	Transaction Fees	Smart Contracts Deployed	Hash Rate	Staking Participation	Block Time and Finality	Network Activity	Network Health	Market Cap	Liquidity
Ethereum	$2.8 billion	1.2 million	$25.6 billion	~$1-$50 per tx	4.6 million	950 TH/s	15% of supply	12-14s block time, ~6 min finality	High (DApps, DeFi)	Decentralized, 7k+ nodes	$225 billion	High
Solana	$900 million	800,000	$900 million	<$0.01 per tx	150,000+	N/A	70% of supply	~0.4s block time, ~2s finality	High (DApps, NFTs)	Centralized, ~1k nodes	$9 billion	Medium
Avalanche	$200 million	200,000	$2.3 billion	<$0.10 per tx	50,000+	N/A	60% of supply	~2s block time, ~1-2s finality	Growing (DeFi, DApps)	Decentralized, Subnets	$5 billion	Medium
BNB Chain	$500 million	1 million	$3.2 billion	~$0.05 per tx	350,000+	N/A	12% of supply	~3s block time, ~2-3s finality	High (DApps, DeFi)	Centralized, ~21 validators	$40 billion	High
Cardano	$50 million	1.5 million	$700 million	<$0.10 per tx	1,000+	N/A	65% of supply	~20s block time, ~5-10 min finality	Moderate (DApps)	Decentralized, 3k+ nodes	$9 billion	Medium
Cosmos	$80 million	150,000	$1 billion	<$0.01 per tx	30,000+	N/A	62% of supply	~6-7s block time, ~6-7s finality	Growing (DApps, Interchain)	Decentralized, Zones	$3.3 billion	Medium
Near	$20 million	100,000	$300 million	~$0.001 per tx	20,000+	N/A	45% of supply	~1s block time, ~1-2s finality	Emerging (DApps)	Decentralized, 400 nodes	$2 billion	Low

Parameters used to evaluate blockchains

When evaluating how much a blockchain is being used, several key parameters are typically considered. These parameters provide insights into the blockchain’s activity level, adoption, and overall utility. Here are the most common ones:

1. Transaction Volume

• Definition: The total number of transactions processed by the blockchain over a specific period (daily, weekly, monthly).
• Importance: High transaction volume indicates frequent usage of the network, reflecting its utility and adoption.

2. Active Addresses

• Definition: The number of unique addresses that are actively participating in transactions within a given timeframe.
• Importance: A large number of active addresses suggests a broad and engaged user base, which is critical for network health and growth.

3. Total Value Locked (TVL)

• Definition: The total amount of assets (in USD or native tokens) locked in decentralized applications (DeFi) on the blockchain.
• Importance: TVL indicates the level of trust and usage of the blockchain’s DeFi ecosystem. Higher TVL signifies greater confidence in the platform.

4. Gas Fees / Transaction Fees

• Definition: The total fees paid by users for conducting transactions on the blockchain.
• Importance: High fees can indicate network congestion due to high demand, while low fees might suggest underutilization or efficiency.

5. Number of Smart Contracts Deployed

• Definition: The total number of smart contracts deployed on the blockchain.
• Importance: A higher number of deployed contracts indicates active development and the creation of decentralized applications on the network.

6. Hash Rate (for Proof-of-Work Blockchains)

• Definition: The total computational power used to mine and secure the blockchain.
• Importance: A higher hash rate signifies a more secure network, as it would be more difficult to execute a 51% attack.

7. Staking Participation (for Proof-of-Stake Blockchains)

• Definition: The percentage of the total supply of tokens that is staked in the network.
• Importance: High staking participation indicates strong network security and commitment from token holders.

8. Block Time and Finality

• Definition: The time it takes for a block to be mined/created and for a transaction to be considered final and irreversible.
• Importance: Shorter block times and faster finality suggest a more responsive and usable network.

9. Network Activity (e.g., DApp Usage)

• Definition: The activity level on decentralized applications, such as the number of users, transactions, or volume on DApps.
• Importance: High DApp usage reflects the blockchain’s attractiveness to developers and end-users.

10. Network Health (Nodes and Decentralization)

• Definition: The number of active nodes and the degree of decentralization in the network.
• Importance: A higher number of nodes and greater decentralization indicate a more resilient and robust network.

11. Market Capitalization and Liquidity

• Definition: The total market value of the blockchain’s native token and the liquidity available in exchanges.
• Importance: Higher market capitalization and liquidity suggest greater confidence and usability of the blockchain’s token.