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Ethereum

Ethereum (ETH) is one of the biggest blockchains and the most popular in terms of overall usage.

Thanks to Ethereum's composibility, a lot of dAppsa that you likely use every single day are built on the Ethereum blockchain.

That's not to say it's not without drawbacks, but generally speaking this really is the lking of the dApps. Below is a growing collection of the best Web3 and blockchain dApps being built on and within the Ethereum ecosystem.

No. of Nodes:
10,000+
Type of chain:
Layer 1 chain
Consensus mechanism:

Proof-of-stake

Pros

  • Smart contract capabilities
  • Programmability
  • Speed and Scalability
  • Community support
  • High Security
  • Interoperability

Cons

  • Limited Scalability without L2 solutions
  • Poor Performance under Load
  • High gas costs for Users and Developers
  • 4. Deployment Errors Can be Costly

Features

  • Decentralized
  • Smart contract functionality
  • Ethereum is considered to be Turing-complete
  • Fast Transactions
  • Ether (ETH) cryptocurrency
  • Immutable Records
  • Interoperability
  • Transparency 

User review highlights

Popular dApps on

Ethereum

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0xUniverse

0xUniverse
Supported chains
Description:
0xUniverse lets players build spaceships, explore the galaxy and colonize planets. You can buy, sell and trade your cryptocollectibles
Pros:
Cons

1inch Wallet

1inch Wallet
Description:
The 1inch Wallet is a powerful, secure and versatile crypto wallet that enables you to store, send and swap digital assets in the most user-friendly way.
Pros:
  • User-friendly interface
  • No trading or gas fees
  • An infinite amount of HD wallet derivation paths
  • Compatible with Ledger One wallet for major blockchains and tokens
  • 24/7 customer support
Cons
  • The iOS version supports swaps only via Web3 browse

2.5 intelligence

2.5 intelligence
Supported chains
Description:
2.5 intelligence is a suite of web3 tools that create branded Bots for projects to maximize engagement.
Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • NFT support
  • Keep up to date information
Cons
  • Not entirely free

Alchemy

Alchemy
Supported chains
Description:
Alchemy offers various development tools to help build Web3 dApps.
Pros:
  • Multiple tools
  • Tried and tested by many
  • Industry leading name
Cons
  • Still very technical

Ambire Wallet

Ambire Wallet
Description:
Ambire Wallet is the first DeFi cryptocurrency wallet that combines power with ease of use, solving common pain points of DeFi.
Pros:
  • Mobile App available on both Google Play and App Store
  • Email/password signup without compromising the non-custodial nature of Ambire Wallet
  • Multiple signers (keys) can be used to control the same account, such as a combination of a hardware wallet and a software wallet.
Cons

Argos.id

Argos.id
Description:
Argos.id helps make unhosted wallets KYC compliant
Pros:
  • Streamlines KYC process when using more than 1 platform
Cons
  • Argos ID does not yet conduct full KYC checks themselves

Axie infinity

Axie infinity
Supported chains
Description:
A game NFT marketplace to collect, breed, and trade Axies
Pros:
  • One of the most succesful NFT based video game
  • Earn while playing
  • Potential way to earn legitimate crypto
Cons
  • Quite expensive for new members
  • Accepts only Axie infinity and Ethereum as only valid means of payment
  • Must buy 3 Axies to play a game.

