ERC-721 vs ERC-1155: Which NFT Standard Should Beginners Choose?
- NFT_Noobie
- Aug 28
- 5 min read
What Are NFTs?
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are unique digital assets on a blockchain, representing things like art, collectibles, in-game items, or even real-world assets like property deeds (check out our NFT beginners guide). Unlike cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, which are interchangeable, each NFT is one-of-a-kind (or part of a limited set), making them perfect for proving ownership and authenticity. On Ethereum, two main standards - ERC-721 and ERC-1155 - define how NFTs are created and managed. Choosing the right one for your project is a key first step, and this guide will help you decide.
ERC-721: The Classic NFT Standard
Introduced in 2017, ERC-721 is the backbone of the NFT movement. Each ERC-721 token is unique and indivisible — you can’t split it or swap it for another like it’s the same. Every token has its own ID and metadata, making it ideal for one-of-a-kind digital assets like art, profile picture (PFP) avatars, or tokenized real-world items like real estate deeds.
Why Choose ERC-721?
Perfect for Unique Assets: Think digital paintings, rare collectibles, or tokenized property.
Widespread Support: Used by iconic projects like CryptoKitties and Bored Ape Yacht Club, it’s supported by wallets like MetaMask and marketplaces like OpenSea.
Simple to Understand: One token = one unique item. It’s straightforward for beginners.
The Catch? ERC-721 isn’t the most efficient. Each contract handles only one type of NFT collection, and every minting or transfer is a separate transaction. On Ethereum’s mainnet, gas fees (the cost of processing transactions) can soar during busy periods—$50–$200 per transaction isn’t uncommon. For small collections, this is manageable, but for larger projects, costs add up fast.
ERC-1155: The Multi-Token Upgrade
In 2019, Enjin introduced ERC-1155 as a more flexible and cost-efficient alternative. Unlike ERC-721, ERC-1155 can manage multiple token types in a single contract. You can create fungible tokens (like in-game currency), non-fungible tokens (like rare weapons or unique skins), and even semi-fungible tokens (like event tickets that become collectibles after use)—all under one system.
Why Choose ERC-1155?
Batch Operations: Mint or transfer multiple tokens in one transaction, saving up to 90% on gas fees. For example, minting 100 ERC-721 NFTs might cost $5,000–$20,000 in gas, while ERC-1155 could do it for $50–$200 in a single transaction.
Versatility: Ideal for gaming, metaverse projects, or mixed-asset collections.
Cost-Effective: Cheaper for large-scale projects or creators on a budget.
The Downside? ERC-1155’s flexibility comes with a steeper learning curve. Its complexity can be daunting, and while support is growing, not every wallet or marketplace handles it as seamlessly as ERC-721. Still, it’s gaining traction for its efficiency.
Use Cases: Where Each Standard Shines
Here’s a quick look at what each standard is best for:
Standard | Best For | Example Projects |
ERC-721 | Unique art, collectibles, real-world assets | CryptoKitties, Bored Ape Yacht Club, RealT (tokenized real estate) |
ERC-1155 | Gaming, metaverse, mixed assets, ticketing | Enjin, The Sandbox, Aavegotchi, event tickets |
ERC-721 Examples: Digital art (Beeple’s $69M NFT), PFP projects (Bored Apes), or tokenized deeds on platforms like RealT.
ERC-1155 Examples: In-game currencies and rare items (Enjin), metaverse assets (The Sandbox), or semi-fungible tickets that become collectibles post-event.
Debunking the “Drop Function” Myth
A common misconception is that ERC-721 is only for “drops.” In reality, a “drop” is just the process of minting and releasing NFTs for sale—both standards can do it. ERC-721 handles minting, transferring, ownership, and metadata one token at a time. ERC-1155 does the same but adds batch operations for efficiency. The choice isn’t about drops; it’s about how many tokens you need to manage and how much you want to spend on gas.
Security Considerations
Both ERC-721 and ERC-1155 are secure when coded properly, but ERC-1155’s complexity can introduce risks if not handled carefully. Poorly designed ERC-1155 contracts might have vulnerabilities in batch operations. Beginners should stick to audited libraries like OpenZeppelin, which offer pre-built, secure templates for both standards. Always test your contracts on a testnet like Sepolia before deploying to Ethereum’s mainnet to avoid costly mistakes.
Beginner-Friendliness: ERC-721 vs ERC-1155 Which Is Easier to Start With?
For absolute beginners, ERC-721 feels more approachable. Its one-token, one-item model is intuitive, and it’s backed by tons of tutorials, community support, and tools like OpenZeppelin. You can launch a basic collection without deep coding knowledge.
But gas fees can sting. If you’re on a budget, ERC-1155 might actually be more beginner-friendly thanks to platforms like OpenSea that support lazy minting. With lazy minting, you list NFTs without paying gas fees upfront—the buyer covers the cost when they purchase. This makes ERC-1155 a low-risk way to experiment, though not all marketplaces support it, and lazy-minted NFTs may not be fully on-chain until sold, which some collectors might question. Note: Since OpenSea regularly updates its approach to lazy minting, creators should check the platform’s current guidelines before relying on this feature.
OpenSea’s Role
As the largest NFT marketplace, OpenSea makes both standards accessible:
ERC-721 on OpenSea: The go-to for unique collections. You’ll typically pay gas fees upfront, but you get strong market recognition and demand.
ERC-1155 on OpenSea: Supports lazy minting, letting you start without upfront costs. It’s great for large collections or budget-conscious creators.
Both standards can also be used on Polygon, a layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum that offers faster, cheaper transactions. Minting on Polygon can cost pennies compared to Ethereum’s mainnet, making it a beginner-friendly option.
How to Get Started
Ready to create your first NFT? Here’s a quick roadmap:
Set Up a Wallet: Install MetaMask and add a small amount of ETH for gas fees (or use Polygon for lower costs).
Choose a Platform: Use OpenSea for a no-code solution or Remix IDE with OpenZeppelin for custom contracts.
Pick Your Standard: Start with ERC-721 for simplicity or ERC-1155 for efficiency, based on your project (best way is to do pros and cons ERC-721 vs ERC-1155).
Test First: Deploy on a testnet like Sepolia to catch errors without spending real ETH.
Mint and List: Use OpenSea’s interface for lazy minting or deploy your contract to mint directly.
NFT Minting Process
What’s Next for NFT Standards?
While ERC-721 and ERC-1155 dominate, the NFT space is evolving. New standards like ERC-6551 (which lets NFTs own other assets) are emerging. For now, stick with ERC-721 or ERC-1155 for reliability, but keep an eye on trends to future-proof your project.
So, Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between ERC-721 and ERC-1155 is like picking the right tool for the job: ERC-721 is your trusty hammer for unique, high-value NFTs, while ERC-1155 is a Swiss Army knife for versatile, cost-efficient projects. If you’re launching a small, art-driven collection, go with ERC-721—it’s simple, widely supported, and seen as the “gold standard.” If you’re building a game, a metaverse, or a large mixed-asset collection, choose ERC-1155 for its efficiency and flexibility.
For most beginners, ERC-721 is the best starting point thanks to its simplicity and robust ecosystem. Once you’re comfortable, explore ERC-1155 to save on costs and unlock new possibilities. Whichever you choose, you’re stepping into a vibrant, creative world—have fun building your NFT