Fantom (FTM) is a high-performance, EVM-compatible blockchain designed to deliver scalability, low fees, and instant transactions. It positions itself as an "Ethereum helper," offering a seamless environment for decentralized applications (dApps) while addressing Ethereum's congestion and high gas fees. Below, we explore Fantom’s technology, pros and cons, ratings, and where to buy FTM.
Fantom Overview: What is the FTM Coin?
Fantom leverages its aBFT consensus algorithm (Lachesis) to achieve fast, secure transactions without compromising decentralization. Key features include:
- EVM Compatibility: Enables easy migration of Ethereum dApps.
- Staking Rewards: Earn 4–13% APY by staking FTM.
- Liquidity Access: Stake FTM and use sFTM (synthetic asset) for DeFi activities.
- Use Cases: Payments, governance, and network fees.
👉 Discover how Fantom compares to Ethereum
FTM Pros & Cons
Pros
✅ EVM-compatible for easy dApp deployment.
✅ High scalability with sub-second finality.
✅ Multiple cross-chain bridges (e.g., SpookySwap).
✅ Up to 13% APY via staking.
Cons
❌ Less decentralized than Bitcoin/Ethereum.
❌ Lachesis consensus still under scrutiny.
❌ Competitive landscape (e.g., Polygon, Avalanche).
❌ Past outages (e.g., March 2021 downtime).
FTM Ratings
| Category | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Developer Engagement | High | 80+ dApps; $370M FTM developer incentives. |
| Disbursement | Low | 70% FTM staked; validator centralization risks. |
| Liquidity | Low | $4.17M bids vs. Bitcoin’s $500M+ (Cryptowatch data). |
| Network Speed | High | Instant transactions via Lachesis’s DAG-based aBFT. |
How Does Fantom Work?
Fantom’s Lachesis (aBFT) consensus uses Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) technology to:
- Avoid block confirmations (events finalized via node comparisons).
- Resist DDoS attacks better than pBFT systems.
- Enable 1-second transaction finality with low fees.
History of Fantom
Founded in 2018 by Dr. Ahn Byung Ik, Fantom is now managed by the Fantom Foundation, which drives ecosystem growth.
Where to Buy FTM
FTM is listed on top exchanges:
- Binance
- OKX
- Gate.io
- Bitfinex
Note: Not available on Coinbase.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Developer-friendly (EVM tools + grants).
- High-speed, low-cost transactions.
- Strong staking incentives.
Disadvantages
- Centralization concerns.
- Unproven long-term security of Lachesis.
- Fierce competition from other Layer 2s.
Fantom FAQ
Q: How do bridges work on Fantom?
A: Bridges like SpookySwap enable cross-chain swaps between Fantom and other networks (e.g., Ethereum).
Q: Is Fantom part of Ethereum?
A: No, but it’s EVM-compatible, allowing Ethereum dApps to deploy easily.
Q: What’s the best wallet for FTM?
A: fWallet (official Fantom wallet) supports staking and dApp access.
Q: Can I buy FTM on Coinbase?
A: Not currently.
Q: How do I stake FTM?
A: Use fWallet with simple in-app instructions.
Fantom combines speed, affordability, and EVM compatibility, making it a compelling choice for developers and users. However, its centralization risks and unproven consensus require careful consideration before investment.
For the latest updates, follow Fantom’s official channels.