Gas fees are the transaction costs paid to network validators for processing and securing blockchain transactions. These fees vary by network and are influenced by demand, congestion, and consensus mechanisms.
As adoption grows, many blockchains are optimized for lower fees and faster transactions, making them more attractive for businesses and users.
In 2025, emerging Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions, new consensus models, and alternative blockchains are lowering gas fees. This article explores networks with the lowest transaction costs, their mechanics, and how they compare in speed and scalability.
The gas fees for crypto transactions are not fixed and are subject to change at any time by the networks.
Lowest gas fees for Bitcoin
Every Bitcoin transaction requires a gas fee, a small amount paid to miners to process and confirm transactions.
These fees fluctuate based on network activity ー so when many people send Bitcoin at once, fees rise because space in each block is limited.
Bitcoin transactions typically take 10 minutes to confirm, but they can take longer during high congestion. You can speed up a transaction by paying a higher fee, making it more attractive to miners.
Bitcoin’s gas fees are in satoshis per byte (sat/vB)—the smaller the number, the lower the fee.
The Lightning Network: $0.001 gas fees
The Bitcoin Lightning Network is a Layer 2 solution that enables fast, low-cost BTC transactions.
It operates through off-chain payment channels, allowing users to send and receive Bitcoin without settling every transaction on the main blockchain.
Unlike Bitcoin’s base layer, which has 10-minute block times, LN transactions settle in milliseconds since they occur off-chain. This system significantly reduces congestion and lowers fees compared to on-chain Bitcoin transactions.
Lightning network overview
| Network | Lightning Network |
| Gas unit | Satoshi |
| Gas fee | ~$0.001 |
| Block confirmation time | No blocks, transactions are carried off-chain, near-instant transactions |
| Settlement | ~ 10 minutes (tied to the blockchain network) |
| Supported wallets | Wallet of Satoshi, Exodus |
Stacks: $0.00012 gas fees for Bitcoin
Stacks (STX) is a Layer 2 blockchain that extends Bitcoin’s functionality by enabling smart contracts, decentralized applications (dApps), and DeFi while using Bitcoin as a settlement layer.
It employs the Proof of Transfer (PoX) consensus, where miners commit Bitcoin (BTC) to secure the network and earn STX tokens.
How Stacks works: Stacks transactions are processed on the Stacks blockchain but secured by Bitcoin.
Each Stacks block is anchored to a Bitcoin block, ensuring finality. This design leverages Bitcoin’s security while allowing faster, more flexible execution for smart contracts and dApps.
Stacks network overview
| Network | Stacks |
| Gas unit | microSTX (STX) |
| Gas fee | ~ $0.00012 |
| Block confirmation time | ~5 seconds |
| Settlement | ~ 10 minutes (tied to the blockchain network) |
| Supported wallets | Hiro Wallet, Xverse |
BOB: $0.000008 gas fees for Bitcoin
BOB (Build on Bitcoin) is a hybrid Layer 2 (L2) network that bridges Bitcoin’s security with Ethereum’s DeFi capabilities.
It enables developers to build dApps on Bitcoin while leveraging Ethereum’s smart contract functionality.
BOB uses an Optimistic Rollup architecture with a Bitcoin finality layer, ensuring security while maintaining fast and low-cost transactions.
How BOB works: BOB allows users to transact with minimal gas fees, utilizing paymasters and smart accounts for optimized fee management.
Transactions can be paid in wBTC, USDT, or other supported assets, making it flexible for users.
BOB network overview
| Network | BOB L2 |
| Gas unit | BOB |
| Gas fee | Around $0.000008, paid in BOB (native token) |
| Block confirmation time | ~14.3 seconds per block |
| Settlement | ~ 10 minutes (tied to the blockchain network) |
| Supported wallets | OKX Wallet, Ledger, Trust Wallet |
Bitlayer: $0.1 gas fees for Bitcoin
Bitlayer is a relatively new Bitcoin Layer 2 solution built on BitVM, a framework that enhances Bitcoin’s programmability without requiring changes to the Bitcoin protocol.
Bitlayer enables Turing-complete smart contracts, allowing developers to build decentralized applications while maintaining Bitcoin’s security.
How Bitlayer works: The network settles transactions off-chain before finalizing them on the Bitcoin main chain. This approach reduces congestion, lowers gas fees, and speeds up transaction processing.
Bitlayer also integrates EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) compatibility, enabling cross-chain functionality between Bitcoin and Ethereum ecosystems.
Bitlayer unlocks DeFi in Bitcoin, making it more relevant for decentralized finance than BTC payments.
Bitlayer network overview
| Network | Bitlayer |
| Gas unit | Gwei (paid in Bitlayer native BTC) |
| Gas fee | ~ $0.1 |
| Block confirmation time | ~12 seconds per block |
| Settlement time | ~7 days (challenge period) |
| Supported wallets | OKX Wallet, Xverse |
Lowest gas fees for Ethereum
Ethereum gas fees fluctuate based on network congestion, with costs typically measured in Gwei (a fraction of ETH).
