Sui is a Layer 1 blockchain launched in 2023, designed to make digital asset ownership fast, private, secure, and accessible. Created by Mysten Labs, a team of former Meta engineers, Sui combines the power of Web3 with the simplicity of Web2 apps. It uses the Move programming language and an object-based model to process transactions quickly, supporting applications like decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and gaming. This guide explains what Sui is, how it works, and why it’s gaining attention in 2025.
What is Sui Crypto?
Sui is a high-speed, scalable Layer 1 blockchain built for low-cost transactions. It was launched on May 3, 2023, by Mysten Labs, founded by ex-Meta engineers who worked on the Diem blockchain project. Sui aims to handle up to 297,000 transactions per second (TPS) with near-instant finality, making it ideal for real-time applications like gaming, DeFi, and NFTs. Its unique object-centric model stores assets as independent objects, allowing faster and more efficient transactions compared to traditional blockchains like Ethereum.
How Does Sui Work?
Sui’s technology is designed for speed and scalability. Here’s how it functions:
- Object-Centric Model: Assets like tokens or NFTs are stored as objects, enabling direct ownership and reducing processing complexity.
- Move Programming Language: Smart contracts are written in Move, a secure language that prevents common vulnerabilities like reentrancy attacks.
- Consensus Mechanism: Sui uses Narwhal & Bullshark, a DAG-based protocol, for sub-second transaction finality and high throughput.
- Parallel Processing: Transactions involving different objects are processed simultaneously, reducing delays and costs.
Key Features of Sui
Sui stands out for its advanced features:
- High Speed: Processes up to 297,000 TPS with sub-second finality.
- Low Costs: Parallel processing keeps transaction fees low.
- Scalability: The network grows efficiently by adding validators.
- Security: Move language and object-based model reduce risks.
- Developer-Friendly: Move simplifies building secure dApps.
- User-Friendly: Features like zkLogin allow easy onboarding with web credentials.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| High Speed | Up to 297,000 TPS with near-instant finality. |
| Low Costs | Parallel processing ensures affordable transactions. |
| Scalability | Grows by adding validators without slowing down. |
| Security | Move and object model minimize vulnerabilities. |
| Developer-Friendly | Move simplifies secure dApp development. |
| User-Friendly | zkLogin enables easy access with web credentials. |
The SUI Token
The SUI token is the native currency of the Sui blockchain, with a total supply of 10 billion. As of July 29, 2025:
- Price: $3.93
- Market Cap: $13.59 billion
- Circulating Supply: 3.45 billion SUI
- 24h Price Change: +8.07%
- Uses:
- Pays for transaction fees (gas).
- Staking to secure the network and earn rewards every 24 hours.
- Governance to vote on network upgrades.
- Tokenomics: A storage fund collects fees to cover data storage, reducing circulating supply for deflationary traits. No airdrops were offered at launch to prioritize stability.
Use Cases of Sui
Sui supports a variety of applications:
- DeFi: Platforms like NAVI Protocol offer lending and trading with low fees.
- NFTs: The object-based model allows dynamic NFTs that evolve, ideal for collectibles.
- Gaming: Near-instant transactions suit play-to-earn games like XOCIETY, featuring Adidas NFT skins.
- Real-World Assets (RWA): Tokenizes assets like real estate via platforms like Open Market Group.
For more on crypto applications, see our post on Top Companies Accepting Cryptocurrency.
How Does Sui Compare to Other Blockchains?
Sui competes with Layer 1 blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano. Here’s a comparison:
| Blockchain | Speed (TPS) | Scalability | Stability | Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sui | ~297,000 | Native horizontal scaling | Stable, newer platform | Object-based |
| Ethereum | ~15 (Layer 1) | Relies on Layer 2 solutions | Highly stable, widely adopted | Account-based |
| Solana | ~65,000 | High throughput, some outages | Occasional instability | Account-based |
| Cardano | ~250 | Research-driven scalability | Stable, slower transactions | Account-based |
- Ethereum: Sui offers faster, cheaper transactions natively, unlike Ethereum’s Layer 2 reliance.
- Solana: Sui matches Solana’s speed but focuses on stability and accessibility.
- Cardano: Sui prioritizes real-time performance over Cardano’s slower, research-focused approach.
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Future Outlook
Sui’s market cap reached $15.9 billion in January 2025, surpassing Aptos. Key developments include:
- SIP-39: A proposal to lower validator entry barriers for greater decentralization.
- Bitcoin Integration: xBTC and sBTC assets enhance Bitcoin-based DeFi on Sui.
- Security Response: After a $223 million hack on the Cetus DeFi platform in 2025, Sui froze $163 million in stolen assets, showing strong security measures.
- Community Growth: Over 700,000 Discord members and 80+ funded projects signal a thriving ecosystem.
Sui’s focus on user experience and performance positions it for mass adoption, though its newer status means it faces risks like limited adoption compared to Ethereum.
How to Get Started with Sui
Here’s how to begin:
- Buy SUI: Purchase on exchanges like Kraken or Binance.
- Store SUI: Use wallets like Suiet or Trust Wallet.
- Stake SUI: Earn rewards by staking via Trust Wallet.
- Build on Sui: Developers can use the Move language.
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Conclusion
Sui is a fast, scalable, and secure blockchain with the potential to redefine DeFi, NFTs, and gaming. Its object-based model, Move language, and user-friendly features like zkLogin make it a strong contender in Web3. As of July 29, 2025, Sui’s growing ecosystem and $13.59 billion market cap highlight its promise, though its newer status carries risks. Whether you’re an investor or developer, Sui is a blockchain to watch.
For more crypto insights, read Will Crypto Recover? or Can Crypto Be Turned Into Real Money?.
