Web3Decision Guide
ERC-721 vs ERC-1155
ERC-721 is the original NFT standard. ERC-1155 is a multi-token standard supporting both fungible and non-fungible tokens efficiently.
Quick Verdict
Choose ERC-721 if...
- Each token is completely unique
- You want maximum marketplace compatibility
- You're creating art or 1-of-1 collectibles
- Simplicity is preferred
- You don't need batch operations
Choose ERC-1155 if...
- You need both fungible and non-fungible tokens
- Gas efficiency for batch transfers matters
- You're building a game with many item types
- You have semi-fungible tokens (editions)
- You need to transfer multiple tokens at once
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature
ERC-721
ERC-1155
Token Types
NFTs only
Fungible + NFT + Semi-fungible
Batch Transfers
No (one at a time)
Yes (multiple in one tx)
Gas Efficiency
Standard
More efficient for batches
Complexity
Simpler
More complex
Marketplace Support
Universal
Growing
Semi-fungible
Not supported
Supported
Metadata
Per-token URI
ID substitution pattern
Single Contract
One token type
Multiple token types
Approvals
Per-token/operator
Operator only
Best For
Art, collectibles
Games, complex systems
Decision Checklist
Ask yourself these questions to guide your decision:
1Do you need fungible and non-fungible tokens together?
2Will users transfer multiple tokens frequently?
3How important is gas optimization?
4Do you have semi-fungible items (editions)?
5Is maximum marketplace compatibility needed?
6Are you building a complex gaming economy?
7How many different token types will exist?
8Does your team have ERC-1155 experience?
Tradeoffs & Gotchas
ERC-721 is simpler but less gas efficient for batches
ERC-1155 is complex but more versatile
ERC-721 has universal marketplace support
ERC-1155 marketplace support is growing but not universal
ERC-721 metadata is more straightforward
ERC-1155 can represent entire game economies
ERC-721 is easier to audit and understand
ERC-1155 saves significant gas on batch operations
Our Recommendation
Pick ERC-721 for art and unique collectibles
Pick ERC-1155 for gaming with multiple asset types
Pick ERC-721 for maximum marketplace compatibility
Pick ERC-1155 for editions (same art, multiple copies)
Pick ERC-721 for simpler projects
Pick ERC-1155 for complex token economies
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both standards in one project?
Yes. Many projects use ERC-721 for unique items and ERC-1155 for currencies or common items.
Which is better for PFP collections?
ERC-721 is standard for PFP collections due to universal marketplace support and simpler per-token metadata.
How much gas does ERC-1155 save?
Batch transfers can save 50-80% on gas compared to individual ERC-721 transfers. Savings depend on batch size.
Do OpenSea and other marketplaces support ERC-1155?
Yes. Major marketplaces support ERC-1155, though some features may work better with ERC-721.
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