1 Gwei = 0.000000001 ETH.
During peak demand, fees can surge, making transactions expensive. However, Ethereum’s upcoming 2025 upgrades aim to lower fees and enhance efficiency.
The Pectra upgrade, expected to launch in April 2025, introduces Verkle Trees and account abstraction, which will streamline data storage and reduce computational costs.
It’s a complicated way of saying this update will optimize gas usage and improve validator efficiency, leading to lower transaction costs across the network.
Additionally, Ethereum’s long-term roadmap prioritizes Layer 2 scaling solutions, which process transactions off-chain before finalizing them on Ethereum, significantly reducing fees.
These developments align with Ethereum’s vision of scalability, security, and decentralization, ensuring lower gas fees and a smoother user experience.
Now, let’s compare some affordable network options to transacting on Ethereum.
Base: $0.0001 gas fees
Base is a Layer 2 (L2) blockchain built on the OP Stack, designed to provide a low-cost and scalable solution for Ethereum users.
Developed by Coinbase, the Base Network aims to reduce transaction costs while maintaining the security of Ethereum’s Layer 1 (L1).
By leveraging Optimistic Rollups, Base batches multiple transactions into a single one before submitting it to Ethereum, significantly lowering gas fees.
Base’s low fees and high throughput make it an attractive option for dApps, gaming, and DeFi protocols looking for cost efficiency without compromising security.
Base network overview
| Network | Base |
| Gas unit | Gwei |
| Gas fee | ~ $0.001 |
| Block confirmation time | 1 -2 seconds per block |
| Settlement time | ~7 days (challenge period) |
| Supported wallets | MetaMask, Trust Wallet |
Arbitrum: $0.03 gas fees
Arbitrum is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that uses optimistic rollups to process transactions off-chain and batch them before submitting to Ethereum’s mainnet.
Gas fees on Arbitrum are split into Layer 1 (L1) fees (for posting transaction data to Ethereum) and Layer 2 (L2) fees (for processing transactions off-chain). As a result, users experience significantly lower costs compared to Ethereum mainnet..
Arbitrum overview
| Network | Arbitrum |
| Gas unit | Gwei |
| Gas fee | ~ $0.03 |
| Block confirmation time | ~0.3 seconds |
| Settlement time | ~7 days (challenge period) |
| Supported wallets | MetaMask, Trust Wallet |
Unichain: $0.0001 gas fees
Unichain is a newly launched Layer 2 blockchain by Uniswap, designed for DeFi and cross-chain liquidity. Its mainnet went live in February 2025, offering high-speed, low-cost transactions.
The network features 1-second block confirmation times and aims to further reduce this to 250 milliseconds in future updates.
The system prioritizes decentralization through an innovative Validator Network, enhancing finality and reducing the risk of block conflicts.
Built within the Superchain ecosystem, Unichain supports ERC-7683, enabling seamless cross-chain transactions.
Transaction fees on Unichain are approximately 95% lower than Ethereum’s average fee in Gwei, making it a cost-effective alternative for DeFi applications.
Unichain network overview
| Network | Unichain |
| Gas unit | Gwei |
| Gas fee | ~ $0.0001 |
| Block confirmation time | ~ 1 second |
| Supported wallets | MetaMask, OKX Wallet |
Other cryptocurrencies with the lowest gas fees
While Ethereum and Bitcoin dominate the market, they aren’t always the most cost-effective options.
Several newer blockchains offer near-zero gas fees, making them ideal for everyday transactions and DeFi activity.
Stellar (XLM): $0.00001 gas fees
Stellar (XLM) is a blockchain network for fast and low-cost cross-border transactions. It operates using the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP) instead of traditional Proof-of-Work or Proof-of-Stake.
This system enables transactions to be verified quickly without relying on miners.
Stellar is one of the most cost-efficient blockchains and a top choice for users looking for near-instant, ultra-low-cost transactions. Its lightweight structure and efficient consensus mechanism make it ideal for remittances, micropayments, and cross-border transfers.
Stellar network overview
| Network | Stellar |
| Gas unit | Stroops |
| Gas fee | 100 stroops / $0.000002 |
| Block confirmation time | ~ 1 second |
| Supported wallets | Lobsr, Trust Wallet |
Solana (SOL): $0.0001 gas fees
Solana is a high-performance blockchain designed for speed and efficiency.
It achieves scalability through a unique combination of Proof-of-History (PoH) and Tower BFT consensus mechanisms.
These allow it to process up to 65,000 transactions per second (TPS) with an average block confirmation time of 0.4 seconds.