BitGo

BitGo
Supported chains
Description:
BitGo is a digital asset custody, security, and liquidity company that provides institutional-grade solutions for blockchain-based businesses and individuals.
Pros:
  • Industry-leading security and multi-signature technology
  • Institutional-grade custody solutions for digital assets
  • Seamless integration with multiple blockchain networks
  • User-friendly interface for managing digital assets
Cons
  • Higher fees compared to other custody and wallet solutions
  • Limited support for non-custodial trading
  • Relatively limited range of supported digital assets

BitMEX

BitMEX
Description:
BitMEX provides institutional and professional traders with an exchange platform that caters to their needs including lower latency, better liquidity and availability.
Pros:
  • Lower fees
  • User friendly
  • Users can earn while holding their crypto
  • Derivatives contract
  • Better liquidity and latency
  • Transparent fees
  • The BMEX token
  • Asset security and custody
  • Proof of reserves and liabilities
  • Latency and limits
  • Innovation
  • Compliance
Cons
  • Not for beginners
  • Can be confusing

Bitop Exchange

Bitop Exchange
Supported chains
Description:
Bitop provides a secure crypto exchange, enabling you to buy, sell, and trade BTC, Ethereum, and access the spot and futures markets with confidence.
Pros:
  • good service, quickly resolve user issues
  • Covers more than 300 trading pairs
  • Rich and diverse activities to make users find it interesting
Cons
  • Limited Payment Methods
  • Lack of NFT Marketplace

User reviews of

Ethereum

What is the Ethereum blockchain? 

Ethereum is the world's leading decentralized blockchain platform, bringing together a broad range of stakeholders in a trustless and secure environment. Ethereum enables users to create, execute and verify smart contracts on its platform without relying on any third party or central authority. These smart contracts are open source applications that run on the blockchain network and are digitally signed by all participants in order to guarantee security and immutability.

The Ethereum network also relies on Ether (ETH) as its native cryptocurrency which serves as an incentive for nodes that securely process transactions and advance the network. Users can create accounts, generate addresses, send and receive transactions using ETH as payment. Participants can also use ETH to pay for computing resources running a smart contract code when requested by other users, allowing them to establish digital relationships based on trust and consensus more efficiently than traditional methods. With this level of security, reliability, speed and cost savings; Ethereum has become the go-to choice for developers seeking an efficient decentralized solution for their needs.

Best Ethereum dApps

There are, frankly, far too many Ethereum dApps to know which is the overall "best".

It really depends on your needs which you might find the best. 

You could go through the list above this section to find the dApp with the best use case for your needs. To help speed that search, I've added a few of the most popular Ethereum dApps below.  

What you might notice is that all of these apps are often the biggest or most well-known in their space.  

A definite positive for the Ethereum blockchain.  

1. Uniswap

The biggest decentralized exchange

Uniswap Ethereum dApp

Uniswap is an open-source decentralized exchange platform that allows users to trade and provide liquidity for Ethereum-based ERC20 tokens.

Uniswap uses a collection of smart contracts which control the creation of liquidity pools and asset swapping, making it one of the world's most popular crypto exchanges.

Since its inception in 2021, Uniswap has processed over $1.2 trillion in volume, guaranteeing reliable and trustless trades between third parties on Ethereum.

The Uniswap ecosystem has been quickly expanding, with more developers, traders and liquidity providers increasingly getting involved in building out DeFi applications.

Thanks to its non-custodial nature, customizable fees, and zero-trading fees for traders, Uniswap provides convenient access to crypto markets for both experienced traders and novices alike—allowing anyone to participate in the emerging digital asset economy without leaving their Ethereum wallet.

2. OpenSea

The world's largest NFT marketplace

OpenSea Ethereum dApp

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have become widely popular among crypto holders, and OpenSea has been a major reason behind this. Founded in 2018, the platform allows users to buy, sell, and mint NFTs from their web3 crypto wallets with ease.

It is home to over 2 million different NFT collections, 80 million individual NFTs, and 20 billion US dollars in trading volume all together.

One popular example of the kind of collections OpenSea hosts are Crypto Punks and Bored Ape Yacht Club.

All these games are blockchain-based virtual items which can be bought by connecting to cryptocurrency wallet providers like Metamask or Coinbase Wallet.

The decentralized platform also supports multiple blockchains, making it one of the biggest digital collectibles marketplace out there with more than 300 apps built on it already.

