Testnet and mainnet

Mainnet is a blockchain's main network, where coins are worth real money. Testnet is a copy for testing, where coins are free and have no value.

How it works

Before launch, developers test the network and smart contracts on a testnet. Everything works like the real network, but coins are handed out for free through faucets. A mistake on testnet costs nothing; a mistake on mainnet can cost millions.

A mainnet launch is a big step for a new project: from then on, its tokens can actually be transferred and sold. Before that a project often has only a testnet and promises. Many teams reward testnet users with future airdrops, so testnet activity has become a pastime of its own.

Testnet and mainnet addresses often look the same, but they are separate networks. Testnet coins cannot be moved to mainnet or swapped for real money.

Example with numbers

You try out a new DEX: on testnet you claim 0.5 test ETH from a faucet, make a couple of swaps and pay gas with those coins. You have spent $0. If the DEX later airdrops tokens to active testers, the reward arrives on mainnet, but nobody guarantees it.

Common mistake

A common mistake is buying "test" tokens or paying for testnet access. Test coins are always free, and sellers of "testnet tokens" or "early mainnet coins" are a common scam. Also never connect a wallet holding real funds to test sites; use a separate one for that.

Questions and answers

What are testnet and mainnet in simple terms?

Mainnet is the real network with real money. Testnet is a practice copy where coins are free and worthless.

Can I sell testnet coins?

No. Test coins have no value and cannot be moved to the main network. Anyone offering to buy or sell them is most likely running a scam.

What does a mainnet launch mean?

It is the moment a project's network goes live for real, with coins that have a market price.

Testnet and mainnet

How it works

Questions and answers

Related terms

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