Supported Chains
Explore all the blockchain networks integrated into the ShapeShift platform for seamless multi-chain access.
Chains
Arbitrum
Arbitrum, developed by Offchain Labs in 2018, is a Layer 2 Optimistic Rollup solution aimed at enhancing Ethereum's scalability. By reducing the load on Ethereum's primary network, Arbitrum lowers transaction fees, speeds up confirmation times, and improves the overall user experience for crypto traders, all while preserving Ethereum's security. This is achieved by shifting transaction processing away from Ethereum's congested Layer 1 network.
Avalanche
Avalanche, created by Ava Labs and launched in 2020, is designed to deliver high-speed, low-cost transactions with quick confirmations using its innovative Avalanche consensus protocol. It aspires to be a global financial network for digital assets, offering a unique approach to scalability and customization. As one of the top five blockchains by total value locked, Avalanche is rapidly expanding its ecosystem, attracting a diverse range of applications and users.
Base
The Coinbase blockchain, often referred to as "Base," is a Layer 2 solution built on Ethereum by Coinbase. It is designed to offer faster and more cost-effective transactions while maintaining the security and decentralization of the Ethereum network. Base aims to enhance scalability and provide a more efficient platform for developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) by leveraging Ethereum's robust infrastructure. Through this, Coinbase seeks to facilitate a more accessible and user-friendly blockchain ecosystem for a broader audience.
Cosmos
Cosmos is a decentralized, scalable, and interoperable network of interconnected blockchains, often referred to as the “Internet of Blockchains.” Utilizing the Tendermint consensus engine and the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, Cosmos enables seamless communication and transactions between diverse blockchain ecosystems. This innovative framework allows developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) that can operate across multiple blockchains, providing users with enhanced flexibility and choice.
Ethereum
Ethereum, created by Vitalik Buterin in 2015, is a leading decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that allows developers to build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps). Built on a public blockchain, Ethereum uses a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus algorithm but is transitioning to proof-of-stake (PoS) with Ethereum 2.0. Key features include support for smart contracts, which are self-executing agreements written in code, and custom digital assets like ERC-20 tokens for various uses. Ethereum also supports non-fungible tokens (NFTs) through the ERC-721 standard, enabling unique digital assets for applications such as digital art, collectibles, and gaming.
Optimism
Optimism is a Layer 2 scaling solution designed to enhance the Ethereum blockchain's performance by improving transaction speed and reducing costs, all while retaining Ethereum's security features. Utilizing Optimistic Rollups, Optimism processes transactions off-chain and periodically submits a summary to the Ethereum mainnet. This method decreases the workload on Ethereum's Layer 1 network, resulting in lower gas fees and faster transaction confirmations. Optimism's seamless integration with Ethereum allows developers to deploy decentralized applications (dApps) with minimal changes, fostering a more scalable and user-friendly ecosystem.
Polygon (Matic)
Originally launched as MATIC in 2017, the crypto network rebranded to Polygon in 2021. The revamped Polygon network focuses on scaling Ethereum by enhancing its transaction speed while maintaining robust security. Offering a comprehensive suite of Layer 2 scaling solutions, Polygon plays a crucial role in easing Ethereum's congestion as it transitions to Ethereum PoS which aims for greater scalability and reduced gas fees. Polygon's significant adoption is evident as it ranks as the seventh-largest blockchain by total value locked.
Solana
Solana is a high-performance blockchain platform designed for decentralized applications (dApps) and crypto projects, known for its scalability and speed. Launched in 2020 by Anatoly Yakovenko, Solana was created to address the limitations of existing blockchains, particularly in terms of transaction throughput and latency. Utilizing a unique consensus mechanism called Proof of History (PoH), Solana can process thousands of transactions per second, making it one of the fastest blockchains available. SOL is the native cryptocurrency of the Solana network, used for transaction fees, staking, and participating in governance. It serves as a crucial component in facilitating operations within the ecosystem, allowing users to interact with various dApps and services built on the platform. Solana's rapid rise in popularity has positioned it as a major player in the DeFi and NFT spaces, attracting significant developer and investor interest.
THORChain
ShapeShift is recognized as one of the best THORChain interfaces available, providing a seamless and powerful platform for trading and managing digital assets across multiple blockchains. ShapeShift leverages THORChain technology to offer an optimal DeFi experience that's both intuitive and rewarding for users. THORChain is a revolutionary decentralized multichain liquidity protocol enabling users to seamlessly swap assets between different blockchain networks. As one of the largest DeFi protocols, THORChain uses an automated market maker (AMM) to ensure deep liquidity. This allows users to contribute their assets to liquidity pools and facilitate trades, earning a portion of the swap fees.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin was the first significant cryptocurrency created. This digital currency was developed anonymously by Satoshi Nakamoto (pseudonym). Bitcoin is a digital currency that allows anyone to store, send and receive BTC from a Bitcoin wallet. Bitcoin uses a decentralized public ledger known as the blockchain to keep track of all accounts and balances. Users can send funds by writing transactions to the blockchain when using a Bitcoin wallet. Those transactions are sent to miners with fees to pay the miners, who will verify the transaction to be added to the public ledger, making the transaction complete.
BNB
Launched through an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) from June 26th to July 3rd, 2017, BNB was initially issued as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum network with a total supply of 200 million coins, though the current supply is lower due to periodic and real-time burning events. BNB is widely used within the BNB Chain ecosystem and beyond, for purposes such as paying for travel, virtual gifts, lending, rewards, creating smart contracts, and various transactions. It is also popular for paying transaction fees on the Binance trading platform, where approximately two million users have used BNB to cover fees for over 127 billion trades, benefiting from a special discount. Additionally, BNB powers the Binance DEX on the Binance Beacon Chain and supports hundreds of applications on the BNB Smart Chain (BSC)
Dogecoin
Created in 2013 by software developers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer, Dogecoin is a decentralized cryptocurrency initially based on the Shiba Inu dog meme. Despite its humorous origins, Dogecoin has gained a significant following and is known for its fun and friendly community. Like Bitcoin and Litecoin, Dogecoin uses a blockchain to record and verify transactions but distinguishes itself with a fast block time of one minute and low transaction fees. Its mascot, the Shiba Inu dog, and its engaged community contribute to its unique branding. While not as mainstream as some other cryptocurrencies, Dogecoin remains popular for its lighthearted and accessible approach.
