The Ethereum ecosystem recently lost a key player with the shutdown of GasNow, a service renowned for its accurate gas price predictions. This platform offered a diverse suite of tools, including browser extensions, mobile apps, and APIs, making it a favorite among users who needed real-time data for transaction planning. While its closure leaves a gap, several robust alternatives have emerged to help users estimate network fees effectively.
This guide explores the best available tools across different platforms, ensuring you can find a suitable replacement whether you're a developer, trader, or regular user. We'll cover options for browsers, mobile devices, desktops, and web-based services, along with API solutions for custom integrations.
Why GasNow Was a Community Favorite
GasNow stood out by leveraging mempool data from SparkPool, providing predictions based on real-time network activity rather than historical trends. This approach often resulted in more accurate and timely gas estimates.
Beyond accuracy, its versatility was a major strength. It offered a browser extension that integrated seamlessly near MetaMask, allowing users to view gas prices without extra clicks. It also provided a reliable API for developers building custom scripts, such as iOS Shortcuts for quick gas checks.
Best Browser Extension: Blocknative
For those who valued GasNow's browser tool, Blocknative's Ethereum Gas Estimator is a top contender. Available for Chrome and Brave, this extension supports both traditional transactions and the newer EIP-1559 type, offering a slight upgrade over GasNow's traditional-only estimates.
The free version updates every five seconds, pulling data from Blocknative's Gas Platform API, which aggregates Ethereum mempool information. A simple click reveals detailed gas metrics, making it handy for active traders.
Top Mobile and Desktop Widget: Zerion
Mobile users often need gas data at a glance, and Zerion delivers with its iOS widget. By adding it to your home screen, you can monitor gas prices without opening the app. Note that iOS limits how often widgets refresh, so data might have minute-level delays. Still, it's useful for tracking general trends.
Many wallet apps include built-in gas estimators, but Zerion's widget functionality makes it particularly convenient for quick checks.
Desktop Application for macOS: MathGas
MathWallet's MathGas caters to macOS users seeking a dedicated desktop tool. It tracks gas prices across multiple networks like Ethereum, BSC, Polygon, Fantom, OKExChain, and Heco. However, Ethereum remains the primary use case due to its significant gas fluctuations.
This app is ideal for users who prefer a standalone program rather than browser-based solutions.
Web-Based Gas Trackers: Etherscan and More
Web platforms are the most common way to check gas prices, though they may lack the integration of extensions or apps. Popular choices include:
- Etherscan: The leading Ethereum block explorer offers a reliable gas tracker.
- ETH Gas Station: A long-standing service focused solely on gas metrics.
- OKLink: A multi-chain explorer that includes Ethereum gas data.
These sites provide essential data but require manual refreshing, making them less dynamic than live tools.
API Services for Developers
Developers and power users needing gas data via API have several options:
- ETH Gas Station: Offers a simple API for basic gas estimates.
- Etherscan: Provides extensive APIs, including gas oracle endpoints.
- Blocknative: Features a robust Gas Platform API for real-time mempool data.
These services support standard HTTP calls, allowing integration with scripts, bots, or mobile shortcuts. Accuracy may vary, so testing is recommended.
👉 Explore advanced API methods
Frequently Asked Questions
What made GasNow's predictions more accurate?
GasNow used real-time mempool data from SparkPool, unlike many services that rely on historical averages. This provided a better reflection of current network conditions.
Are there any direct replacements for GasNow's browser extension?
Blocknative's Ethereum Gas Estimator is the closest match, offering similar functionality with support for both traditional and EIP-1559 transactions.
Can I get gas price updates on my phone without an app?
While apps like Zerion offer widgets, web-based options like Etherscan or ETH Gas Station are accessible via mobile browsers, though they lack push notifications.
Which API is best for custom development?
Blocknative's API is strong for real-time data, while Etherscan's is widely used and well-documented. Choose based on your need for freshness versus reliability.
Do these tools work for layer-2 networks?
Most focus on Ethereum mainnet, but some, like MathGas, support other networks. However, gas volatility is less common on high-throughput chains.
How often do gas estimates update?
It varies by service: Blocknative updates every 5 seconds, while widgets like Zerion may delay due to platform restrictions. Web tools typically refresh manually.
Conclusion
While GasNow's shutdown is a loss, the ecosystem offers capable alternatives for every use case. Browser users can turn to Blocknative, mobile users to Zerion, and developers to various APIs. Each tool has strengths, so trying a few will help you find the best fit for your needs. As the Ethereum landscape evolves, these services will continue to improve, ensuring reliable gas estimation for all users.