Key takeaways

  • As Ethereum continues to scale, block explorers have become essential tools for users tracking ETH, tokens, NFTs and smart contracts.

  • Etherscan, founded in Malaysia, excels at contract verification, token tracking and gas fee estimation, though it lacks portfolio management features.

  • Based in Thailand, Ethplorer specializes in token-centric data. It offers portfolio tracking and a developer-friendly API, making it a strong choice for DeFi and NFT users.

  • Supporting multiple blockchains, Blockchair provides advanced filters and exportable data sets. While powerful for researchers and analysts, its complex interface may be overwhelming for beginners.

Anyone using Ether (ETH) or ERC-20 tokens benefits from a reliable block explorer. These tools make it easier to verify decentralized finance (DeFi) transactions, follow non-fungible token (NFT) mints and inspect smart contract activity, offering a transparent view of what’s happening on the Ethereum network.

But how do you choose the right tool for the job? This article takes a look at the top five Ethereum block explorers of 2025, comparing them based on data depth, features and user experience.

Etherscan

  • Founded by: Matthew Tan (launched in August 2015)

  • Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Etherscan is a blockchain explorer designed for the Ethereum ecosystem. It’s widely used by individuals, developers and institutions to verify transactions, monitor smart contracts and analyze token activity. Its reliability and extensive onchain data make it one of the most trusted tools for tracking Ethereum network activity.

Unique features

  • Advanced tools for contract verification, enabling developers to publish and review smart contract code

  • Token tracking for ERC-20, ERC-721 (NFTs) and ERC-1155 multi-token standards

  • Gas tracker provides real-time fee estimates to optimize transaction costs.

Pros

Cons

  • Offers only basic charting and visualization features compared to dedicated analytics platforms.

  • Lacks an integrated portfolio dashboard for tracking multiple wallet addresses in one place.

Did you know? Block explorers are often called the “Google of blockchains.” They let anyone look up transactions, wallet addresses, smart contracts and tokens, providing transparent, searchable access to Ethereum’s public ledger.

Ethplorer

Founded by: Alexi Lane in 2016

Headquarters: Thailand

Ethplorer has established a distinct role within the Ethereum ecosystem by focusing on token-centric data. It provides a clear view of token transactions and wallet activity, making it especially useful for DeFi users and NFT collectors.

Unique features

  • Detailed token analytics offering comprehensive insights into ERC-20 and ERC-721 activity

  • Developer-friendly API for easy integration

  • Portfolio tracking to monitor multiple wallets within a single interface.

Pros

  • Clean, user-friendly interface tailored for token-focused users

  • Ideal for DeFi and NFT traders who need to track token movements efficiently

  • Offers a free tier with useful tools for everyday users.

Cons

  • Provides less detail than Etherscan for smart contract verification and auditing

  • Some advanced analytics and bulk API features are available only with paid plans.

Did you know? Etherscan’s Gas Tracker gained popularity during the DeFi boom. By displaying real-time transaction fees, it helped users plan their swaps and NFT mints more strategically to avoid overpaying.

Blockchair

  • Founded by: Nikita Zhavoronkov in 2016

  • Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland

Blockchair is a multichain blockchain explorer that goes beyond Ethereum. It offers support for major networks such as Bitcoin, Dogecoin and more. Its advanced filtering and data export tools make it especially useful for researchers, analysts and organizations that need detailed blockchain insights.

Unique features

  • A multichain explorer supporting major blockchains such as Ethereum, Bitcoin, Dogecoin and several others

  • Equipped with advanced filtering and search tools that allow detailed and precise blockchain data analysis

  • Emphasizes privacy-first design, enabling users to export large data sets for external research and offline analysis.

Pros

  • Ideal for advanced users, researchers and data analysts

  • Enables cross-chain comparisons and research across multiple blockchain networks

  • Provides downloadable data sets suitable for academic, institutional or research use.

Cons

  • Less beginner-friendly than Etherscan and requires more technical knowledge to use effectively

  • The interface can feel overwhelming due to its multichain support and wide range of features.

OKLink

  • Founded by: Star Xu (also known as Mingxing Xu) and Jack C Liu in 2015

  • Headquarters: Hong Kong (China)

OKLink is a professional-grade, multichain blockchain explorer developed under the OKG Technology Group. It supports major blockchains such as Ethereum and Bitcoin, offering robust tools for transaction tracking, stablecoin monitoring and onchain risk analysis. Known for its strong compliance and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) features, OKLink is widely used by analysts, compliance teams and institutions that require deeper blockchain visibility beyond basic transaction searches.

Unique features

  • A multichain explorer with strong Ethereum integration and support for major blockchains

  • Equipped with specialized compliance and AML tools for risk monitoring

  • Provides advanced token and stablecoin tracking with onchain intelligence features for enhanced risk assessment.

Pros

  • Offers high-quality analytics tailored for enterprises, regulators and compliance teams

  • Enables real-time transaction tracking with compliance-focused filters to identify suspicious activity

  • Supports multiple blockchains and languages, making it suitable for a global user base.

Cons

  • Geared more toward professionals and institutions than everyday retail users

  • Advanced analytics and onchain intelligence features are accessible through paid subscription plans.

Did you know? Block explorers often reveal dormant wallets holding forgotten ETH and tokens. Some have remained untouched since Ethereum’s earliest days, sparking speculation that these fortunes may be lost forever.

TokenView

  • Founded by: Shi Jin, Jessica Fowler and Kevin in 2017

  • Headquarters: Hong Kong (China)

TokenView is a versatile multichain blockchain explorer that covers several networks beyond Ethereum. It offers a unified interface to track transactions, wallet balances, token data and contract activity. This makes it especially useful for users active in DeFi, NFTs and cross-chain operations.

Unique features

  • Enables real-time tracking of wallet balances and assets across multiple blockchains

  • Integrates onchain data with token price information, offering a unified view for faster and more efficient analysis.

Pros

  • Ideal for users across multiple blockchain ecosystems

  • Provides an integrated interface to monitor transactions, balances and token/market data

  • Supports a broad variety of networks and features, making it usable by both casual and more advanced users.

Cons

  • Can feel complex for users interested only in Ethereum-specific tools

  • Lacks the in-depth smart contract verification and developer features offered by Etherscan.

How the top five Ethereum block explorers compare

The top Ethereum block explorers offer a range of features designed for different user needs, with their own strengths and limitations.

Here is a table comparing the top five Ethereum block explorers:

Match Ethereum block explorers to your needs

With Ethereum’s activity surging in 2025, block explorers have become more important than ever. Each of the top five platforms — Etherscan, Ethplorer, Blockchair, OKLink and TokenView — serves a different purpose for different users.

Etherscan is known for reliable onchain data, contract verification tools and a beginner-friendly interface. Ethplorer focuses on token activity, offering portfolio tracking and analytics for DeFi and NFT users. Blockchair appeals to researchers with multichain support, advanced filters and exportable data sets. OKLink targets institutions with compliance tools, real-time monitoring and professional analytics. TokenView provides wide multichain coverage, combining transaction, balance and token data across several networks.

Together, these explorers capture Ethereum’s expanding ecosystem, supporting everything from basic transactions to institutional compliance. Whether you’re a trader, developer, researcher or enterprise, block explorers remain vital for navigating Ethereum’s transparency and innovation in 2025.

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.