Layer‑1 gas wars: which networks offer the best UX to new users – 2025

Discover how current Layer‑1 gas wars shape user experience, compare Ethereum, Solana, Polygon and Polkadot, and see why Eden RWA’s tokenized Caribbean real estate offers a practical RWA example.

• Gas wars are reshaping the crypto user experience in 2025.
• Ethereum’s fee spikes push newcomers toward lower‑cost alternatives.
• This guide ranks Layer‑1 networks on UX, cost and safety for new users.

The past year has seen an unprecedented surge in transaction fees across the Ethereum network. While Ethereum remains the de facto hub for DeFi, NFTs and RWA tokenization, its congestion forces many users to pay exorbitant gas prices or abandon transactions altogether. The result is a growing “gas war” where alternative Layer‑1 chains compete for market share by offering lower fees and faster confirmation times.

New retail investors—those who have just dipped into crypto through an exchange or a simple wallet—often find themselves overwhelmed by the complexity of choosing a network that balances cost, speed, safety and usability. This article addresses the core question: Which Layer‑1 networks provide the best user experience for newcomers in 2025?

We’ll examine Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, and Polkadot, compare their fee structures, tooling ecosystems and security postures, and conclude with a concrete RWA example—Eden RWA’s tokenized French Caribbean real estate platform. By the end you will know which network best suits your needs and how an emerging RWA offering can fit into that landscape.

Background: What are Layer‑1 gas wars?

A Layer‑1 blockchain is a base protocol that processes transactions directly on its own consensus layer—Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot’s Relay Chain, or Polygon’s PoS chain. “Gas” refers to the computational cost of executing a transaction, measured in native tokens (ETH, SOL, DOT, MATIC). When user activity spikes, block space becomes scarce and gas prices rise.

In 2024–25, Ethereum witnessed repeated periods of high congestion driven by NFT drops, DeFi protocol upgrades and institutional trading. The resulting surge in ETH gas prices—often exceeding $200 per transaction—prompted users to seek cheaper alternatives. This shift has intensified the “gas war” as competing chains battle for market share by offering lower fees, faster confirmations and improved user interfaces.

Key players include:

• Ethereum: The original Layer‑1 with a vast ecosystem but high gas costs.
• Polygon (PoS): A scaling layer that runs as a sidechain to Ethereum, offering lower fees and fast finality.
• Solana (Proof of History + PoS): Known for high throughput and very low transaction costs.
• Polkadot (Relay Chain + Parachains): Provides a multichain ecosystem with shared security, but user experience varies across parachains.

How It Works: Comparing Gas, UX and Security

Below is a step‑by‑step breakdown of how each network handles transaction fees and what that means for end users.

1. Transaction Initiation: The user signs an unsigned transaction via a wallet (MetaMask, Phantom, Ledger).
2. Fee Calculation: Each chain estimates the required gas or fee based on current network load. Ethereum uses a dynamic EIP‑1559 model; Solana calculates fees in SOL per byte.
3. Broadcast & Confirmation: The transaction is broadcast to validators/miners. Confirmation time ranges from <1 s (Solana) to ~15 s (Polygon) to 13–30 s (Ethereum).
4. Finalization: Once a block includes the transaction and enough confirmations are achieved, the change is recorded permanently.

Below is a concise comparison of key parameters for each chain that influence UX for new users.

The table highlights that while Ethereum offers the most robust ecosystem, its fee volatility creates friction for newcomers. Polygon and Solana mitigate costs but require users to bridge assets or use dedicated wallets, adding complexity.

Market Impact & Use Cases

Layer‑1 gas wars influence several market segments:

• DeFi Yield Farming: High fees erode returns; many yield protocols now support multi-chain liquidity to reduce costs.
• NFT Drops: Artists prefer Solana or Polygon to avoid high ETH gas, allowing lower mint prices and broader participation.
• RWA Tokenization: Projects like Eden RWA deploy on Ethereum for legal compliance but can bridge tokens to cheaper chains for trading.
• High throughput and low fees are essential; Solana’s speed makes it a favourite for NFT games.

In 2025, the trend points toward multichain interoperability layers, where tokenized assets can move seamlessly between Ethereum, Polygon and other chains via bridges or Layer‑2 solutions. This reduces friction but introduces new security considerations.

Risks, Regulation & Challenges

• Regulatory Uncertainty: The SEC’s stance on ERC‑20 tokens and MiCA in the EU affect how assets can be listed and traded across chains.
• Bridge Attacks: Many multichain bridges have been exploited, exposing users to potential loss of funds during transfers.
• Smart Contract Bugs: New developers may deploy poorly audited contracts on emerging chains, risking hacks.
• Liquidity Fragmentation: Tokens spread across chains can suffer from low liquidity, making exits difficult.
• KYC/AML Compliance: Some chains allow truly pseudonymous transactions; regulatory pressure could force stricter identity verification, affecting user onboarding.

