Terrill Dicki
Jun 15, 2026 06:42
Ethereum boasts the highest user retention rate at 26.2%, while BNB Chain retains the highest absolute user count at 1.49M, per CoinGecko’s Q1 2025-2026 study.
Ethereum (ETH) has emerged as the most “sticky” blockchain, boasting a 26.2% user retention rate over a year-long period, according to a new retention study by CoinGecko. Meanwhile, BNB Chain leads in absolute numbers, retaining 1.49 million users, more than double Ethereum’s 682,240.
The analysis tracked 11 major blockchains, comparing on-chain user activity from Q1 2025 to Q1 2026. Ethereum’s retention rate means that roughly 1 in 4 users active in early 2025 were still transacting on the network a year later, outpacing all other chains in engagement consistency. In contrast, BNB Chain’s raw user count reflects its broader appeal, driven by lower transaction fees and diverse use cases.
Ronin and Solana: Contextual Standouts
Ronin, the gaming-focused blockchain behind Axie Infinity, ranked third in retention at 19.1%. Its relatively narrow use case creates habitual daily activity uncommon in DeFi-driven blockchains. By contrast, Solana’s retention rate of 7.9% appears weak but must be contextualized. A peak in memecoin activity during Q1 2025 inflated its cohort size to 17.7 million, skewing comparison. Despite this, Solana retained nearly 1.4 million users, second only to BNB Chain.
What Sets Ethereum Apart?
Ethereum’s user retention is supported by its role as a foundational blockchain for decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFTs, sectors characterized by repeat usage. Recent data reinforces this stickiness: Ethereum recorded 590,654 daily active addresses in May 2026, up 18% year-over-year, and processed nearly 2.9 million daily transactions at peak levels earlier this year.
Institutional activity also contributes to Ethereumโs ecosystem durability. BlackRock recently purchased 10,566 ETH via ETFs, signaling confidence in Ethereum’s long-term value. Additionally, growing corporate validator participation could further solidify its position, as noted in Tom Lee’s $250,000 ETH price prediction earlier this month.
BNB Chain’s Appeal in Scale
BNB Chainโs ability to retain the most users in absolute terms highlights its ecosystemโs broad accessibility. Its low fees and focus on gaming, DeFi, and decentralized exchanges attract a wide global audience. Despite a lower retention rate (20.5%), its sheer scaleโ7.3 million active wallets in Q1 2025โgives it an edge in raw numbers.
Retention as a Market Signal
User retention is a key indicator of blockchain health, reflecting whether ecosystems can keep users engaged beyond speculative activity. Ethereum and BNB Chain demonstrate contrasting strengthsโEthereum excels in long-term engagement, while BNB Chain benefits from scale and accessibility.
For traders, these metrics provide insight into ecosystem resiliency. Ethereumโs consistent demand across cycles suggests it could better weather market downturns, while BNB Chainโs user base highlights growth potential in emerging markets. As of June 15, 2026, ETH trades at $1,718.62, with a market cap of $206.7 billion, reflecting continued institutional and retail interest.
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