 3. MetaMask

The most popular crypto wallet

Metamask Ethereum dApp

MetaMask is a browser extension that makes it easy for users to access decentralized applications (DApps). It provides a user interface for managing crypto wallets and interacting with blockchain-based smart contracts.

It’s an ideal platform for those who want to use Ethereum-based DApps but don’t have much experience in blockchain technology.

MetaMask offers the ease of use and convenience of a cryptocurrency wallet combined with enhanced security features such as two-factor authentication, enabling users to safely manage their funds from any device.

Using MetaMask is as simple as adding it as an extension to a compatible browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, Brave, or Edge desktop browsers.

Alternatively, it can be downloaded as a free mobile app on either iOS or Android. With MetaMask setup complete, users can securely connect to multiple blockchains using its universal interface and even store their digital currency in its built-in vault.

When visiting a DApp website within supported browsers – MetaMask automatically provides the connection detail needed by the website without having to make any manual input by the user. Hence facilitating quick and secure transactions

 4. Axie infinity

The most well-known play-to-earn crypto game

Axie Infinity Ethereum dApp

Axie Infinity is an NFT-based gaming DApp that has gained immense popularity over the past few months. It uses blockchain technology to allow players to create, collect and trade digital pets known as Axies.

The play-to-earn model of the game offers users with a great opportunity to earn rewards in the form of its native tokens, Smooth Love Potion (SLP) and Axie Infinity Token (AXS).

The SMPL and AXS tokens can be earned by participating in different activities within the game such as fighting battles and completing certain missions.

These tokens are also available for trading on major exchanges which allows gamers to benefit from potential profits. 

How does Ethereum work? 

Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contract applications running on its own native cryptocurrency, ether.

It was created in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Joe Lubin and other founders of the blockchain software company ConsenSys.

Ethereum is used to create Decentralized applications (Dapps) running on a decentralized network which eliminates risks associated with fraud and censorship.

Dapps use Ethereum's smart contracts which execute predetermined actions when particular conditions are met, for example automatically issuing payments when certain parameters are matched without having to worry about third parties getting involved or blocking access to data.

In addition, Ethereum provides users with an exchangeable cryptocurrency called ether that can be transferred from one user to another without requiring a centralized intermediary such as a bank or payment processor.

Since its launch in 2015, Ether (the native currency of Ethereum) has become one of the most valuable cryptocurrencies after Bitcoin.

The underlying technology of blockchain and decentralization makes it extremely attractive for businesses, organizations and individuals alike that want to keep their data private and secure while leveraging the transactional efficiency provided by Ethereum’s technology.

Moreover, thanks to its immutable features coupled with cryptographic protocols like Solidity, Ethereum enables developers to build complex apps securely and efficiently while ensuring.

What makes Ethereum unique?

Ethereum stands out as a unique entry in the world of blockchain technology.

Its main appeal lies in its ability to handle smart contracts, which are digital agreements between parties with predetermined conditions and outcomes.

These contracts have enabled Ethereum to become the go-to platform for executing automated payments and other transactions that benefit from an increased level of reliability, privacy, and security offered by the blockchain.

With their lack of reliance on centralized institutions or single points-of-failure, smart contracts can significantly reduce transaction costs while increasing trust between participants.

Ethereum’s infrastructure was designed with the vision of creating a “one computer for the entire planet” capable of running any type of program reliably across its distributed network.

Combined with its support for various tokens through its ERC-20 compatibility standard, it offers unprecedented customization options that make it attractive for a broad range of use cases, from decentralized finance (DeFi) projects to cryptocurrency projects aiming to create new tokens and frameworks.

This advanced technology has made Ethereum one of the most versatile and popular public blockchains to date.

Types of Ethereum tokens

Ethereum token standards are specialized code that govern how tokens interact within the Ethereum blockchain.

These token standards provide a standard set of rules for developers to create and deploy new digital assets on top of Ethereum. 

