Summary
# What is peaq RPC and how do you connect to the peaq network? peaq is a Polkadot-based Layer-1 blockchain designed for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) and the Machine Economy. To interact with peaq, developers and users need an RPC (Remote Procedure Call) endpoint. This guide covers peaq RPC endpoints, how to connect, and best practices for reliable infrastructure. Whether you're building a dApp, running a DePIN project, or simply adding peaq to your wallet, understanding RPC options is essential. We'll walk through the key details: chain ID, native token, public and private RPC providers, and how to choose the right setup for your use case.
In practice, the useful question is not just whether an endpoint exists. Teams should check supported methods, traffic shape, monitoring, pricing, and the path from testing to production. That turns the page from a definition into a decision tool: it helps you decide what to test first, what belongs in staging, and when a production workload may need stronger isolation or clearer request visibility. If you already know the network you need, open /networks/peaq after using this checklist so you can test the endpoint against your real methods.
Key Takeaways
- peaq is an EVM-compatible Layer-1 blockchain on Polkadot, focused on DePIN and the Machine Economy.
- The peaq chain ID is 3338 and the native token is PEAQ.
- Public RPC endpoints are available but may have rate limits; dedicated nodes offer better reliability.
- OnFinality provides managed RPC infrastructure for peaq, suitable for production dApps.
- Always verify RPC endpoint latency and availability before integrating into your project.
- WebSocket (WSS) endpoints are recommended for real-time subscriptions.
- Use a reliable RPC provider to avoid connection drops and ensure data consistency.
What is peaq?
peaq is a Layer-1 blockchain built on Polkadot, designed specifically for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) and the Machine Economy. It enables machines, vehicles, and devices to have their own blockchain identities, transact autonomously, and provide services to users. peaq is EVM-compatible, meaning developers can deploy Solidity smart contracts and use familiar Ethereum tooling.
The network uses a nominated proof-of-stake (NPoS) consensus mechanism and is secured by Polkadot's relay chain. Its native token, PEAQ, is used for transaction fees, staking, and governance. peaq's focus on DePIN makes it a unique platform for projects in mobility, energy, connectivity, and other real-world infrastructure verticals.
- Chain ID: 3338
- Native Token: PEAQ
- Consensus: Nominated Proof-of-Stake (NPoS)
- EVM Compatibility: Yes
- Explorer: Subscan (https://peaq.subscan.io)
RPC infrastructure decision checklist
Use this checklist to turn the RPC infrastructure question into a practical infrastructure decision instead of a generic provider comparison.
Start with the workflow you need to support, then verify the endpoint, method coverage, test environment, and next step before relying on it in production.
- List the exact RPC methods, chains, and environments your app will call.
- Test with the same request pattern your frontend, backend, bot, dashboard, or indexer will use.
- Check whether archive, trace, WebSocket, testnet, analytics, or dedicated-node access is actually required.
- Review pricing, usage visibility, and upgrade paths before moving sustained traffic.
| Criterion | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Workload fit | Does the provider support the RPC infrastructure methods and environments your product depends on? | A provider that works for a quick read may still be a poor fit for wallets, trading systems, indexers, or release pipelines. |
| Operational visibility | Can the team see request volume, errors, limits, and usage patterns? | Visibility makes it easier to debug failed requests and plan capacity before users feel the problem. |
| Scaling path | Is there a clear path from shared RPC to higher-capacity plans or dedicated nodes? | The right starting point should not force a rebuild when traffic or reliability requirements increase. |
peaq RPC Endpoints Overview
RPC endpoints allow you to interact with the peaq blockchain by sending JSON-RPC requests. These endpoints are essential for reading blockchain data, submitting transactions, and subscribing to events. peaq supports standard Ethereum JSON-RPC methods, making it easy to integrate with existing Web3 libraries like ethers.js, web3.js, and viem.
Public RPC endpoints are available from various providers, but they often come with rate limits and no clearer infrastructure expectations. For production applications, a managed RPC service or dedicated node is recommended. OnFinality offers reliable peaq RPC endpoints with high availability and low latency.
