🥇
Kra
Kraken
US and EU users who prioritise a spotless security record — no major hack since 2011 — and want a serious pro-grade trading terminal.
9.1
Score
★ Live priceRank · #347Smart Contract PlatformUSD · spot
Quantum Resistant Ledger
QRL
$0.890852
24h
+1.81%
7d
−10.34%
30d
−9.29%
1y
+34.33%
24h low24h high
$0.86731
$0.908693
Market cap
$69.84M
Rank #347
24-hour volume
$19.98K
spot and derivatives
Circulating
78.39M
74.7% of max
All-time high
$3.87
−76.96% from ATH
Price action
12-month historyQuantum Resistant Ledger price chart
Range$0.778334 → $1.25−27.04%
$1.25$1.13$1.01$0.895695$0.778334
April 30, 2026July 24, 2026
Snapshot
Key numbers
Rank
#347
Market cap
$69.84M
24h volume
$19.98K
FDV
$69.84M
Circulating
78.39M
Max supply
105M
Calculator
Quantum Resistant Ledger converter
Convert between QRL and US dollars at the live rate.
★ Live rate1 QRL = $0.89
QRL
$USD
Records
Quantum Resistant Ledger all-time history
▲ All-time highJanuary 8, 2018
$3.87
−76.96% from current
▼ All-time lowDecember 1, 2023
$0.04117
+2063.85% from current
Where to buy
Full ranking Top exchanges for Quantum Resistant Ledger
Independent editorial ranking. Score is 0–10 across six criteria: Security, Fees, UX, Features, Support, Reputation.
- 🥈CoiCoinbase Exchange
Institutions and funds requiring an SEC-registered venue with segregated qualified custody and audited on-chain reserves.
9.0Score - 🥉BinBinance
Active spot traders chasing the deepest global liquidity and the widest listing catalogue outside the US perimeter.
8.8Score - #4OKXOKX
Traders who mix spot and on-chain — the Web3 wallet, DEX aggregator and Ethereum L2 X Layer sit inside the same account as CEX pairs.
8.4Score - #5BitBitstamp
Long-horizon EU holders who want the oldest continuously-operating exchange (2011) with conservative listings and full MiCA licensing.
8.4Score - #6BybBybit
Derivatives-first traders who want tighter perp funding and a maker-friendly fee schedule; accept offshore regulatory footprint.
8.0Score
Adjacent
More Smart Contract Platform
Top coins in the same category, ordered by market cap.
Briefing
About Quantum Resistant Ledger (QRL)
What is Quantum Resistant Ledger?
Quantum Resistant Ledger (QRL) is a blockchain designed to be secure against attacks from quantum computers. It launched its mainnet in June 2018 and uses the eXtended Merkle Signature Scheme (XMSS) for all transaction signing, replacing the elliptic-curve cryptography that underpins Bitcoin, Ethereum, and most other blockchains. XMSS is a hash-based signature scheme standardized by NIST and is widely considered safe from Shor's algorithm, the quantum algorithm that would break ECDSA.
The QRL project is not a fork of an existing chain. It was written from scratch with post-quantum security as the primary design goal. The native coin QRL is used for transaction fees, staking rewards, and on-chain governance participation.
QRL price today
QRL/USD and QRL/BTC trade on Bittrex, Gate.io, and a handful of smaller venues. Liquidity is modest relative to large-cap coins. The price on this page refreshes every 60 seconds.
Key factors that move the QRL price:
- Quantum computing news. Announcements of quantum computing milestones — particularly from Google, IBM, and NIST — often lift attention toward post-quantum assets.
- NIST post-quantum standards. When NIST releases new post-quantum cryptography standards, QRL is frequently cited as the most battle-tested live implementation.
- Bitcoin and Ethereum quantum vulnerability debate. Discussions in the broader crypto space about when quantum computers could break ECDSA create periodic interest in QRL.
- Network upgrade milestones. Protocol upgrades expanding smart-contract capability or staking features drive short-term volatility.
- BTC correlation. QRL is still driven by the broader market direction during macro crypto cycles.
Live data above is the source of truth. Analysis below uses levels visible at page load.
XMSS: post-quantum cryptography explained
Most blockchains sign transactions with ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) or EdDSA (Edwards-curve Digital Signature Algorithm). These rely on the mathematical difficulty of the elliptic-curve discrete logarithm problem. A sufficiently powerful quantum computer running Shor's algorithm could solve this problem and forge signatures, allowing an attacker to spend any public ECDSA or EdDSA address.
XMSS is different. It is a stateful hash-based signature scheme whose security reduces to the collision resistance of the underlying hash function (SHA-256 in QRL's case). Hash-function security is not threatened by Shor's algorithm or Grover's algorithm at practical key sizes. NIST included XMSS in its first post-quantum signature standard (NIST SP 800-208) in 2020.
- Stateful signing. XMSS uses a one-time signature tree. Each leaf is used exactly once; the protocol tracks which leaves remain. This requires careful wallet design to avoid signature reuse.
