However, when measuring actual user-facing outcomes ahead of a mainnet rollout, BlockDAG (BDAG) clearly separates itself. It has already launched a public beta testnet, shipped 10,000 ASIC miners globally, and introduced comprehensive resources for developers, demonstrating real-world progress before full deployment.
NEAR and Aptos may continue refining their protocols, but BlockDAG’s output reflects real execution, making it central to discussions about the future of Layer 1 performance.
NEAR Protocol serves as a Layer-1 network structured to enhance scalability and provide a friendly environment for developers working on decentralized applications (dApps). Its Nightshade sharding framework allows parallel transaction execution, improving speed and lowering delays—key challenges in blockchain systems. This structure improves the platform’s capacity and performance.
By March 30, 2025, NEAR’s trading value was about $2.65 USD. Over the past year, it experienced several price movements, including a 23.9% gain in a single week. This was paired with an 18.8% increase in Total Value Locked (TVL), pointing to growing user interest and liquidity in the NEAR ecosystem. However, these gains have been mixed with corrections, showing the usual market volatility.
Aptos is a Layer-1 chain born from Meta’s discontinued Diem project, designed with an emphasis on speed and security. Created by former Meta engineers, Aptos uses the Move language and AptosBFTv4 consensus method, helping it meet high demands for transaction volume and network safety. These features make it appealing for use cases needing fast, reliable performance.
As of March 30, 2025, Aptos (APT) trades near $5.31 USD. In one week, APT grew 10.5%, and TVL increased by 14.3%, signaling more users and growing support. Aptos has also announced partnerships with companies like Google Cloud and Microsoft, adding to its future potential and strengthening its position.
When considered together, both NEAR and Aptos have achieved steady growth due to technological focus and strategic alliances. Despite ongoing market swings, their long-term direction appears promising.
Many projects focus on promotion first, but BlockDAG has gone in the opposite direction—delivering solid outcomes before generating hype. Before its mainnet even arrives, the project has already achieved key results that are visible and usable.
So far, BlockDAG has shipped over 10,000 ASIC miners worldwide, offering clear evidence of its hardware capacity. At the same time, its Beta Testnet is now publicly running and validating the GhostDAG protocol in real settings. This isn’t a closed test or internal build—it’s active, observable, and accessible.
Beyond hardware and protocol, BlockDAG also supports upcoming developers through dedicated tools, such as the BlockDAG Academy, ready-made smart contract templates, and clear technical guides. All of these are available before the mainnet, helping developers begin work early.
So far, the presale has seen a strong response. By Batch 27, BlockDAG raised $210.5 million with over 19 billion coins sold. The coin is now priced at $0.0248, reflecting a 2,380% increase since Batch 1. These figures reflect real backing for a project already showing visible achievements.
This level of progress, ahead of the mainnet, sets BlockDAG apart. Few others can point to actual deliveries like hardware, a working public testnet, and complete dev tools at this stage. The story here is not about future ideas—it’s about actions already taken.
Success in Layer 1 often hinges on the ability to turn plans into outcomes. NEAR and Aptos have both moved forward in terms of tech development and partnerships.
Even so, BlockDAG provides proof through current deliverables before its mainnet debut. With hardware deployment, a live testnet, and developer support already in play, the difference lies in execution. While many refine visions, BlockDAG is producing measurable results. That distinction carries weight for developers, users, and anyone tracking long-term project stability.
Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network
Website: https://blockdag.network
Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial
Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu