Quick Answer: What Is PulseChain?
TL;DR: PulseChain is a full-state fork of Ethereum that launched in May 2023. It offers the same smart contract functionality as Ethereum but with significantly lower fees (often 100-1000x cheaper) and faster transactions. When PulseChain launched, it copied the entire Ethereum blockchain, giving all ETH holders free copies of their tokens on PulseChain.
🔑 Key Facts About PulseChain
- Launch Date: May 10, 2023
- Native Token: PLS (used for gas fees)
- Consensus: Proof of Stake (PoS)
- Block Time: ~10 seconds (3x faster than Ethereum)
- Chain ID: 369
- Creator: Richard Heart
How PulseChain Works
The Ethereum Fork Explained
PulseChain is a "fork" of Ethereum, meaning it started as an exact copy of the Ethereum blockchain at a specific point in time. Think of it like copying a document — you get everything that was in the original, but then the copy becomes independent and can change differently from the original.
What "full-state fork" means:
- All Ethereum addresses were copied to PulseChain
- All token balances were duplicated
- All smart contracts were copied (including DeFi protocols)
- All NFTs were duplicated
If you held 1 ETH before the fork, you received 1 PLS on PulseChain (from the copied ETH). If you held 1000 USDC, you received 1000 "pUSDC" on PulseChain.
Proof of Stake Consensus
Unlike Ethereum's original Proof of Work system, PulseChain launched with Proof of Stake from day one. This means:
- No mining required — Validators stake PLS to secure the network
- Energy efficient — Uses 99.9% less energy than PoW
- Faster finality — Transactions confirm quicker
- Lower barriers — Anyone can become a validator with 32M PLS
The 369 Chain ID
PulseChain uses Chain ID 369, which you'll need when adding the network to your wallet. This unique identifier ensures transactions meant for PulseChain don't accidentally go to Ethereum or other networks.
PulseChain vs Ethereum: Key Differences
| Feature | PulseChain | Ethereum |
|---|---|---|
| Average Gas Fee | $0.001 - $0.01 | $1 - $50+ |
| Block Time | ~10 seconds | ~12 seconds |
| Native Token | PLS | ETH |
| Consensus | Proof of Stake | Proof of Stake |
| TVL (Dec 2025) | ~$4 billion | ~$60 billion |
| DEX Ecosystem | PulseX, 9inch, etc. | Uniswap, Sushi, etc. |
| Validator Stake | 32M PLS | 32 ETH |
For a deeper comparison, see our PulseChain vs Ethereum guide.
The PulseChain Ecosystem
Native Tokens
PulseChain has several key native tokens:
PLS (Pulse)
- Purpose: Gas token (pays for transactions)
- Origin: Created at launch, distributed via sacrifice
- Supply: Deflationary (portion burned with each transaction)
PLSX (PulseX)
- Purpose: Governance token for PulseX DEX
- Utility: Fee sharing, voting rights
pHEX (PulseChain HEX)
- Purpose: Copy of HEX token on PulseChain
- Features: Staking for yield, certificate of deposit
INC (Incentive)
- Purpose: Incentive token from sacrifice phase
- Note: Limited utility, speculative
Key DeFi Protocols
PulseX
The largest DEX on PulseChain, PulseX is a fork of Uniswap V2. It handles the majority of trading volume on the network with deep liquidity for major pairs.
9inch
A DEX aggregator that finds the best prices across multiple PulseChain exchanges.
Liquid Loans
A lending protocol allowing users to borrow against PLS collateral.
Explore more in our Top DeFi Protocols on PulseChain guide.
Why People Use PulseChain
1. Extremely Low Fees
The #1 reason people use PulseChain is cost. While an Ethereum swap might cost $5-50 in gas, the same transaction on PulseChain costs fractions of a cent. This makes DeFi accessible to everyone, not just whales.