There's a large list fo token standards out there,e but I've added a few of the most popular and commonly used ones below.   

  • ERC-20 - A standard interface for fungible (interchangeable) tokens, like voting tokens, staking tokens or virtual currencies.
  • ERC-721 - A standard interface for non-fungible tokens, like a deed for artwork or a song.
  • ERC-777 - ERC-777 allows people to build extra functionality on top of tokens such as a mixer contract for improved transaction privacy or an emergency recover function to bail you out if you lose your private keys.
  • ERC-1155 - ERC-1155 allows for more efficient trades and bundling of transactions – thus saving costs. This token standard allows for creating both utility tokens (such as $BNB or $BAT) and Non-Fungible Tokens like CryptoPunks.
  • ERC-4626 - A tokenized vault standard designed to optimize and unify the technical parameters of yield-bearing vaults. 

The Ethereum Merge

The Ethereum Merge saw the Ethereum blockchain transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake.

Along with this, it combined the existing Ethereum mainnet created with the Beacon Chain, a brand new PoS blockchain. This merge provided several improvements and enhanced security for the blockchain overall.

After the merge it became possible to issue ERC20 tokens on the PoS chain without needing to create a new token standard.

In short, the ethereum merge massively improve the usage and usability of the Ethereum blockchain.  

One of the biggest talking points for the Ethereum merge was moving from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake. Let's quickly look at what that actually means. 

Proof-of-work vs proof-of-stake

Proof-of-Work (PoW) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS) are two important consensus mechanisms used in blockchain technology.

PoW requires users to prove their work by solving difficult mathematical puzzles. T

his requires large amounts of computing power, and it is possibly how the user has “mined” the coins themselves or purchased them from another individual who had already mined for them.

As a reward for authenticating transactions, miners are rewarded with cryptocurrency.

Meanwhile, Proof-of-Stake (PoS) also incentivizes good actors to help support the network but in a very different way. It is based on users staking or locking a certain amount of cryptocurrency as collateral in order to ensure that they invest in honest behaviour.

If the network detects any dishonest behaviour, the staked funds can be lost - encouraging those who lock their funds not to commit fraudulent activities.

PoS yields lower volatility than PoW does because it does not require miners to purchase expensive hardware or build data centers to remain competitive - making it easier for smaller entities with fewer resources to participate in validating transactions on the blockchain.

Furthermore, since no new coins need to be minted by miners when using PoS, this also helps conserve

Pros of building on Ethereum

1. Ethereum is a powerful, open-source platform for decentralized apps (dapps).

2. Ethereum makes it easy and affordable to create distributed applications that are secure and unpredictable.

3. Transaction costs are low because of the support of the underlying technology.

4. Ethereum allows developers to easily create their own tokens with the help of its virtual machine and smart contracts capabilities.

5. Ethereum enables users to apply immutable rules and shared systems on a network without needing to trust each other or relying on a court system

6. Ethereum is constantly evolving and innovating, allowing developers to take advantage of cutting edge technologies like crypto-economics and Proof-of-Stake systems.

7. The contracts created on an ethereum blockchain cannot be censored or changed by any third party, making them secure and transparent by default

Cons of building on Ethereum

1. Limited Scalability. Ethereum's blockchain design means its nodes must process every transaction across the entire network, which can lead to scalability issues.

2. Poor Performance under Load. When the Ethereum network is overloaded with transactions, as seen during token sales and similar events, it can cause users problems such as slow transaction processing or even blocked transactions.

3. High gas costs for Users and Develoeprs. Users and developers need to pay "gas" (Ether) in order to make changes on the Ethereum blockchain, meaning there is a financial cost associated with building on Ethereum beyond just the upfront development costs.

4. Deployment Errors Can be Costly. Deployment errors are possible when using any coding language, but they're especially dangerous on a blockchain where code execution is irreversible and results can have major financial impacts if not carefully considered beforehand.

Other chains to explore