In this article, we will review the GetBlock service that provides full nodes for cryptocurrencies. In order to build a blockchain-based app, you have to deploy and run several nodes, but this is not as easy as it might sound. The main goal of GetBlock is to facilitate the lives of startups and developers by providing them with an all-in-one tool for fast and easy integration of the decentralized network into their business projects.
Summary
- GetBlock supports full nodes of more than 50 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Solana (SOL), The Open Network (TON), and Ethereum (ETH) with its extensive network of Layer-2 chains.
- Direct interaction with the blockchain mainnets and test networks is possible with JSON RPC, REST, GraphQL, and WebSockets.
- A fast and secure connection is guaranteed by non-stop working servers located all over Europe, Asia, and the USA.
- Customers get free access to all available blockchain nodes with the option to upgrade to paid plans for improved performance and availability.
- The dedicated node service offered by GetBlock has an unlimited number of requests and no rate limits.
- Aside from offering API access to a list of blockchains and networks, GetBlock’s faucet, marketplace, and explorer services provide additional support and tooling for developers building Web3 applications.
- This is an end-to-end solution with easy setup and integration, automated updates, and maintenance.
What is GetBlock?
GetBlock is a service that provides the connection for the major cryptocurrencies’ nodes using API interfaces like JSON-RPC, REST, GraphQL, and WebSockets. The product was launched at the end of 2019 and since then has been actively growing and adding support to various cryptocurrency networks currently supporting over 55 blockchains.
Whether you want to launch your own cryptocurrency wallet, exchange, or Explorer, there is no need to run a node yourself, as GetBlock allows you to connect to a blockchain via a full node for both free tariff and subscription-based users. All nodes provided on the website have an open API and are available for connection.
User Experience
One of the most important features of GetBlock is how easy it is to use. Whether you are a crypto newcomer or a full-grown pro, its intuitive UI doesn’t need any explanations. It’s rather clear and minimalistic which means you can easily find the information you need and start using the service in no time.
In order to get started with GetBlock, users of the platform are only required to sign up on the website with an email address or by simply connecting a Google account or a MetaMask wallet.
After doing that, the clients get access to their personal dashboard where they can create endpoints to any available blockchain for API access to mainnet or test networks.
Together with the API access, the service provides detailed documentation with tutorials on how to get connected to the service and use endpoints in different development environments.
New nodes are constantly being added to the service and monitored, the existing nodes are updated as needed. The list of available nodes is always displayed on the website, along with their statistics and all of the appropriate documentation:
Pricing
GetBlock offers a free account to all registered users, allowing them to make up to 40,000 blockchain requests per day. This free tier is designed primarily for testing, learning, and experimenting with blockchain technology rather than supporting high-demand decentralized applications (dApps) in commercial use.
Unlike services using a billing approach based on Compute Units (CU), GetBlock counts each request equally. Regardless of the method’s complexity, every API call deducts one ‘request’ from the client’s account balance. This makes it easier for customers to manage and predict their usage.
Users can further upgrade to one of the paid versions to handle more extensive operations and higher request volumes. Options available are: shared nodes, dedicated nodes, enterprise-level services.
Shared nodes
The shared node service offers a cost-effective solution by leveraging an existing infrastructure to serve multiple clients simultaneously. GetBlock ensures that the nodes including Ethereum RPC are powerful enough to handle the collective load, providing reliable and consistent performance for all users.
Two monthly subscription models available are:
- Pay-per-Request: Provides a fixed number of requests per month based on the selected plan, ranging from 5 million to 100 million requests. Plans start at $29.
- Unlimited plan: Users can make an unlimited number of requests without worrying about hitting a limit. With the rate of 300 requests per second, it providing high throughput and consistent performance for demanding applications
By choosing any of these plans, individual developers, startups, or projects with limited budgets can access full node capabilities without the costs associated with running a dedicated node.
Dedicated nodes
GetBlock’s dedicated node service provides users with a private server for unrestricted blockchain access. It unlocks custom settings, archive node access, and a choice of server locations for performance optimization. The tariff is geared towards applications that handle a large number of transactions or queries and cannot afford to be limited by rate caps or request limits.
Enterprise solution is a premium and upgraded version of a dedicated service, designed for businesses that require robust, highly reliable and customizable node infrastructure tailored to their specific use cases.
Clients can pay for GetBlock’s services using both fiat (traditional currencies) or cryptocurrencies.
Additional Services
GetBlock offers a suite of additional free services designed to further simplify the development process for blockchain projects:
1. Testnet Crypto Faucet: Provides developers with access to free test ETH and MATIC tokens needed for experiments within test networks. Service supports the most widely used platform for building dApps such as Ethereum, Polygon, Base, Arbitrum, Linea, and more.
2. Blockchain Explorers: provide detailed views of Ethereum (ATH), Arbitrum (ARB), and BNB Smart Chain (BSC) networks, helping developers and users understand the state and history of the network.
3. Web3 Marketplace: The platform provides access to a curated selection of applications and APIs tailored to different aspects of Web3 development, many of which are free to use. It allows users to quickly find and deploy the tools they need.
Together, these services support the blockchain development community by providing essential tools and resources.
Conclusion
GetBlock allows its customers to stay focused on their projects and development, it needs not more than a few clicks to connect one or merge several nodes in one place. This service is suitable for young entrepreneurs and beginners, as well as for crypto developers and blockchain users, for all those who have neither time nor resources to run their own full node.
Try it out and let us know what you think about the GetBlock review in the comment section.
