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Real-time gas prices for 13+ chains
Top 5 Tools to Track Gas Prices Across Ethereum and Layer 2 Networks
Gas fees can make or break your profitability in DeFi. With Ethereum mainnet fees ranging from $5 to $500+ per transaction, and Layer 2 solutions offering different fee structures, having the right gas tracking tools is essential. Here are the top 5 tools to monitor gas prices and optimize your transaction timing.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Chains | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChainUnified | 13+ chains | Multi-chain traders | Free |
| Etherscan Gas Tracker | Ethereum only | ETH mainnet users | Free |
| L2Beat | All L2s | L2 comparison | Free |
| Blocknative | Ethereum | Developers | Freemium |
| GasNow | Multi-chain | Quick checks | Free |
#1. ChainUnified Gas TrackerBest Overall
Key Features
- ✓Real-time gas prices for 13+ chains
- ✓Side-by-side L1/L2 comparison
- ✓Historical gas charts
- ✓USD cost calculations
- ✓Gas price alerts
Supported Chains
Why It's #1: ChainUnified offers the most comprehensive multi-chain coverage with a clean interface. Perfect for traders who operate across multiple networks and need quick gas comparisons.
Try ChainUnified Gas Tracker#2. Etherscan Gas Tracker
Pros
- • Most trusted source for Ethereum
- • Detailed gas price breakdown
- • Time estimates for confirmations
- • Gas price oracle API
Cons
- • Ethereum mainnet only
- • No L2 comparison
- • Basic interface
- • No price alerts
Best for: Ethereum mainnet users who need accurate gas estimates for different transaction speeds (slow, average, fast).
#3. L2Beat Gas Comparison
Pros
- • Comprehensive L2 coverage
- • Cost comparison charts
- • Security analysis included
- • TVL and activity metrics
Cons
- • Focus on analytics, not real-time
- • No mainnet comparison
- • More research-oriented
- • No API access
Best for: Researching which L2 to use for long-term cost savings and understanding the trade-offs between different Layer 2 solutions.
#4. Blocknative Gas Estimator
Pros
- • Advanced prediction algorithms
- • WebSocket real-time updates
- • Developer-friendly API
- • MEV protection insights
Cons
- • Ethereum-focused
- • Requires signup for full features
- • More technical interface
- • Limited free tier
Best for: Developers and advanced users who need programmatic access to gas predictions and want to integrate gas optimization into their dApps.
#5. GasNow
Pros
- • Simple, clean interface
- • Browser extension available
- • Mobile-friendly
- • Quick gas estimates
Cons
- • Limited chain support
- • Basic features only
- • No historical data
- • Occasional downtime
Best for: Casual users who want a quick gas price check before making transactions, especially on mobile devices.
How to Use Gas Trackers Effectively
Understanding Gas Metrics
Gas Price (Gwei)
The amount you pay per unit of gas. On Ethereum: Low (10-20), Average (20-40), High (40+)
Gas Limit
Maximum gas units for your transaction. Simple transfer: 21,000. Smart contract: 100,000+
Total Cost
Gas Price × Gas Limit = Total Gas Fee (in ETH/native token)
Best Times to Transact
Weekends
Saturday/Sunday typically have 30-50% lower fees
Off-Peak Hours
2-6 AM EST usually sees the lowest activity
Avoid NFT Drops
Popular mints can spike gas to 200+ gwei
Market Volatility
High volatility = high gas from arbitrage bots
Layer 2 Gas Savings Comparison
Average transaction costs compared to Ethereum mainnet:
Pro Tip: Use our gas tracker to see real-time comparisons and find the cheapest chain for your transaction type.
Pro Tips for Gas Optimization
1. Batch Transactions
Combine multiple operations into one transaction when possible. Many DeFi protocols support multicall.
2. Use Gas Tokens (Advanced)
CHI or GST2 tokens can reduce gas costs by up to 50% when used properly (Ethereum only).
3. Set Custom Gas Limits
Don't overpay - set gas price 1-2 gwei above current "safe low" for non-urgent transactions.
4. Monitor Network Upgrades
Major upgrades like EIP-4844 can significantly reduce L2 costs. Stay informed about upcoming changes.
5. Use Alternative Chains
For non-critical operations, consider using Polygon, BSC, or other low-fee chains.
Conclusion
Gas tracking tools are essential for anyone serious about DeFi and Web3. While Ethereum mainnet remains expensive, Layer 2 solutions and alternative chains offer significant savings. The key is having the right tools to monitor prices across all networks and time your transactions optimally.
For most users, a multi-chain gas tracker like ChainUnified provides the best balance of features, coverage, and ease of use. Combine it with chain-specific tools when you need deeper insights, and you'll never overpay for gas again.
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