What is Qtum? How It Works & Where to Use It

Overview

Qtum at a glance.

Qtum combines the Bitcoin UTXO transaction model with an Account Abstraction Layer that lets the Ethereum Virtual Machine run smart contracts on top of it. The result is a chain that supports Solidity contracts and QRC-20 tokens while keeping a Bitcoin-style ledger. Here is how it works and what it is used for, not the price.

Total value locked (DeFi)

n/a

Value locked in DeFi protocols on Qtum. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.

Native token

QTUM

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

How it works

How Qtum works.

Qtum reaches agreement through Proof of Stake, where holders stake QTUM to validate blocks rather than relying on mining hardware. Validators known as Super Stakers produce blocks, and holders can delegate their staking weight to a Super Staker without giving up custody of their coins. Blocks arrive roughly every 32 seconds.

Consensus: Proof of Stake

Qtum reaches agreement through Proof of Stake, where holders stake QTUM to validate blocks rather than relying on mining hardware. Validators known as Super Stakers produce blocks, and holders can delegate their staking weight to a Super Staker without giving up custody of their coins. Blocks arrive roughly every 32 seconds.

Account Abstraction Layer

A translation layer that lets account-based smart contracts run on top of a UTXO ledger, bridging the Bitcoin and Ethereum models.

UTXO model

Balances are tracked as unspent transaction outputs, the same accounting approach used by Bitcoin, rather than running account balances.

EVM compatibility

Qtum runs the Ethereum Virtual Machine, so contracts written in Solidity can be deployed with familiar tooling.

QRC token standards

Native token standards such as QRC-20, QRC-721, and QRC-1155 let projects issue fungible and non-fungible tokens on Qtum.

Ecosystem & usage

What Qtum is used for.

Qtum hosts decentralized applications, token projects, and DeFi contracts that use its EVM compatibility.

Smart contracts

Developers deploy Solidity contracts on a UTXO-based chain using standard Ethereum tooling.

Token issuance

Projects mint QRC-20 and QRC-721 tokens for fungible assets and collectibles.

Staking

Holders stake QTUM or delegate to a Super Staker to help validate the network.

In Zypto App

Hold, swap and spend QTUM.

Qtum is integrated in Zypto App. Hold QTUM in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.

Hold QTUM in Zypto How to buy QTUM

Be the reason Qtum ships next.

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

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FAQ

Common questions.

What is Qtum?

Qtum is a Layer 1 blockchain that combines a Bitcoin-style UTXO ledger with an Ethereum-compatible virtual machine, letting Solidity smart contracts run on top of UTXO accounting.

What consensus does Qtum use?

Qtum uses Proof of Stake. Validators stake QTUM to produce blocks, and holders can delegate their stake to a Super Staker while keeping custody of their coins.

What is QTUM used for?

QTUM pays transaction fees, is staked to secure the network, and is used in on-chain governance.

Is Qtum compatible with Ethereum tools?

Yes. Qtum runs the Ethereum Virtual Machine through its Account Abstraction Layer, so Solidity contracts and common Ethereum developer tooling work on it.

Can I hold QTUM in Zypto App?

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

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