What Is the Sui Network? A Beginner's Guide

Learn how to create, use, and explore the Sui wallet, its features, use cases, and the future of the Sui blockchain.

Blockchain, DeFi & Web318 min read
Reviewed and updated by the editorial team in 2026.

The Sui blockchain is an open access, proof-of-stake (PoS) network designed to provide increased throughput and fast transaction completion. It is designed to support a wide range of decentralized Web3 applications (dApps) and specifically takes latency issues into account. The network aims to create an ideal environment for developers to build applications as the Web3 user base expands.

Created by Mysten Labs, a Web3 infrastructure firm, Sui is quickly emerging as a significant competitor in the blockchain market, poised to challenge Solana's supremacy.

While Solana mainly focuses on decentralized finance (DeFi), Sui aims to facilitate Web3 initiatives and non-fungible tokens (NFT). With new features, Sui aims to solve critical issues such as security, scalability and fuel costs. The initiative has grown from a fledgling to raise $300 million in a Series B funding round, bringing its valuation to $2 billion. According to a recent report, Sui's TVL has grown significantly, increasing from $36.46 million as of October 1, 2023 to over $1.4 billion as of November 28, 2026, representing a 38x increase.

What exactly sets Sui apart? What are its goals and how can you get Sui Tokens? In this blog, we will explore these questions and more to improve your understanding of the Sui cryptocurrency token. Read on to learn more!

What is Sui Blockchain?

Sui Network is a Tier 1 blockchain that specializes in fast smart contract setup and high transaction throughput. The main goal of the platform is to optimize and improve the development of various applications and functions in the Web3 ecosystem, solving common problems in the industry.

The Sui blockchain uses Move, a programming language developed on Rust, to achieve its goals and improve the DeFi sector; it is considered "the most powerful smart contract programming language".

Sui validators perform functions similar to miners on alternative blockchains, distinguished by the ability to process transactions simultaneously, aiming to increase throughput, reduce latency, and increase scalability.

Moreover, Sui's horizontal scaling allows it to meet growing demand without limits, thereby maintaining low operational costs per transaction. Let's see how it works!

How does Sui work?

Now you must be wondering how Sui Blockchain works. Sui differs from other blockchains by using an alternative consensus algorithm and transaction processing. Traditional blockchain validators incrementally add transactions to the blockchain, thereby sequentially adding to the chain and limiting its scalability to increase the speed of these incremental additions (vertical scaling).

Sui uses an alternative methodology. Given that multiple transactions are inherently unrelated, Sui eliminates the need for every transaction to be verified by all nodes in the network. Instead, it checks only the relevant data, rather than checking the entire chain. Sui uses an object-oriented architecture to effectively achieve this goal, where the chain's data storage is focused on elements rather than accounts. This innovative method of data storage allows Sui nodes to independently and individually authenticate uncorrelated streams of transactions, rather than requiring the sequential ordering of all transactions as seen in conventional blockchain models.

The process of broadcasting and verifying transactions on Sui is as follows:

  •  The sender propagates the transaction to all validators.
  •  Validators evaluate the authenticity of the transaction and cast their weighted votes according to their share of shares.
  • The sender collects a majority that resists Byzantium and distributes the result as a certificate to the validators.

This likely allows Sui to achieve transaction speeds in excess of 100,000 transactions per second. In addition, the ownership object model used by Sui classifies asset ownership into three different types.

  • Owns an address (e.g. cryptocurrency or non-fungible tokens)
  • Belongs to a separate entity (an NFT that is a component of another NFT)
  • Shared (eg AMM pools)

Transactions with shared objects are ordered sequentially, but transactions with private objects can be very instantaneous in "single-author applications". Sui can focus on sectors such as NFT, gaming, messaging, social networks and decentralized identity systems that mostly use single-author applications, developing them with web3 characteristics at web2 execution speed.

Key Features of the Sui Blockchain

Below are the key features of the Sui blockchain:

1. Parallel execution for improved scalability

Sui uses an innovative data format that facilitates simultaneous transaction processing, providing sub-second completion and unparalleled scalability. Unlike traditional blockchains, Sui does not require sequential transactions, allowing the network to process thousands of transactions simultaneously.

