Evolution of Layer 2: The ZK Rollup Network Landscape on Ethereum in 2025

Why Ethereum Needs Scalability Solutions

The Ethereum blockchain has become the foundation for decentralized applications, but its popularity has created a paradox: as activity grows, fees increase and processing slows down. Ethereum 2.0 is being rolled out gradually, but this is not enough. This is where second-layer networks come into play — revolutionary systems that process the main transaction flow off the main chain, leaving Ethereum as a reliable final arbitrator.

Among all Layer 2 solutions, ZK Rollup stands out for its elegance: they not only accelerate transactions but also redefine the very concept of scalability through zero-knowledge cryptography.

How ZK Rollup Works: Cryptographic Compression Technique

ZK Rollup functions like a smart conveyor. Multiple transactions are grouped off-chain in a separate execution environment. Then, a cryptographic proof is created — a compact mathematical certification that all these operations are correct without revealing their details.

This proof is sent back to Ethereum, where validators verify it in fractions of a second. The result: hundreds of transactions are compressed into a small mathematical object, significantly reducing load and fees.

Key components:

• Ethereum smart contracts define the rules of the game
• Off-chain virtual machine processes main traffic with minimal costs
• Cryptographic proofs guarantee integrity without revealing details
• Validator verification completes the process

Why ZK Rollup Outperforms Traditional Layer 2 Approaches

ZK Rollup and Optimistic Rollup are two main directions in rollup network development. The difference is significant.

Optimistic Rollup assumes transactions are initially honest, only verifying them in case of disputes. ZK Rollup cryptographically verify each operation. The results are obvious:

• Finalization speed: ZK provides instant finality versus the waiting period in Optimistic versions
• Security: No dependence on validator good faith
• Privacy: Transaction details remain encrypted within the proof
• Network efficiency: Less data on the main chain, higher throughput

Additionally, ZK Rollup is more environmentally friendly due to efficient processing and lower energy consumption.

Leading ZK Rollup Projects in the Ethereum Ecosystem

Manta Network: Privacy Meets Finance

Key metrics:

• TVL: $851 million ( at the time of analysis )
• Launch: September 2023
• Token: MANTA ( governance, staking, fees )
• Current market cap: $33.98M

Manta Pacific is Ethereum’s second layer focused on privacy for DeFi operations. Using zk-SNARKs, the platform allows users to trade and exchange assets in fully private mode. Details remain encrypted but verifiable.

In a short period, Manta surpassed Base from competitors, becoming the fourth largest by TVL among Ethereum Layer 2s. Its unique approach creates a privacy layer for the entire DeFi ecosystem.

Linea: Speed and Ease of Integration

Key metrics:

• TVL: $202 million
• Launch: August 2023
• Current market cap: $107.72M

Linea processes transactions off-chain, grouping them before validation via zk-SNARKs. The platform emphasizes developer convenience — integration takes minimal time.

The project announced an airdrop campaign for its native token, although its purpose is not fully disclosed yet. The main advantage is high throughput at competitive fees.

Polygon zkEVM: Compatibility as a Strategy

Key metrics:

• TVL: $115 million
• Launch: March 2023
• Token: MATIC

Polygon zkEVM is part of the Polygon ecosystem, offering full EVM compatibility. Developers don’t need to rewrite code — existing contracts work with zero changes.

Its architecture executes transactions in an EVM-compatible environment off-chain, then confirms them via ZK proofs. This is a critical advantage for migrating from the main network.

Starknet: Quantum Resistance and Versatility

Key metrics:

• TVL: $170 million
• Launch: February 2022
• Token: STRK ( gas, governance, staking )
• Current market cap: $395.89M

Starknet is built on STARKs — a fundamentally different type of proof than zk-SNARKs. The main difference: STARKs do not require trusted setup and are resistant to quantum computing.

The platform supports universal computations — any smart contract can run without restrictions. This offers maximum flexibility among all ZK solutions.

zkSync Era: Balancing Compatibility and Performance

Key metrics:

• TVL: $555 million
• Launch: March 2023
• Token: ZKS

zkSync Era, developed by Matter Labs, combines EVM compatibility with high throughput. Transactions are grouped into a single proof sent to Ethereum. The result: low fees and high speed.

