Kaspa transforms from an innovative project into a serious Layer 1 contender in 2025 with its unique Proof-of-Work approach and high transaction speeds.
Recent Milestones: Crescendo Testnet and Beyond
The Crescendo Testnet 10 rollout marks a significant achievement for Kaspa. This upgrade increased block speed from 1 block per second (BPS) to 10 BPS, demonstrating technical finesse and an innovative approach to blockchain scalability. On March 10, the Kaspa team announced via X that Testnet 10 had "fully and successfully transitioned to 10 BPS," completing key Crescendo Roadmap phases: Launch & Stabilize, Identify bottlenecks, Enhanced User Experience, Additional Features, TN 10 Activation. The roadmap continues with the Feature Freeze (around March 20), Main Hardfork Version (end of March), and Mainnet Activation (end of April/beginning of May). Mainnet adoption of 10 BPS is expected by late April 2025, with smart contract functionality following in summer.
What Makes Kaspa Stand Out
Kaspa distinguishes itself with practical features solving real blockchain limitations. The GHOSTDAG protocol enables parallel block processing with near-instant transaction confirmations, and the planned DAGKNIGHT upgrade (KIP-02) aims to further enhance adaptability and efficiency. Kaspa's BlockDAG architecture already accepts all valid blocks simultaneously, reducing confirmation times to seconds and achieving performance levels of PoS blockchains like Solana. The 10 BPS upgrade is just the beginning: Kaspa targets 100 BPS without sacrificing security or decentralization. The KHeavyHash algorithm makes mining accessible to everyday users with standard GPUs, fostering an inclusive community where hobbyist miners and professionals contribute.
Kaspa vs. the Competition
Against Ethereum, Kaspa delivers faster native transactions without gas fee complications. Compared to Solana, it matches speed while maintaining PoW security. Emerging Layer 1 innovations like Sui and Aptos introduce high-performance approaches, but Kaspa's BlockDAG architecture offers distinct advantages, combining secure PoW with parallel processing. Unlike new chains mainly focusing on DeFi, Kaspa emphasizes fundamental blockchain properties of speed, security, and decentralization. The growing KRC-20 ecosystem and planned summer smart contracts are poised to accelerate network adoption.
Kaspa's 2025 progress highlights its transformative approach, cementing its status among Layer 1 contenders. Its technology, testnets, and community interaction make it attractive for investors, developers, and miners.