The Ethereum network’s shift to Proof of Stake slashed its energy consumption by 99%, while the emergence of a robust layer-2 ecosystem has dramatically improved scalability and accessibility. Meanwhile, blockchain alternatives like Solana and Cosmos have grown into massive networks with billions in total value locked (TVL) and millions of active users. In less than a decade, Web3 has evolved from a niche concept into a trillion-dollar digital frontier—and innovative networks like Sui are accelerating this transformation.
Sui is a next-generation smart contract platform built on the Move programming language, engineered for speed, security, and scalability. With its unique ability to process transactions in parallel, Sui achieves high throughput and near-instant finality—making it ideal for decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, NFTs, and social applications. Since its mainnet launch in May 2023, the Sui ecosystem has rapidly expanded, attracting over one million users and bridging $100 million in USDC by the end of that year.
Whether you're new to blockchain or an experienced crypto user, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Sui—from its foundational technology and key features to wallets, staking, and top DApps.
What Is the Sui Network?
Sui originated from the research and development efforts behind Meta’s now-defunct Diem (formerly Libra) project. After Diem’s closure, core engineers—including Evan Cheng, Sam Blackshear, Adeniyi Abiodun, and George Danezis—founded Mysten Labs to build a high-performance blockchain from the ground up. The result was Sui: a layer-1 network designed for maximum efficiency and developer flexibility.
Built using the Move programming language, Sui emphasizes resource-oriented programming, enhancing security and enabling true parallel transaction execution. Unlike traditional blockchains that process transactions sequentially (leading to bottlenecks), Sui can handle thousands of transactions per second (TPS) simultaneously—offering a seamless experience even during peak usage.
👉 Discover how Sui's parallel processing powers next-gen Web3 apps.
Core Technology Behind Sui
Sui leverages several groundbreaking innovations:
- Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS): Validators secure the network based on staked SUI tokens. Token holders can either run a validator node or delegate their stake to earn rewards—ensuring broad participation and decentralization.
- Move Language: Designed for digital asset safety, Move prevents common vulnerabilities like reentrancy attacks. Its object-centric model allows assets to be owned and transferred efficiently.
- Parallel Execution Engine: By identifying independent transactions, Sui processes them concurrently rather than in sequence—dramatically increasing throughput.
- Low and Predictable Gas Fees: Users benefit from consistently low transaction costs, unaffected by network congestion.
These features position Sui as a leading contender in the race for scalable, user-friendly blockchains.
The Role of the Sui Foundation
The Sui Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the long-term growth and adoption of the Sui blockchain. It funds ecosystem development through grants, community programs, and global outreach initiatives.
Key programs include:
- Developer Grant Program: Provides funding and technical support to builders creating innovative applications on Sui.
- Delegation Program: Encourages broader participation in network security by incentivizing token delegation.
- Ambassador Program: Empowers community leaders to educate others, host events, and grow local Sui communities worldwide.
Through these efforts, the foundation fosters an open, inclusive environment where developers and users can thrive.
Key Features That Set Sui Apart
zkLogin: Secure, Private Authentication
Sui’s zkLogin uses zero-knowledge proofs to let users log in with their existing Web2 identities (like Google or Apple accounts) without exposing personal data. This bridges the gap between traditional internet experiences and blockchain privacy—making onboarding easier and more secure.
Parallel Processing & High Throughput
Thanks to its novel consensus mechanism and architecture, Sui achieves high throughput, processing thousands of TPS with sub-second finality. This makes it ideal for real-time applications such as gaming and social media platforms.
The SUI Token: Utility and Governance
The native SUI token powers the entire ecosystem:
- Staking: Earn rewards by delegating to validators.
- Gas Fees: Pay for transaction execution and smart contract deployment.
- Governance: Vote on protocol upgrades and ecosystem decisions.
With a well-structured vesting schedule and equitable distribution model, SUI supports long-term sustainability.
Sui Wormhole Bridge: Cross-Chain Interoperability
The Sui Wormhole Bridge enables seamless asset transfers between Sui and other blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, and Binance Smart Chain. Using trusted cross-chain messaging, it ensures secure and efficient movement of tokens and data—expanding access to multi-chain liquidity.
