TRON supports two primary token standards: TRC10 and TRC20. While both allow developers to issue tokens on the TRON blockchain, they work in fundamentally different ways and are suited for different use cases.
TRC10: The Simpler Standard
TRC10 is a basic token standard built directly into the TRON protocol, not relying on smart contracts. This makes TRC10 tokens simpler and cheaper to create and issue. TRC10 tokens can be transferred using the TRON API, and they have bandwidth costs but significantly lower transaction fees compared to TRC20 — roughly 1,000 times lower in some cases.
The downside of TRC10 is limited functionality. Without smart contract support, TRC10 tokens cannot implement complex logic such as DeFi protocols, automated market makers, or programmable token behaviors.
TRC20: The Powerful Standard
TRC20 tokens are based on smart contracts running on the TRON Virtual Machine (TVM). This gives developers the ability to implement complex, self-executing contract logic. TRC20 is the standard behind USDT, USDC, and most DeFi tokens on the TRON network.
TRC20 transactions require both bandwidth and energy (for smart contract execution), making them slightly more expensive than TRC10 transfers. However, the programmability and ecosystem compatibility of TRC20 make it the preferred choice for serious token projects.
Which Standard Do Major Tokens Use?
USDT, USDC, and virtually all major stablecoins and DeFi tokens on TRON use the TRC20 standard. TRC10 is more commonly used for simpler, lower-value tokens or legacy projects. For any token requiring DeFi integration, exchange listing, or smart contract functionality, TRC20 is the standard of choice.