Which Blockchain Is XRP On? A 2024 Beginner’s Guide

What Blockchain Does XRP Use?

If you’re new to crypto, you might wonder: which blockchain is XRP on? XRP runs on its own custom blockchain called the XRP Ledger (often shortened to XRPL). Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, which use proof-of-work (PoW), the XRP Ledger uses a unique consensus mechanism to confirm transactions quickly, efficiently, and with very low fees. This makes it stand out as one of the fastest and most affordable networks in the blockchain space.

Key Facts About the XRP Ledger

• Launch Year: 2012
• Creator: David Schwartz, Jed McCaleb, Arthur Britto
• Consensus Type: Unique Node List (UNL), not mining
• Block Time: Around 3–5 seconds
• Currency: XRP (native token)

The XRP Ledger acts as the home network for XRP, powering its transactions and smart contract functions. Knowing this answers the main question: XRP operates on the XRP Ledger blockchain.

Understanding the XRP Ledger’s Unique Approach

How Does the XRP Ledger Work?

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) isn’t like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Here’s what makes it different:

• Consensus Mechanism: Instead of miners, trusted validators reach agreement every few seconds, offering high speed and low energy use (Ripple Docs).
• Decentralized: Anyone can run a validator, but the network relies on a "Unique Node List" for consensus, helping keep it secure and efficient.
• Transaction Fees: About 0.00001 XRP per transaction—a fraction of a cent, making micropayments and remittances cost-effective.
• Speed: Transactions settle in 3–5 seconds, far faster than Bitcoin (10+ minutes) or even Ethereum (15+ seconds).

Comparison Table: XRP Ledger vs. Other Blockchains

| Feature | XRP Ledger | Bitcoin | Ethereum | |--------------------|-------------------|-------------------|-----------------| | Consensus | UNL Validators | Proof-of-Work | Proof-of-Stake | | Block Time | 3–5 seconds | 10+ minutes | ~12 seconds | | Avg. Fee | <$0.01 | $1–$20+ | ~$1–$20 | | Native Token | XRP | BTC | ETH |

Why Doesn’t XRP Use Ethereum or Another Chain?

Some cryptocurrencies run as ERC-20 tokens (on Ethereum) or on other chains. XRP is different—it was built specifically for fast, cheap payments and global settlement using its own purpose-built ledger. This custom infrastructure lets XRP handle 1,500 transactions per second and avoids congestion or high fees seen on general-purpose platforms.

Recent Updates and Ongoing Developments on XRPL

Major Improvements and Trends in 2024

XRPL has seen significant updates, strengthening its position in the crypto world:

• NFT Support: As of late 2022, the ledger added support for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), allowing developers to create digital assets natively.
• Hooks Amendment: Experimental feature that allows basic smart contract logic on XRPL, expanding its use cases.
• Regulatory Progress: Ripple, the main company behind XRP development, reached important legal milestones in 2023, boosting market confidence (Ripple Quarterly Report).
• Sustainability: Data from Messari and Dune Analytics show XRPL remains one of the greenest major blockchains due to low energy use.

Where to Hold and Use XRP

To interact with the XRP Ledger, you need a compatible wallet. The Bitget Wallet supports XRP and XRPL-based assets, letting you send, receive, and manage tokens safely. You can also trade XRP quickly and securely on Bitget Exchange, a leading platform for both spot and derivatives markets.

Common User Questions About XRP and Its Blockchain

How Is XRP Different From Ripple?

• XRP is the token used on the XRP Ledger
• Ripple is the company building payment solutions and helping grow the XRPL ecosystem

Ripple does not own the XRP Ledger but plays a key role in its advancement.

Can You Mine XRP?

No, XRP cannot be mined. All XRP was created at launch—about 100 billion tokens. Some tokens are regularly released to the market by Ripple, while the rest circulate freely. Instead of mining, XRPL uses validators for its consensus process.

Does XRP Run on Multiple Blockchains?

No, XRP only operates natively on the XRP Ledger. However, wrapped XRP can exist on other blockchains (like Ethereum or Binance Smart Chain), letting people use its value on different platforms. Always check if you’re holding actual XRP or a wrapped version before sending or trading.

Who Controls the XRP Ledger?

The XRP Ledger is decentralized and run by independent validators worldwide. Although Ripple is a major participant and developer, no single entity fully controls the protocol.

What Makes XRP Ledger Popular?

Speed and Low Cost

For international payments and remittances, the XRP Ledger is a leader in terms of transaction cost and settlement speed. According to Glassnode, the average transaction time is just a few seconds, and fees are barely noticeable, even during peak periods.

Enterprise Adoption

Ripple Labs partners with hundreds of banks and payment providers worldwide, who leverage the XRP Ledger for cross-border solutions. This growing adoption increases usage and gives XRP strong visibility compared to other blockchains.

Sustainability

Unlike proof-of-work chains that consume a lot of energy, XRPL’s process is highly efficient and environmentally friendly, a key factor as green finance becomes more important in the financial industry.

Security

The ledger has never suffered a critical security breach. Open-source code and global validators make it trustable and resilient over time.

Exploring Further: Related Questions (“People Also Ask”)

What is the difference between XRP and other cryptocurrencies?

• XRP specializes in institutional and retail payments with high speed and low fees
• Many coins are utility or platform tokens for apps and protocols

How do you buy and store XRP safely?

• Use trusted exchanges like Bitget Exchange
• Use secure wallets like Bitget Wallet to hold your tokens off-exchange

What can you do with XRP on the XRP Ledger?

• Send payments
• Trade digital assets
• Mint or transfer NFTs (after the 2022 update)

Does XRP have smart contract capabilities?

• Limited smart contract features are being tested (Hooks amendment)

The Bottom Line for Newcomers

If you’ve asked, “Which blockchain is XRP on?” the answer is clear: XRP operates exclusively on the XRP Ledger, a purpose-built blockchain focused on speed, affordability, security, and environmental sustainability. This unique infrastructure continues to evolve with new features and strong industry support. Beginners can start by using trusted tools like Bitget Wallet and Bitget Exchange to interact with XRP confidently and safely. Stay informed about ecosystem updates to make the most of what XRPL offers as one of the leading blockchains for payments and beyond.