An EVM-compatible testnet for BNB Smart Chain using PoSA for low-cost transactions, mirroring mainnet for dApp and smart contract testing; Chain ID 97, tBNB.
BNB Smart Chain Testnet (chain ID 97) is a public EVM-compatible network that mirrors BNB Smart Chain using valueless tBNB for gas, enabling safe development and integration. It typically delivers ~3-second blocks, ~1–5 gwei gas prices (fractions of tBNB per tx), and 100–160+ TPS in stress tests, letting teams benchmark performance realistically. Common uses include deploying and auditing BEP-20/smart contracts, simulating cross-chain bridge flows, and end-to-end QA with faucets and the BscScan Testnet explorer.
BNB Smart Chain Testnet is distinctive for near-mainnet parameters—fast ~3s block times, high throughput, and very low gas (≈1–5 gwei)—providing production-like conditions for DeFi, NFT, and bridging workloads. Compared with Ethereum Sepolia (~12s blocks, ~15 TPS), it offers ~3s blocks, 100–160+ TPS, and negligible tBNB fees, reducing wait times and test costs while preserving full EVM tooling compatibility (MetaMask, Hardhat). Consistent activity levels plus reliable faucet and explorer support enhance stability for iterative cross-chain testing.
BNB Smart Chain Testnet uses tBNB as the gas token for transaction fees. You can obtain tBNB by bridging from other chains or purchasing using thirdweb Bridge, or through faucets (for testnet).
To bridge tBNB to BNB Smart Chain Testnet, connect your wallet to thirdweb bridge, select your source chain, choose the token you want to bridge, select BNB Smart Chain Testnet as the destination, enter the amount, and confirm the transaction. The bridge will handle the cross-chain transfer instantly.
To build on BNB Smart Chain Testnet you can use thirdweb, which provides an easy way to build, monetize and scale your apps, games or agents. You can find detailed guides and documentation on https://portal.thirdweb.com to get started quickly.
To add BNB Smart Chain Testnet to your wallet, you can connect your wallet and click on [Add to Wallet] button at the top of the page. Alternatively, you can add the network manually using the RPC URL and chain details and add it to your wallet's network settings.
To send tBNB on BNB Smart Chain Testnet, ensure your wallet is connected to the BNB Smart Chain Testnet network, enter the recipient's address, specify the amount of tBNB to send, review the gas fee, and confirm the transaction in your wallet.
