2025 Layer-2 Scaling Race Must-See: In-Depth Benchmark of the Top 10 Projects

From the birth of Bitcoin to the explosion of DeFi and GameFi, blockchain has evolved from a payment network into a universal computing platform. But a realistic ceiling stands in front of us: Network congestion.

Ethereum Layer-1 can only process 15 transactions per second, Bitcoin even only 7, while Visa’s 1700 transactions/sec makes the comparison a bit awkward. That’s why Layer-2 scaling solutions have become the most关注 track in 2025—they directly determine the usability and cost of mainstream applications.

Layer-2 is More Than Just Speed: It’s a Balance

Simply put, Layer-2 is about opening a “fast lane” outside the main chain. Transactions are processed off-chain or on side chains first, then compressed data is returned to the main chain. The benefits are obvious: throughput skyrockets from dozens of transactions/sec to thousands or even millions, and fees drop from dozens of dollars to a fraction of a cent.

This方案解决了 blockchain’s triangle dilemma—security, decentralization, and scalability—being mutually exclusive. Layer-2 relies on the security of the main chain but operates independently in performance.

How to Choose Among the Three Main Technical Routes

Optimistic Rollups: Assume all transactions are valid unless someone reports otherwise. This "trust-first"方案最宽松，也是最成熟的——Arbitrum and Optimism are both on this path.

Zero-Knowledge Rollups: Use mathematical proofs to verify transactions without revealing transaction details. Strong privacy but computationally intensive. Polygon, Manta Network, Starknet are using this.

Plasma and Validium: More aggressive routes, with data processed entirely off-chain. Highest throughput but also highest risk.

Top 10 Projects Real-Time Benchmark

1. Arbitrum (ARB) - L2 Market Leader

• Throughput: 4000 TPS
• TVL: $10.7B
• Current Price: $0.19 | Market Cap: $1.10B

Arbitrum leverages Optimistic Rollups technology to占据 over 51% of Ethereum L2 ecosystem share. Its killer feature is a rich ecosystem—DeFi, NFTs, gaming—all available, with the most developer tools. Downsides? As a relatively new方案, security audits are ongoing. Whether it can maintain its lead depends on 2025 being a关键 year.

2. Optimism (OP) - Stable Second Player

• Throughput: 4000 TPS (Peak)
• TVL: $5.5B
• Current Price: $0.27 | Market Cap: $522.57M

Optimism’s模式和Arbitrum类似，都是Optimistic Rollups，但更强调社区治理。OP代币已成为治理标志，持有者可参与网络演进。If Arbitrum is like a corporation, Optimism aims to be a DAO. Data shows its momentum略逊一筹，但在某些垂直领域（如特定DeFi协议）表现不俗。

3. Polygon (MATIC) - Multi-Chain Ecosystem Integrator

• Throughput: 65,000 TPS
• TVL: $4B
• Current Price: Not provided | Market Cap: $7.5B+

Polygon is a “jack of all trades”—featuring high-performance chains with zkRollup (Polygon zkEVM) and side chains (Polygon PoS). This flexibility makes it a glue for ecosystems. OpenSea, Aave, Curve are all using it. The downside is high complexity, and differences among Polygon products can confuse new users.

4. Base - Coinbase Layer-2

• Throughput: 2000 TPS
• TVL: $729M
• Current Price: Not provided | Market Cap: N/A

Base is Coinbase’s official Layer-2, built on OP Stack technology. Although its TVL ranking is lower, Coinbase’s backing and user base are significant. By 2025, as Coinbase ecosystem matures, Base has the potential to become an入口 for mainstream applications.

5. Lightning Network - Bitcoin’s Secret Weapon

• Throughput: 1 million+ TPS (theoretical)
• TVL: $198M+
• Current Price: N/A | Market Cap: N/A

Lightning Network is Bitcoin’s Layer-2, using bi-directional payment channels. It’s the ultimate solution for micro-payments—transactions are nearly instant, fees negligible. Downsides include high technical barriers and lower普及率 compared to mainnet Bitcoin. But for small cross-border payments (like buying coffee), it’s unbeatable.

