What is Base?
Base is an Ethereum layer-2 network built by Coinbase. It offers Ethereum-grade security with fees of just a few cents, using the same ERC-20 standard and wallets — ideal for affordable, mainstream token launches.
Base in a nutshell
Base is a "layer-2" (L2) that runs on top of Ethereum. It bundles transactions and settles them on Ethereum, so you get strong security at a tiny fraction of the cost. It uses ETH for fees and the ERC-20 standard.
How a layer-2 works
Instead of processing every transaction on Ethereum directly (expensive), Base executes them off-chain in batches and posts compressed proofs back to Ethereum. The result: the same ERC-20 tokens and MetaMask wallet, but cheap and fast.
Why Base for tokens
- Very low fees — a few cents.
- Coinbase backing — mainstream reach and trust.
- Same ERC-20 tooling — MetaMask, Uniswap, Aerodrome.
- Fast-growing ecosystem popular for new launches.
Base vs Arbitrum
Both are leading Ethereum L2s with low fees. Base leans mainstream (Coinbase); Arbitrum has a large DeFi ecosystem. See Base vs Arbitrum.
Getting started on Base
- Add the Base network to MetaMask.
- Bridge some ETH to Base for fees.
- Create a Base token with no code.
Frequently asked questions
Is Base a separate blockchain from Ethereum?
Base is a layer-2 that settles on Ethereum. It has its own fast, cheap environment but inherits Ethereum's security.
Do I need a special wallet for Base?
No — Base is EVM-compatible, so MetaMask and other Ethereum wallets work. You just add the Base network.
How much does it cost to create a token on Base?
Only a few cents in ETH gas plus a flat service fee — far cheaper than Ethereum mainnet.
Ready to create your own token?
Launch a token on BNB Chain, Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Solana, Polygon, Optimism, Linea, Avalanche, Scroll, Sui, TON, Berachain, HyperEVM, Sonic, Unichain, World Chain, Soneium, Mantle or Cronos — no code, in minutes.
Create your token