XRP Ledger Foundation CTO @angell_denis covering a lot of ground live @CoinDesk.
Strong demand from institutional partners to unlock liquidity with the upcoming Lending protocol and native compliance on the XRP Ledger.
We are "ahead of the game and well prepared" for quantum readiness.
XRP Ledger
Public Layer 1 blockchain with 3-5 second settlement, native DEX, and 0.000011 XRP fees
3.9/ 5
Our score
Good
Layer
Layer 1
Consensus / design
Other
Native token
XRP
Block time
3-5 seconds
Typical transaction fee
0.000011 XRP
EVM compatible
No
What is XRP Ledger?
XRP Ledger is an open-source, public Layer 1 blockchain optimized for digital asset transfers, payments, and real-world asset tokenization. Operating continuously since 2012, the network clears transactions in 3 to 5 seconds at a base cost of 0.000011 XRP.
Governance and ecosystem support
XRP Ledger is an independent blockchain supported by contributors globally, including the XRP Ledger Foundation. Ripple Labs Inc. uses and contributes to the open-source XRP Ledger ecosystem. The network reports 70+ institutional partners and a grants fund backing developers building native tools and financial products.
Network mechanics and capabilities
Unlike EVM-compatible chains that execute contract logic through a virtual machine, XRP Ledger integrates core financial primitives directly into the base protocol. The network provides native token issuance for stablecoins and real-world assets without requiring complex smart contract deployments. On-chain trading functions through a built-in decentralized exchange that combines central limit order books with automated market maker liquidity pools. Client libraries are available in Python, Java, and JavaScript, while embedded wallet solutions integrate into external applications via developer toolkits.
Track record and scale
Since its launch in 2012, XRP Ledger reports over 8 million funded accounts and more than $1 trillion in value moved. As of October 2026, the network has recorded over 14 years of continuous operation. A ledger security fix in version 3.4.1 addressed an issue regarding token issuance mechanics. The fixed supply cap remains 100 billion XRP, and no XRP was created.
Risks and structural limits
XRP Ledger does not feature native EVM compatibility, meaning developers cannot deploy Solidity smart contracts directly onto the base layer.
Founders
David SchwartzCo-creator
Cryptography architect who designed the XRPL consensus algorithm and served as Chief Technology Officer at Ripple.
Jed McCalebCo-creator
Programmer who created the eDonkey peer-to-peer network and co-founded Ripple and Stellar.
Arthur BrittoCo-creator
Software engineer and designer who co-founded Ripple and contributed to the original ledger design.
Best for:Institutional cross-border payment providersReal-world asset issuersFintech developers seeking simple payment APIs
Pros and cons
Pros
- Continuous mainnet operation since 2012 with over 14 years of uptime
- Fast settlement reaching finality in 3 to 5 seconds
- Predictable base transaction cost of 0.000011 XRP
- Native token issuance and order-book DEX built into base protocol
Cons
- Not EVM compatible, preventing direct deployment of Solidity smart contracts
- Validator coordination relies heavily on curated Unique Node Lists
Our review
3.9/5
Good
XRP Ledger delivers fast, low-cost institutional payments and native exchange features, but lacks native EVM compatibility.
Running continuously since 2012, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) is an open-source, decentralized Layer 1 blockchain designed primarily for payments, real-world asset tokenization, and currency exchange. Over $1T in value has moved across the network since its deployment, serving more than 8 million funded accounts.
The network base transaction fee is 0.000011 XRP. Unlike general-purpose execution environments like Ethereum, XRPL implements key primitives at the protocol level. It features a native decentralized exchange that pairs central limit order books with automated market maker (AMM) liquidity pools, as well as native asset issuance mechanisms. Developer integration uses standard APIs and client libraries across Python, Java, and JavaScript rather than custom smart contract engines.
XRPL is not EVM compatible out of the box, meaning developers cannot deploy existing Solidity contracts directly on the base layer.
XRPL suits fintechs and institutions issuing stablecoins or tokenized assets that require rapid settlement and native compliance tools.
Sources (2)
Specs
| Layer | Layer 1 |
|---|---|
| Consensus / design | Other |
| Native token | XRP |
| EVM compatible | No |
| Block time | 3-5 seconds |
| Typical transaction fee | 0.000011 XRP · unverified |
| Finality | 3-5 seconds · unverified |
| Mainnet since | 2,012 · unverified |
| Sequencer | Not applicable · unverified |
| Gas paid in | XRP · unverified |
Not disclosed by the provider: Smart contract languages, Validators / sequencer, Throughput (TPS), Data availability.
