About Etherscan
Etherscan is the leading Ethereum block explorer and analytics platform, providing users with seamless access to on-chain data and smart contract interactions. As the #1 resource for monitoring the Ethereum blockchain, Etherscan serves developers, traders, researchers, and everyday users with an intuitive interface for verifying transactions, exploring tokens, and analyzing blockchain activity in real time.
Since launching in 2015, Etherscan has become a foundational tool in the Web3 ecosystem, offering transparency and accessibility for anyone interacting with Ethereum. With features like smart contract verification, token analytics, gas tracking, and API access, Etherscan remains the most trusted destination for tracking Ethereum’s evolution, from DeFi to NFTs to the Proof-of-Stake upgrade.
Etherscan is much more than a simple transaction viewer—it is a comprehensive Ethereum infrastructure platform that supports the growth of decentralized applications and services across the ecosystem. The platform enables users to monitor blockchain activity including transactions, token transfers, smart contract execution, wallet balances, NFT mints, contract deployments, and more. With over 2.8 billion transactions indexed and real-time block tracking, Etherscan ensures that every interaction on Ethereum is visible and traceable.
Developed by Matthew Tan and launched in 2015, Etherscan has been at the forefront of Ethereum innovation for nearly a decade. Milestones include introducing ERC-20 tracking, ENS integration, gas price analytics, and launching complementary tools like Blockscan Chat and BeaconScan. The platform recently expanded with the acquisition of Solscan and the rollout of the Blockscan Multichain Explorer, now offering insights into 30+ blockchains.
In addition to serving everyday users, Etherscan provides essential tools for developers and enterprises. Its APIs allow applications to query blockchain data reliably, and the Explorer-as-a-Service (EaaS) product powers customized block explorer instances for over 30 clients globally. The newly launched Etherscan API V2 supports multichain access from a single key, simplifying development across Ethereum-compatible chains.
Etherscan’s primary competitors include BscScan, PolygonScan, Solscan, and Blockchair. However, none match its combination of depth, reliability, and open data access across both Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains. Explore all these features at etherscan.io.
Etherscan provides a suite of advanced features and developer tools that make it indispensable for the Ethereum ecosystem:
- Transaction Explorer: View real-time and historical Ethereum transactions, including token transfers, internal calls, and contract interactions.
- Smart Contract Tools: Verify, audit, and search Solidity contracts with the contract diff checker, Vyper compiler, and code reader.
- Token & NFT Tracking: Analyze top ERC-20 and NFT contracts, including mints, trades, transfers, and holders.
- Gas Tracker: Monitor live gas prices and estimate transaction fees using the Etherscan Gas Tracker.
- Label Cloud & Top Accounts: Access rich metadata about on-chain wallets, DApps, exchanges, and top holders.
- API Suite: Use free and premium Etherscan APIs to query blockchain data programmatically.
- Explorer-as-a-Service (EaaS): Deploy your own branded blockchain explorer with enterprise-level support.
- Community & Messaging: Chat wallet-to-wallet via Blockscan Chat, or explore chain insights via the Etherscan newsletter and knowledge base.
Getting started with Etherscan is simple for developers, users, and enterprises alike:
- Explore the Blockchain: Visit etherscan.io and search any address, transaction hash, token, or ENS domain.
- Track Your Wallet: Paste your wallet address in the search bar to monitor balances, token holdings, and NFT activity.
- Use Developer Tools: Access contract verification, code diffing, and bytecode inspection from the Developers tab.
- Try APIs: Create a free API key or subscribe to a premium plan from the API section to integrate blockchain data into your app.
- Monitor Gas Fees: Use the Gas Tracker to get real-time estimates and optimize your transactions.
- Download the Extension: Install the Etherscan Chrome Extension to get on-chain context directly while browsing.
- Stay Informed: Subscribe to the Etherscan newsletter for insights into network updates, vulnerabilities, and new tools.
Etherscan FAQ
Etherscan goes far beyond being a simple transaction viewer. It provides deep insights into token transfers, contract execution, gas usage, NFT activity, and even internal transactions. Users can analyze wallet behavior, explore top Ethereum accounts, access real-time block updates, and utilize tools like the Gas Tracker, DEX Tracker, and Domain Name Lookup. Whether you're an investor or developer, you can extract actionable insights across the full Ethereum ecosystem at etherscan.io.
Smart contract verification on Etherscan requires developers to upload the source code and compilation settings used during deployment. The system performs a bytecode match between the uploaded code and the deployed contract, ensuring integrity and accuracy. This process helps users interact confidently with verified contracts. Etherscan also allows contract comparisons using tools like the Contract Diff Checker and Bytecode-to-Opcode tool.
Yes, Etherscan offers a powerful NFT tracking system that includes real-time visibility into top NFT projects, latest trades, top mints, and individual token transfers. Users can inspect metadata, wallet holdings, mint history, and royalties for any ERC-721 or ERC-1155 asset. Navigate to the NFT section on the platform to explore trends or investigate specific token IDs and wallet ownership data.
Explorer-as-a-Service (EaaS) is Etherscan’s enterprise solution that enables other projects to launch their own branded block explorers. These explorers inherit Etherscan’s feature set—including real-time transaction monitoring, API access, and contract verification—but are tailored to specific blockchains or testnets. This service has been adopted by over 30 clients and supports multichain ecosystems via the Blockscan Explorer. It’s ideal for layer-2s, testnets, and app chains.
Etherscan is a developer-first platform offering tools like the Etherscan API, contract verification systems, and utilities like the Code Reader, Vyper Compiler, and Input Data Decoder. Its recent API V2 enables multichain access via a single key, making it easier to integrate Ethereum data across dApps. Developers can also explore and reuse verified contracts and token interfaces, accelerating the build process for Web3 applications.