Exploring TRON: How It’s Different from EVM-Based Blockchains
You’re probably familiar with Ethereum or other networks that work in a similar way — like BNB Chain or Polygon. These EVM-based blockchains share a common structure, so tools, apps, and user experiences often feel the same across them.
But not all blockchains follow this model. Some are built differently from the ground up. While some of these networks may add features to make things feel more familiar to EVM users, the core technology often works in its own unique way. And for users bridging assets or interacting across chains, those differences can matter.
This article is part of a series focusing on non-EVM blockchains supported by Allbridge Core — specifically Solana, TRON, Stellar, and Sui. Each one has its own architecture and approach, and in this piece, we’ll take a closer look at TRON and how it’s different from the EVM chains you might be used to.
Tron: Familiar Ground for EVM Users
TRON may not be an EVM chain in name, but for most users, it feels very similar. It uses Solidity for smart contracts, follows familiar interaction patterns, and works well with tools that EVM users are used to. Compared to Ethereum, BNB Chain, or Polygon, using TRON — especially with Allbridge Core — won’t feel like a big leap.
But despite these similarities, TRON has a few unique traits that can catch users off guard. Its unusual address format and the Energy/Bandwidth system for paying transaction fees are two key differences to be aware of when bridging or interacting with apps on the network.
Let’s walk through those differences so you can use Allbridge Core on TRON with confidence.
Why Does My TRON Address Look So Different?
On TRON, wallet addresses look noticeably different from what you’re used to on EVM chains. Instead of starting with 0x, TRON addresses begin with a capital “T”, like TXYZ..., and use a different encoding format.
Despite the visual difference, TRON addresses are based on the same 20-byte format as EVM addresses. The main difference is how they’re displayed: TRON uses Base58Check encoding, while EVM chains use hexadecimal. So although they appear different, they can actually represent the same address underneath.
If you’re curious, you can use this tool on Tronscan to convert between TRON and Ethereum-style formats and see how it works.
Here’s what this means in practice:
- You’ll likely need a wallet app or extension that supports TRON. Some multi-chain wallets do, but many popular EVM-only wallets (like MetaMask) don’t support TRON at all.
- When bridging to TRON with Allbridge Core, make sure you use a valid TRON-format address (starting with T). If you enter an address in the wrong format, Allbridge Core will alert you before proceeding.
- While it’s technically possible to reuse the same seed phrase across different wallet apps, it’s generally more secure to generate a new seed phrase for each wallet app you use — especially when using multiple networks.
TRON’s address format may look unfamiliar at first, but once your wallet is set up and you’re using the correct format, everything else will feel fairly straightforward.
Gas? Not Quite — Understanding TRON’s Energy System
On most EVM chains, you pay a small amount of the native token (like ETH or BNB) to cover gas fees, and that’s it — the system is simple and predictable. TRON works a bit differently behind the scenes, though as a user, you might not even notice it at first.
TRON uses two types of resources to process transactions: Bandwidth and Energy. For basic token transfers, Bandwidth is usually enough and may even be free. But when you’re interacting with smart contracts — like bridging assets using Allbridge Core — you’ll need Energy, and this is where things get a bit tricky.
By default, if your wallet doesn’t have enough Energy, TRON automatically converts your TRX to pay for it. It’s meant to feel seamless — just like gas on an EVM chain — but the cost can be significantly higher than it needs to be. That’s because buying Energy on the spot is usually more expensive than other options.
To reduce costs, many experienced users turn to TRON Energy Markets, where you can rent Energy at a lower rate before making a transaction. This can make a big difference in how much TRX you spend.
Here are a few popular Energy rental platforms:
While technically you can also freeze TRX to get Energy, this option is mostly used by large actors like centralized exchanges — it’s not practical for regular users who need Energy for just a few transactions.
A few important tips when using TRON:
- Check the estimated Energy cost before approving a transaction — many wallets and dApps show this during the confirmation step.
- Make sure you have enough TRX in your wallet — not just for the amount you want to send, but also to cover Energy costs.
- If you don’t have enough Energy or TRX, the transaction can still be submitted, but it may burn all your TRX and still fail. This is a common issue, and it’s one of the easiest ways to lose funds unintentionally on TRON.
In short: while TRON’s system is designed to feel smooth, understanding how Energy works — and using Energy markets — can save you money and prevent failed transactions.
Final Thoughts on TRON and Allbridge Core
TRON may not be an EVM chain, but for most users, it behaves very similarly — making it a comfortable choice for those already used to Ethereum-like networks. At the same time, small differences like the address format and the Energy system can lead to unexpected issues if you’re not prepared.
Allbridge Core supports bridging to and from TRON just like any other network, but keeping these TRON-specific details in mind — especially when it comes to choosing the right wallet and managing transaction fees — will help you avoid surprises and ensure a smoother experience Allbridge Core.
