What is Cosmos Hub? How It Works & Where to Use It

Overview

Cosmos Hub at a glance.

The Cosmos Hub is a proof-of-stake chain built with the Cosmos SDK that connects to other app-chains through a shared messaging standard. Here is how it works and how it is used, not the price.

Total value locked (DeFi)

n/a

Value locked in DeFi protocols on Cosmos Hub. Updated Jun 2, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.

Native token

ATOM

Used for fees and securing the network. See the live ATOM price.

How it works

How Cosmos Hub works.

A set of validators is chosen by the amount of ATOM staked to them. For each block, validators take turns proposing and then vote in rounds until more than two thirds agree, which gives the block instant finality. Misbehavior or downtime can lead to slashing of the staked ATOM.

Consensus: CometBFT (Tendermint) proof of stake

A set of validators is chosen by the amount of ATOM staked to them. For each block, validators take turns proposing and then vote in rounds until more than two thirds agree, which gives the block instant finality. Misbehavior or downtime can lead to slashing of the staked ATOM.

Internet of blockchains

The Cosmos Hub is one of many independent chains that can connect to each other, an approach often described as an internet of blockchains rather than a single network.

IBC

The Inter-Blockchain Communication protocol lets separate chains pass tokens and messages to each other in a standard, trust-minimized way.

Cosmos SDK

Chains are built with the Cosmos SDK, a framework that lets developers launch purpose-built app-chains with their own validators and rules.

Staking and governance

ATOM is staked to validators to help secure the Hub, and stakers can vote on on-chain governance proposals.

Ecosystem & usage

What Cosmos Hub is used for.

ATOM is used to secure the Cosmos Hub through staking, pay fees, vote in governance and support inter-chain transfers via IBC.

Inter-chain transfers

Move tokens and data between independent chains using the IBC protocol.

Staking

Delegate ATOM to validators to help secure the Hub and take part in network rewards.

Governance

Use staked ATOM to vote on proposals that change network parameters and direction.

In the Zypto App

Hold, swap and spend ATOM.

Cosmos Hub is integrated in the Zypto App. Hold ATOM in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.

Hold ATOM in Zypto How to buy ATOM

Be the reason Cosmos Hub ships next.

Cosmos Hub isn’t in the Zypto App yet. Post the request to your followers, chains with the most demand get prioritised.

Request on X

FAQ

Common questions.

What is the Cosmos Hub?

It is a proof-of-stake blockchain built with the Cosmos SDK whose native token is ATOM, designed to connect to many other independent chains.

What is IBC?

The Inter-Blockchain Communication protocol is a standard that lets separate Cosmos chains pass tokens and messages between each other.

Does Cosmos use mining or staking?

It uses proof of stake. Validators are selected by staked ATOM and reach agreement through CometBFT, giving blocks instant finality.

Can I hold ATOM in the Zypto App?

Not yet. ATOM isn't in the Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Cosmos Hub using the "Request Cosmos Hub" button above.

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