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- BNB Chain led EVM activity in 2025 through consistent, retail-driven usage.
- Ethereum remains the settlement layer but lags in daily transactions.
- Retention, not incentive spikes, will define EVM leadership in 2026.
The battle for EVM dominance in 2025 didn’t play out the way many expected. There were no sustained meme rallies, no headline-grabbing incentive wars that lasted. Instead, one chain steadily pulled ahead through something far less flashy: routine usage. As the market looks toward 2026, on-chain data suggests BNB Chain has emerged as the most consistently used EVM network, not through hype, but through habit.
While other chains chased attention in bursts, BNB Chain focused on keeping users active day after day. That difference now matters.
Usage, Not Hype, Drove BNB Chain Ahead
Data shared by Nansen shows a clear shift in activity leadership after mid-2025. BNB Chain overtook rivals as active addresses climbed and remained elevated, rather than spiking briefly and fading. This pattern points to recurring user behavior, not short-term speculation.
Low transaction fees, fast confirmations, and deep links to centralized exchange flows played a major role. Retail users, in particular, continued to transact even as broader market excitement cooled. Unlike other networks, BNB Chain didn’t depend on isolated campaigns to stay relevant. Activity stayed within a tight but elevated range, signaling sticky liquidity and repeat usage.
Ethereum Holds Settlement Power, Not Daily Volume
Ethereum remains the backbone of the EVM ecosystem, especially for settlement and high-value transactions. Even after a steep drop from earlier peaks, Ethereum still generated nearly $483 million in fees, reinforcing its role as the network institutions rely on.
However, that strength doesn’t translate to raw activity. Ethereum has effectively ceded day-to-day volume to cheaper, faster alternatives. Its position is stable, but not dominant when it comes to daily users. Upcoming scalability upgrades and rollup fee reforms could change that balance, but for now, Ethereum’s role is more foundational than transactional.
Base, Arbitrum, and Others Show Fragile Momentum
Other EVM chains told a different story in 2025. Base recorded sharp growth in addresses and transactions, but falling fees hinted that incentives, not organic demand, drove much of the activity. Arbitrum saw transaction counts rise, yet active users and fee revenue slipped, suggesting weaker retention.
Polygon and Sei Network experienced occasional surges tied to specific events or launches, but these were short-lived. None matched BNB Chain’s ability to maintain consistent engagement without relying on constant stimulation.
Also Read: BNB Chain Appoints Nina Rong as Growth Director
As the EVM ecosystem moves into 2026, the lesson from 2025 is clear: sustained usage matters more than viral moments. Payments, gaming, and social applications will reward networks that keep users coming back, not just showing up once.
BNB Chain’s dominance now looks structural rather than temporary. Regulatory clarity, new app launches, and evolving incentives could still reshuffle rankings, but the race is no longer about spikes. It’s about who owns everyday activity — and right now, BNB Chain is setting that pace.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