- Merkle tree structure. The public key is the root of a Merkle tree of one-time keys. Signing reveals one tree path per signature without exposing other paths.
- Quantum-secure hash. The security assumption is the preimage resistance of SHA-256, not the difficulty of factoring large numbers.
- NIST standard. XMSS is formally standardized and peer-reviewed, unlike many ad-hoc post-quantum proposals.
QRL smart contracts and project Zeus
QRL launched with a quantum-secure value-transfer layer and has since expanded to include smart contracts. The QRL virtual machine supports on-chain logic with quantum-resistant signing for all transactions. Project Zond, the major upgrade following mainnet launch, added EVM-compatible smart contracts with XMSS or CRYSTALS-Dilithium signature support, broadening developer accessibility.
- EVM compatibility. Project Zond brings Solidity smart contract support, enabling developers familiar with Ethereum tooling to deploy on a quantum-resistant chain.
- CRYSTALS-Dilithium. An additional post-quantum signature scheme added in Zond alongside XMSS, offering different performance tradeoffs.
- On-chain notarization. QRL supports document hash notarization, useful for quantum-secure timestamping of legal or scientific records.
- Ephemeral messaging. The protocol includes an ephemeral messaging layer for quantum-resistant encrypted communication.
QRL tokenomics and staking
QRL launched with a proof-of-work mining phase and transitioned to a hybrid PoS/PoW model. Project Zond fully migrates to proof-of-stake. The total supply is not hard-capped; staking rewards expand the supply at a small, predictable rate. QRL can be staked natively through the official wallet or through supported third-party interfaces.
Transaction fees on QRL are denominated in Shor, the smallest unit of QRL (1 QRL = 10^9 Shor). The fee structure is simple: a base fee plus a variable component depending on message payload size.
QRL vs other post-quantum projects
QRL is the most mature live blockchain with post-quantum signatures at the base layer. Other approaches include Bitcoin's ongoing research into quantum-resistant address schemes and Ethereum's longer-term roadmap. For context on how quantum security sits alongside other crypto priorities, see our Bitcoin page.
- QRL vs Bitcoin. Bitcoin uses ECDSA throughout its UTXO model. A quantum computer strong enough to attack ECDSA could steal coins at revealed public keys (addresses that have spent before). QRL has no such exposure.
- QRL vs Ethereum. Ethereum is working on post-quantum roadmap items but has no timeline for migrating all existing addresses. QRL is live now.
- QRL vs IOTA. IOTA used Winternitz OTS in early versions for some post-quantum properties. Its redesign uses Ed25519 for speed, retreating from its quantum-resistance claims.
- QRL vs post-quantum blockchains on paper. Several projects have announced post-quantum goals without launching mainnets. QRL has run live on XMSS since 2018.
How to buy QRL
QRL has limited exchange availability compared to major coins. The current options:
- Check our exchange ratings page for platforms that currently list QRL. Availability changes frequently on smaller venues.
- Register and verify an account on Gate.io or Bittrex, the two largest QRL markets.
- Deposit USDT, BTC, or fiat depending on available pairs on your chosen exchange.
- Buy QRL. Order books are thin; use limit orders to avoid slippage on larger purchases.
- Withdraw to the official QRL wallet. The QRL team maintains a web wallet, desktop wallet, and Ledger hardware wallet integration for self-custody.
For longer-term price scenarios, see our QRL price forecast.
Risks of holding QRL
QRL addresses a genuine long-term risk but carries near-term challenges as a small-cap specialized chain.
- Liquidity. QRL has low daily trading volume. Selling a significant position in a short window can move the price substantially.
- Exchange support. QRL is listed on few tier-1 exchanges, limiting retail accessibility.
- Quantum timeline uncertainty. If large-scale quantum computers are decades away, QRL's core value proposition may not become practically relevant for many years, keeping the asset niche.
- Stateful wallet complexity. XMSS signature trees require careful state management. Wallet bugs, address reuse, or software failures could lead to signature exposure.
- Competition from incumbents. If Bitcoin or Ethereum successfully migrate to post-quantum cryptography before quantum computers threaten them in practice, demand for a dedicated post-quantum chain could diminish.
- Drawdown. Small-cap coins can drop 95%-plus in bear markets. QRL has followed this pattern.
For broader context on security-focused blockchains, see our Monero page.
This page is information, not financial advice. Consult a licensed professional and verify local regulations before investing.
Analysis last updated:
Quantum Resistant Ledger price analysis
Quantum Resistant Ledger (QRL) trades at $0.890852 with a 24-hour volume of $19.98K and a market capitalization of $69.84M. The asset is currently ranked #347 among all tracked cryptocurrencies.
In the last 24 hours, the QRL price has risen +1.81%. On a seven-day window, Quantum Resistant Ledger has retraced +10.34%, showing mixed signals between the short and medium term. Short-term moves are often amplified by liquidity, news flow, and derivatives positioning, so confirm signals across multiple indicators before acting.
