Layer‑1 Gas Wars Analysis: Which Networks Offer the Best UX to New Users – 2025

Explore how Ethereum, Polygon, BSC, Avalanche and Solana stack up in gas costs, onboarding ease and wallet integration. Find out which Layer‑1 delivers the smoothest experience for new crypto users.

• Gas wars have reshaped user expectations – high fees are no longer a luxury.
• Layer‑1 networks differ drastically in cost, speed, and friction for newcomers.
• This analysis pinpoints the most user‑friendly options for 2025 and beyond.

The world of Ethereum has long been synonymous with decentralisation but not always with affordability. In early 2024 a surge in DeFi activity triggered “gas wars,” where users rushed to pay premium fees to execute transactions before network congestion took hold. While Layer‑2 rollups and sidechains have grown in popularity, many new entrants still prefer the simplicity of Layer‑1 chains because they avoid bridging complexities.

For retail investors looking to dip their toes into crypto, a key decision is which Layer‑1 offers the best user experience (UX). A network’s fee structure, wallet compatibility and onboarding friction directly impact whether a newcomer will keep exploring or abandon the ecosystem altogether.

This article unpacks the current state of gas wars across leading Layer‑1 networks, evaluates their UX for first‑time users, and looks ahead to what 2025 might hold. By the end you’ll know which chains are most welcoming today and how emerging developments could shift the balance.

Background: The Anatomy of Gas Wars

In blockchain parlance, “gas” is the unit that measures computational effort required to process a transaction. On Ethereum, gas fees are paid in Ether (ETH) and fluctuate with network demand. When a surge of activity pushes the block reward limit, prices skyrocket – a phenomenon dubbed “gas wars.”

Layer‑1 chains are the foundational protocols that host smart contracts without external rollups. The most prominent include:

• Ethereum Mainnet – the original and most widely adopted EVM-compatible network.
• Polygon (Matic) – a Layer‑1 with its own proof‑of‑stake consensus, known for low fees.
• Binance Smart Chain (BSC) – fast and cheap, but criticised for centralisation risks.
• Avalanche – offers sub‑second finality and a native AVAX token with modest fees.
• Solana – a high‑throughput non‑EVM chain that attracts users seeking ultra‑low costs.

The importance of these networks has surged in 2025 as regulators tighten scrutiny over “DeFi bubbles” and traditional financial institutions explore tokenised assets. Governments in the EU, US and Asia are clarifying how existing securities laws apply to blockchain applications, while the EU’s MiCA regulation is slated for full implementation later this year.

How Gas Wars Shape User Experience

The UX of a Layer‑1 chain can be distilled into three pillars:

1. Transaction Speed & Cost – How fast and cheap are transactions? Users gauge whether the cost is worth the service.
2. Onboarding Flow – Does the network support popular wallets (MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Ledger) without a steep learning curve?
3. Liquidity & Ecosystem Support – Are there enough exchanges and DeFi protocols for users to swap tokens or stake assets easily?

Below is a step‑by‑step look at how these factors play out on each network.

Ethereum Mainnet

• Fees: Post‑EIP‑1559, base fees are burned, but volatility remains high during congestion.
• Speed: 15–30 seconds per block; average confirmation times can exceed 2 minutes during peak periods.
• Wallets: MetaMask integration is native; however, users often need to lock ETH in a bridge or use “gas station” apps to estimate costs.

Polygon

• Fees: Typically 0.0001 MATIC (~$0.01) per transaction.
• Speed: ~2–5 seconds per block; near‑instant confirmations.
• Wallets: MetaMask supports Polygon natively via network switch; many DApps allow direct deposit.

BSC

• Fees: Usually 0.00002 BNB (~$0.01) per transaction.
• Speed: ~2–5 seconds, similar to Polygon.
• Wallets: Supported by MetaMask and Binance Chain Wallet; however, some users report occasional network forks.

Avalanche

• Fees: Around 0.0001 AVAX (~$0.02) per transaction.
• Speed: Sub‑second finality; transactions confirmed in < 1 second.
• Wallets: Supported by MetaMask and Avalanche Wallet; users can switch networks via custom RPC settings.

Solana

• Fees: Less than $0.01 per transaction, often negligible.
• Speed: ~400 ms block time; near‑instant confirmations.
• Wallets: Phantom and Solflare are the most popular; integration with MetaMask is still in progress.

Market Impact & Use Cases

The choice of Layer‑1 directly affects retail users across several dimensions: trading, staking, NFT minting, yield farming, and even tokenised real estate. The following table summarises the comparative advantages:

Retail investors often begin with NFT purchases or DeFi yield farming. High gas costs on Ethereum can deter entry, pushing newcomers toward Polygon or BSC where transactions are near free. However, the depth of liquidity and security perception still favour Ethereum for large‑scale positions.

Risks, Regulation & Challenges

• Regulatory Uncertainty – The SEC has repeatedly flagged “unregistered securities” on DeFi protocols; MiCA will impose stricter KYC/AML mandates across EU blockchains in 2025.
• Smart Contract Risk – Bugs or exploits can lead to catastrophic losses. Polygon’s and BSC’s relatively newer codebases have had several high‑profile hacks.
• Centralisation Concerns – BSC is dominated by a few validators; Avalanche’s validator set remains smaller than Ethereum’s, raising governance concerns.
• Liquidity Risk – While Polygon and Solana boast large DEX volumes, sudden market swings can freeze liquidity pools, trapping assets.
• User Education Gap – New users may not fully understand gas fee mechanisms or network differences, leading to overpaying or falling victim to phishing bridges.

