What is RPC
RPC (Remote Procedure Call) is the mechanism your application uses to communicate with Solana when you're not running a full validator node. It basically serves as an API gateway to the blockchain; you issue JSON-RPC requests, the node processes the complex logic on the blockchain's behalf, and then delivers the requested data back to you.
Every wallet, DEX, Squad, meme game, and DeFi protocol operating on Solana relies on RPC nodes to do that work. RPC nodes enable you to access an account's balance, view transaction history, and send new transactions. In short, no apps would get built if you were to have to run your own validators.
The validator network supporting these RPC nodes became streamlined and efficient over the years. In early 2021, there were about 1,900 validators. By June 2025, the number had decreased to 1,295. However, the validator network got faster, with the average daily skip rate dropping from 15% to just 0.3%.
Performance Evolution and Provider Innovation
Private RPC nodes are better than public ones in every aspect in July 2026, based on available data.
Good private RPC nodes include:
- ERPC ERPC invested heavily in infrastructure. They use EPYC 5th Gen CPUs that have a base frequency of 4.8 GHz on the London node and 1 TB+ of DDR5 RAM. They now also operate in Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and New York.
- Helius Labs In August 2025, Helius Labs announced that you can use their LaserStream to stream Solana. Helius also offered a new feature in August 2025 where they give backrun rebates. The free tier for Helius gives you 1M credits with a throughput of 10 requests per second (RPS).
- Triton One Triton One's beta of Old Faithful uses gRPC stream technology, so you should only use Triton if you know how to work with gRPC. Triton doesn't backrun their users' transactions. In August 2025, the Validators DAO expanded their Shredstream infrastructure in different cities.
Developer Impact and Ecosystem Growth
QuickNode, a company providing RPC infrastructure, conducted a study and published their data in August 2025. They reported that an optimized RPC endpoint can reduce an app's average latency by 70%, which is essential to app developers.
There are many RPC providers with different RPC features available for you to choose from based on your app's needs. For apps that need historical data, ERPC offers enhanced data retention. If you build an app that needs minimal latency, look for a provider that has a node closer to your servers. And if you build a wallet, you can just use a free node.
Providers are constantly trying to be better and provide better uptime, performance, and new features. For example, ERPC is focused on enhanced data retention, which is useful for data analytics applications that need to analyze historical blockchain data. Helius's backrun rebates feature helps high-frequency trading apps stay competitive. Triton's gRPC streaming option gives high-frequency traders a way to interact with Solana.
Solana's RPC nodes have evolved and improved, offering various solutions for any developer, whether you're making a basic dApp or an advanced trading application. Improvements in network performance alongside provider advancements have made the platform a great choice for developers looking to deploy high-performing apps. Ultimately, a better user experience drives adoption as it's a more seamless experience.