Quantum Resistant Ledger's all-time high of $3.87 was set on January 8, 2018. The current price sits +76.96% below that peak. Distance from the all-time high is a common reference point when evaluating long recoveries and macro support or resistance.
How to buy Quantum Resistant Ledger
Buying Quantum Resistant Ledger (QRL) is a five-step routine once you have picked the right venue and pair. The steps below mirror what most investors do today.
- Pick a reputable exchange. Choose a platform that lists QRL with deep liquidity, transparent fees, and a clean security record. Our top-rated exchanges guide compares the leading venues side by side.
- Create and verify your account. Complete the exchange's KYC process — most platforms require a government-issued ID and a short identity check. It is a one-off step that usually takes a few minutes.
- Fund your account. Deposit fiat via bank transfer or card, or use a stablecoin like USDT or USDC. Stablecoin deposits settle the fastest and cost the least.
- Place a buy order. Open the QRL/USD or QRL/USDT pair, then execute a market order for instant fills or a limit order at your preferred entry.
- Secure your QRL. For long-term holdings, move tokens to a non-custodial wallet — a hardware device for highest security, or a reputable software wallet for frequent access.
You can also use the Quantum Resistant Ledger converter above to estimate how much QRL you would get for a given dollar amount before placing the order.
Is Quantum Resistant Ledger a good investment?
Whether Quantum Resistant Ledger is a good investment depends on your goals, time horizon, and tolerance for volatility. Like all cryptocurrencies, QRL carries real market risk: prices can rise or fall sharply in a day, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Potential strengths
- Ranked #347 by market cap with an established trading history and active exchange coverage.
- Transparent on-chain data: real-time supply, circulation metrics, and publicly auditable transactions.
- Ongoing ecosystem development and community engagement, reflected in Smart Contract Platform and Proof of Work (PoW) activity.
Key risks to consider
- Volatility: 5–15% intraday moves are common across crypto markets.
- Regulatory uncertainty: policy changes in major jurisdictions can meaningfully affect price and access.
- Liquidity and custody risk: not all exchanges are equally safe, and self-custody requires careful key management.
This page provides data and analysis for educational purposes only. It is not financial advice. Always do your own research, diversify, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
FAQ
Common questions about Quantum Resistant Ledger
What is Quantum Resistant Ledger (QRL)?
QRL is a blockchain built from scratch to resist attacks from quantum computers. It uses the eXtended Merkle Signature Scheme (XMSS) for all transaction signing, a NIST-standardized post-quantum signature algorithm based on hash functions rather than elliptic-curve cryptography. The mainnet launched in June 2018 and has operated continuously since.
Why do blockchains need quantum resistance?
Most blockchains use ECDSA or EdDSA for transaction signing. Both rely on the difficulty of the elliptic-curve discrete logarithm problem, which a sufficiently powerful quantum computer running Shor's algorithm could solve in polynomial time. Once that happens, an attacker could forge signatures and steal funds from addresses whose public keys are known — which includes all addresses that have spent before. Hash-based signatures like XMSS are not vulnerable to Shor's algorithm.
What is XMSS?
XMSS (eXtended Merkle Signature Scheme) is a stateful hash-based digital signature scheme. It uses a Merkle tree of one-time signature keys; each signing operation consumes one leaf of the tree. Security depends on the collision resistance of SHA-256, not on number-theoretic hardness assumptions. NIST standardized XMSS in SP 800-208 in 2020, making it one of the few post-quantum signature schemes with a formal government standard.
Is Bitcoin vulnerable to quantum computers?
Addresses that have spent before expose their public keys, which are vulnerable to Shor's algorithm if quantum computers reach sufficient scale. Addresses that have never spent keep their public keys hidden inside a hash, which provides an extra layer of protection. Estimates for when quantum computers could threaten 256-bit elliptic curves at scale range from 10 to 30-plus years, but the timeline is uncertain and depends on engineering progress.
What is Project Zond?
Project Zond is QRL's major protocol upgrade that adds EVM-compatible smart contract support with post-quantum signatures. It enables Solidity developers to deploy on QRL and introduces CRYSTALS-Dilithium as an additional post-quantum signature option alongside XMSS. Zond also completes the transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake.
Where can I buy QRL?
QRL is listed on Gate.io and Bittrex as the primary venues. Availability on tier-1 exchanges is limited. Always verify current listings before creating an account, as smaller exchange listings change frequently.
Is QRL proof-of-work or proof-of-stake?
QRL launched with proof-of-work mining in 2018 and ran a hybrid model for several years. Project Zond completes the transition to proof-of-stake. Under PoS, validators lock QRL as collateral to participate in block production and receive staking rewards.
Is QRL a good investment?
QRL is a long-horizon, thesis-driven investment. It addresses a real threat — quantum computing advances — with a live, functional product. Near-term risks include low liquidity, limited exchange availability, and an uncertain quantum timeline that keeps the use case niche. It suits investors who hold a view that post-quantum security will become essential within their investment horizon and who can tolerate small-cap volatility.
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