💰 Fee Comparison Example
Token swap transaction:
- Ethereum: $8.50 gas fee
- PulseChain: $0.003 gas fee
- Savings: 99.96%
2. Fast Transactions
PulseChain's ~10 second block time means your transactions confirm quickly. No more waiting minutes or hours during network congestion.
3. Full Ethereum Compatibility
Since PulseChain is an Ethereum fork, it supports:
- All ERC-20 tokens (as copies)
- All Ethereum smart contracts
- All Ethereum wallets (MetaMask, etc.)
- All Ethereum development tools
4. Free Airdrop at Launch
Everyone who held tokens on Ethereum at the snapshot received free copies on PulseChain. This created instant liquidity and adoption.
5. Deflationary Tokenomics
A portion of PLS is burned with every transaction, making the token supply decrease over time when network activity is high.
How to Get Started with PulseChain
Step 1: Set Up Your Wallet
You need a wallet that supports PulseChain. MetaMask is the most popular choice:
- Install MetaMask (browser extension or mobile app)
- Add PulseChain network to MetaMask
- Your Ethereum address works on PulseChain too!
Guide: Add PulseChain to MetaMask
Step 2: Get PLS for Gas
You need PLS to pay for transactions on PulseChain. Options:
- Bridge ETH and swap for PLS
- Use a faucet for small amounts
- Buy from exchanges that list PLS
Guide: How to Buy PLS Token
Step 3: Bridge Your Assets
Move tokens from Ethereum to PulseChain using a bridge:
- Visit PulseChain Bridge
- Connect your wallet
- Select tokens to bridge
- Confirm and wait 2-5 minutes
Guide: How to Bridge ETH to PulseChain
Step 4: Explore the Ecosystem
Once you have assets on PulseChain, you can:
- Trade on PulseX
- Provide liquidity and earn fees
- Stake HEX
- Explore other DeFi protocols
PulseChain Network Details
| Network Name | PulseChain |
| RPC URL | https://rpc.pulsechain.com |
| Chain ID | 369 |
| Currency Symbol | PLS |
| Block Explorer | https://scan.pulsechain.com |
Common Questions About PulseChain
Is PulseChain safe?
PulseChain uses the same battle-tested code as Ethereum. The network has been running since May 2023 with no major security incidents. However, as with all crypto, smart contract risks exist — always DYOR and use audited protocols.
Who created PulseChain?
PulseChain was created by Richard Heart, who also created HEX. The project was funded through a "sacrifice" phase where participants donated crypto to support development.
Is PulseChain an Ethereum killer?
PulseChain doesn't aim to "kill" Ethereum. Instead, it provides an alternative with lower fees. Many users operate on both chains depending on their needs.
Can I use the same wallet address on PulseChain and Ethereum?
Yes! Your wallet address works on both networks. Just switch networks in your wallet to see balances on each chain.
What happened to my Ethereum tokens on PulseChain?
All Ethereum tokens were copied at the fork. You have "p-versions" (pUSDC, pDAI, etc.) on PulseChain, though their values differ from the originals.
Is PulseChain a Layer 2?
No, PulseChain is a Layer 1 blockchain — an independent chain, not a scaling solution built on top of Ethereum.
PulseChain Resources
Official Resources
- Block Explorer: scan.pulsechain.com
- PulseX DEX: app.pulsex.com
- Documentation: pulsechain.com
Our Guides
- Complete Beginner's Guide to PulseChain
- How to Bridge ETH to PulseChain
- Top DeFi Protocols on PulseChain
- PulseChain vs Ethereum Comparison
Conclusion
PulseChain offers a compelling alternative to Ethereum with dramatically lower fees and faster transactions while maintaining full compatibility with Ethereum's ecosystem. Whether you're DeFi power user tired of high gas fees or a newcomer looking for an affordable entry point, PulseChain has something to offer.
🚀 Ready to Try PulseChain?
Start by bridging some ETH to experience the low-fee ecosystem:
Bridge to PulseChain