2. Object-oriented data model

Sui's design is based on an object-oriented data model. This new methodology conceptualizes blockchain transactions as interactions between programmable entities, thereby simplifying the development process for decentralized application developers. Developers can focus on building applications without having to understand the intricacies of blockchain technology.

3. Move programming language

Sui uses the Move programming language, which was first created by Facebook for its Diem initiative. Move allows developers to create secure and efficient smart contracts, thereby reducing the risks of flaws and vulnerabilities.

4. Economic operations

By improving horizontal scalability, Sui significantly reduces transaction costs. This cost-effectiveness is optimal for applications that require frequent interactions, such as games and microtransactions.

5. Decentralization and security

Sui uses Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus procedures for security and decentralization. The network's unique consensus architecture reduces latency, helping to create a stable and secure environment for all participants.

"In a computer, all information is made up of bits and bytes and can be reproduced without limitation. You need a language that provides basic concepts of ownership and scarcity similar to those that exist in the physical world. You need fundamental security guarantees. This is the purpose of Move and the rationale for creating a new language.” Reproducing these elements in other languages, including modern smart contract languages, is a challenge. Our goal was to build the entire language to include these primitives, allowing programmers to write code confidently and efficiently without having to constantly reinvent the wheel.-Sam Blackshire, creator of Move, co-founder of Mysten Labs, and original author of Sui.

How is Sui different from other blockchains?

Here is a comparison table that demonstrates how Sui Network differs from other blockchain platforms such as Ethereum and Solana, focusing on aspects such as Sui Token, Sui Airdrop, Sui Wallet and Sui Network dApps:

FunctionSui networkEthereumSolana
Consensus mechanismDelegated Proof-of-Stake (dPoS) for scalabilityProof of Stake (PoS) with stacking for scalingProof of History (PoH) + PoS for efficiency
Transaction processingParallel execution for high throughputSequential execution, scalability limitationsHigh-speed transactions with centralized elements
The language of smart contractsMigration (optimized for security and modularity)Reliability (widely used but vulnerable to exploits)Rust (performance oriented but complex)
Speed and efficiencyLightning-fast transactions with near-instant completionSlower due to traffic jams and high gas pricesHigh speed, but there are occasional network outages
ScalabilityInfinite scalability thanks to parallel execution of transactionsLimited by network congestionScales well, but has bottlenecks
Sui token utilityUsed for gas payment, staking and managementETH provides payment for gas and smart contractsSOL is used for transactions and staking
Sui's airdrop potentialCommunity incentives through testnet participationNo big airdrops, mostly staking rewardsAirdrops are occasionally available for ecosystem development
Sui wallet supportNative Sui Wallet for secure asset managementMetaMask and various third-party walletsPhantom Wallet and other wallets based on Solana
Decentralized applications of the Sui networkA growing ecosystem with gaming, DeFi and NFT projectsThe largest DeFi and NFT ecosystemStrong in DeFi, NFT and gaming, but experiencing downtime

Sui Token and Sui Airdrop

The native Sui token will be released once the mainnet is activated. Sui will be used to pay for gas prices incurred throughout the network. It will also be used to fund Sui's storage fund, which will facilitate the distribution of staking rewards over time and compensate future validators for the costs associated with previously stored data on the network.

In other words, consumers prepay for storage. Funds are accumulated in a fund intended to modify the distribution of staking rewards in the future. Increased demand for storage correlates with higher payouts for validators.

Sui has not yet announced an airdrop of Sui tokens, but will soon host incentive testnets that will reward participants.

Sui Coin Network Tokenomics

The Sui token has a limited supply and is projected to have 10 billion tokens in circulation in the long term. After the introduction of the mainnet, there were about 5% of all tokens in circulation, and the rest will be released gradually according to the schedule described below.

What is Sui Wallet and how to use it?