Outlook & Scenarios for 2025+

Bullish Scenario: Ethereum’s sharding rollout and continued EIP‑1559 optimisation reduce fees to <$1 per transaction. Simultaneously, Polygon expands its validator set, addressing centralisation concerns, while Solana stabilises governance with a robust upgrade process.

Bearish Scenario: Regulatory crackdowns hit tokenised assets and DeFi platforms, causing liquidity drains. BSC faces further centralisation scrutiny, leading to reduced developer activity. Ethereum’s fee spikes persist due to unimplemented scaling solutions.

Base Case: A modest improvement in Ethereum fees (<$5) coupled with the continued dominance of Polygon and Avalanche as low‑cost alternatives. Solana maintains niche strength in NFTs and gaming but struggles to attract mainstream DeFi users.

For retail investors, the most realistic path is a gradual shift: start on Layer‑1s that balance cost and security (Polygon or Avalanche), then migrate to Ethereum for high-value positions as fees normalize.

Eden RWA – Tokenised Luxury Real Estate Made Accessible

Eden RWA exemplifies how Layer‑1 networks can power real‑world asset tokenisation. By leveraging Ethereum’s ERC‑20 standard, the platform issues property tokens that represent fractional ownership in French Caribbean luxury villas (Saint‑Barthélemy, Saint‑Martin, Guadeloupe, Martinique). Each token is backed by a dedicated SPV (SCI/SAS) and distributed through audited smart contracts.

Key features:

• Income Distribution – Rental earnings are paid in USDC directly to holders’ Ethereum wallets every month.
• Experiential Stays – Quarterly, a random token holder wins a free week’s stay at their villa via a bailiff‑certified draw.
• Governance – A DAO‑light model allows token holders to vote on renovations or sale decisions, balancing efficiency with community oversight.
• Liquidity Pathway – A forthcoming compliant secondary market will enable fractional sales, enhancing liquidity for investors.

Eden RWA demonstrates how a Layer‑1’s UX—easy wallet integration, transparent smart contracts and low transaction costs—can democratise access to high‑end real estate that was once only reachable by institutional capital.

Curious about tokenised luxury property? Explore Eden RWA’s presale now: https://edenrwa.com/presale-eden/ or https://presale.edenrwa.com/. These links provide detailed whitepapers, tokenomics and the opportunity to join early.

Practical Takeaways for Retail Investors

• Monitor gas fee trends on Ethereum; tools like GasNow or Etherscan Gas Tracker help predict cost spikes.
• Verify wallet compatibility before switching networks—MetaMask’s network switch is straightforward but some DApps require custom RPC settings.
• Watch for upcoming Layer‑1 upgrades (e.g., Ethereum’s sharding, Avalanche’s validator expansion) that may influence fee dynamics.
• Assess regulatory developments in your jurisdiction; MiCA and SEC actions can affect tokenised asset offerings.
• When engaging with tokenised RWA platforms like Eden RWA, scrutinise the underlying legal entity (SPV) and custody arrangements.
• Consider diversifying across multiple Layer‑1s to mitigate network‑specific risks.
• Stay informed about liquidity provisions—AMMs on Polygon or Avalanche can be less liquid during market stress.

Mini FAQ

What is the difference between a Layer‑1 and a Layer‑2?

A Layer‑1 is the base blockchain (e.g., Ethereum, Solana) that processes all transactions. A Layer‑2 runs on top of it, using techniques like rollups or sidechains to batch transactions, reducing fees while still settling on the Layer‑1.

Why do gas wars happen?

Gas wars occur when demand for transaction processing outpaces a network’s capacity. Users compete by bidding higher gas prices to have their transactions included in the next block, driving overall costs upward.

Is Polygon safe for DeFi investments?

Polygon has a strong security track record but has experienced several smart contract exploits. Diversifying across chains and using well‑audited protocols mitigates risk.

Can I use MetaMask on Solana?

MetaMask natively supports EVM chains; for Solana, users typically switch to Phantom or Solflare wallets, though cross‑chain bridges are emerging.

What should I look for when investing in tokenised real estate?

Check the legal structure of the SPV, audit reports on smart contracts, rental yield history, and the platform’s governance model.

Conclusion

The 2025 landscape of Layer‑1 gas wars reflects a tug‑of‑war between cost, speed and security. Ethereum remains the deep, trusted foundation but its fee volatility still hampers mass adoption. Polygon, BSC, Avalanche and Solana provide compelling alternatives for new users who prioritise low friction and cheap transactions.

For retail investors, the optimal strategy involves starting on a Layer‑1 that balances affordability with ecosystem maturity—Polygon or Avalanche are currently leading candidates—and gradually expanding to Ethereum as scaling solutions mature. Tokenised RWA platforms like Eden RWA illustrate how these chains can be leveraged to bring tangible assets into Web3, offering income streams and unique experiential benefits.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research before making financial decisions.