Zero-Knowledge Rollups: Which project is worth paying attention to in 2025?

Layer 2 Dilemma: Why Ethereum Needs ZK Rollup

As the cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem, Ethereum faces an awkward problem: success has become a shackle. The more congested the network, the more outrageous the gas fees, and the slower the transaction speeds. Although Ethereum 2.0 is progressing, phased implementation makes people wait anxiously. The true savior is actually on the second layer—Layer 2 solutions. Zero-knowledge rollups (abbreviated as ZK Rollups) are precisely the “chosen ones” among them.

What exactly are ZK Rollups? Simply put, they bundle a bunch of transactions off-chain, use magical cryptography proofs (zero-knowledge proofs) to verify the legality of these transactions, and then send the compressed data back to the mainnet. What are the benefits? Cheaper transactions, faster speeds, and guaranteed security.

In comparison, Optimistic Rollups adopt a “trust but verify” approach, requiring challenge periods for final confirmation. ZK Rollups, on the other hand, are instant—zero-trust assumptions, cryptographic guarantees, and finality are immediate. The cost is more complex technology, but the benefits are definitely worth it.

ZK Rollup Ecosystem Shake-up: Who Will Win in 2025

Based on the latest TVL data, here are the ZK Rollup projects worth watching:

1. zkSync Era: The Choice of High-Efficiency Players

• TVL: $555M
• Launch Date: March 2023
• Token: ZKS (gas fees, governance, staking)
• Market Cap: To be updated

zkSync Era, developed by Matter Labs, focuses on EVM compatibility. Developers can migrate Ethereum smart contracts without changing code. Transactions are bundled into a single proof sent to the mainnet, significantly reducing gas fees and increasing throughput. This combo makes zkSync one of the most popular Layer 2 solutions.

Core selling point: Full EVM compatibility means minimal migration hurdles. For developers eager to switch quickly to Layer 2, this is a painless solution.

2. Starknet: The Bulletproof in the Quantum Computing Era

• TVL: $170M
• Launch Date: February 2022
• Token: STRK (circulating market cap $397.13M)
• Feature: Uses STARKs technology

Unlike zk-SNARKs, STARKs do not require trusted setup and are inherently quantum-resistant. Starknet uses STARKs for off-chain computation and verification, supporting general-purpose computing. This means any smart contract can run, offering higher flexibility.

Core selling point: Future-proof against quantum attacks + no trusted setup = maximum long-term security. For investors optimistic about ten years ahead, this is an insurance choice.

3. Manta Network: Pioneer of Privacy DeFi

• TVL: $851M (according to original data)
• Launch Date: September 2023
• Token: MANTA (circulating market cap $34.02M)
• Highlight: On-chain private transactions

Manta Pacific uses zk-SNARKs to create a fully private DeFi experience. Transaction details are encrypted but verifiable. This is especially attractive for high-value operations by DeFi influencers—no fear of sniping or front-running. In just over half a year since launch, it has surpassed Coinbase’s Base, becoming the fourth-largest Layer 2.

Core selling point: Privacy = Market competitiveness. No one in crypto wants their positions known to competitors.

4. Linea: Simplicity Is Power

• TVL: $202M
• Launch Date: August 2023
• Token: LINEA (circulating market cap $107.86M)

Linea, produced by ConsenSys, uses zk-SNARKs for transaction compression. Transaction execution, grouping, bundling, verification—all standardized. Announced an airdrop plan in January 2024, but token utility remains secret. Still, it’s well-liked among developers—easy integration, high throughput.

Core selling point: Enterprise-grade stability + future token expectations.

5. Polygon zkEVM: Ecosystem Connector

• TVL: $115M
• Launch Date: March 2023
• Token: MATIC
• Feature: EVM-compatible ZK solution

A new member of the Polygon ecosystem, providing an EVM-compatible ZK Rollup environment. Off-chain transactions are executed in an EVM-compatible environment, verified on-chain with ZK proofs. Enjoy the benefits of Polygon’s ecosystem without changing code.

Core selling point: Ecosystem synergy = liquidity accumulation effect.