The Sui Wallet is a digital tool designed to securely store, manage and transact Sui Network Tokens and other relevant digital assets within the Sui Network ecosystem. It is a software wallet available on mobile devices and as a browser plugin. These wallets provide an intuitive interface, robust security measures, and fundamental blockchain interoperability capabilities.

Sui offers mobile wallet solutions that simplify the management of Sui currency and allow users to interact with the network while on their mobile device. These mobile wallets are available on iOS and Android platforms.

How to create a Sui wallet?

The Sui Wallet is a self-storage wallet designed to interact with the Sui blockchain, allowing users to store, send and receive Sui tokens and other assets. Follow these steps to create a Sui wallet:

Step 1: Install the Sui Wallet extension

Visit the official Sui Wallet website or search for "Sui Wallet" in the Chrome Web Store. Click Add to Chrome (or whatever browser you're using). Confirm the installation by clicking Add Extension.

Step 2: Create a new wallet

Once installed, click on the Sui Wallet icon on your browser's toolbar. Select Create New Wallet. Choose a secure password to protect your wallet.

A 12 or 24 word recovery passphrase will be displayed. Write it down and keep it safe. Never share this phrase with anyone as it gives full access to your wallet. The wallet will ask you to re-enter certain words from your recovery phrase to make sure you saved it correctly. Complete the check and continue.

Step 3: Access your Sui wallet

After successful setup, you will be redirected to wallet control panel. Your wallet is now ready to accept SUI tokens and interact with Sui-based applications.

Step 4: Top up your wallet

To start using your wallet, you can get SUI tokens by sharing your wallet address (found in the Get section). Alternatively, you can purchase SUI from a supported exchange and transfer it to your wallet.

Step 5: Explore the Sui ecosystem

The Sui wallet allows you to send and receive SUI tokens, store and manage NFTs, and connect to Sui-powered decentralized applications (dApps).

How to use Sui Wallet?

The Sui Wallet is a powerful tool that allows users to securely store, send and receive SUI tokens and other digital assets on the Sui blockchain. It also enables users to interact with decentralized applications (dApps), manage NFTs, and participate in DeFi activity. Below is a step-by-step guide to using Sui Wallet effectively.

  • Access your Sui wallet

After installing and configuring the Sui Wallet extension, you can access it anytime by clicking on the wallet icon in your browser. If prompted, enter your password to unlock the wallet.

  • View your wallet balance

1. In the wallet dashboard, you will see your current balance of Sui tokens and any other assets you have.

2. The balance is updated automatically after the transactions are completed.

  • Sending Sui Tokens

To submit a Sui or any supported resource:

1. Open Sui Wallet and click the Submit button.

2. Enter the recipient's wallet address. Please make sure the address is correct to avoid losing funds.

3. Enter the amount you want to send.

4. View transaction details, including estimated network fees.

5. Click the Confirm button to complete the transfer.

After sending, the details of the transaction will be available in the wallet history.

  • Obtaining Sui Tokens

To get Sui tokens or other digital assets:

1. Open your wallet and click the "Get" button.

2. Copy your wallet address or scan the provided QR code.

3. Share your wallet address with the sender.

4. Once the tokens are sent to your address, they will appear on your balance after being verified by the network.

  • Management of NFTs

The Sui wallet supports non-fungible tokens (NFTs), allowing users to store, transfer and display their digital collectibles.

1. Go to the NFT section of your wallet to view your holdings.

2. To send an NFT, select it from the list, enter the recipient's address, and confirm the transaction.

  • Connecting to decentralized applications (dApps)

The Sui wallet enables seamless interaction with Sui-based decentralized applications (dApps), such as DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and blockchain games.

1. Visit Sui Compatible Decentralized App.

2. Click "Connect Wallet" and select Sui Wallet as your preferred wallet.

3. Authorize the connection by signing the transaction in your wallet.

4. Once connected, you can use dApp features such as token exchange, staking, or governance participation.

  • Import or restore a wallet

If you need to regain access to your Sui wallet:

1. Open the Sui Wallet extension and select Import Wallet.

2. Enter your recovery phrase of 12 or 24 words.

3. Set a new password and confirm it.

4. Your wallet and funds will be restored.

This process is useful if you switch devices or need to recover a lost wallet.

