Layer 2 (L2) chains refer to Ethereum-compatible blockchain networks that operate "on top" of the Ethereum blockchain, enabling faster and more affordable transactions. These networks use various scaling solutions to improve the performance and efficiency of the Ethereum network, such as state channels, sidechains, and plasma chains. By offloading some of the computational work from the main Ethereum chain to L2 chains, these networks can significantly increase transaction speeds and reduce gas fees. They're convenient because you can enjoy all the benefits and still use the same Ethereum-based wallet. Popular examples of L2 chains include Polygon, Optimism, Arbitrum, and xDai, among others.

MATIC is the native token of the Polygon network. MATIC coins have various use cases within the Polygon ecosystem, including voting on proposals to participate in governance, contributing to network security through staking, and paying for gas fees. You can buy MATIC tokens on a decentralized or centralized exchange or receive MATIC tokens by staking.

If you're looking to buy MATIC tokens on Polygon, there are several ways to go about it. One option is to connect your wallet to a trustless and transparent decentralized exchange (DEX) that supports Polygon, such as QuickSwap or SushiSwap. These DEXs allow you to trade with others directly, without the need for intermediaries or central authorities getting in the way. It's a peer-to-peer affair, where you're in control of your own assets and can get your hands on some MATIC tokens by exchanging other crypto you may hold.

Another option is to opt for a centralized exchange that supports Polygon, such as Binance or Coinbase. While a centralized exchange often offers a great selection of crypto and has higher liquidity, you'll have to put your trust in a centralized entity to manage your funds. If you're comfortable with that trade-off, a centralized exchange can be a quick and convenient way to get your hands on some MATIC, and you can even use fiat currencies for that. It's a good practice to not hold your crypto on a CEX and send it to your personal wallet as soon as possible, so you retain control of your crypto.

If you already have some MATIC tokens, you can also earn more by staking them on the Polygon network. By locking up your MATIC to help validate transactions and secure the network, you can earn rewards and contribute to the growth and security of the network in a meaningful way.

You can send MATIC tokens from Ethereum to Polygon using bridges, which are mechanisms that allow you to transfer tokens between different blockchain networks. Although there are many bridges to choose from, you can easily bridge MATIC directly within the BlockWallet interface, with low fees and without the need to leave the wallet to bridge crypto.

Yes, you can use Polygon (MATIC) on mobile devices through any mobile wallet that supports the Polygon network. Remember, any self-custodial wallet (also known as non-custodial wallet) is a tool to access your cryptocurrency stored on the blockchain. This means that you can use the same private keys across multiple wallets, including both mobile wallet and desktop wallet, and even more, so you don't have to make any compromises and use both. By syncing your Polygon wallet across multiple devices, you can easily manage your tokens from anywhere, at any time, with one set of private keys. One more reason to self-custody your crypto.

When it comes to Polygon (MATIC) wallets, plenty of options are available on the market, each with its own set of features and benefits. Here are some popular options to help you choose the best Polygon wallet to store your tokens.

Trust Wallet is a versatile mobile and desktop-compatible Polygon wallet that supports a wide range of assets, including MATIC. It features a user-friendly interface and integration with popular decentralized exchanges (DEXes), but might lack on some more advanced features, such as built-in bridges. Trust Wallet is available as a mobile wallet or a browser extension.

Exodus is another popular option, offering a multichain crypto wallet that supports various networks, including Polygon. It is available as a browser extension, desktop wallet, and mobile app.

Metamask is widely regarded as one of the most popular Polygon wallet and the most widely used browser extension crypto wallet in Web3. Metamask wallet was designed to handle all networks compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), including the Polygon (MATIC). Metamask is available as browser extension or a mobile wallet.

Finally, BlockWallet is a Polygon wallet that honors privacy and security and delivers a premium user experience. It provides easy access to Polygon with a user-friendly interface and offers built-in Polygon swaps and bridges. This eliminates the need for third-party DEX or bridges as you can bridge or swap MATIC straight in the wallet. Additionally, BlockWallet runs a private node infrastructure for Polygon users. Because public nodes are often clogged, your Polygon experience will be much smoother, more reliable and private on BlockWallet. Check out this comparison page if you're curious how BlockWallet compares to other Polygon (MATIC) wallets.

When it comes to safeguarding your precious MATIC tokens, choosing the right hardware wallet to store crypto can make all the difference. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, it's important to select a wallet that meets your personal preferences and specific requirements. Thankfully, there are trusted companies out there that offer top-notch hardware wallets for storing a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Polygon (MATIC). Here are some best Polygon wallets that come in a box.

First up, we have Trezor - a well-established company that needs no introduction. Trezor offers a range of hardware wallet options, including the Trezor Model T and Trezor Model One. These wallets support major blockchains and provide a strong layer of protection for your crypto. For added security, advanced features like passphrase protection are also available. If you're willing to trade off some convenience for the highest level of security for your MATIC, then Trezor is a solid choice.

Next, we have Ledger - a prominent player in the world of cryptocurrency wallets. Ledger offers a variety of hardware wallet options, such as the Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, and the newly launched Ledger Stax. All of these Ledger wallets support major blockchains, including Polygon Network, and come with a stellar reputation for security. Additionally, Ledger's constant innovation ensures that their wallets remain among the best all-around options in the market.

Finally, we have Keystone - a lesser-known brand that still offers excellent security, privacy, and convenience. The Keystone Essential and Keystone Pro are QR-based air-gapped wallets that provide an even higher level of security and privacy for your digital assets. The air gap protects the wallet from internet-based attacks, while the QR code enables secure offline transactions and private key storage for full control and confidentiality.

These three companies offer high-quality hardware Polygon wallets that are ideal for storing MATIC or other tokens. However, it's always wise to conduct your own research and explore multiple options before making a final decision before you buy a particular wallet. After all, your crypto assets are worth protecting!

Because the Polygon network is built for affordability, it's significantly cheaper to use than Ethereum, making it an ideal choice for payments.

But that's not all. With its focus on scalability, Polygon is also well-suited to a range of other use cases, including trading and finance. By enabling various financial protocols such as decentralized exchanges, liquidity pools, and lending protocols, Polygon makes it easy for users to access various financial service applications at a low cost.