What is TRON

TRON is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that uses a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) consensus mechanism and is engineered for high throughput, scalability, and low transaction costs. It hosts the largest stablecoin network in crypto (TRC-20 USDT) and an extensive DApp ecosystem spanning payments, DeFi, gaming, and NFTs, making it one of the most active layer-1 blockchains in production today.

Key features

High throughput. TRON processes up to 2,000 transactions per second (TPS), significantly outpacing Ethereum's base layer. This makes it well-suited for applications that require frequent, low-cost transactions.

Three-layer architecture. TRON's architecture consists of three layers:

• Storage layer — distributed storage protocol for block and state data
• Core layer — consensus engine, account management, and smart contract execution (TVM)
• Application layer — decentralized applications, wallets, and SDKs

Resource model. TRON uses a dual-resource model that sidesteps the common "fees larger than the transfer amount" problem. Bandwidth covers transaction size and Energy covers smart contract execution. Each account receives 600 free Bandwidth per day — enough for roughly 2 simple TRX transfers; stake TRX to obtain more Bandwidth or any amount of Energy. See Resource model for the full mechanics.

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Cost scale

Each activated account receives 600 free Bandwidth per day. A typical TRX transfer usually consumes about 260–300 Bandwidth; after the free allowance is exhausted, the current Mainnet price of 1,000 sun per Bandwidth burns about 0.26–0.30 TRX. Contract calls have no free Energy. If you do not use staked or delegated resources, the current Mainnet price is 100 sun per Energy, capped by the transaction's fee_limit.

EVM compatibility. TRON's Virtual Machine (TVM) is largely compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine. Solidity contracts written for Ethereum can be deployed on TRON with minimal changes — see TVM vs EVM for the differences that matter in practice.

DPoS governance. TRX holders vote for 27 Super Representatives (SRs) who produce blocks and govern the network. This model enables fast block times (~3 seconds) while keeping community participation in the loop, and network parameters can be upgraded through on-chain committee proposals — no hard forks required. See Consensus and DPoS.

TRX: the native token

TRX is the native token of the TRON network. It serves four core roles:

• Pay transaction fees — when an account runs short on Bandwidth or Energy, TRX is burned from the balance as a fallback at the current chain parameters (1,000 sun per Bandwidth, 100 sun per Energy).
• Stake for resources — stake TRX to obtain Bandwidth, Energy, and TRON Power voting weight; resources regenerate automatically over time.
• Governance voting — vote for SRs with your TRON Power, participate in governance, and earn a proportional share of voter rewards.
• Smart contract interaction — pay Energy when deploying or calling contracts; resources can also be delegated to other accounts, enabling business models where DApps cover end-user fees.

TRON by the numbers

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Live network figures

These figures are approximate and evolve with the network. Check TRONSCAN for live data.

What's next?

• Understand the big picture → Architecture overview
• Start building now → Send your first transaction
• Coming from Ethereum? → TRON vs Ethereum

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Related resources

• Getting testnet tokens — request free TRX and TRC-20 test tokens
• Stake & delegate resources — stake TRX to obtain Bandwidth or Energy, or delegate to another account
• Blockchain browsers — inspect transactions, blocks, and accounts on TronScan
• Accounts and keys — TRON's account model and address format