When it comes to creating non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the Ethereum blockchain, two dominant standards stand out: ERC-721 and ERC-1155. Both enable digital ownership and asset tokenization, but they differ significantly in structure, efficiency, and use cases. Understanding these differences is crucial for developers, creators, and collectors navigating the evolving NFT ecosystem.
This guide breaks down each standard, compares their core features, and helps you determine which one aligns best with your project goals.
What Is ERC-721?
ERC-721 is the pioneering non-fungible token standard built on Ethereum using the Solidity programming language. Introduced in 2018 by William Entriken, Dieter Shirley, Jacob Evans, and Natassia Sachs, it laid the foundation for NFTs by enabling developers to tokenize unique digital assets.
Each ERC-721 token represents a single, indivisible, and non-interchangeable item—perfect for digital art, collectibles, virtual real estate, or in-game items where uniqueness matters.
👉 Discover how token standards are shaping the future of digital ownership.
Key Features of ERC-721 Tokens
The design of ERC-721 draws inspiration from the widely used ERC-20 fungible token standard but introduces critical upgrades for non-fungibility:
- Unique Token Identification: Every token has a distinct ID, ensuring no two tokens are alike.
- Ownership Management: The standard includes functions like
ownerOf()andtransferFrom()to track and transfer ownership securely. - Metadata Support: Through optional extensions, tokens can link to metadata (e.g., JSON files) that describe attributes like name, image, or properties.
- Index-Based Tracking: Developers can use
tokenOfOwnerByIndex()to retrieve a list of tokens owned by a specific wallet address.
Because each ERC-721 token is unique, it has become the go-to choice for high-value NFT projects like CryptoPunks and Bored Ape Yacht Club.
What Is ERC-1155?
ERC-1155 is a multi-token standard that evolved from ERC-721 and ERC-20. Developed by Enjin, it allows a single smart contract to manage multiple token types—both fungible (interchangeable) and non-fungible (unique)—within one interface.
This innovation brings greater flexibility and efficiency, especially for applications requiring diverse asset types, such as gaming ecosystems or marketplaces with bulk transactions.
Advantages of ERC-1155
ERC-1155 improves upon earlier standards in several key areas:
- Batch Transfers: Users can send multiple different tokens in a single transaction, reducing gas fees and network congestion.
- Single Contract for Multiple Assets: Instead of deploying separate contracts for each NFT type, developers deploy one contract that handles all token variants.
- Built-in Safety Checks: The standard includes callback functions like
onERC1155Received()that validate receiving contracts, preventing accidental transfers to incompatible wallets. - Reduced Storage Overhead: By minimizing redundant code across contracts, ERC-1155 optimizes blockchain space usage.
For example, in a video game, one ERC-1155 contract could manage health potions (fungible), weapons (NFTs), and rare skins (semi-fungible), all efficiently bundled together.
👉 See how next-gen token standards are revolutionizing digital economies.
ERC-721 vs ERC-1155: Key Differences
While both standards support NFT creation, their architectural differences lead to distinct trade-offs.
1. Smart Contract Architecture
- ERC-721: Requires a new smart contract for every type of NFT. For example, if you’re launching 10 different collectible series, you’d need 10 separate contracts.
- ERC-1155: A single contract can handle an unlimited number of token types—both fungible and non-fungible—making deployment faster and cheaper.
2. Transaction Efficiency
- ERC-721: Each transfer requires a separate transaction. Sending five NFTs means five individual operations—and five times the gas cost.
- ERC-1155: Supports batched transfers. You can send multiple tokens (even across types) in one go, drastically cutting gas fees and processing time.
3. Flexibility and Use Cases
- ERC-721: Best suited for high-value, unique assets where provenance and individuality are paramount—like digital art or luxury collectibles.
- ERC-1155: Ideal for dynamic environments like games or metaverses where users trade various items frequently and cost-efficiency matters.
4. Security and Error Handling
- ERC-721: Lacks native protection against misdirected transfers. If you send an NFT to the wrong address, recovery is nearly impossible unless the recipient cooperates.
- ERC-1155: Includes built-in validation via receiver callbacks. If a wallet doesn’t support the token type, the transaction reverts automatically—reducing user error risks.
Which Should You Choose?
The decision between ERC-721 and ERC-1155 depends on your project’s needs:
| Scenario | Recommended Standard |
|---|---|
| Digital art collections | ERC-721 |
| High-value collectibles | ERC-721 |
| Gaming platforms with diverse items | ERC-1155 |
| Marketplaces needing bulk operations | ERC-1155 |
| Projects prioritizing gas efficiency | ERC-1155 |
Many purists still view ERC-721 as the "gold standard" for NFTs due to its simplicity and widespread adoption. However, ERC-1155 offers technical superiority in complex applications where scalability and cost matter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between ERC-721 and ERC-1155?
The core difference lies in flexibility: ERC-721 supports only non-fungible tokens and requires one contract per token type, while ERC-1155 supports both fungible and non-fungible tokens within a single contract and enables batch transfers.
Can ERC-1155 tokens be used as NFTs?
Yes. ERC-1155 tokens can represent NFTs by assigning unique IDs to individual items. Each ID can behave like a non-fungible token even within a multi-token contract.
Is ERC-1155 cheaper than ERC-721?
Generally, yes. Because ERC-1155 allows batch transactions and reduces contract deployment costs, it results in lower gas fees compared to performing multiple ERC-721 transfers.
Why do some artists prefer ERC-721 over ERC-1155?
Artists often choose ERC-721 for its established reputation and perceived authenticity. It's seen as the original NFT standard, offering clear ownership records ideal for high-value digital art.
Can I convert an ERC-721 token to ERC-1155?
Not directly. Conversion requires creating a new ERC-1155 contract and minting equivalent tokens, then retiring or burning the original ERC-721 tokens through a migration process.
Does ERC-1155 work on blockchains other than Ethereum?
Yes. While originally designed for Ethereum, ERC-1155 has been adopted by other EVM-compatible chains like BNB Chain, Polygon, and Avalanche, making it highly interoperable.
👉 Explore tools that support both ERC-721 and ERC-1155 token creation.
Final Thoughts
Both ERC-721 and ERC-1155 play vital roles in the NFT landscape. While ERC-721 remains the benchmark for unique digital ownership, ERC-1155 leads the charge in efficiency, scalability, and versatility—especially in gaming and decentralized applications.
As the ecosystem evolves, we may see broader adoption of hybrid models or new standards building on these foundations. For now, choosing the right standard comes down to understanding your use case: prioritize uniqueness with ERC-721 or embrace efficiency with ERC-1155.
Whether you're minting digital art or building a virtual world, knowing the strengths of each standard empowers smarter decisions in the blockchain economy.
Core Keywords:
ERC-721, ERC-1155, NFT token standard, Ethereum blockchain, non-fungible tokens, smart contract, gas fees, asset tokenization