TON at a glance.
The Open Network, known as TON, is a Layer 1 originally designed by the team behind Telegram and now maintained by an independent community foundation. It is built around sharding to handle high transaction volumes, with a focus on fast, low-cost payments and consumer applications.
$80.2M
Value locked in DeFi protocols on TON. Updated Jun 2, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.
TON
Used for fees and securing the network. See the live TON price.
How TON works.
TON uses a Proof of Stake model where validators stake TON to produce and verify blocks under a Byzantine Fault Tolerant protocol. Its defining feature is a sharded architecture, sometimes described as infinite sharding, where the network can split into multiple shard chains to spread load. A masterchain coordinates the shards so the whole system stays in sync.
TON uses a Proof of Stake model where validators stake TON to produce and verify blocks under a Byzantine Fault Tolerant protocol. Its defining feature is a sharded architecture, sometimes described as infinite sharding, where the network can split into multiple shard chains to spread load. A masterchain coordinates the shards so the whole system stays in sync.
Sharded architecture
TON divides work across shard chains that can split or merge based on load, with a masterchain coordinating them. This design is intended to keep the network fast as activity grows.
Telegram origins
The protocol grew out of a project started by the Telegram team. It is now developed by an independent foundation, and TON-based apps are commonly accessed through Telegram mini apps.
Payments focus
Low fees and quick confirmation make TON well suited to small payments, transfers, and consumer-facing applications.
Toncoin
TON, also called Toncoin, is the native token used for fees, staking, and paying for network services like storage and naming.
What TON is used for.
TON is used widely for payments, token transfers, and consumer apps, many of which reach users through Telegram mini apps. DeFi, gaming, and social applications make up a growing part of its ecosystem.
Payments and transfers
Low fees and fast confirmation make TON practical for everyday payments and peer-to-peer transfers.
Telegram mini apps
Many TON applications run as mini apps inside Telegram, putting on-chain features in front of a large messaging audience.
DeFi and tokens
Decentralized exchanges, lending, and token projects operate on TON, taking advantage of its low costs.
Staking
TON holders can stake to help secure the network and earn rewards.
Hold, swap and spend TON.
TON is integrated in the Zypto App. Hold TON in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.
Be the reason TON ships next.
TON isn’t in the Zypto App yet. Post the request to your followers, chains with the most demand get prioritised.
Request on XCommon questions.
What does TON stand for?
Is TON run by Telegram?
What is sharding on TON?
What is TON used for?
Can I hold TON in the Zypto App?
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