Sonic
The high-throughput EVM Layer 1 that evolved from Fantom, focused on sub-second finality and dev incentives.
Sonic is a Proof-of-Stake EVM Layer 1 that launched on December 18, 2024 as the successor to Fantom, with Sonic Labs continuing the same team, and native token S replacing FTM 1:1. It uses an upgraded Lachesis consensus that targets sub-second finality (~720ms), a redesigned validator economics model, and a Fee Monetization program that pays dApp builders a share of network fees they generate. TVL rebounded materially from Fantom's depressed levels but remains far below its 2022 peak.
- TVL grew from ~$123M at rebrand to nearly $1B in 2025 per DeFiLlama; a strong recovery but still well below Fantom's 2022 peak of ~$7.9B.
- Sub-second finality (~720ms benchmarked) and up to 10,000 TPS claimed, with fees typically under $0.001.
- Native token S; FTM holders were migrated 1:1 at rebrand.
- Fee Monetization program pays dApp developers up to 90% of the network fees their apps generate, one of the more aggressive builder incentive schemes in the industry.
- Major DeFi venues include Silo V2 for lending, Beethoven X and Equalizer for DEXs, and integrations across major cross-chain bridges.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sonic just a rebrand of Fantom?
It is more than a rebrand: Sonic Labs shipped a new consensus implementation, new tokenomics with S replacing FTM, and a new developer incentive program (FeeM). It is the same team continuing the same chain lineage, but the technical stack and economic model are meaningfully different from Fantom Opera.
How does Fee Monetization work?
Sonic distributes up to 90% of the network fees a specific dApp generates back to that dApp's developer, subject to program eligibility. This is designed to attract builders whose usage would otherwise subsidize validators — the trade-off is that base validator yield is thinner than on peer chains.
Should I bridge assets to Sonic for yield?
Sonic yields are competitive with peer EVM L1s and L2s when incentive programs are active, but the ecosystem is smaller than Ethereum, Solana, or the major L2s, so liquidity depth is lower. It is a reasonable venue for size-appropriate DeFi positions, especially in Silo V2 markets, but it's not yet a scale destination for large stablecoin flows.