- HTTPS Endpoint: For standard requests (e.g., eth_call, eth_getBalance)
- WebSocket (WSS) Endpoint: For real-time subscriptions (e.g., newHeads, logs)
- Public endpoints: Free but limited; suitable for testing
- Managed endpoints: Better performance, support, and SLAs
| Criterion | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Endpoint Type | HTTPS or WSS | HTTPS for one-off requests, WSS for real-time data |
| Rate Limits | Requests per second (RPS) | Prevents abuse; ensure your app stays within limits |
| Latency | Response time in milliseconds | Low latency improves user experience and sync speed |
| support and monitoring options | clearer infrastructure expectations percentage | Critical for production dApps that require 24/7 availability |
How to Connect to peaq RPC
Connecting to peaq is straightforward. You'll need an RPC URL and, optionally, an API key if using a managed provider. Below are steps to connect using popular tools.
For MetaMask or other wallets, add a custom network with the peaq chain ID (3338) and an RPC URL. For programmatic access, use a library like ethers.js:
- MetaMask: Settings > Networks > Add Network > Enter peaq details
- ethers.js: const provider = new ethers.JsonRpcProvider('https://your-peaq-rpc-url')
- web3.js: const web3 = new Web3('https://your-peaq-rpc-url')
- viem: import { createPublicClient, http } from 'viem'; const client = createPublicClient({ transport: http('https://your-peaq-rpc-url') })
Public vs. Managed peaq RPC Providers
Public RPC endpoints are free and easy to access, but they often have rate limits (e.g., 100 requests per second) and no clearer infrastructure expectations. They are suitable for development, testing, and low-traffic applications. Examples include endpoints from ChainList and PublicNode.
Managed RPC providers like OnFinality offer dedicated infrastructure with higher rate limits, lower latency, and support and monitoring options. They also provide additional features like archive data, trace APIs, and dedicated nodes. For production DePIN applications that require high throughput and reliability, a managed provider is the better choice.
- Public: Free, no registration, rate-limited, best-effort availability
- Managed: Paid, API key required, higher limits, support terms-backed availability
- Dedicated Node: Isolated resources, full control, highest performance
Best Practices for Using peaq RPC
To ensure a smooth experience when interacting with peaq, follow these best practices:
First, always use WebSocket for real-time data to avoid polling. Second, implement retry logic with exponential backoff in case of transient failures. Third, monitor your RPC usage to avoid hitting rate limits. Finally, consider using a dedicated node if your application requires consistent low latency.
- Use WSS for event subscriptions (e.g., pending transactions, logs)
- Implement fallback RPC endpoints for redundancy
- Cache frequently accessed data (e.g., token balances, contract state)
- Test your application on peaq testnet before mainnet deployment
- Choose a provider with geographic diversity for lower latency
peaq RPC Troubleshooting
Common issues when connecting to peaq RPC include connection timeouts, rate limiting, and incorrect chain ID. Here's how to diagnose and resolve them.
If you receive a 'rate limit exceeded' error, reduce your request frequency or upgrade to a managed plan. For connection timeouts, check your network firewall and ensure the RPC URL is correct. Always verify the chain ID (3338) when adding peaq to your wallet.
- Error: 'rate limit exceeded' → Reduce request frequency or use a dedicated node
- Error: 'connection timeout' → Check firewall settings and RPC URL
- Error: 'invalid chain ID' → Ensure chain ID is 3338
- Error: 'nonce too low' → Wait for pending transactions to confirm
Why Choose OnFinality for peaq RPC?
OnFinality provides a robust RPC infrastructure for peaq, designed for developers building DePIN applications. Our managed endpoints offer high availability, low latency, and scalable rate limits. We also support dedicated nodes for projects that need isolated resources.
With OnFinality, you get access to a global network of nodes, automatic failover, and 24/7 support. Whether you're running a small prototype or a large-scale production system, our infrastructure can handle your peaq RPC needs.
- High-performance peaq RPC endpoints with low latency
- Scalable rate limits to match your application's growth
- Dedicated node options for maximum reliability
- Global node distribution for geographic optimization
- Easy integration with existing Web3 tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the peaq chain ID?
The peaq chain ID is 3338.
What is the native token of peaq?
The native token is PEAQ, used for transaction fees, staking, and governance.
Is peaq EVM-compatible?
Yes, peaq is fully EVM-compatible, allowing you to deploy Solidity smart contracts and use Ethereum tooling.
Where can I find peaq RPC endpoints?
Public endpoints are listed on ChainList and other aggregators. For production use, consider a managed provider like OnFinality.
Does OnFinality support peaq RPC?
Yes, OnFinality offers managed peaq RPC endpoints with high availability and low latency. Visit our peaq network page for details.