  • Setting up wallet settings

Sui Wallet provides the following features:

1. Change your password.

2. View and manage connected dApps.

3. Export your wallet's private key (do this only if necessary and keep it safe).

4. Update your network settings, such as switching between your main network, test network, and development network.

List of Sui network wallets

The Sui Network offers an assortment of wallets to meet a variety of user needs, including browser extensions, smartphone wallets, and hardware wallets. Here is an overview of many popular wallets to interact with the Sui blockchain:

1. Sui wallet

The Sui wallet functions as an access point to the Web3 ecosystem on the Sui network. By downloading a browser extension, users can easily interact with decentralized applications (dApps), enable transparent transactions, and control both fungible and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The Sui wallet offers a convenient and secure experience of transferring assets and interacting with blockchain-based services.

2. Suit wallet

Touted as the “Sui Wallet for Everyone,” Suiet Wallet is a multi-functional tool designed exclusively for the Sui Network. It allows users to seamlessly create and import wallets, perform transactions and manage digital assets including NFTs. Suiet has an intuitive interface that simplifies interactions within the Sui ecosystem and provides easy access to blockchain-based applications.

3. Splash Wallet

Splash Wallet is a no-holds-barred mobile wallet designed to enhance access to the Sui blockchain. It has an integrated dApp browser and testnet faucet, making it particularly useful for those exploring DeFi networks and gamified blockchain applications. Splash Wallet offers a seamless and secure experience for Sui users with a mobile strategy.

4. Ethos wallet

Ethos Wallet innovates digital asset management by creating an infrastructure of virtual wallets. This wallet serves as a centralized connection for Web3 users, facilitating easy interaction with decentralized applications (dApps) starting with the Sui blockchain. Ethos aims to improve the functionality and security of digital wallets in the evolving Web3 environment through an innovative strategy.

5. Keystone Wallet

Keystone Wallet is a secure hardware solution for the Sui ecosystem aimed at customers who prioritize security. Keystone, the first hardware wallet to support Sui since the launch of its mainnet, operates using a fully isolated architecture based on QR codes. This approach reduces potential vulnerabilities, increases resistance to attacks, and ensures a flawless, secure environment for storing Sui tokens and other digital assets.

Options for using the Sui blockchain

The Sui blockchain is designed to deliver outstanding performance and low transaction latency, making it ideal for several real-world applications. Its scalable architecture, parallel transaction processing, and object-oriented storage format ensure seamless interoperability across multiple sectors. Below are the main uses of the Sui blockchain.

1. Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

Sui's design promotes fast and cost-effective transactions, making it the optimal platform for DeFi applications, including decentralized exchanges (DEXs), lending protocols, betting platforms, and automated market makers (AMMs). The ability to execute transactions concurrently ensures that DeFi users will experience minimal delays and reduced fuel costs.

2. Gaming and NFT marketplaces

The Sui blockchain's object-oriented storage mechanism facilitates dynamic NFTs that can grow, seamlessly transfer ownership, and interact with game features. This opens up new opportunities for blockchain gaming, allowing players to own and exchange game assets without centralized control. NFT markets built on Sui provide faster transaction speeds and lower costs, making digital asset trading more accessible.

3. Digital identification and credentials

Sui's smart contract capabilities facilitate the development of verified credentials, decentralized identity systems, and authentication mechanisms. Organizations can use blockchain to securely verify identity, manage access and prevent fraud, thereby increasing trust and privacy in digital interactions.

4. Tokenization of tangible assets

Asset tokenization on Sui facilitates fractional ownership of both physical and digital assets, including real estate, luxury goods, and commodities. By using on-chain tokens to denote ownership, investors can easily trade and transfer ownership, thereby increasing liquidity in otherwise illiquid markets.

