pNFT vs Core vs compressed NFTs: Solana NFT standards explained
Solana has four common NFT formats: legacy Token Metadata NFTs, programmable NFTs (pNFTs) that can enforce royalties, Metaplex Core NFTs that fit in a single account and are cheaper to mint, and compressed NFTs (cNFTs) that store ownership in a Merkle tree and cost almost nothing to mint. To a buyer they look the same in a wallet; the differences are in cost, royalty enforcement and how the NFT is transferred.
Legacy Token Metadata NFTs
The original Metaplex standard. The NFT is an SPL token with a supply of one, plus a metadata account and a master edition account. Royalties are recorded but not enforced: whether a sale pays the creator depends on the marketplace.
Programmable NFTs (pNFTs)
Introduced by Metaplex in 2023 so creators could enforce royalties. A pNFT is permanently frozen in the owner's wallet and can only move through the Token Metadata program, which checks the collection's rule set on every transfer. In a wallet it can show as "frozen" even though you own it outright — that is normal.
Metaplex Core
Launched in 2024. A Core NFT is a single account instead of three or more, which makes minting and transfers cheaper. Behaviour such as royalties, freezing or attributes is added through plugins. Many new collections launch on Core.
Compressed NFTs (cNFTs)
Compressed NFTs use state compression: ownership is stored as a leaf in an on-chain Merkle tree, so minting a million costs a tiny fraction of what normal NFTs would. Reading them needs an indexer (the DAS API), and every transfer includes a proof that the leaf is in the tree. They suit very large collections, game items and airdrops.
Does it matter to a buyer?
Mostly no — a good marketplace handles each format for you. The practical differences: pNFTs and many Core collections pay royalties on every sale, compressed NFTs are cheap to move around, and a pNFT showing as "frozen" in your wallet is expected. Orbis supports all four formats. See also how royalties work.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my pNFT frozen?
Every pNFT is frozen in its owner's token account by design; it can only move through the Token Metadata program so royalty rules can be checked. You still own it and can list, sell or transfer it.
Are compressed NFTs real NFTs?
Yes. Ownership is recorded on-chain in a Merkle tree rather than in a separate account per NFT. They can be owned, transferred and traded like any other NFT.
Which standard is best for a new collection?
For most new PFP or art collections, Metaplex Core: cheap, simple, with royalty enforcement available through a plugin. Very large or free collections often choose compressed NFTs.