ZK Rollup solutions on Ethereum: An overview of the best scaling projects in 2025

Why Ethereum Needs Layer 2 Solutions

Ethereum remains the largest platform for decentralized applications, but it faces a fundamental problem — a congested network leads to rising gas fees and slower transaction processing. While Ethereum 2.0 addresses certain issues, Layer 2 networks offer the most practical short-term scaling solution. ZK rollups serve as an optimal tool, promising breakthroughs in performance and security without compromises.

How ZK Rollups Work and Why They Matter

ZK rollups are a Layer 2 scaling solution that groups multiple transactions off the main chain and then submits them as a single block with a cryptographic proof. This process uses zero-knowledge proofs — a powerful cryptographic tool that allows confirming the validity of transactions without revealing their details.

The mechanism works as follows:

1. Off-chain processing: Smart contracts on the main network set the rules, while an off-chain virtual machine handles the bulk of operations, significantly reducing load
2. Creating a cryptographic proof: A zero-knowledge proof is generated, confirming the validity of the entire batch without revealing individual data
3. Verification on the main network: The proof is sent to Ethereum validators, who verify the integrity of the batch

This approach reduces the amount of data stored on the main chain, ensures ultra-fast finality, and lowers transaction fees.

Key Advantages of ZK Rollups Over Other Solutions

ZK rollups surpass alternative Layer 2 solutions, such as Optimistic Rollups, on several criteria:

• Instant finality: Transactions become final immediately on the main network, whereas Optimistic Rollups include a dispute period
• Trustless security: ZK rollups do not require assumptions about validator honesty, unlike competitors
• Enhanced privacy: Transaction details remain hidden within the proof, providing a higher level of privacy
• Environmental efficiency: Efficient transaction processing reduces the network’s energy consumption
• Compatibility: Most ZK rollups support interaction with existing Ethereum tools

Top ZK Rollup Projects in 2025

( Manta Network )Manta Pacific(

Technical parameters:

• Total Value Locked (TVL): )million
• Launch: September 2023
• Native token: MANTA
• Current market cap: $34.05 million ###as of December 2025(

Manta Network specializes in confidential DeFi operations, using zk-SNARKs to encrypt transaction data. The platform allows users to perform fully private swap operations while maintaining verifiability of legitimacy. In a short period, Manta Pacific became the fourth-largest Layer 2 solution, surpassing some well-known competitors.

) Linea

Technical parameters:

• TVL: (million
• Launch: August 2023
• Native token: LINEA )token purpose to be clarified$851
• Current market cap: $107.99 million (December 2025)

Linea focuses on scalability through off-chain transaction processing using zk-SNARKs. The network emphasizes ease of integration for developers, enabling rapid deployment of Ethereum-based applications. The platform announced an airdrop campaign in January 2024, expanding its user base.

Polygon zkEVM

Technical parameters:

• TVL: $202 million
• Launch: March 2023
• Native token: MATIC

Polygon zkEVM offers a scalable solution with full Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility, allowing developers to deploy existing contracts without rewriting code. As part of the Polygon ecosystem, the project benefits from network effects and integration with other platform solutions.

( Starknet

Technical parameters:

• TVL: )million
• Launch: February 2022
• Native token: STRK
• Current market cap: $396.98 million (December 2025)

Starknet is built on STARKs — Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge — a more advanced form of zero-knowledge proofs. This approach provides exceptional scalability without requiring trusted setup, is resistant to quantum computing, and supports universal computations for any smart contracts.

zkSync Era

Technical parameters:

• TVL: $115 million
• Launch: March 2023
• Native token: ZKS

Developed by Matter Labs, zkSync Era uses zkRollup technology with a focus on minimal fees and EVM compatibility. The platform processes transactions off-chain, groups them into a single proof, and submits it to Ethereum, ensuring low costs and high throughput.

Scroll

Technical parameters:

• TVL: $63.46 million
• Launch: October 2023
• Native token: None

Scroll uses zk-SNARKs for transaction compression and aims for high throughput with minimal latency. The platform emphasizes full EVM compatibility, simplifying migration of existing Ethereum applications.

$170 Aztec Protocol

Main features:

• Launch: 2017
• Native token: Currently none

Aztec offers a hybrid model of public-private ZK rollups, enabling contract logic to run both publicly and privately. The protocol includes Noir — a programming language for developing zero-knowledge circuits, simplifying dApp creation. The project aims for full decentralization of all components upon mainnet launch.

( ZKFair

Technical parameters:

• Launch: December 2023
• Native token: ZKF
• Market cap: )million

ZKFair operates as a decentralized exchange using ZK rollups to prevent front-running and transaction order manipulation. This distinguishes the project from competitors, providing a fair trading environment for users.

( DeGate V1

Technical parameters:

• Launch: September 2022
• Native token: DG
• Market cap: $21.14 million

DeGate V1 functions as a decentralized exchange based on ZK rollups, optimized to minimize slippage and low fees for large transactions.

) ZetaChain

Technical parameters:

• Launch: February 2021
• Native token: ZETA

ZetaChain creates “universal bridges” between blockchains, using zk-SNARKs to ensure secure cross-chain interaction. The platform allows dApps to use assets and data across multiple chains without complexity.

Taiko

Technical parameters:

• Launch: January 2024 $555 testnet###
• Funding: ###million

Taiko employs innovative Zero Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine — ZK-EVM — to create a decentralized Layer 2 protocol fully compatible with Ethereum. The key innovation is a “based” sequence, where transaction management is handled at the base layer instead of a centralized structure. This addresses single points of failure, simplifies the value creation chain, and reduces trust assumptions.

Challenges and Obstacles to Mass Adoption

Despite promising prospects, ZK rollups face significant challenges:

• Technical complexity: Cryptographic mechanisms require substantial expertise for implementation and maintenance
• Functional limitations: Some operation types need optimization for efficient processing
• Data management: Ensuring data availability is critical for system security
• Proof generation resource intensity: Creating cryptographic proofs demands significant computational resources
• Economic viability: Operational costs may impact final fees despite efforts to reduce them
• Decentralized governance: Protocol upgrades require effective governance models

Future Outlook for the ZK Rollup Ecosystem

The future of ZK rollups looks promising thanks to ongoing research and development. Innovative approaches are gradually addressing technical complexity, and cross-chain integration helps overcome liquidity fragmentation. As ZK rollup technology continues to evolve, it holds the potential to revolutionize the Ethereum ecosystem, ushering in an era of high-speed, cost-effective, and secure applications for millions worldwide.