Ethereum just retook the lead in daily active addresses over top layer 2 networks, based on Token Terminal data. At the same time, a TradingView comparison circulating on X flags a gold style long term structure forming on ETH.
Ethereum Mainnet Regains Lead in Daily Active Addresses
Ethereum’s layer-1 network has moved back ahead of major layer-2 chains in daily active addresses, according to long-term data shared by Token Terminal. The chart shows Ethereum sustaining a steady climb in activity and recently overtaking networks such as Arbitrum One, Base, OP Mainnet, Starknet, Linea, and others.
Ethereum and Layer 2 Daily Active Addresses. Source: Token Terminal / X
The data highlights a clear contrast in activity patterns. Several layer-2 networks recorded sharp but short-lived spikes, especially during 2024, with some briefly exceeding one million daily active addresses. These surges later faded, pulling activity sharply lower. In contrast, Ethereum’s mainnet followed a slower but more stable trajectory, gradually rising from early-cycle lows and maintaining higher baseline usage over time.
By the latest data point, Ethereum’s daily active addresses sit above most competing networks, signaling a shift back toward the mainnet. The chart suggests that while layer-2s continue to attract episodic user flows, Ethereum remains the dominant venue for consistent on-chain activity. This pattern reinforces Ethereum’s role as the primary execution and settlement layer, even as scaling networks expand across the ecosystem.
ETH Chart Echoes Gold Style Base and Breakout Setup
Meanwhile, Ethereum’s longer-term chart now resembles parts of gold’s past cycle structure, based on a TradingView comparison shared on X by Crypto GEMs. The post places ETH/USD on a two-week view beside a multi-year gold chart and highlights similar phases of topping, drawdown, and a slower rebuild into a potential breakout zone.
Ethereum vs Gold Long-Term Price Structure. Source: TradingView / X
On the Ethereum panel, price shows a rounded peak in the 2021–2022 period, then a broad decline, and later a recovery marked by higher lows into 2024–2025. The chart also marks several reactions around a rising reference line, suggesting ETH has repeatedly tested the same zone while trading in a wide range. At the timestamp shown, ETH traded near $3,007, and the header shows an about 8% drop on the displayed period.
On the gold panel, the chart shows a long base followed by a steadier uptrend that later accelerated. It also marks a consolidation area with several touch points near a rising line before a sharp move higher. At the timestamp shown, gold traded near $4,832, and the header shows an about 12% gain on the selected view.
The comparison centers on structure, not short-term correlation. It argues that extended consolidations and repeated tests of key levels can set up larger directional moves, while outcomes still depend on whether price holds support and clears the same resistance zones highlighted on the chart.
