Pulse Chain is here to solve the biggest challenges of Ethereum—high gas fees and slow transactions. If you’ve ever tried sending crypto on Ethereum during peak hours, you know how painful it can be. Fees skyrocket, transactions get stuck, and the whole experience feels frustrating. This is exactly where PulseChain steps in as a faster, cheaper alternative while still offering the security and decentralisation that blockchain users expect.
Imagine being able to move your tokens instantly, without paying a fortune in gas fees. That’s what Pulse Chain promises. It’s designed to improve efficiency, support existing Ethereum projects, and bring more accessibility to crypto users. Whether you’re an investor, developer, or just someone exploring blockchain, understanding PulseChain could open up new opportunities in the crypto space.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about PulseChain. You’ll learn how it works, what makes it different from Ethereum, and whether it’s worth your attention. Let’s dive in.
What Is PulseChain?
Pulse Chain is a blockchain network designed to improve Ethereum’s performance. Richard Heart, the creator of HEX, launched this project to address some of Ethereum’s challenges, such as high transaction costs and energy consumption.
PulseChain operates as a layer-1 blockchain, meaning it functions independently rather than relying on Ethereum or other networks. It aims to offer users a smoother experience by reducing fees and increasing transaction speeds while staying compatible with Ethereum-based projects.
PulseChain is a blockchain that focuses on efficiency and cost savings. It uses the proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, making it more energy-efficient than traditional mining-based systems. Although Ethereum also switched to PoS, PulseChain still offers several benefits.
Key Features:
- Proof-of-Stake (PoS) System – Validators stake tokens instead of mining, reducing energy consumption.
- Lower Fees & Faster Transactions – This aims to be a cost-effective alternative for users.
- Ethereum Compatibility – Developers can migrate Ethereum-based projects easily.
- Supports DApps & Smart Contracts – Works like Ethereum, enabling seamless decentralised applications.
PulseChain continues to attract users with its focus on affordability and efficiency while maintaining compatibility with Ethereum’s ecosystem.
Richard Heart and Pulse Chain
Richard Heart is a well-known name in crypto, famous for launching projects like HEX and PulseChain. His bold marketing and controversial claims have earned both admiration and criticism. While PulseChain aims to improve Ethereum’s speed and efficiency, Heart’s aggressive promotion and past legal troubles make him a divisive figure in the industry.
Before crypto, Heart had a controversial past, including legal issues related to spam emails and alleged activities in Panama. Despite this, he launched HEX, a staking-focused project that sparked debates, with some calling it a Ponzi scheme. Undeterred, he introduced PulseChain, positioning it as a faster, cheaper alternative to Ethereum. His influence continues to shape the project’s vision and growth.
The Purpose Behind PulseChain
PulseChain aimed to fix Ethereum’s high fees and congestion by offering a faster, cheaper alternative while keeping it compatible with Ethereum-based apps. This made it easy for developers to migrate without major changes.
Its fundraising model, the “sacrifice phase,” asked users to contribute crypto for PLS tokens, often framed as charity donations. Critics saw it as a way to avoid regulations.
Richard Heart’s Influence on the Project
Heart played a central role in PulseChain’s promotion. He used aggressive marketing techniques to attract investors and create hype around the project. His strategy involved making bold predictions about potential returns, often positioning it as a game-changing innovation in the crypto space.
Despite the enthusiasm generated, Pulse Chain faced multiple challenges. Critics pointed out issues related to transparency, project delays, and the concentration of token ownership. Many believed that, like HEX, the project primarily benefited Heart and his close associates.
The Current State of PulseChain
While Pulse Chain initially attracted strong interest, its value has fluctuated significantly. The project has faced legal and regulatory scrutiny, raising concerns about its long-term sustainability. Many early supporters have questioned whether PulseChain can deliver on its promises or if it will follow a similar trajectory to HEX.
Heart continues to have a dedicated following, but his reputation remains highly polarising. His projects have achieved moments of success but remain surrounded by doubt and controversy.
What Is HEX?
HEX is a cryptocurrency built on the Ethereum network. It functions as a blockchain-based certificate of deposit (CD), allowing investors to earn rewards by locking up their HEX tokens for a set period. Richard Heart introduced HEX in December 2018, aiming to create a system that incentivises long-term holding.
Instead of relying on traditional mining or validation methods, HEX rewards its users for staking their tokens. The longer an investor locks their HEX, the greater the potential returns, making it an attractive option for those looking to earn passive income through cryptocurrency.
A key feature of HEX is its staking mechanism. When users stake their HEX, the tokens are burned, and they receive “T-Shares” in exchange. These T-Shares generate daily interest in HEX, with longer staking periods earning more T-Shares and, in turn, higher rewards.
The system has a maximum annual growth rate of 3.69%, ensuring a controlled supply increase. However, early withdrawals come with penalties, discouraging short-term trading and promoting long-term value appreciation.
Understanding PLS Tokens
PulseChain launched PLS as its native token, shaping its blockchain ecosystem. Unlike typical cryptocurrencies, PLS wasn’t distributed via an ICO or mining. Instead, PulseChain replicated Ethereum’s network and airdropped PLS to Ethereum holders, duplicating their assets on the new chain.
To acquire PLS, investors joined a “sacrifice” phase, donating crypto or fiat to designated addresses. The PLS received depended on the value sacrificed—a unique approach that stirred debate in the crypto space. Similarly, PulseX, PulseChain’s decentralised exchange, followed the same sacrifice model for its token distribution.
