ZK Rollup Projects on Ethereum: An Overview of Innovative Scalability Solutions in 2025

The Ethereum network remains the most developed platform for decentralized applications, but it faces a serious challenge — rising fees and transaction processing delays. ZK Rollup technology represents one of the most promising approaches to solving this problem, offering a significant increase in throughput while maintaining a high level of security.

Principles of ZK Rollup Technology

ZK Rollup solutions operate based on cryptographic proofs with zero-knowledge (zero-knowledge proofs), allowing the verification of the integrity of multiple transactions without revealing details of individual operations. The technology works as follows:

Processing occurs in a two-layer architecture: smart contracts on the main Ethereum network set rules and store critical data, while transactions are executed off-chain in a separate virtual environment. After operations are completed, a cryptographic proof is generated and sent back to the main network for validation by validators.

The core mechanism involves bundling multiple transactions into a single compact proof, which radically reduces the load on the blockchain. Thanks to the features of cryptographic proofs, information about the details of individual operations remains protected, ensuring both security and privacy.

Key Advantages of the Second ZK Rollup Network

Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness. ZK Rollup addresses two critical Ethereum issues simultaneously: significantly increasing transaction throughput and reducing gas fees. By processing off-chain and then compressing data, the system can provide throughput dozens of times higher than the main network.

Security and Fast Finality. The use of cryptographic proofs guarantees that each transaction has been verified for correctness. Finality occurs much faster than in alternative Layer 2 solutions, as there is no dispute period.

Data Availability and Compatibility. Most ZK Rollup projects are designed to be compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine, allowing developers to port existing applications without rewriting code. Transaction data remains accessible on the main network, increasing trust.

Environmental Friendliness. The significant reduction in computational operations leads to lower energy consumption, making ZK Rollup a more eco-friendly solution compared to traditional blockchain networks.

Leading ZK Rollup Projects in the Ethereum Ecosystem

Manta Network (Manta Pacific)

Manta Pacific stands out for its focus on transaction privacy in the DeFi space. Using zk-SNARKs, the protocol allows users to perform operations in a fully private mode while maintaining verifiability of transaction legitimacy.

Market Indicators: Circulating Market Cap $33.90M (Updated December 26, 2025)

The network launched in September 2023 and shows rapid growth, ranking fourth among Ethereum Layer 2 solutions by total value locked. The native token MANTA is used for governance, staking, and paying fees.

Linea

The Linea solution is aimed at maximizing performance and reducing costs while integrating with the Ethereum ecosystem. The platform uses zk-SNARKs for validation and allows developers to quickly integrate their applications.

Market Indicators: Circulating Market Cap $107.28M (Updated December 26, 2025)

Launched in August 2023, the network has attracted attention for its ease of deployment and competitive fees. The project announced preparations for launching its own token LINEA.

Starknet

The STARKs technology used in Starknet offers advantages over alternative cryptographic approaches. STARKs do not require trusted setup and are resistant to quantum computing, making the solution future-proof.

Market Indicators: Circulating Market Cap $396.83M (Updated December 26, 2025)

The platform supports universal computations and is compatible with all types of smart contracts, providing high flexibility for developers. The token STRK is used for gas payments, governance, and staking.

Polygon zkEVM

As part of the Polygon ecosystem, zkEVM benefits from network effects and integration with other platform solutions. The system is fully compatible with EVM, greatly easing the migration of existing applications.

Using MATIC as the main token ensures cohesion with the broader Polygon ecosystem. Launched in March 2023, the system continues to develop and improve its performance features.

zkSync Era

Developers of zkSync Era focus on user convenience and minimal fees. The platform processes transactions off-chain, grouping them into a single proof before submitting to Ethereum.

Market Indicators: The total value locked constitutes a significant share in the Layer 2 ecosystem.

The system offers direct EVM compatibility, allowing Ethereum smart contracts to run without modifications. The ZKS token is used for paying fees and network governance.

Scroll

Scroll emphasizes high throughput with low latency, positioning itself within the ecosystem accordingly. The solution uses zk-SNARKs to compress operations and aggregate them into a single proof.

The platform aims to provide the most efficient solution for high-volume transaction applications. The bridge deployment occurred in October 2023, and the project is in an active testing phase.

ZetaChain

ZetaChain’s unique focus on cross-chain interaction sets it apart from many other Layer 2 solutions. The platform uses zk-SNARKs for secure inter-network asset and data exchange.

Market Indicators: Circulating Market Cap $80.86M (Updated December 26, 2025)

The native ZETA token is used for paying fees and managing cross-chain operations. The project launched in February 2021 and actively develops cross-chain functionality.

Aztec Protocol

Aztec’s hybrid architecture allows smart contracts to operate in both open and private modes. The project introduced the Noir programming language, which significantly simplifies development of applications using ZK proofs.

Aztec aims for full decentralization of all components at mainnet launch, aligning with the fundamental principles of openness and censorship resistance in the spirit of Ethereum.

Taiko

Taiko’s innovative approach involves using a “based” sequence method, where transaction order management is handled by the base Layer 1 blockchain rather than a separate centralized structure. This solution eliminates a single point of failure and censorship risk.

The protocol attracted $37 million investments in two funding rounds and demonstrates active development through alpha testnets. Full compatibility with Ethereum allows deploying existing dApps without modifications.

ZKFair and DeGate V1

ZKFair specializes in fair execution of trading operations, preventing transaction order manipulation. DeGate V1 focuses on optimizing trading with minimal slippage for large trades.

Comparison with Alternative Layer 2 Solutions

ZK Rollups differ from Optimistic Rollups in their verification approach. While Optimistic Rollups assume transactions are valid by default and verify them only in case of disputes, ZK Rollups cryptographically verify each operation.

This provides several significant advantages:

• Instant finality on the main network without a dispute period.
• No economic assumptions — the system relies on mathematical verification rather than validator honesty.
• Operation privacy is protected at the protocol level — details of individual transactions remain encrypted within the proof.

Challenges in Developing ZK Rollup Technology

Despite its potential, ZK Rollup faces several technical and practical challenges. The complexity of cryptography complicates implementation and auditing. Transaction type restrictions may reduce flexibility. Data availability management requires reliable infrastructure. The resource intensity of proof generation can cause performance issues.

Deployment requires broad user adoption and infrastructure support. Governance models must ensure decentralization when making protocol upgrade decisions.

Future Prospects for ZK Rollup Solutions

The future of ZK Rollup looks promising thanks to ongoing innovations in simplifying the technology and improving integration. Continuous research aims to reduce complexity, and new approaches help address liquidity fragmentation issues.

With sustainable development and ecosystem collaboration, ZK Rollup has the potential to transform Ethereum’s architecture, ushering in an era of high-speed, cost-effective, and secure applications. This technology could become a key factor in mass adoption of blockchain, unlocking new opportunities for users and redefining interactions with the digital economy.

The development of ZK Rollup demonstrates that a layered scalability approach can preserve Ethereum’s security and decentralization while significantly increasing throughput. This makes the technology one of the most promising solutions for the future growth of the blockchain ecosystem.