Sonic: The Fastest EVM Layer 1 for DeFi and Beyond

Mar 24, 2025

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3 min. read

Sonic(S) (formerly FTM) is revolutionizing DeFi through fast transactions and developer-friendly features. This high-performance EVM Layer 1 offers rapid processing, Ethereum compatibility, and a unique Fee Monetization (FeeM) program where developers earn up to 90% of their apps' transaction fees. Built for scale and security, Sonic aims to power next-gen DeFi applications.

Technology: The Backbone of Sonic

Sonic’s architecture is built on three core components that power its high performance, security, and scalability:

  • Sonic Gateway facilitates seamless cross-chain transfers with Ethereum, leveraging Fast-Lane Transactions for near-instant settlement. To ensure asset protection, a fail-safe recovery mechanism is in place, activating after two weeks of bridge inactivity to guarantee fund recovery.

  • SonicDB optimizes transaction processing with low-latency, high-throughput storage and a scalable infrastructure designed for reliability and cost-efficiency. It operates through specialized RPC, validator, and observer nodes, ensuring smooth network performance with minimal storage and maintenance costs.

  • SonicVM enables fast, secure smart contract execution while maintaining 100% EVM compatibility, allowing developers to build on Solidity and Vyper. It enhances security, reduces crashes, and introduces dynamic gas fee support, offering flexibility for decentralized applications.

Sonic’s developer-friendly ecosystem is further strengthened by strategic partnerships with Chainlink, Pyth, Dune, Alchemy, and Safe, providing essential tools and infrastructure to support Web3 innovation.

The S Token

The S Token powers the Sonic Ecosystem and is the lifeblood of the Sonic network, serving multiple purposes:

  • Governance: Staking S enables participation in network governance and decision-making.

  • Security: Stakers contribute to network security while earning rewards.

  • Gas Fees: S is used to pay for transactions within the ecosystem.

Fee Monetization: A Game-Changer for Developers

Sonic introduces a Web2-inspired monetization model into Web3. The Fee Monetization (FeeM) program allows developers to earn up to 90% of the transaction fees generated by their applications—creating sustainable revenue streams that incentivize innovation and adoption.

For non-participating apps, 50% of transaction fees are burned, reducing supply and adding deflationary pressure to the tokenomics.

Tokenomics: Sustainable Growth & Incentives

Sonic’s economic model is designed to benefit both developers and users through a combination of incentives, deflationary mechanics, and ecosystem development funds.

Sonic's 190.5 million S token airdrop will boost network adoption, with 25% available at launch and 75% vesting over nine months. Users can opt for early claims at reduced rates to encourage balanced distribution and long-term participation.

Sonic's burn mechanism removes 50% of transaction fees from non-FeeM applications, reducing supply and supporting token value through scarcity.

The Sonic Labs Innovator Fund allocates 200 million S tokens for infrastructure and partnerships, with an additional 6% supply minting planned six months post-launch to support ongoing development.

Roadmap: What’s Next for Sonic?

Sonic’s roadmap focuses on ecosystem expansion, developer incentives, and widespread adoption.

Key Milestones:

With a strong development pipeline, Sonic is positioning itself as the go-to blockchain for DeFi applications requiring speed, security, and scalable incentives.

Sonic & Unity Wallet

Unity Wallet is proud to support Sonic for sending, receiving, swapping and storing. Presently Sonic is available in it’s native form S (Sonic), USDCE (Sonic - USDC Bridged) & WS Sonic (Wrapped Sonic).

Conclusion: The Future of DeFi on Sonic

Sonic is setting a new benchmark for Layer 1 blockchains by combining speed, security, and developer-driven incentives. With its high-performance architecture, lucrative Fee Monetization model, and strategic partnerships, Sonic is well on its way to becoming the backbone of the next-generation DeFi ecosystem. For developers, users, and investors, Sonic presents a compelling opportunity to engage with a blockchain network that prioritizes innovation, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

DISCLAIMER: Cryptocurrencies carry high risk. This post is informational only, not financial advice. Unity doesn't recommend investments. Investing in crypto may result in loss of capital.

Unity Wallet © 2025, All Rights Reserved

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The software for the Unity Wallet mobile application is developed by the Developer. This Website www.unitywallet.com and the Unity Wallet mobile application are distributed and provided to the users of this website and/or of the Unity Wallet mobile application exclusively by the Content Provider, according to the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy

Developer

SAVL GmbH, c/o Schwärzler Rechtsanwälte Attorneys, Baarerstr. 75, 6300 Zug, Canton of Zug, Switzerland

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SAVL Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Cayman Islands, with a registered office at 190 Elgin Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-9001, Cayman Islands

Unity Wallet © 2025, All Rights Reserved

Impressum

The software for the Unity Wallet mobile application is developed by the Developer. This Website www.unitywallet.com and the Unity Wallet mobile application are distributed and provided to the users of this website and/or of the Unity Wallet mobile application exclusively by the Content Provider, according to the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy

Developer

SAVL GmbH, c/o Schwärzler Rechtsanwälte Attorneys, Baarerstr. 75, 6300 Zug, Canton of Zug, Switzerland

Content Provider (for the Website/App)

SAVL Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Cayman Islands, with a registered office at 190 Elgin Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-9001, Cayman Islands

Unity Wallet © 2025, All Rights Reserved

Impressum

The software for the Unity Wallet mobile application is developed by the Developer. This Website www.unitywallet.com and the Unity Wallet mobile application are distributed and provided to the users of this website and/or of the Unity Wallet mobile application exclusively by the Content Provider, according to the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy

Developer

SAVL GmbH, c/o Schwärzler Rechtsanwälte Attorneys, Baarerstr. 75, 6300 Zug, Canton of Zug, Switzerland

Content Provider (for the Website/App)

SAVL Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Cayman Islands, with a registered office at 190 Elgin Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-9001, Cayman Islands

Unity Wallet © 2025, All Rights Reserved

Impressum

The software for the Unity Wallet mobile application is developed by the Developer. This Website www.unitywallet.com and the Unity Wallet mobile application are distributed and provided to the users of this website and/or of the Unity Wallet mobile application exclusively by the Content Provider, according to the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy

Developer

SAVL GmbH, c/o Schwärzler Rechtsanwälte Attorneys, Baarerstr. 75, 6300 Zug, Canton of Zug, Switzerland

Content Provider (for the Website/App)

SAVL Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Cayman Islands, with a registered office at 190 Elgin Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-9001, Cayman Islands