Waves (WAVES): What It Is, Uses and Risks

Waves is an open blockchain protocol and development toolset. Its project describes it as built for Web 3.0 applications and decentralized solutions, with stated goals of better security, reliability and speed for IT systems. The network also aims to make it easier for anyone to build blockchain apps. The protocol launched on 2016-06-12 and uses proof of stake, a design where holders of the native token can take part in securing the network. The name Waves refers to both the blockchain and its native token, WAVES. The information available for this page does not include detailed technical specifications, so readers who need them should check the project's own documentation directly.

Based on public descriptions, WAVES is used to pay transaction fees on the Waves network, and all fees are paid in WAVES. Users can also use the token to create custom tokens on the chain, a feature that projects have used for fundraising, payments and brand purposes. Under the network's proof of stake design, WAVES can be staked for rewards. The token is also used for trading on the Waves DEX, a decentralized exchange, and it is described as supporting the security of the chain. How much these uses are actually adopted is not measured here, and this section does not rate them.

As of 2026-11-05, WAVES traded at about 0.23 US dollars, with a market capitalization of about 23.1 million US dollars and roughly 4.9 million US dollars traded over 24 hours. Circulating and total supply are both listed as 100 million tokens, and no maximum supply is given. Over the past year the price fell by about 63 percent. The all-time high was about 61.3 US dollars on 2022-03-31, and the all-time low was about 0.13 US dollars on 2016-08-01. These market figures change constantly, so they may differ when you read this page. They are shown for context only and are not a price forecast or advice to buy or sell.

WAVES is the native token of the Waves chain. The data for this page also lists Ethereum as a chain where the token is issued, so readers should confirm which version they hold and compare contract details with the official project sources before trading or transferring. The main risks include large price swings, as the drop from the all-time high shows, and trading activity that can be thin relative to market value. Scams often copy token names and fake wallet or exchange pages, and some promotional pages overstate what a token does. For storage, use a wallet you control, write down your recovery phrase offline, never share it, and check addresses carefully, since blockchain transfers usually cannot be reversed.