NEAR Protocol
Sharded proof-of-stake Layer 1 blockchain with NEAR as its native token.
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NEAR Protocol key facts
| Category | Layer 1 blockchain |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Mainnet, RPC |
| Token | NEAR |
| Open source | Yes (nearcore) |
| Company | NEAR Foundation (non-profit, Switzerland) |
What is NEAR Protocol?
NEAR Protocol is a sharded proof-of-stake Layer 1 blockchain. The NEAR token pays transaction fees and storage and secures the network through staking. The NEAR Foundation, a non-profit based in Switzerland, supports the ecosystem, and the reference client nearcore is public on GitHub.
NEAR Protocol pros and cons
- Sharded design, per NEAR's own site
- Reference client nearcore is open source
- Token holders can delegate NEAR to validators
- Stake on a validator caught acting maliciously is burned
- Storage on chain must be paid for in NEAR
- Transaction fees are charged only in NEAR
NEAR Protocol FAQ
What is NEAR Protocol?
NEAR Protocol is a sharded proof-of-stake Layer 1 blockchain. The NEAR token pays transaction fees and storage and secures the network through staking. The NEAR Foundation, a non-profit based in Switzerland, supports the ecosystem, and the reference client nearcore is public on GitHub.
Sources
How this page works
Sources: NEAR Protocol: official site, NEAR: Tokens docs, NEAR: nearcore GitHub repository. Data as of Sep 26, 2026.
Not affiliated with any project listed. Educational content, not financial advice.