Blockchain explorers are indispensable tools that enable users to search, analyze, and visualize data on public blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Explorers allow anyone to track transactions, view balances, monitor network activity, and validate blocks with complete transparency. With thousands of cryptocurrencies running on hundreds of independent blockchains, explorers have become crucial for blockchain developers, traders, investors, and enthusiasts.
In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the top blockchain explorers across key categories, highlight their notable capabilities, and ultimately recommend the best options across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major crypto networks. We’ll also suggest the most secure Bitcoin wallets to safeguard your crypto assets. Let’s dive in!
Part 1 – What Is A Blockchain Explorer?
A blockchain explorer is a search engine and analytics platform that indexes blockchain data to make it easily accessible through a web interface. Explorers connect to full nodes on cryptocurrency networks to sync and extract real-time data including:
-Blocks and transactions
-Addresses, balances, and smart contract calls
-Network hash rate, fees, and other statistics
-Decoded OP_RETURN metadata
Explorers enable-tracking any address, transaction, or block across the respective blockchain by entering the hash or block height. This provides complete transparency into all network activity and an immutable record of transactions and balances.
Developers utilize explorers to quickly search, validate, and monitor blockchain data instead of needing to run full nodes themselves. Traders use explorers to analyze transactions and track payments. Explorers also help investigators and law enforcement analyze blockchain evidence. Within the crypto ecosystem, blockchain explorers have become indispensable tools for their transparency, convenience and wealth of network data.
Part 2 – Key Features To Compare
There are a wide variety of blockchain explorers available across different blockchain networks, both from indie developers and major companies. When evaluating which explorers are superior, here are the key features and criteria to consider:
The number of supported blockchains – The most robust explorers index multiple major crypto networks beyond just Bitcoin and Ethereum. This provides users with a unified lens into the broader crypto asset ecosystem.
Speed and uptime – Fast syncing and query responses make for smooth explorer use. Minimal lag and downtime are vital.
Clean, intuitive UI – Explorers should offer sleek, easy-to-use interfaces for blockchain novices and power users alike.
Handy analytics – Transaction fees, miner revenue, price conversion tools, mempool stats, and other data analytics provide helpful network insights.
Open source code – Open source explorer code enables greater transparency and community contributions to the project.
Ad-free experience – Explorers bogged down with excessive ads provide a poor user experience.
Mobile compatibility – Native mobile apps and mobile-friendly web versions make explorers convenient to use on the go.
Powerful API – Robust APIs enable advanced programmatic access to blockchain data indexes for developers.
Additional tools – Signature validators, message decoders, faucets and more enhance explorer utility.
Using these criteria, let’s now compare some of the top blockchain explorer options across the cryptocurrency landscape.
Part 3 – Bitcoin Block Explorers
Bitcoin was the first blockchain ever created and consequently has the most established ecosystem of supporting explorers. Here are some of the best Bitcoin blockchain explorers:
Blockchain.com Explorer
Blockchain.com Explorer (formerly Blockchain.info) is one of the oldest and most trusted Bitcoin explorers, launched in 2011. Key features include:
-Clean UI with address tagging and labels
-Tracking of unconfirmed transactions
-Data on fees, mempool stats, hashrate distribution
-Block explorer for Bitcoin testnet
-Robust API services
OXT Explorer
OXT provides a full-featured Bitcoin explorer created by UK-based blockchain data firm Blockchain Intelligence Group. Highlights include:
-Real-time transaction monitoring
-Address risk scoring and labeling
-Advanced blockchain analytics and heuristics
-Granular data exports – e.g. exchange flow, entities, clusters
Blockstream Explorer
Blockstream’s Bitcoin Explorer delivers an enterprise-grade experience with support for Liquid sidechain integrations. Notable characteristics:
-Powerful fast REST and GraphQL APIs
-Support for Liquid Federation sidechain
-Advanced data analytics tools
-Clean, fast interface with minimal ads
Bitaps Explorer
Bitaps supplies barebones, ad-free Bitcoin blockchain explorers focused purely on blockchain data. Features include:
-QR code support to easily access addresses
-Address tagging capabilities
-Message verification tool
-API services and web widgets
Satoshi Explorer
Satoshi provides an open-source Bitcoin explorer focused on Derived unique statistics like earliest active Addresses never-moved BitcoinPercent of Bitcoin supply in profit/loss.
