ZK Rollups on Ethereum: How Layer 2 Scaling Will Transform Blockchain in 2025-2026

Ethereum remains the leader among decentralized application platforms, but its success has highlighted a critical issue: network congestion. As user numbers grow, fees increase and transactions slow down. While Ethereum 2.0 is being developed in phases, zk rollups offer the most promising solution for mass adoption. These innovative second-layer systems unlock Ethereum’s true potential, promising unprecedented efficiency without compromising security.

What Are ZK Rollups: The Technical Core of Ethereum Scaling

ZK rollups are a layer 2 scaling solution that processes transactions off the main Ethereum chain. Unlike regular processing, they bundle multiple operations into one, significantly reducing the load on the main network.

The technology is based on a cryptographic method called zero-knowledge proofs. This process allows validating an entire batch of transactions without revealing individual details. The proofs are extremely compact and lightweight, minimizing data stored on the main network and enabling instant transaction processing.

ZK rollups operate through a combination of smart contracts on the main chain and off-chain virtual machines:

1. Main network: Smart contracts set the rules for all ZK Rollup operations
2. Off-chain processing: Transactions are executed in a separate virtual machine, reducing costs and increasing speed
3. Proof generation: A cryptographic proof is created to verify the legitimacy of the entire batch of transactions
4. Mainnet verification: The proof is submitted to Ethereum validators for final confirmation

This architecture greatly increases throughput, reduces fees, and maintains Ethereum’s security.

Comparing ZK Rollups to Other Scaling Solutions

There is an alternative called Optimistic Rollups, but ZK rollups have clear advantages. Optimistic Rollups assume transactions are valid by default and only verify them if challenged, creating a delay period.

Key advantages of zk rollups:

• Immediate finality: Unlike Optimistic Rollups with challenge periods, ZK rollups provide instant confirmation on the main network
• No trusted intermediaries: Do not require assumptions about validator honesty
• Higher privacy: Details of individual transactions remain encrypted but verified
• Quantum resistance: Some ZK methods (STARKs) are resistant to future quantum computers

Major ZK Rollup Projects in the Ethereum Ecosystem

The ZK Rollup landscape is rapidly evolving. Here are the most significant players to watch:

Manta Network (Manta Pacific)

Real data (February 20, 2026):

• Price: $0.07
• 24h change: +0.30%
• Market cap: $33.19M
• TVL: $851 million (historical value)

Manta Network specializes in confidential DeFi transactions, using zk-SNARKs for absolute privacy. Since launching in September 2023, it has become the fourth-largest second-layer network on Ethereum. Users can exchange cryptocurrencies completely anonymously, with encrypted information about assets and amounts. Manta’s uniqueness lies in its focus on privacy in DeFi and ambitions to create a universal privacy layer for all DeFi apps across blockchains.

Linea

Real data (February 20, 2026):

• Price: $0.00
• 24h change: +8.38%
• Market cap: $54.54M
• TVL: $202 million

Linea is a layer 2 scaling solution using zk-SNARKs to accelerate transactions and reduce costs. It processes transactions off the main Ethereum chain, bundles them into packets, and submits them as a single zk-SNARK proof. Linea’s main strength is its focus on developer integration, allowing easy deployment of dApps without modifications. The team announced a LINEA token airdrop in January 2024, though the token’s utility has not yet been fully disclosed.

Starknet

Real data (February 20, 2026):

• Price: $0.05
• 24h change: +3.99%
• Market cap: $251.13M
• TVL: $170 million

Launched in February 2022, Starknet uses STARKs (Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge)—a more advanced zero-knowledge proof method. Unlike zk-SNARKs, STARKs do not require a trusted setup and are resistant to quantum attacks. Starknet supports general computations, enabling any smart contract to run. This makes it a versatile platform for developers seeking scalability without sacrificing security.

zkSync Era

TVL: $555 million

zkSync Era, developed by Matter Labs, is one of the largest ZK Rollup platforms. It processes transactions off-chain, bundles them into a single proof, and submits it to Ethereum. Its key feature is full compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), allowing developers to deploy existing smart contracts without changes. This significantly speeds up onboarding and migration from the main chain.

Polygon zkEVM

TVL: $115 million

Polygon zkEVM is part of the Polygon ecosystem, offering a scalable ZK Rollup solution compatible with Ethereum. It executes operations off-chain within an EVM-compatible environment and verifies them with ZK proofs. Its main advantage is full compatibility with Ethereum tools and smart contracts, making it a convenient choice for developers familiar with the ecosystem.

Scroll

TVL: $63.46 million

Scroll is a ZK Rollup solution focused on high throughput and minimal latency. It uses zk-SNARKs to compress transactions off-chain, combines them into a single proof, and submits it to the main network. Scroll emphasizes EVM compatibility, enabling developers to easily migrate existing smart contracts. The network targets DeFi applications with high transaction volumes.

ZetaChain

Real data (February 20, 2026):

• Price: $0.05
• 24h change: +5.08%
• Market cap: $66.70M

ZetaChain aims to facilitate cross-chain interoperability, using ZK Rollups for secure communication between blockchains. It employs zk-SNARKs to verify transactions without revealing sensitive information. ZetaChain enables seamless asset and data transfers across different chains and includes a unique “ZetaML” technology for cross-chain smart contract execution.

Aztec Protocol

Aztec offers a hybrid public-private ZK-Rollup model that executes smart contract logic both publicly and privately, maintaining Ethereum security. Privacy is optional, allowing developers to create applications ranging from confidential trading to anonymous voting. Its key innovation is the Noir programming language for writing ZK circuits, simplifying decentralized app development.

Taiko

Taiko is an innovative project launched in beta in January 2024. It uses ZK-EVM and ZK rollups to create a decentralized Layer 2 protocol fully compatible with Ethereum. Having raised $37 million, it demonstrates results through its alpha test networks. The most notable innovation is its “based” sequencing method, where the sequencer is governed by the main chain rather than a centralized entity. This approach addresses single points of failure and censorship risks common in other rollup solutions.

ZKFair and DeGate V1

ZKFair (launched December 2023) is a decentralized exchange (DEX) built on ZK Rollups that prevents front-running and order manipulation, ensuring fairer trading.

DeGate V1 (September 2022) is a DEX optimized for low slippage and low costs, designed for large trades.

Challenges in ZK Rollups Development

Despite their advantages, zk rollups face real challenges:

• Cryptographic complexity: Advanced mathematics complicates implementation and maintenance
• System flexibility: Limitations on the types of operations that can be efficiently processed
• Data availability: Critical need to ensure transaction data accessibility
• Resource intensity: Generating cryptographic proofs requires significant computational resources
• User adoption: Needs broad acceptance and trust from users
• Ecosystem management: Complexity in decentralized upgrades and protocol changes
• Economic viability: Operational costs may conflict with fee reduction goals

Future of ZK Rollups: The Next Step in Scaling

The future of ZK rollups looks promising thanks to ongoing research and development. Innovative solutions address cryptographic complexity, and collaboration among teams helps overcome liquidity fragmentation. With industry support and continuous growth, zk rollups have the potential to revolutionize the blockchain ecosystem, ushering in an era of fast, cost-effective, and fully secure decentralized applications.

Conclusions

ZK rollups represent a breakthrough in Ethereum scaling. By processing transactions off-chain while maintaining security and data integrity, they pave the way for a more resilient and reliable blockchain ecosystem. Their ability to overcome current limitations opens the door for mass adoption, unlocking their true potential to transform our interaction with digital assets.