This comprehensive guide compares XLM (Stellar) and NEAR Protocol, two leading Layer-1 blockchain platforms targeting different market segments. XLM focuses on cross-border payments and financial inclusion since 2014, featuring 2-5 second transaction finality and institutional partnerships with IBM and Mercado Libre. NEAR Protocol, launched in 2020, emphasizes scalable smart contract infrastructure for decentralized applications with state sharding technology and mobile compatibility. The article examines critical investment factors including historical price trends (XLM: $0.22235, NEAR: $1.7477), tokenomics, institutional adoption, technological ecosystems, and market sentiment. Through detailed analysis of risk profiles, supply mechanisms, and 2026-2031 price predictions, investors gain insights into which asset aligns with their investment strategy—whether prioritizing established payment infrastructure or emerging smart contract platforms on Gate exchange.