One of the main principles of cryptocurrency is transparency. All network participants have access to information about transactions, exchange rates, and the state of the market as a whole. However, without specialized services, accessing this data can be difficult or inconvenient.
Blockchair is a blockchain observer that helps users get the information they need about the network. Learn about its functionality, how to use it, and what distinguishes it from similar services.
What is a Blockchain Explorer and Why Do You Need It?
An explorer is a «search engine» for the crypto market. This service allows you to find a transaction in the blockchain, see information about a particular block, track actions involving a particular wallet, read general statistics and much more. The search is performed through a line where you can enter the wallet address, currency name, hash of the transaction, etc.
The explorer's main task is to provide convenient access to network data. Searching for a transaction in the blockchain may be necessary to confirm a payment in cryptocurrency settlements or to check the transaction status in case of a delay in the receipt of funds to an account.
In addition, information about the network is needed to make informed investment decisions — for example, users can be guided by the actions of major market participants or data on exchange rate fluctuations.
Blockchair Overview
Blockchair is a blockchain explorer that works with 40+ networks (including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Features of the service include:
- Transaction tracking. To track a transaction in the blockchain via Blockchair, a search box is used. You can search by wallet address, blockchain number, transaction hash (TXID).
It is also possible to search by QR code. Tracking is done across all supported networks. In addition, the user can select a specific blockchain to learn more about it. - API. Blockchain offers an API for developers, businesses, and individual users. The functionality includes access to up-to-date data from 17 blockchains through a single interface. The API allows filtering, sorting, in-depth analysis of information.
In addition, the service can be used to perform proof of ownership and data notarization in the blockchain. It guarantees complete privacy. - Report generation. Blockchair allows you to generate detailed transaction reports for any period. Users can choose from PDF, CSV, and advanced CSV formats. Reports include detailed transaction history and balance summary and allow for statement validity checks via QR code.
To get a report, you need only add an address/XPUB. You can add multiple addresses from different blockchains to get a summary report. - Portfolio Tracking. The user can track the performance of their portfolio either through the browser site or through a browser extension. To do this, it is enough to specify the current number of coins owned by the user. Data for monitoring is taken from CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko. Tracking is performed completely anonymously.
- Blockchain comparison. The service offers a choice of 13 networks for comparison. The user can select any number of blockchains of interest to get information in the form of a convenient table. Among the metrics are the number of blocks, transaction volume, number of coins in circulation, statistics for the last day, mempool, general market statistics (capitalization, rate).
- News aggregator. Blockchair offers a selection of the latest news from 60 web resources. The user can choose to display publications for the last 24 hours or a selection of the main information for the week.
All articles can be displayed or divided by topic: business, DeFi, markets, mining. The service allows you to easily monitor the market without having to monitor several separate news portals.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Blockchair
There are several reasons why users choose Blockchair as a service to verify transactions by wallet number, access network information, or analyze data:
- Lots of useful tools. The explorer allows you to find a transaction in the blockchain, compare multiple networks, monitor your crypto portfolio, and more.
- User-friendly interface. The service has an intuitive design, which can be figured out even by a beginner. So, to find a transaction in Bitcoin or another network, you only need to enter the hash into the search bar on the main page.
- No ads. Unlike many websites, Blockchair has no banners, pop-ups or other annoying ads. This enhances the user experience.
- Free to use. The service operates on a completely free basis. Users can both track a transaction by number and utilize Blockchair's advanced services.
However, the platform has a few drawbacks as well:
- Limited tech support. The service does not have a dedicated support center or online chat with a specialist. You can contact support via social media or through a «submit a bug or request» form.
- The website is not optimized for smartphones. Users who work with cryptocurrencies primarily from mobile devices may find the website inconvenient even when simply checking a transaction's hash.
How to Use the Blockchair
The easiest way to verify a transaction on the blockchain is to find it by its unique identification number — the TXID, or hash. This is a code that is assigned to each transaction. You can find the code of a particular transaction in the transaction history of a cryptocurrency wallet. After that, you only need to copy it and paste it into the search bar on the main page of your browser.
The system will automatically find the transaction and provide a set of data: status, time of execution, sender and receiver addresses, amount, commission, etc. You can also download a receipt in PDF format on Blockchair.
In addition, you can search for transactions by other characteristics. For example, Blockchair allows you to find all transactions associated with a specific public wallet address or transfers that are part of a particular block.
Blockchair — Blockchain Explorer for Multiple Networks
Numerous services in the crypto market allow you to access information about the blockchain network. One such platform is Blockchair. The platform allows you to search for specific transactions, information about blocks and addresses, and general network statistics.
In addition, the functionality includes blockchain comparison, portfolio monitoring, viewing news related to the crypto sphere, reporting, and a number of other features. This is a completely free service with a user-friendly interface and no ads.