Data from the provider's website and public sources. Fees and availability change; confirm on the official site before you sign up.
Key features
Protocol-level token issuance
Issues digital assets, stablecoins, and tokenized real-world assets directly on the ledger without custom smart contract code.
Native decentralized exchange
Trades assets using an integrated protocol that pairs central limit order books with automated market maker liquidity pools.
Sub-cent transaction fees
Executes transfers and trades with a standard base transaction fee of 0.000011 XRP.
Fast deterministic settlement
Achieves finality on payments and balance updates within 3 to 5 seconds.
Multi-language developer SDKs
Connects applications to ledger APIs using official client libraries in JavaScript, Python, and Java.
On-chain credit protocol
An upcoming lending protocol for fixed-term loans with off-chain underwriting and risk management.
Inside XRP Ledger
Tokenization
Native asset creation tools that allow institutions and developers to issue stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets without deploying custom smart contracts.
Payments
Direct payment infrastructure and APIs enabling fintechs and payment service providers to settle multi-currency transactions in 3 to 5 seconds.
Trading
A protocol-level decentralized exchange that combines an on-chain central limit order book with automated market maker liquidity pools.
Lending
A planned protocol feature to originate on-chain loans with fixed terms and interest, supported by risk assessment conducted off the network.
XRP Ledger screenshots
What users say about XRP Ledger
User sentiment around the XRP Ledger is largely focused on technical architecture, praising its protocol-level decentralized exchange and low transaction fees. There are very few product complaints, though users occasionally grapple with wallet balance reserve rules and deciphering raw on-chain transaction data.
In their own words
“A lot of people don't realize the XRP Ledger has run a decentralized exchange at the protocol level since its early days, not as an add-on smart contract. That means issuers can create tokens (issued currencies) and trade them natively on the ledger's built-in DEX.”
“If you're serious about where real-world assets actually get tokenized, it's worth knowing the XRP Ledger built the primitives into its base layer instead of leaving them to bolt-on contracts. Multi-Purpose Tokens (the XLS-33 standard) went live on XRPL mainnet on October 1, 2025.”
“will not matter the low cost of gas when using XRP to transport stuff this will not even budge the metter, this is why after reading the white pages you full understand why XRP sits where it is..this in its self is why XRP will never boom.”
Based on 38 Reddit posts and comments from the last 12 months, checked Oct 20, 2026. These are posts by users on other sites, not reviews submitted on CryptoReview.
User reviews
No user reviews yet. Have you used XRP Ledger? Share your experience below.
FAQ
What is the XRP Ledger?
The XRP Ledger is a decentralized public Layer 1 blockchain launched in 2012, designed for fast payments, token issuance, and currency exchange.
Does XRP Ledger have a native token?
Yes, XRP is the native token used to facilitate transactions and pay small base fees.
What are the transaction fees on the XRP Ledger?
Base transaction fees are 0.000011 XRP per transfer.
Is the XRP Ledger EVM compatible?
No, the XRP Ledger core Layer 1 is not EVM compatible and provides native features like order books, AMMs, and token issuance through protocol-level APIs instead of Solidity smart contracts.
How fast are transactions confirmed on XRPL?
Transactions achieve deterministic finality in 3 to 5 seconds through the ledger consensus mechanism.
Latest from XRP Ledger on X
We welcome @FlareNetworks to the recommended XRP Ledger validator list published by the XRPL Foundation.
Flare aligns with the core values of the @XRP Ledger, is actively participating in governance, and contributes to the broader ecosystem. https://t.co/PINnUvlYHN
Flare aligns with the core values of the @XRP Ledger, is actively participating in governance, and contributes to the broader ecosystem. https://t.co/PINnUvlYHN
Welcome to 🇺🇸 New York City, @XRP family!
@RippleSwell starts tomorrow. https://t.co/ZGAoDnwai0
@RippleSwell starts tomorrow. https://t.co/ZGAoDnwai0
The digital currency that crosses a border in seconds https://t.co/r7sYxIEbvs https://t.co/8acBm6Mxu6
New era.
Welcome home, @XRP! https://t.co/1tKItxovR3
Welcome home, @XRP! https://t.co/1tKItxovR3
Recent public posts from @XRPLF, shown as published. Not reviewed or endorsed by CryptoReview.
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