Part 4 – Ethereum Explorers
Ethereum has become the second-largest cryptocurrency ecosystem. Here are the leading Ethereum blockchain explorers:
Etherscan
Etherscan is by far the most popular explorer for Ethereum, supporting the mainnet, testnets, and almost every ERC-20 token. Key features:
-Clean UI with Night/Day modes
-Every ERC-20 token contract with totals
-Active Ethereum developer ecosystem via APIs
-Native mobile apps for iOS and Android
-NFT explorer and marketplace tracker
BlockScout
Developed by POA Network, BlockScout provides an open-source Ethereum and POA explorer packed with powerful features:
-Support for xDai and other EVM chains
-Trace method calls across smart contracts
-Token transfer logs, holders, balances
-Visual smart contract debugging
-Decentralized explorer option
Etherchain
Etherchain supplies a minimalist, ad-free Ethereum explorer providing smooth block, transaction, and address lookups. Core offerings:
-Minimalist UI prioritizing blockchain data
-Transaction confirmation notifications
-API for accessing chain data
-Conversion of amounts to USD
-Support for most testnets
Part 5 – Comparison Of Multi-Blockchain Explorers
Many blockchain explorers now go beyond just Bitcoin and Ethereum to index an array of different cryptocurrency networks. Here is an overview of the top multi-chain explorers:
Blockchain
Blockchain has explorers for Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Litecoin, Dash, Dogecoin, Ethereum, and all major chains. Features include:
-Clean exploration across dozens of blockchains
-Powerful analytics like NVT ratio and dormancy
-Scriptable widgets for embedded data
-New block email alerts
-NO account required
Blockcypher
Blockcypher tracks over 44 different blockchain networks including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dogecoin. Offerings include:
-Real-time transaction confirmation alerts
-Customizable APIs for blockchain developers
-Testnet block Explorer support
-Transaction decoder and signing validator
-Affordable plans for API usage volume
Bloxy
Bloxy supplies explorers for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Avalanche, Gnosis Chain, and Fantom Opera. Perks include:
-Charts showing transactions, fees, gas usage
-Price data, staking stats, validator leaderboards
-Decentralized explorer options
-Native solution for Binance Smart Chain
-Ethereum layer 2 network insights
CoinMarketCap Explorer
CoinMarketCap leverages its massive crypto data collection to power a unified multi-chain explorer similar to its pricing services. Benefits include:
-One portal for top blockchain networks
-Pairs nicely with CoinMarketCap pricing data
-Ideal for getting a broad market overview
-Details on exchange flows
-Some limitations in data depth
There are tradeoffs between specialized explorers that comprehensively cover select networks vs broader explorers that provide insights across diverse crypto assets. Evaluate your particular needs and preferences to determine the right fit.
Part 6 – Blockchain Explorer Safety Tips
While explorers provide exceptional transparency into blockchain transactions, it’s important to keep security and privacy in mind when using these tools:
Don’t overshare addresses – Minimize linking multiple addresses to your identity. Use explorers judiciously.
Practice good opsec – Don’t accidentally reveal personal information through public data lookups.
Verify legitimacy – Double-check explorer URLs as scam sites exist to steal secrets. Use well-known established explorers.
Treat explorer data as informational – On-chain data should complement other analyses, and not be fully relied upon.
Avoid toxic blockchain data – Explorers can, unfortunately, reveal illegal, dangerous, or unethical activity occurring on public chains.
Use privacy techniques – Solutions like CoinJoin and VPNs help protect identity when transacting.
Never enter private keys – Explorers only need public addresses. Never enter your private keys, mnemonics, or passwords.
Blockchain explorers enable transparency for good but also require prudence. Use explorers as powerful investigative tools, but don’t let your guard down.
Part 7 – Recommended Bitcoin Wallets
Since we have focused so much on blockchain explorers, it’s also important to know how to securely store the crypto assets you are exploring and analyzing. Here is the list that will help you select the best Bitcoin wallet.
Hardware Wallet – Ledger Nano X
For “HODLing” significant Bitcoin amounts, a hardware wallet like the Ledger Nano X that isolates private keys in a secure enclave is your best bet.
Mobile Wallet – Edge
To transact Bitcoin conveniently on your iPhone or Android, check out the Edge mobile wallet with enhanced security and support for other major crypto assets.
Desktop Wallet – Bitamp
Bitamp provides a beautiful and intuitive desktop interface to send, receive Bitcoins safely and instantly with 24/7 support.
Web Wallet – Blockchain.com
As a popular online hot wallet, Blockchain.com Wallet allows you to easily store, send, and receive Bitcoin through web browsers or mobile apps.
Make sure to secure any Bitcoin acquired through a wallet you control, not kept on an exchange account. Use robust blockchain explorers to monitor your transactions and study crypto market activity.
Conclusion
Blockchain explorers have become essential tools for not just developers, but all types of cryptocurrency users to look up addresses, validate transactions, view balances, extract data, and gain valuable blockchain insights. Leaders like Blockchain.com Explorer, Etherscan, Blockchain, and Blockcypher deliver robust, full-featured explorers for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and an array of other networks. Evaluate explorer speed, UI/UX, breadth of data, APIs, and transparency when choosing your preferred platforms. Exercise reasonable privacy and security precautions when using public blockchain explorers. For storing significant crypto holdings, migrate assets to cold storage hardware wallets for contingency protection. Diligently utilizing blockchain explorers while safeguarding your keys and coins will lead to informed cryptocurrency usage and investing.