Gas Snapshot: Optimism Cheapest, Polygon Most Expensive
A recent on-chain snapshot captured significant variation in gas costs across tracked blockchain networks. Optimism recorded the lowest fees at 0.001 gwei, whereas Polygon saw the highest costs at 276.6494 gwei.
A comprehensive snapshot of transaction costs was recorded across the major blockchain networks tracked by analysts on June 6, 2026. The data, measured in native gwei units, highlights a dramatic disparity between the cheapest and most expensive networks at the time of the measurement. This analysis focuses strictly on the raw on-chain figures provided, offering a clear view of the current fee landscape without external speculation.
The Current Fee Landscape
The most striking finding from the snapshot is the extreme difference in pricing between the leading Layer 2 solutions and the Polygon network. Optimism emerged as the most economical option for users, with a recorded cost of just 0.001 gwei. In stark contrast, Polygon recorded the highest fees of the group at 276.6494 gwei. This represents a massive gap in user experience costs, where a transaction on Optimism is orders of magnitude cheaper than one on Polygon.
Network Specifics and Trends
Beyond the extremes, the data provides specific readings for other major chains. Arbitrum settled at 0.02 gwei, a figure noted as being currently cheap relative to its 24-hour range. Base recorded a fee of 0.006 gwei, which is also considered cheap compared to its recent history, though the trend indicates a movement upward. Ethereum mainnet stood at 0.1942 gwei, also described as cheap against its 24-hour range with an upward trend. BNB Chain maintained a steady reading of 0.1 gwei. These figures illustrate that while most networks are operating at low cost levels, Polygon remains an outlier in this specific snapshot.
Implications for Users
The divergence in costs has immediate practical implications for network selection. Users seeking the absolute lowest barrier to entry for transactions currently have Optimism as the primary choice based on this data. Conversely, the high cost on Polygon suggests a temporary spike or specific network congestion that pushes its native POL token price significantly higher in terms of gas requirements. The snapshot was taken at 00:05 UTC on June 6, 2026, capturing a specific moment in time where these conditions prevailed. Arbitrum and Ethereum offer mid-range options that are still competitive, while Base sits near the bottom of the cost spectrum despite its rising trend.
- Optimism: 0.001 gwei (Cheapest)
- Base: 0.006 gwei (Trend Up)
- Arbitrum: 0.02 gwei (Cheap vs 24h)
- BNB Chain: 0.1 gwei
- Ethereum: 0.1942 gwei (Cheap vs 24h)
- Polygon: 276.6494 gwei (Most Expensive)
Understanding these real-time metrics allows participants to optimize their transaction strategies. The data confirms that fee structures are dynamic and can vary wildly between networks, even within the same hour. The snapshot serves as a factual record of these conditions, providing a baseline for comparing network efficiency.