6. zkFair: The Contrarian

• TVL: Not disclosed
• Launch Date: December 2023
• Token: ZKF ($163M market cap)
• Core Function: Decentralized exchange + MEV protection

ZKFair uses ZK Rollups to build a MEV-resistant DEX. The core innovation is completely eliminating front-running. Transaction order cannot be manipulated, execution prices are guaranteed. For retail traders tired of being exploited, this is a remedy.

Core selling point: Fair trading = Retail traders’ last stronghold.

7. ZetaChain: The Multi-Chain Bridge

• TVL: Not disclosed
• Launch Date: February 2021
• Token: ZETA (circulating market cap $81.12M)
• Feature: Cross-chain interoperability

ZetaChain’s ambition isn’t limited to a single chain. Using ZK Rollups to build a “general cross-chain bridge,” assets and data flow seamlessly across different blockchains. zk-SNARKs ensure cross-chain transaction validity while protecting privacy.

Core selling point: Infrastructure for the multi-chain era = If the internet has base stations, ZetaChain is the cross-chain station.

8. Scroll: The Silent High-Throughput

• TVL: $63.46M
• Launch Date: October 2023
• Token: None yet
• Strategy: zk-SNARKs compression + EVM compatibility

Scroll is low-profile but powerful. Off-chain execution, aggregation, and a single proof sent to the mainnet. Emphasizes high throughput + low latency, optimized for high-frequency DeFi applications.

Core selling point: No tokens don’t mean no value—pure tech stack strength.

9. Aztec Protocol: Creator of Privacy Programming Language

• Launch Date: 2017
• Token: None yet
• Innovation: Noir programming language

Aztec offers a hybrid model supporting both public and private computations. More impressive is Noir—a programming language specifically for writing ZK circuits, greatly lowering development barriers. Want to build ZK apps? Use Noir, no need to be a cryptography PhD.

Core selling point: Democratizing ZK development = the cradle of next-gen dApps.

10. DeGate V1: The Dark Horse of Derivatives

• Launch Date: September 2022
• Token: DG ($21.14M market cap)
• Positioning: Derivatives exchange

DeGate builds a minimal-slippage DEX based on ZK Rollups. Targeted at large traders, emphasizing ultra-low costs + high efficiency. Off-chain batching of multiple orders, one proof to settle.

Core selling point: Exclusive playground for big players.

11. Taiko: The Near-Perfect EVM Migration

• Launch Date: January 2024 (Testnet)
• Funding: $37M
• Innovation: Based sequencer

Taiko uses ZK-EVM technology to achieve a fully Ethereum-compatible Layer 2. The most ingenious design is the “based sequencer”—not a centralized third party, but the Layer 1 itself (Ethereum) acts as the sequencer. This completely solves the problem of sequencers becoming single points of failure or censorship.

Core selling point: Fully decentralized sequencing = Layer 2 no longer “under single control.”

The Real Challenges Facing Zero-Knowledge Rollups

Brilliant technology also has dark sides:

Technical difficulty: Designing ZK circuits isn’t for everyone. Bugs can be deadly.

Data availability: Off-chain data must be verifiable at any time, requiring highly stable infrastructure.

Liquidity fragmentation: Too many projects, liquidity on each chain is dispersed. Cross-chain bridges introduce new risks.

Economic feasibility: Generating cryptographic proofs requires computational resources, sometimes more costly than expected.

Adoption: User and developer migration won’t happen overnight. Education costs are high.

Outlook for 2025: Will ZK Rollups Win?

From a technical perspective, zero-knowledge rollups are moving from labs to production. Hardware acceleration, proof aggregation, cross-chain interoperability—these directions are advancing.

From an ecosystem view, Ethereum Layer 2 has become inevitable. The question isn’t whether ZK Rollups will win, but which project will break through.

Based on current data, zkSync Era leads in TVL and EVM compatibility, Starknet attracts strategic investors for its long-term security, and Manta’s privacy features are especially valuable during market turbulence.

But remember: ZK Rollups are still young, with huge risks and opportunities alike.

Final Words

Zero-knowledge rollups represent the future of blockchain scaling. They’re not just about speed; they redefine the boundaries of possibility while preserving Ethereum’s security and decentralization principles.

Whether for privacy, interoperability, or raw performance, there’s a Layer 2 for you. The key is understanding each project’s trade-offs and choosing according to your needs.

In this era of technological explosion, knowing what options exist is already an advantage.