5. Supply chain and logistics

The openness and security of the Sui blockchain make it suitable for supply chain monitoring, provenance verification and inventory management. Businesses can use immutable records to monitor goods from production to delivery, preventing fraud and increasing operational efficiency.

6. Financial transactions and micropayments

Sui's increased bandwidth and minimal transaction costs make it the optimal platform for fast and cost-effective payments. Sui offers a scalable infrastructure for digital financial transactions applicable to cross-border transactions, peer-to-peer payments and subscription-based services.

7. Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAO)

Sui's governance features facilitate the creation of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) that promote transparent decision-making, financial management, and decentralized governance structures. Using smart contracts, DAOs on Sui can ensure the implementation of community-driven projects through secure and automated voting systems.

8. Social networks and content ownership

Sui's mastery of managing digital assets on the blockchain makes him a strong candidate for creating decentralized social networking sites that give users ownership of their content. Creators can monetize their work through NFTs, tokenized access, and direct micropayments, cutting out the middleman.

The future prospects of the Sui blockchain

The Sui blockchain has the potential to become a significant platform for Web3 applications due to its high transaction speed, minimal overhead, and the ability to efficiently manage large-scale applications. Unlike traditional blockchains that process transactions sequentially, Sui can handle many transactions simultaneously, making it suitable for sectors such as banking, gaming, and digital asset ownership. Developers are increasingly exploring Sui to build decentralized applications (dApps) that require fast and cost-effective transactions, while businesses may look to it for applications such as secure payments, NFT markets, and supply chain monitoring. With the creation of further projects on Sui, its network will strengthen, attracting more users and investors.

Sui's future success will depend on its ability to adapt to new technologies, forge collaborations and foster developer engagement. The implementation of cross-chain interoperability that provides connections to other blockchains, along with improved application development tools, can help differentiate it in a competitive market. Changes in regulations will also affect the situation, and if Sui offers a secure and compatible platform, it could become a better option for enterprises and financial institutions. As the blockchain sector evolves, Sui's emphasis on speed, security, and usability will likely position it as a strong candidate to facilitate the next generation of Web3 applications.

The Sui blockchain is gradually gaining popularity as a scalable, successful and developer-friendly network capable of supporting many applications, including DeFi, gaming and asset tokenization. Its ability to process transactions in parallel and provide a cost-effective structure makes it a serious competitor in the Web3 field. As usage grows, Sui may become the blockchain of choice for applications that require high-speed, low-latency communications.

Frequently asked questions

1. How is Sui different from other blockchains?

Sui features parallel execution of transactions, allowing multiple transactions to be processed simultaneously, reducing congestion and lowering fees. Its object-oriented storage model also increases efficiency, making it ideal for applications such as gaming, NFT, and DeFi. Unlike traditional blockchains that rely on sequential processing, Sui offers a more scalable and developer-friendly infrastructure.

2. How to create a Sui wallet?

Creating a Sui wallet is easy. Install the Sui Wallet extension from the Chrome Web Store, create a new wallet, and securely back up your 12- or 24-word recovery phrase. Once set up, you can use your wallet to send and receive SUI tokens, store NFTs, and connect to decentralized applications (dApps) on the Sui network.

3. What are the main uses of the Sui blockchain?

Sui is designed for fast and scalable blockchain applications. Key use cases include DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, blockchain gaming, digital identity verification, and asset tokenization. Its ability to handle high volumes of transactions with minimal delays makes it a strong choice for businesses and developers.

4. How does Sui provide security and decentralization?

Sui uses Move, a smart contract language designed for security and efficiency. It also implements the Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) consensus mechanism, which guarantees secure transaction verification. In addition, its object-oriented approach minimizes common vulnerabilities found in other blockchain architectures.

5. How can SoluLab help in creating blockchain projects on Sui?

SoluLab specializes in blockchain development, smart contracts, dApp integration and enterprise solutions. With extensive experience in building scalable and secure blockchain applications, we help companies and startups launch innovative projects on networks like Sui. Whether you need customized blockchain solutions or expert advice, SoluLab provides comprehensive support to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your blockchain project.