Top 10 Đồng Coin Layer-2: The Journey to Discover Blockchain Scaling Solutions

Since the launch of Bitcoin in 2008, blockchain technology has experienced remarkable development. Today, layer-2 coins are becoming key solutions to address scalability challenges across DeFi, GameFi, NFTs, and Web3. These layer-2 solutions are not just technologies; they are actual blockchain entities shaping the future of the cryptocurrency industry.

Why Are Layer-2 Coins Important in the Blockchain Era?

Layer-1 blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum face a major challenge: they cannot process enough transactions. Bitcoin handles about 7 transactions per second (TPS), while Ethereum Layer-1 manages around 15 TPS. This is far behind Visa, which can process over 1,700 TPS. This is where layer-2 coins come into play.

Layer-2 networks operate off the main blockchain, processing transactions separately, then summarizing them on the main chain. This approach significantly reduces congestion, transaction fees, and increases processing speed. These layer-2 coins are opening the door for the growth of DeFi, decentralized applications (dApps), and many other use cases.

Types of Layer-2 Coins: What Is Underlying Technology?

Not all layer-2 coins operate the same way. They use different technologies to achieve scalability:

Optimistic Rollups: Assumption-Based Method

Layer-2 solutions using Optimistic Rollups assume all transactions are valid unless proven otherwise. This simplifies verification and reduces costs. These layer-2 coins are faster, have lower fees, and are popular within the Ethereum ecosystem.

Zero-Knowledge Rollups: Privacy Champions

ZK Rollups are layer-2 solutions that prioritize privacy by aggregating transactions into a single proof. They enhance privacy, scalability, and minimize computational load on the main blockchain.

Plasma Chains: Specialized Sidechains

These layer-2 coins function as sidechains connected to the Ethereum main network, offering significantly faster transactions and lower fees.

Validium: Balancing Security and Efficiency

Validium seeks a balance by moving transactions off-chain for verification while ensuring security through cryptographic proofs.

Top 10 Layer-2 Coins Currently in the Market

1. Arbitrum (ARB)

• Throughput: 2,000-4,000 TPS
• TVL: $10.7 billion
• Current Price: $0.10 (as of 02/20/2026)
• Technology: Optimistic Rollup

Arbitrum remains a leader among Ethereum layer-2 networks. Built on Optimistic Rollups, it processes transactions up to 10 times faster than Ethereum mainnet and reduces gas fees by up to 95%. The ARB token is used for transaction fees, staking, and governance. With a strong development team and vibrant DeFi and NFT ecosystems, Arbitrum continues to expand its position in the layer-2 race.

2. Optimism (OP)

• Throughput: 2,000 TPS
• TVL: $5.5 billion
• Current Price: $0.13 (as of 02/20/2026)
• Technology: Optimistic Rollup

Optimism uses Optimistic Rollups, processing transactions up to 26 times faster than Ethereum mainnet. The OP token is used for fees, staking, and governance. Committed to being a self-governing community, Optimism hosts a range of DeFi protocols and DAOs. Its reliance on Ethereum mainnet carries certain risks, but with a talented team, it remains a leader.

3. Lightning Network

• