ZachXBT, a renowned crypto analyst and on-chain investigator, has called attention to the poor quality of block explorers on several Layer-1 (L1) blockchains. In a September 2024 post, he pointed out the stark usability differences between various block explorers, highlighting the need for an overhaul, especially on chains outside the Ethereum ecosystem.
The State of Block Explorers
In his post, ZachXBT categorized block explorers into three distinct tiers:
- Good Tier: Bitcoin’s explorers, such as Blockchair and Mempool, were singled out for their excellent performance in tracking transactions effectively and reliably.
- Okay Tier: Block explorers for Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) chains, Solana’s Solscan, and Ripple’s Bithomp landed in the middle tier. While they offer decent functionality, ZachXBT noted that they still require improvements to better serve users.
- Bad Tier: The most critical reviews were reserved for explorers on blockchains like Cosmos, Hedera, Aptos, and Sui. ZachXBT found these tools to have serious flaws, including poor filtering and lack of essential features like spam filtering, making them frustrating for users to navigate.
The Challenge of a Multi-Chain Explorer
ZachXBT also addressed the idea of creating a universal multi-chain explorer. While it seems appealing, he expressed doubts about its profitability on less prominent blockchains. Additionally, he raised concerns about building open-access tools for the crypto community, mentioning the widespread entitlement culture in the space. However, he did acknowledge the potential value of private tools designed for compliance and law enforcement purposes.
The Road Ahead for Block Explorers
ZachXBT’s analysis highlights the urgent need for better block explorers with advanced usability and more comprehensive tracking features. While some blockchains, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, offer reliable tools, many others lag far behind. To enhance user experience and provide more robust services, it’s clear that a broader industry effort is needed to improve block explorer design across all chains—not just the major ones.