Solana overtakes Base with 90% share in x402 transaction volume and count

Solana captures majority of x402 activity in 2026

Artemis figures show a significant uptick in x402 usage on Solana for the week ending August 31. The network moved ahead of Base, which had previously been the top venue for x402 transactions. While transaction count can sometimes be inflated by micro-payments, accompanying volume data confirmed that both qualitative and quantitative activity favored Solana during this period.

This development marks a pivotal change in the competition between Solana and Base for x402 transaction flows. Solana’s share had been consistently rising as protocol developers ramped up testing for automated and programmatic stablecoin payments. While this weekly surge is notable, analysts caution that one data point does not establish a long-term trend.

Protocol background: x402 enables programmatic stablecoin payments

The x402 protocol, developed by Coinbase, uses HTTP’s 402 payment status to facilitate automated stablecoin payments programmed by AI agents and decentralized applications. The protocol allows digital agents to pay for APIs, data, and services directly, supporting several networks such as Solana and Base.

Solana’s infrastructure, known for low costs and high-speed settlement, makes it especially attractive for use cases with repeated, small-value transfers. In May 2026, Rich Widmann from Google Cloud described Solana as “the right choice for settlement,” highlighting its role in enabling smooth machine-to-machine payments among AI-powered systems.

Mini dictionary: x402, a payment protocol designed by Coinbase, leverages the HTTP 402 status code to enable stablecoin payments between software agents, especially for accessing APIs and services without manual customer intervention.

Coinbase states that x402 allows AI agents and applications to send and receive stablecoin payments for APIs, content, and services, spanning multiple networks like Solana and Base.

Implications for stablecoin payments and Solana’s utility

Solana’s dominance in recent x402 activity could reinforce its reputation as a preferred settlement network for stablecoin transfers and machine-driven payments. So far, network reports indicate that over 35 million x402 transactions totaling $10 million in volume have been processed since the protocol launch on Solana.

However, increased x402 usage does not necessarily translate to higher direct demand for SOL tokens, as most transactions settle in stablecoins. Persistent commercial usage from AI agents, applications, and enterprises will offer a stronger indicator of sustainable network utility.

Despite the surge in x402 transactions, observers emphasize that organic economic activity and recurring payment behaviors will ultimately decide whether Solana can maintain its lead in the months ahead.

Outlook: Will Solana’s lead in x402 activity persist?

The crucial question is whether the spike in Solana’s x402 activity will hold over multiple weeks, signaling stable economic demand. Market participants will watch for sustained volume and repeated commercial payments to gauge long-term adoption. Base continues to support x402 transactions, and Coinbase underscores that the protocol was built for use on multiple networks.

For developers, businesses, and investors, the expanding use of x402 suggests a broader trend toward automated, on-chain payments and programmatic commerce. Whether Solana’s current advantage becomes permanent remains to be seen, hinging on consistent adoption and transaction volume over time.