6. Manta Network (MANTA) - Privacy First

• Throughput: 4000 TPS
• TVL: $951M
• Current Price: $0.07 | Market Cap: $33.98M

Manta specializes in privacy DeFi, using zk technology to实现"看不见的交易" (invisible transactions). It quickly became the third-largest L2 on Ethereum by TVL after launch, indicating market demand for privacy far exceeding expectations. Manta Pacific offers EVM compatibility, lowering barriers. The downside is complex privacy mechanisms, requiring users to learn.

7. Dymension (DYM) - Modular Newcomer

• Throughput: 20,000 TPS
• TVL: 10.42M DYM
• Current Price: $0.07 | Market Cap: $30.40M

Dymension is a Cosmos生态的Layer-2先锋，主打"模块化"——每个RollApp都能自定义共识、执行、数据可用性。这种定制化方案对特殊需求应用吸引力大，但复杂性也高。Cosmos生态还在萌芽，DYM的潜力取决于Cosmos的采用率。

8. Coti (COTI) - From Cardano to Ethereum

• Throughput: 100,000 TPS
• TVL: $28.98M
• Current Price: $0.02 | Market Cap: $55.56M

Coti originally was Cardano’s L2, now转向 Ethereum using zk tech to build a privacy Layer-2. This “转身” shows confidence in Ethereum生态. The 100K TPS is impressive on paper, but whether it can be实现还需验证。团队的迭代速度和社区反馈是关键观察点。

9. Starknet - The Ultimate Prover System

• Throughput: 2000-4000 TPS
• TVL: $164M
• Current Price: N/A | Market Cap: N/A

Starknet采用STARK证明（零知识证明的升级版），理论吞吐量可达百万级。Cairo编程语言对开发者有一定学习曲线，但一旦掌握，就能开发高度定制的应用。Starknet仍处早期阶段，但如果STARK证明成为未来标准，它将是最大赢家。

10. Immutable X (IMX) - Gaming and NFT’s Dedicated Channel

• Throughput: 9000+ TPS
• TVL: $169M
• Current Price: $0.24 | Market Cap: $195.92M

Immutable X专为游戏优化，采用Validium技术保证高速低费。像Gods Unchained这样的游戏都在用。NFT铸造和交易体验远胜主链。未来Web3游戏爆发，IMX将直接受益。

Which to Choose? This List Helps You Quickly Decide

Want the largest ecosystem and DeFi options? Arbitrum or Polygon.

Prioritize privacy and anonymity? Manta or Coti.

Explore niche but high-growth tracks? Starknet or Dymension.

Interested in Bitcoin ecosystem? Lightning Network is the only choice.

Game and NFT enthusiasts? Go straight to Immutable X.

Will Ethereum 2.0 Make Layer-2 Obsolete?

Not in the short term. Ethereum 2.0 (especially Danksharding upgrade) will make Layer-2 cheaper and faster, not eliminate it. The mainnet is expected to reach 100K TPS eventually, but Layer-2 will still exist—offering privacy, specialized optimizations, and cross-chain interoperability that the mainnet cannot replace. It’s not a replacement but a symbiosis.

The Bet for 2025

Key highlights in the Layer-2 track for this year include:

Convergence of technical routes: Will Optimistic or zk ultimately win? Or will both survive?

First breakout of ecosystem: Will a certain application (game, social, payments)爆发在Layer-2上？

Establishment of cross-chain standards: Will interoperability among different Layer-2s become standardized?

Critical mass for mainstream adoption: From crypto enthusiasts to普通用户的使用程度。

Layer-2 has evolved from last year’s “new concept” to this year’s “necessity.” Who can seize the opportunity in 2025 will become the next生态顶流.