NFT trading platforms on the Solana blockchain: a complete guide

Non-fungible tokens (NFT) and cryptocurrencies are the main directions of blockchain technology development. The growing interest in NFTs has transformed the perception of digital ownership and value in the virtual environment. Unlike regular crypto assets, NFTs are special digital assets that secure the ownership rights to specific content or items, making them non-interchangeable and valuable for collectors and content creators.

In this context, Solana acts as a high-performance network designed specifically for efficient processing of NFT transactions. Its key advantage is minimal fees and lightning-fast processing. The system can perform thousands of actions per second, serving over 319 thousand NFT collections (data as of March 2024). Such performance attracts artists, creators, and collectors who want to work with digital items without exorbitant commissions and confirmation delays.

This material reveals the most interesting and popular top NFT marketplaces on the Solana platform, showcasing ecosystems that develop on this fertile ground of digital creations.

What makes Solana attractive for NFT trading

The Solana network offers a number of significant advantages for participants in its ecosystem:

• Speed and accessibility: The system processes transactions with minimal costs, making trading accessible to the mass audience. All NFT transactions occur in SOL within the network.
• Social activity: Marketplaces here are characterized by strong community support, creating a collaborative atmosphere.
• Opportunities for creators: Artists receive broad support and visibility, enabling their growth.
• Investment opportunities: Collectors gain access to unique digital art pieces and rare collectibles.
• Environmental friendliness: The network attracts people concerned about the environment and sustainable development.

Leading platforms for NFT trading on Solana

Magic Eden

Daily turnover (SOL): over 45,000 Listed NFTs: more than 515,000 Active wallets (monthly period): 267,000+

The platform has established itself as one of the main players in the Solana NFT market. Its distinguishing features are quick transaction processing and significant savings on fees compared to Ethereum counterparts. Its launch in September 2021 was a turning point for the ecosystem, providing creators and collectors with an alternative for cost-effective trading.

The platform’s toolkit includes support for both primary and secondary markets, allowing creators to earn royalties from resales. The marketplace is known for its open governance through MagicDAO, giving NFT owners voting rights. Additionally, it has expanded beyond Solana, integrating assets from Ethereum, Polygon, and Bitcoin Ordinals, increasing its appeal to a broader audience.

Tensor

Daily turnover (SOL): over 16,000 Listed NFTs: more than 347,000 Active wallets (monthly period): 298,000+

This marketplace specializes in serving both traders and creators, offering deep liquidity across 30+ thousand collections. Its innovative feature is “Price Lock” mechanics, allowing traders to take positions on NFTs with minimal collateral, while creators earn income on their assets and SOL.

The reward system incentivizes active market participants. Its own collection, Tensorians, is designed for 10,000 dedicated fans, emphasizing a focus on developing a vibrant community.

Solanart

Daily turnover (SOL): 6.54+ NFTs listed: 1,230 Active addresses (30 days): 992

One of the pioneers among Solana NFT platforms, launched in 2021. The platform is distinguished by its simple interface and no trading fees. It is compatible with popular wallets like Phantom and Sollet.

The marketplace gained fame by hosting valuable collections like SolPunks and Degen Ape Academy. Its strict verification system guarantees asset authenticity. Its concept is to facilitate creators’ access to audiences and give collectors confidence in quality.

OpenSea

Daily turnover: over $1.2 million (across all chains) Monthly active users: 70,000+ (across all chains)

A global leader in the digital collectibles market, which added Solana support in April 2022. Its scale and diverse catalog make it a universal hub for artists and collectors.

The platform is known for supporting multiple networks (Ethereum, Solana, and others), convenient search, and famous collections like (Bored Ape Yacht Club, CryptoPunks). The most expensive digital sales took place here: Merge for $91.8 million, Everydays for $69.3 million.

Rarible

Daily turnover: over $40,000 (across all chains) Active addresses (monthly period): 3,760 (across all chains)

A multi-chain platform with a “lazy minting” tool — creators can list NFTs without upfront fees, paying only upon sale. The commission is 2.5%, which can be paid by any party.

It works with Ethereum, Polygon, Immutable X, and zkSync Era. Notable deals on Rarible include a work by Beeple for $69 million and the Nyan Cat meme for $590 thousand.

Fractal

Daily turnover (SOL): 0.82+ NFTs listed: 276 Active addresses (30 days): 220

A specialized platform for gaming NFTs, created by Twitch co-founder Justin Kan. Its goal is to revolutionize the gaming industry by allowing players to own digital assets and developers to implement new monetization schemes.

The platform partners with game studios to release content. It has received $35 million in investments, indicating significant potential. It supports various wallets and focuses on user-friendliness.

SolSea

Turnover over 30 days (SOL): 7.4+ Active addresses (30 days): 72

The largest NFT platform on Solana by user count. It features built-in licensing in NFTs and unlockable content, aiming to transform the process of creating and trading digital assets.

Offers a wide range of (art, games, collectibles) with minimal fees. Creators can trade collections in their own SPL tokens. The key feature is the ability to reduce fees from 2% to 0% through staking the $AART token. Supports Phantom, Ledger, and Solflare.

Which platform to choose

When entering the Solana NFT market, consider:

• Data security: This is the main criterion. Look for platforms with reliable security mechanisms.
• Content type: Some focus on art, others on gaming assets. Choose according to your interests.
• Community: An active and supportive audience creates a better experience.
• Interface: Ease of navigation is critical for comfortable trading.
• Costs: Study the fee structure and royalty conditions for creators.

Development prospects

The future of NFTs on Solana looks promising. As network technologies improve, we can expect enhancements in smart contracts, metadata standards, and cross-chain integration. The merging of NFTs with VR and AR will open new forms of interaction with digital objects. Solana will continue shaping the NFT market landscape, combining speed, efficiency, and community support. NFT trading platforms on Solana remain at the forefront of the digital revolution, redefining possibilities in the world of non-fungible tokens.