Testnet & Signet
Bitcoin test networks with their own worthless test coins, where you can try out wallets and transactions without real money. Modern addresses start with ‘tb1’ instead of ‘bc1’.
AlsoTestnetTestnet4SignetRegtesttest networktBTCtest bitcoin
On the learning path: Stage 5 · Step 2 – Setting up your first wallet
Test networks run on the same software and almost the same rules as the real Bitcoin network (mainnet) – only the coins there are deliberately worthless. If you want to try out a wallet or develop an application, you can do so without risk. On testnet and signet, modern addresses start with ‘tb1…’; on mainnet, with ‘bc1…’.[1]
| Network | What’s special |
|---|---|
| Testnet4 | successor to Testnet3 since 2024; blocks are mined, as on mainnet |
| Signet | blocks also need the signature of designated signers, so they arrive at a reliable pace |
| Regtest | a private network on your own computer, with blocks at the push of a button |
Testnet4 replaces the 13-year-old Testnet3. There, ‘block storms’ once produced three years’ worth of blocks in a few weeks, and the test coins were even traded.[2] Signet is meant to avoid the long pauses and sudden bursts of blocks that made reliable testing on testnet almost impossible.[3]
What this means for you
- Bitcoin CoreGlossaryBitcoin CoreThe most widely used software for Bitcoin nodes, a direct descendant of Satoshi Nakamoto’s first program. It is open source, verifies all blocks and transactions itself and includes a wallet.In the glossary → and many wallets for advanced users have a test mode. Test coins are free from ‘faucets’.
- If someone offers you test coins for real money or pays you with them, you get nothing of value.
- Mix-ups are usually noticed straight away: mainnet wallets don’t accept tb1 addresses.
Related terms
These terms are closely connected.
- This termTestnet & Signet
- Bitcoin CoreThe most widely used software for Bitcoin nodes, a direct descendant of Satoshi Nakamoto’s first program. It is open source, verifies all blocks and transactions itself and includes a wallet.
- TransactionA signed message that transfers bitcoin from existing outputs (UTXOs) to new outputs. It only counts as confirmed once it is in a block – and after that it can practically no longer be reversed.
- Bitcoin addressA string of characters like ‘bc1q…’ that someone can send bitcoin to. It is usually derived from a public key, can be shared without risk to your funds and should be generated afresh for every payment.
- Wallet (Bitcoin wallet)Software or a device that manages your private keys, generates receiving addresses and signs transactions. The bitcoin itself isn’t in the wallet but on the blockchain – the wallet holds the access to it.
- NodeA computer that runs Bitcoin software and exchanges transactions and blocks with other nodes. Together, the nodes form the Bitcoin network; full nodes check every rule themselves.
Explained in depth
These articles go into more detail:
- Stage 5 · Step 2Setting up your first walletHow to set up your first Bitcoin wallet on your smartphone: check the app, back up the seed phrase, set a PIN, check the address – with seven example screens.
- Deep dive · Stage 1Nodes & decentralisationWhat a full node checks, why the nodes ultimately decide on the rules, how decentralised Bitcoin is and how to run a node of your own.
More from „Wallets & security“
Sources3 sources · 1 publishers
The superscript numbers in the text refer to these sources.
- Bitcoin Core source code: kernel/chainparams.cpp – Bitcoin Core (accessed 28/09/2026)
- BIP 94: Testnet 4 – Bitcoin Improvement Proposals (Fabian Jahr), 27.05.2024 (accessed 28/09/2026)
- BIP 325: Signet – Bitcoin Improvement Proposals (Karl-Johan Alm, Anthony Towns), 20.03.2019 (accessed 28/09/2026)
This entry is for education only and is not investment, tax or legal advice.