Ethereum Layer-2 Networks: Which layer 2 coins Are Worth Your Attention in 2025?

The Ethereum ecosystem is undergoing a transformation, and the real action is happening on Layer-2 networks. After the Dencun upgrade rolled out in March 2024, these scaling solutions have become the backbone of efficient blockchain transactions, offering gas fees that are almost negligible compared to Ethereum mainnet. Whether you’re a developer looking to build or an investor eyeing the next big opportunity, understanding the landscape of layer 2 coins has never been more crucial.

Why Layer-2 Solutions Matter More Than Ever

Let’s cut straight to the point: Ethereum’s mainnet has a problem. With a TVL exceeding $51.25 billion and over 53% market dominance in the DeFi space, the network is bursting at the seams. Transaction congestion and soaring gas fees have become barriers to entry for everyday users. This is where layer 2 coins and scaling solutions step in, addressing what Ethereum’s base layer simply cannot handle.

According to recent data, the Layer-2 ecosystem now holds approximately $38.75 billion in Total Value Locked, with individual scaling protocols commanding billions in their own right. These aren’t sidekick solutions anymore—they’re the main stage for blockchain innovation.

The DeFi Catalyst: How Applications Drive Layer-2 Growth

The explosion of decentralized finance pushed Ethereum to its limits, forcing developers and users to seek alternatives. This pressure created the perfect breeding ground for layer 2 coins and scaling protocols. By executing transactions off-chain and settling them on Ethereum periodically, these networks reduce costs by over 80% while maintaining security. The result? A flourishing ecosystem of DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and enterprise applications now thriving on Layer-2 networks.

Breaking Down the Top Layer-2 Players

Optimism: The Gateway to Scalability

Optimism (OP) has positioned itself as an accessible entry point to Layer-2 technology, utilizing Optimistic Rollups to batch transactions efficiently. With the OP token currently trading at $0.27 and showing a 24-hour gain of +2.44%, the network has saved over $3 billion in gas fees and processed more than 141 million transactions.

The Superchain Project and OP Stack represent Optimism’s ambitious vision for cross-chain interoperability. Through Retroactive Public Goods Funding, the network reinvests protocol revenue back into the community, creating a sustainable ecosystem for developers. The combination of robust documentation, developer resources, and an active bug bounty program has attracted a growing number of projects to build on this layer 2 coin network.

Arbitrum: The Developer’s Playground

Arbitrum distinguishes itself through seamless Ethereum compatibility, making migration effortless for existing applications. The ARB token serves multiple functions within the ecosystem—governance, security, and transaction processing. In 2023, Offchain Labs rolled out significant upgrades: Arbitrum Stylus expanded language support to Rust, C, and C++, while the BOLD protocol enhanced decentralization through improved dispute mechanisms.

The “time boost” sequencer modification and easier AnyTrust chain development via devnet demonstrate Arbitrum’s commitment to technical excellence. These innovations position Arbitrum as a serious contender among layer 2 coins for developers seeking flexibility and innovation.

Base: Coinbase’s Scaling Answer

Launched mid-2023, Base combines Optimistic and zk-Rollups into a hybrid model that achieves the holy trinity: security, scalability, and speed. With transaction costs now under 1 cent thanks to Dencun, Base has attracted $3.08 billion in TVL through its developer-friendly environment and robust documentation.

The surge in memecoin activity on Base highlights its appeal to speculative traders and retail investors alike. The broader crypto market recovery and Ethereum 2.0 optimism have further accelerated Base’s growth, establishing it as a preferred platform for diverse applications.

Blast: Redefining Passive Income on Layer-2

Blast entered the arena in early 2024 with a novel proposition—yield generation without traditional staking. This native yield feature became a game-changer, driving its TVL to $2.68 billion. The involvement of Tieshun “Pacman” Roquerre from Blur added credibility, while the early access program allowed assets to earn returns before mainnet launch.

With gas fees slashed to under 1 cent through state-of-the-art Optimistic Rollups, Blast offers 500 transactions per second—significantly outpacing Ethereum’s 32 TPS. Despite occasional concerns about centralization, the network’s transparent commitment to security and decentralization has maintained investor confidence.

Mantle: The Data Availability Revolution

Mantle stands out by leveraging EigenDA for data availability, separating execution, settlement, consensus, and data layers across specialized nodes. This modular architecture enables unprecedented efficiency—processing over 14 million transactions during testnet phase with engagement from 48,000 developers and 80+ deployed dApps.

The network boasts an 80%+ reduction in gas fees and a theoretical throughput of 1 TB per second. The Mantle Rewards Station and Mantle Ecosystem Fund ($200M) underscore the project’s commitment to sustainable growth. With a current TVL of $877 million, Mantle demonstrates that technical innovation attracts serious capital in the layer 2 coins space.

Polygon: From Sidechain to Layer-2 Leader

Polygon has evolved from a sidechain into the definitive Ethereum Layer-2 solution. As of late 2023, the network counted over 28,000 contract creators, 219 million unique addresses, and 2.44 billion cumulative transactions. The MATIC token underpins network security and governance while enabling ecosystem sovereignty.

Polygon 2.0 represents a quantum leap—a network of zero-knowledge Layer-2 blockchains positioning Polygon as the “Value Layer of the Internet.” Its pioneering work in real-world asset tokenization and the introduction of Polygon ID (a decentralized identity solution) demonstrate ambition beyond simple scaling. For enterprises and institutions exploring blockchain, Polygon offers both proven track record and cutting-edge innovation among layer 2 coins.

MetisDAO: Community-Driven Scaling

MetisDAO (METIS) brings Optimistic Rollups with a strong community governance focus. Currently priced at $6.08 with a 24-hour decline of -2.56%, the METIS token powers transaction fees, staking, dApp participation, and governance voting.

The MetisDAO Foundation launched in 2023 to facilitate collaborative workspaces, while the Ecosystem Development Program supports startups with funding, technical guidance, and marketing. The introduction of Polis middleware bridges Web 2.0 and Web 3.0, expanding use cases beyond pure DeFi. Despite recent price weakness, MetisDAO’s ecosystem expansion and developer focus position it as a compelling layer 2 coin opportunity for patient investors.

Ethereum’s Present and Layer-2’s Future

The real story of 2025 isn’t just Ethereum’s continued dominance—currently trading at $2.97K with a +1.42% 24-hour move—but how layer 2 coins and scaling solutions are reshaping what blockchain can do. These networks have evolved from experiments into essential infrastructure, each offering distinct advantages whether you prioritize developer experience, yield generation, modularity, or community governance.

As the crypto market matures and institutional adoption accelerates, layer 2 coins and their underlying protocols will become increasingly central to blockchain’s mainstream integration. The projects highlighted here represent the vanguard of this transformation, each solving real problems while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on Ethereum.