“Isn’t blockchain still complicated and slow?”
Many people are interested in Web3, but once they try it, they often give up quickly due to high fees, slow transaction speeds, and complex usage.
To solve these problems, Sonic was born.
Sonic is an EVM-compatible Layer-1 blockchain rebranded in 2024 from the Fantom blockchain. As its name suggests, it leverages blazing speed to create an environment where both developers and users can thrive.
The Birth of Sonic
Sonic officially emerged in August 2024, when the Fantom Foundation rebranded as Sonic Labs.
It represents the “next version of Fantom” — a vision to build a faster and more user-friendly Web3.
For example, existing Fantom users were able to swap their FTM tokens 1:1 into the new S tokens directly within their wallets. The process was as seamless as upgrading an operating system.
Summary
- August 2024: Fantom → Sonic Labs rebrand
- FTM → S token 1:1 swap
- Vision: A faster, easier-to-use Web3
Sonic’s Core Technology and Features
⚡ Speed and Low Fees
Sonic’s strongest advantage is speed:
- Transaction finality: Under 1 second
- Theoretical throughput: Up to 10,000 TPS (compared to Ethereum’s ~15 TPS on average)
For example, in a blockchain game, buying or selling an in-game item on Sonic is processed almost instantly, with no noticeable delay.
Fees are also extremely low, allowing users to interact with apps as smoothly as they do with Web2 platforms.
Developer Rewards (FeeM)
Sonic isn’t just designed for users — it also focuses on developers.
Through its Fee Monetization (FeeM) program, developers can receive up to 90% of the transaction fees generated within their applications.
Example:
If a decentralized exchange (DEX) running on Sonic generates $100 in fees, up to $90 can go back to the developer.
It’s similar to YouTube’s ad revenue model — user activity directly translates into developer income.
Interoperability and Familiar Development Environment
Sonic is fully EVM-compatible, meaning developers can use Solidity or Vyper — the same languages as on Ethereum.
It also supports asset transfers across blockchains like Ethereum and Solana. For instance, a user can move USDC from their Ethereum wallet into Sonic and start trading right away.
Stability and Efficiency
Sonic builds on Fantom’s aBFT consensus mechanism, enhanced for better performance:
- Network congestion is quickly resolved with live pruning
- Faster node synchronization reduces barriers for new participants
This combination ensures both high security and speed.
Summary
- Sub-second transaction finality, ultra-low fees
- FeeM program: developers earn up to 90% of fees
- EVM-compatible → easy migration for Ethereum developers
- aBFT consensus → secure and efficient
The Problems Sonic Aims to Solve
Breaking the “Slow and Expensive” Stigma
On Ethereum, even a simple token transfer can cost several dollars in fees.
In contrast, Sonic offers near-free fees and sub-second speed, delivering a Web2-like experience.
Fixing the “Developers Can’t Earn” Problem
In Web3, developers often struggle to secure steady revenue from dApps.
With FeeM, developers can build apps that naturally generate sustainable income as user engagement grows.
Lowering the Barrier for Games and Apps
Blockchain game development has traditionally been complex.
Sonic simplifies this with EVM compatibility and Rust-based toolkits, making it possible to, for example, tokenize an in-game currency with ease.
This opens the door for indie developers to integrate blockchain without massive overhead.
Summary
- Solves fee and speed issues → Web2-level UX
- FeeM creates sustainable income for developers
- Simplifies game/app development → lowers entry barriers
Sonic Today and Tomorrow
Sonic is no longer just an experiment — it’s already delivering real progress:
- Mainnet launch (December 2024) → S token officially introduced
- TVL (Total Value Locked): Rapid growth into the hundreds of millions
- Partnerships: Native USDC via Circle’s CCTP, Chainlink oracle data integration
- Traditional Finance Ambitions: $200M strategy approved to expand into the U.S. financial market
Example:
DeFi lending services on Sonic benefit from faster transactions and near-zero fees, making borrowing and lending smoother for users compared to other chains.
Summary
- December 2024: Mainnet launch, S token distribution begins
- Strong partnerships: Circle (USDC), Chainlink
- Preparing entry into U.S. financial markets
- Rapid ecosystem growth with DeFi and gaming as early successes
Conclusion
Sonic is not just “another blockchain.” It combines:
- High speed
- Low fees
- A reward structure for both developers and users
Together, these make Sonic a true Web3 highway.
It’s more than a rebrand — Sonic is a genuine attempt to solve Web3’s long-standing problems. With faster transactions, lower costs, and developer-friendly incentives, Web3 can finally move beyond being a niche technology into something anyone can use with ease.
As Sonic expands into DeFi, gaming, and even traditional finance, we may soon move past the notion that “blockchains are slow and inconvenient” and step into a world where Web3 becomes a natural part of everyday life.