These challenges underline the importance of selecting a network with robust tooling and community support, especially for retail investors new to crypto.

Outlook & Scenarios for 2025+

• Bullish Scenario: Ethereum’s upcoming London upgrade further reduces fees via sharding; Polygon expands its ecosystem; cross‑chain bridges mature, creating a frictionless user experience. Retail adoption surges across all Layer‑1s.
• Bearish Scenario: Regulatory crackdowns on tokenized assets limit RWA listings; bridge exploits erode trust; users flock to centralized custodial solutions.
• Base Case (12–24 months): Ethereum remains the primary hub for high‑value assets, but most everyday transactions shift to Polygon or Solana due to cost. Interoperability tools improve, yet occasional bridge incidents keep risk in mind.

For new users, the key takeaway is that a balanced approach—using Polygon for day‑to‑day trading and Ethereum for high‑value RWA investments—offers both affordability and security.

Eden RWA: Tokenized Luxury Real Estate on Ethereum

Eden RWA is an investment platform that democratizes access to French Caribbean luxury real estate, including properties in Saint‑Barthélemy, Saint‑Martin, Guadeloupe and Martinique. The platform tokenizes these assets as ERC‑20 property tokens backed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) structured as a SCI or SAS.

Key features:

• ERC‑20 Property Tokens: Each token represents an indirect share in a specific villa, allowing fractional ownership without the need for traditional legal documents.
• Yield Distribution: Rental income is paid out in USDC directly to investors’ Ethereum wallets via automated smart contracts.
• Experiential Layer: Quarterly, a bailiff‑certified draw selects one token holder for a free week’s stay at the villa they partially own.
• DAO‑Light Governance: Token holders vote on major decisions (renovation, sale, usage) ensuring aligned interests and community oversight.
Technical Stack:
• Ethereum mainnet for compliance
• Auditable smart contracts
• Wallet integrations: MetaMask, WalletConnect, Ledger
• P2P marketplace for primary/secondary exchanges

Eden RWA exemplifies how an RWA project can operate within the Ethereum ecosystem while offering a user-friendly experience. Investors can purchase tokens through the presale with a simple wallet connection, receive rental income in stablecoins, and participate in governance—all without needing to understand complex DeFi mechanics.

If you’re interested in exploring tokenized real estate that blends tangible assets with blockchain transparency, you might want to learn more about Eden RWA’s upcoming presale. You can visit the official site or join the presale directly:

Eden RWA Presale Page | Direct Presale Access

Practical Takeaways

• Check current gas prices on Etherscan Gas Tracker before transacting.
• For frequent small trades, consider Polygon or Solana to avoid high fees.
• Use reputable bridges (e.g., Wormhole, Hop) and verify contract addresses before bridging.
• Verify that the token’s smart contract has undergone external audit; check for security badges on Etherscan.
• Keep track of regulatory developments in your jurisdiction—especially MiCA and SEC guidance on ERC‑20 tokens.
• For RWA investments, prefer platforms with clear legal backing and transparent governance (e.g., Eden RWA).

Mini FAQ

What is gas fee?

A gas fee is the cost paid to validators or miners for processing a transaction on a blockchain. It’s measured in the network’s native token.

Why are Ethereum gas fees so high?

High demand during NFT drops, DeFi activity and limited block space pushes users to compete for inclusion, raising fee prices.

Is Polygon safer than Ethereum?

Polygon uses a PoS consensus that is secured by the same validators as Ethereum via its “shared security” model, offering comparable safety at lower costs.

Can I bridge tokens from Ethereum to Solana?

Yes, but bridges can be risky; always use audited bridge contracts and double‑check addresses before sending funds.

How does Eden RWA generate income for token holders?

Eden RWA’s SPV collects rental payments from luxury villas and distributes the proceeds in USDC to token holders via smart contracts.

Conclusion

The 2025 Layer‑1 gas wars have forced users, developers and projects to rethink how they deliver value. Ethereum remains the gold standard for high‑value assets like RWA tokenization, but its cost volatility pushes everyday traders toward cheaper chains such as Polygon or Solana. A balanced approach—leveraging each network’s strengths while mitigating risks through robust bridges and audits—is essential for new users.

Platforms like Eden RWA demonstrate how blockchain can make high‑end real estate accessible to a broader audience without compromising security or governance. As the ecosystem matures, we expect further convergence of Layer‑1s via interoperability protocols, but until then, understanding each network’s UX trade‑offs remains critical for informed participation.

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.