The project is actively aiming to be the main platform for migrating applications from the main chain.

Scroll: Focus on Throughput

Key metrics:

• TVL: $63.46 million
• Launch: October 2023
• Token status: In development

Scroll uses zk-SNARKs to compress transactions and emphasizes EVM compatibility. Its architecture aggregates operations into a single proof before submitting to the main chain.

Its positioning is clear: high throughput with low latency. The platform targets DeFi applications with a massive flow of operations.

Aztec Protocol: Hybrid Privacy

Key metrics:

• Launch: 2017
• Uniqueness: Programmable privacy

Aztec offers a hybrid architecture where smart contract logic can be either public or private. This opens possibilities for private trading and anonymous voting.

The key tool is the Noir programming language, which simplifies ZK application development. The protocol aims for full decentralization upon mainnet launch.

ZKFair: Fairness as a Competitive Advantage

Key metrics:

• Launch: December 2023
• Token: ZKF
• Market cap: $163 million

ZKFair operates as a DEX with built-in protection against front-running. Using ZK proofs, the platform prevents transaction order manipulation — a problem faced by competing DEXs.

This attracts traders concerned about execution fairness. The ZK Rollup architecture allows for proofs of fair ordering.

DeGate V1: DEX Optimized for Large Positions

Key metrics:

• Launch: September 2022
• Token: DG
• Market cap: $21.14 million

DeGate V1 uses ZK Rollup to create a DEX with minimal slippage for large volumes. Off-chain batching of transactions significantly reduces costs.

Its niche is narrow but important: professional traders value low costs when dealing with large sums.

ZetaChain: Cross-Chain Bridge

Key metrics:

• Launch: February 2021
• Token: ZETA ( gas, governance, interoperability )
• Current market cap: $81.11M

ZetaChain uses ZK Rollup to create universal bridges between blockchains. By applying zk-SNARKs, the platform verifies transaction validity within one network without revealing sensitive data in another.

Its unique “ZetaML” technology executes smart contracts off-chain, ensuring secure cross-chain interaction.

Taiko: Decentralized Sequencing as Innovation

Key metrics:

• Launch: January 2024 ( testnet )
• Funding: $37 million
• Innovation: “Based” sequencing

Taiko uses ZK-EVM to create a fully Ethereum-compatible Layer 2. The key innovation is the “based” sequencing architecture, where transaction packaging is managed by Ethereum itself rather than a centralized operator.

This addresses a critical issue in existing rollup networks: the centralized sequencer becomes a single point of failure. Taiko eliminates this through a distributed architecture, reducing trust requirements and simplifying technology deployment.

Challenges Facing ZK Rollup Architecture

Despite its potential, the technology faces real obstacles:

• Cryptography complexity: Implementation requires high expertise, complicating auditing and maintenance
• Computational flexibility: There are limitations on the types of operations that can be efficiently processed
• Data management: Data availability is critical and requires reliable infrastructure
• Proof generation performance: Creating cryptographic proofs demands resources
• Network economics: Operational costs may make it unprofitable at very low fees
• Protocol governance: Updates require complex decentralized consensus processes

Future of Layer 2 and Rollup Networks in 2025-2026

The trend is clear. Research focuses on simplifying cryptographic complexity and better integrating with the main network. Innovative solutions address liquidity fragmentation across different rollup networks.

With ecosystem growth and project collaboration, ZK Rollup has the potential not just to improve Ethereum but to redefine the capabilities of blockchain applications altogether. The future points to high-speed, cost-effective, and secure systems where the main chain remains the security guarantor, and Layer 2 provides mass scalability.

Final Conclusions

ZK Rollup represents a qualitative leap in blockchain scalability development. They not only increase throughput — they redefine the interaction architecture between users, applications, and the main network.

By processing main traffic off-chain while guaranteeing security through cryptography, these systems open the door to true mass adoption of blockchain technology. The variety of approaches — from Manta Network focusing on privacy to Taiko with its decentralized architecture — shows that this is not the end but the beginning.

Rollup networks are evolving not in a vacuum. Each project adds its stone to the future architecture of Ethereum, creating an ecosystem ready for millions of users and applications.