Solana (SOL): What it is, why it is growing, and if it is worth holding
Solana has established itself as one of the fastest and most active blockchains in the crypto ecosystem.1 It is not just another “Ethereum killer”: today it competes on its own merits in real usage, institutional adoption, dApps, and economic volume.
In my case, I currently hold Solana, and that has forced me to go far beyond the easy headline: understanding its technology, its risks, and its medium- and long-term potential.2
In this article, I explain what Solana is, how it works, what is driving it in 2025, and if it makes sense to invest in or hold SOL today.3
What is Solana and what is it used for?
Solana is a Layer 1 blockchain designed to offer:4
- Extremely high speed (thousands of transactions per second)5
- Extremely low fees
- Scalability without the need for external solutions
Its main innovation is Proof of History (PoH), a system that orders transactions in time before they enter consensus, reducing bottlenecks.6
In practice, this allows:
- Faster dApps7
- DeFi usable for small investors
- NFTs with almost zero costs
- Experiences close to traditional web apps
When I started using Solana, the first thing I noticed were the ridiculous fees compared to Ethereum. That difference, for the average user, is huge.8
Why Solana is growing so much in 2024-2025
1. Explosion of dApps and on-chain activity
Solana has broken records for:
- Revenues generated by dApps
- Daily transactions
- Active users
It is not theoretical growth: there is real usage, especially in:9
- DeFi (DEXs like Jupiter)
- Memecoins
- Blockchain games
- Next-generation NFTs
Many blockchains boast about technology, but few show sustained economic activity like Solana right now.10
2. Real institutional interest (not just marketing)
Funds and large firms are allocating billions to the Solana ecosystem:
- Infrastructure
- Validators
- Projects built on the network
This does not guarantee the price, but it reduces the risk of disappearance and reinforces the long-term narrative. As a holder, this point carries a lot of weight: you are not betting on a passing fad.
3. Speed and user experience
Solana has notably improved its stability.11 Network outages, which were its biggest historical criticism, are no longer the norm.
From my recent experience:
- Almost instant transactions
- Agile wallets
- dApps that “don’t feel like crypto”
That experience is key for mass adoption.
Is it a good idea to invest in or hold Solana?
Clear advantages of SOL
- Active and expanding ecosystem12
- Low fees → more real users
- Strong developer community
- Token with utility (staking, fees, future governance)13
I personally keep SOL on hold because:
- I use it, I don’t just speculate on it
- I see organic growth, not just hype
- It has room to compete with Ethereum without needing to “kill” it14
Risks you must keep in mind
Not everything is perfect, and it is important to say it:
- Relative centralization compared to other blockchains
- Dependence on crypto market sentiment
- Past history of outages (although improved)
That is why, even being a holder, I do not consider it an all-in, but a piece within a diversified strategy.
Solana vs Ethereum: competition or coexistence?
More than enemies, they are layers with different approaches:
| Aspect | Solana | Ethereum |
| Fees | Very low | High (without L2) |
| Speed | Very high | Medium |
| Ecosystem | In strong expansion | More mature |
| UX | Very fluid | More complex |
In my experience, Solana is ideal for daily use, while Ethereum remains the institutional standard. Both can grow at the same time.
Future of Solana: what to expect
In the short and medium term, Solana aims for:
- More retail adoption
- More institutional capital
- dApps becoming increasingly “mainstream”
- Constant improvements in stability
If the market follows, SOL has solid arguments beyond speculation.
Conclusion
Solana is no longer just a promise: it is a blockchain with real usage, real users, and real money moving inside.15
From the perspective of someone who currently holds SOL, I don’t do it out of blind faith, but because:16
- I use it
- I understand it
- I see measurable growth
Is it risk-free? No.
Does it have fundamentals? Clearly yes.
FAQs about Solana
Is Solana fast?
Yes, it is one of the fastest blockchains on the market.
Does Solana have a future?
It depends on the market, but its current adoption is a positive sign.17
Is it better than Ethereum?
Not necessarily better, but different and complementary.
Is SOL just speculation?
No: it has real utility within the ecosystem.18