Now live on the mainnet, PulseChain enables users to connect via MetaMask and track transactions on PulseScan, the network’s block explorer. PLS fuels transactions, staking, and network activities, cementing its role in the ecosystem.
PulseChain And Its Controversies
Pulse Chain has been one of the most debated projects in the crypto space. While some investors see it as an innovative blockchain with potential, others question its legitimacy due to various concerns. Several issues surrounding its launch, technical performance, and founder have led to ongoing scepticism.
Dubious Launch Strategy
Pulse Chain introduced a “sacrifice phase” during its launch, allowing users to exchange cryptocurrencies or fiat money for PLS tokens. In theory, these funds went to charitable causes like medical research, raising over $700 million.
However, critics argue that this phase was a strategy to bypass legal scrutiny. Since there were no official guarantees or returns promised, it created a grey area where investors contributed without knowing what they would receive.
Many also claim this system favoured Richard Heart and his associates, who could influence PLS token supply and manipulate prices to their advantage.
Buggy Mainnet and Volatility Issues
PulseChain’s network has experienced multiple technical glitches. One of the most alarming issues was a sudden price spike in Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) on Pulse Chain, jumping from $27,000 to $70,000 in just 20 minutes.
This was followed by an equally sharp drop, exposing the network’s low liquidity and raising doubts about its stability. Such unpredictable behaviour made investors worry about the security and reliability of Pulse Chain’s ecosystem.
Richard Heart’s Controversial Past
Richard Heart, the founder of Pulse Chain, has been a polarising figure in the crypto world. His history includes allegations of involvement in spam-related activities in 2002, which led to a trial.
Additionally, his previous project, HEX, has often been criticised for its lack of real-world utility, with some labelling it as a Ponzi scheme. These past controversies have made many investors hesitant about trusting PulseChain.
HEX’s Doubtful Track Record
Pulse Chain is closely linked to HEX, another project founded by Richard Heart. HEX has faced criticism for operating like a high-interest blockchain certificate of deposit rather than offering real innovation.
Critics argue that HEX benefits its early adopters and insiders the most, functioning similarly to a Ponzi scheme. Since PulseChain shares many similarities with HEX, scepticism about its long-term success remains strong.
Troubled Launch and Investor Frustration
PulseChain’s launch did not go smoothly. Unlike other major blockchain projects, it struggled with high transaction fees and failed to secure listings on major exchanges. Additionally, numerous fake versions of PLS tokens appeared, confusing investors.
Many users faced difficulties withdrawing their locked tokens, leading to significant financial losses. Some over-the-counter dealers reportedly charged excessive fees to cash out locked tokens, further frustrating early adopters.
These factors have led to significant doubts about PulseChain’s legitimacy and future. While the project has a dedicated community that believes in its vision, its controversies continue to raise concerns among Ethereum investors and the broader crypto community.
Is It Worth Investing In PulseChain?
Investing in Pulse Chain comes with risks that every investor should consider. The project’s founder has faced serious legal troubles, raising concerns about its long-term stability. Many investors hesitate to trust PulseChain due to the controversies surrounding its development and leadership. When a project carries such uncertainties, it is crucial to approach it with caution.
Where Can You Buy PulseChain?
PulseChain (PLS) is not available on every major crypto exchange, but you can still buy it from a few platforms that support this token. Each platform has different trading options, fees, and liquidity, so checking these before buying is important.
Here are some exchanges where you can buy PulseChain:
- PulseX – This is PulseChain’s decentralised exchange (DEX). It allows you to trade PLS without relying on a central authority. You need a compatible wallet, like MetaMask, to swap tokens here.
- MEXC – This centralised exchange lists PLS, making it easy to buy with fiat or crypto. It offers better liquidity compared to DEXs.
- SafeTrade – This exchange supports PLS trading with limited pairs. It is a smaller platform, so checking trading volume and fees is recommended.
- XeggeX – Another option for buying PulseChain. This exchange supports various altcoins, including PLS, but may have lower liquidity.
For more details, please read our best crypto exchange in India guide.
Is PulseChain Dead?
PulseChain has struggled in the market, with its daily trading volume dropping below $150,000. It has lost more than 85% of its value from its peak, making investors question its future. The project’s founder, Richard Heart, is also dealing with legal troubles, which has raised more doubts about its long-term survival. Many believe these issues signal the project’s downfall.
Despite these challenges, PulseChain is not entirely dead. The network is still functioning, and it has a dedicated community that continues to support it. While its market performance looks weak, the project remains active. Its future depends on whether it can overcome these obstacles and regain investor confidence.
Is PulseChain Taxable?
PulseChain operates as a hard fork of the Ethereum blockchain, which means it has tax implications. If you prefer to avoid the tax responsibilities, you can choose not to import the wallet. Since these tokens were not actively acquired, ignoring them removes the need to deal with any tax consequences.
However, if you claim the tokens by importing the wallet, they may need to report them as taxable income. Many jurisdictions treat free tokens from airdrops or chain splits as income, meaning tax may apply. The exact tax treatment depends on your location and local regulations. For more details, you can read our tax guides here.
Conclusion
Pulse Chain is changing the way we think about blockchain speed and affordability. With lower fees and faster transactions, it offers a solution to Ethereum’s biggest issues. Whether you’re an investor looking for better efficiency or a developer seeking scalability, Pulse Chain is worth exploring. As you dive deeper into Pulse Chain, don’t forget about PulseChain taxes. Managing transactions across multiple blockchains can get complicated, but KoinX simplifies the process. With support in over 100 countries, KoinX helps you track, calculate, and file your crypto taxes effortlessly.