Writer’s note: Solana’s transaction fees are among the lowest in the crypto space. The median gas fee is around 0.00001 SOL ($0.0013 USD). Simpler transactions, like token transfers, cost approximately 0.000005 SOL ($0.00065 USD), while more complex operations, such as DeFi swaps or NFT sales, incur slightly higher fees.
Solana network overview
| Network | Solana |
| Gas unit | Lamports and compute units |
| Gas fee | $0.0001 |
| Block confirmation time | ~ 1 second |
| Supported wallets | Phantom, Solflare, Trust Wallet |
Algorand (ALGO): $0.00021 gas fees
Algorand is a high-performance blockchain designed for scalability, security, and decentralization. It uses a pure Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, allowing fast transactions with minimal fees.
Unlike Ethereum and other blockchains with complex gas fee structures, Algorand has a fixed and predictable fee model.
How Algorand works: Transactions on Algorand are finalized within seconds, making it one of the fastest blockchains. The system ensures immediate finality, meaning transactions cannot be reversed once confirmed.
Algorand network overview
| Network | Algorand |
| Gas unit | MicroAlgos (transaction fee, no gas) |
| Gas fee | Minium 1,000 microAlgos (0.001 ALG / $0.0002 |
| Block confirmation time | ~ 4.5 seconds |
| Supported wallets | MyAlgo, Pera Wallet, Trust Wallet |
Berachain (BERA): $0.0000005 Gas Fees
Berachain is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain that uses Proof-of-Liquidity (PoL) instead of traditional staking models.
Validators must provide liquidity rather than just stake tokens, aligning incentives for both security and ecosystem growth.
The network is built on BeaconKit, a modular consensus framework that integrates CometBFT for fast finality and scalability.
Berachain network overview
| Network | Berachain |
| Gas unit | Bwei (BERA) |
| Gas fee | 0.00000006 BERA |
| Block confirmation time | Few seconds |
| Supported wallets | MetaMask, Rabby Wallet |
Plume Network (PLUME): $0.0009 Gas Fees
Plume Network is a newly launched blockchain designed for real-world asset finance (RWAfi). It provides a modular, scalable infrastructure that simplifies tokenizing assets like real estate, invoices, and intellectual property. The native token was recently listed on Bybit.
Plume announced that it would integrate the ERC-3643 token standard into its L1, paving the way for real-world asset tokenization.
The network integrates compliance, liquidity, and real-world data through three core components: Arc (tokenization engine), Smart Wallets (for asset management), and Nexus (on-chain data bridge).
Plume operates on an optimized Layer 2 framework based on Arbitrum’s technology, offering low transaction costs. The average gas fee is minimal, making it competitive with other Layer 2 networks.
Plume Network network overview
| Network | Plume Network |
| Gas unit | Gwei |
| Gas fee | $0.0009 (ETH and PLUME will be collected for transaction fees) |
| Block confirmation time | ~250 ms |
| Supported wallets | Plume Passport, OKX Wallet (for PLUME ETH) |
* Plume is also available on ETH
Upcoming network that may have low gas fees
Monad Network is a new Layer 1 blockchain designed for high-performance execution and EVM compatibility. It introduces parallel transaction processing, significantly boosting throughput while maintaining Ethereum’s smart contract compatibility. The network aims for low gas fees by optimizing execution efficiency.
Specific metrics like average transactions per day and block confirmation times remain undisclosed. Still, its architecture strongly focuses on scalability and affordability, positioning it as a competitor to existing high-speed chains.
Are crypto gas fees more important to businesses?
For businesses operating on blockchain and active day traders on DEXs, gas fees directly impact profitability and user experience. High transaction costs can discourage customers from using crypto payments or decentralized applications (dApps). Companies running on Ethereum often seek Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum or Optimism to reduce fees and maintain efficiency.
Businesses with high transaction volumes, such as NFT marketplaces and DeFi platforms, prioritize low fees to keep operations scalable.
Meanwhile, enterprises handling cross-border payments prefer blockchains with minimal costs, like Stellar or Algorand. Gas fees also influence smart contract execution costs, affecting dApp developers. While users care about fees, businesses must balance cost, security, and network adoption to stay competitive in a growing crypto economy.
FAQs
Why are low gas fees important?
Is Solana better than Ethereum because it has lower gas fees?
Who is receiving the gas fees?
Are the gas fees fixed?
References
- What Is the Pectra Upgrade? Inside Ethereum’s Future Roadmap | Decrypt
- BOB’s official documentation | docs.gobob.xyz
- $BERA | Berachain Core Docs
- Solana Fees + Burn Tracker – Why Are Solana’s ‘Gas’ Fees For Transactions So Low? | Solana Compass
- Why Algorand? There is no Concept of Gas Fees on ALGO | The Currency Analytics
- What Are Bitcoin Layer 2 Networks? | Binance Academy
- What is a Blockchain Gas Fee? | Kraken
- Encyclopedia | Stellar Docs
