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- Ethereum celebrates 10 years with over 234 million unique wallets engaging with dapps.
- DeFi and NFTs continue to dominate Ethereum’s activity and transaction volume.
- Despite rivals, Ethereum remains the core hub for high-value Web3 applications.
Ethereum turned ten. A decade ago, it launched its mainnet and changed the future of blockchain. Bitcoin brought digital money. Ethereum gave it programmable value. Smart contracts became the backbone of decentralized applications (dapps). Since then, ETH has shaped Web3 in deep and lasting ways.
DappRadar assessed the growth of Ethereum. They observed the usage of wallets, the engagement of dapps, and the activity of transactions. What they discovered is that ETH continues to drive vast parts of the blockchain ecosystem. Over 234 million unique active wallets have interacted with dapps on ETH. The vast majority of that activity comes from decentralized finance (DeFi).
Others run from NFTs to games and other sectors. The number of transactions also tells the same story. Ethereum has processed more than 452 million transactions from dapp-related transactions. DeFi leads again. NFTs and gaming come next but fall short in figures. The numbers show that Ethereum remains the platform for serious Web3 projects.
Ethereum On-Chain Activity Nears 2021 Highs
Ethereum saw the most on-chain activity during 2021. The bull run came with new users, filled wallets, and all-time transaction volume. After a cool-off cycle, 2023 and 2024 regained consistency. NFT zeal recovered. Layer-2 networks became mature.
New DeFi experiments gained popularity. This year, 2025, will be the same or higher than last year’s rate. That is a healthy and ongoing interest in the Ethereum ecosystem. Despite competition from faster and cheaper blockchains, the value of Ethereum still remains unique.
High-value and high-volume usage exist side-by-side. The DeFi market continues to thrive here. The high-value NFT market also prospers. Not only first, ETH is still the most used and respected smart contract platform.
Ethereum Hosts 49 Million NFT Sales Over a Decade
DeFi is the strongest point of ETH. Eight of the top ten most active dapps involve finance. Among them are services offering lending, swapping, and asset management. The reason why they have managed to survive during bear runs and changing regulations is the strength of the ecosystem. Ethereum’s NFT market also shows depth.
During the last 10 years, the network facilitated $58 billion in NFT trade. Almost 49 million transactions occurred. The NFT averaged over $1,100 in sales. That solidifies Ethereum as the leader of digital collectibles. New entrants such as Blur have made gains rapidly.
Mature leaders like OpenSea still matter. The NFT market still evolves on Ethereum. Core projects like CryptoPunks and Bored Apes define the culture. The two alone represent more than a third of all NFT activity on Ethereum. Ethereum’s decade anniversary is more than just a party. It is proof of its lasting influence. And the next chapter of Web3 will likely emanate from here once again.
Related Reading: Bitcoin Cools Off: Is a Massive Breakout Above $123K Next?