👉 Learn how cross-chain bridges unlock new opportunities in DeFi.
How to Set Up a Sui Wallet
Since Sui operates independently of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), standard Ethereum wallets won’t work. You’ll need a Sui-compatible wallet.
The official Sui Wallet (browser extension) is recommended for beginners:
- Install the Sui Wallet from the Chrome Web Store.
- Click “Get Started” and choose “Create New Wallet.”
- Carefully save your recovery phrase in a secure location.
- Confirm setup—your wallet is ready!
Once installed, you can receive SUI tokens, interact with DApps, stake your tokens, and explore NFTs—all within a clean, intuitive interface.
Staking on Sui: Earn Passive Income
Sui uses a Delegated Proof of Stake model, allowing users to earn rewards by staking their SUI tokens.
To stake:
- Open your Sui Wallet.
- Navigate to the “Stake & Earn” section.
- Select a validator from the list (consider reputation and commission rate).
- Delegate your tokens.
You can unstake at any time, though there may be a short unlocking period. Staking not only generates yield but also helps secure the network.
Exploring the Sui Ecosystem
With your wallet set up, it’s time to dive into the growing world of Sui DApps.
Scallop – Leading DeFi Lending Protocol
Scallop is the top lending platform on Sui, offering institutional-grade risk management tools. It supports flash loans via sCoins and provides a developer SDK for integration. With over $64 million in TVL as of early 2025, Scallop leads the charge in decentralized finance innovation on Sui.
KriyaDEX – Perpetuals Trading Platform
KriyaDEX brings centralized exchange-like performance to DeFi with low-latency order books and up to 20x leverage. It includes both an order-book DEX (KriyaDEX) and an AMM for spot trading (KriyaSwap). An upcoming options DEX will further expand its offerings.
Sudo Finance – Real-World Asset Trading
Sudo Finance enables trading of synthetic assets linked to real-world equities. Users can gain exposure to stock equivalents without intermediaries—democratizing access to global financial markets.
These are just a few highlights; hundreds of projects span gaming, social networks, identity solutions, and more across the Sui landscape.
Monitor Activity with Sui Vision Blockchain Explorer
Sui Vision is the go-to blockchain explorer for tracking transactions, addresses, blocks, and gas prices on Sui’s mainnet and testnets. It offers real-time insights into validator performance, network health, and transaction history—ensuring transparency and trust.
Use it to verify transactions, check wallet balances, or audit smart contract interactions—essential tools for every user and developer.
Join the Sui Community
Sui boasts an active global community:
- Follow @SuiNetwork on X for updates.
- Engage in discussions on the official Discord server.
- Attend meetups and conferences listed on the Community Events Hub.
- Become a Sui Ambassador to promote education and adoption.
Community involvement accelerates learning and opens doors to collaboration and early access opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sui, and how does it differ from other blockchains?
Sui is a high-performance layer-1 blockchain built on the Move programming language. It stands out with parallel transaction processing, ultra-low gas fees, and instant finality—making it ideal for scalable Web3 applications.
How does zkLogin enhance user privacy?
zkLogin uses zero-knowledge proofs to authenticate users without revealing personal information. You can log in using your Google or Apple account while keeping your identity private on-chain.
Can I use MetaMask with Sui?
No. Sui is not EVM-compatible, so Ethereum-based wallets like MetaMask cannot interact directly with the network. Use the official Sui Wallet or other supported wallets instead.
How do I get started with staking on Sui?
Install the Sui Wallet, acquire some SUI tokens, go to the “Stake & Earn” section, select a validator, and delegate your tokens. Rewards accrue over time.
Is Sui good for developers?
Absolutely. With Move’s safety-focused design, SDKs, grants, and strong tooling support, Sui offers a powerful environment for building secure, scalable decentralized applications.
Where can I bridge assets to Sui?
Use the Portal Bridge, part of the Wormhole ecosystem, to transfer assets from Ethereum, Solana, and other chains directly to your Sui wallet securely.
👉 Start building on Sui today—unlock high-speed DeFi and gaming dApps.