Ethereum is a blockchain-based computing platform and operating system whose core innovation is enabling smart contracts. Ethereum's smart contract functionality, and versatile scripting language, have made it the most popular network for creating decentralized applications. What makes Ethereum different from Bitcoin is that its primary purpose is to serve as a general purpose blockchain for creating DApps, and not as a payment network. Ethereum was created by Vitalik Buterin. It was launched in July 2015 and has become one of the most important blockchain platforms in the industry. Ether is the native currency of the Ethereum blockchain and can can be used as a transfer of value, as well as a form of compensation for mining. The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) executes scripts using a network of public nodes. "Gas" is used as an internal transaction pricing mechanism that decides how resources are used on the network.

Apollo is developing an all-in-one cryptocurrency platform, based on the APL coin. Apollo was created as a fork of NXT, and has a very ambitious plan to integrate a variety of services under one platform, with a strong focus on privacy. Apollo's blockchain is called Hermes and has a Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism. Some of the features that Apollo's marketing materials claim they are working on are: private transactions with IP masking, smart contracts, encrypted messaging, file sharing, a decentralized marketplace, voting system for governance, decentralized data storage, and a wallet with a built in exchange. John McAfee, a notable blockchain enthusiast and antivirus pioneer, joined the project in October 2018.

PIRL is a community based blockchain project focused on making cryptocurrencies more accessible. It was the first blockchain to introduce an Ethash-based masternode. Their goal is to develop a comprehensive DApps hosting infrastructure that will be easy to use. Their Poseidon platform is designed to be an on ramp for users without any technical knowledge. PIRL's multi-tiered masternode network has an ASIC-resistant Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism, and is powered by the PIRL coin. The company plans on developing features, such as: decentralized file storage, messaging, and escrow services for payments.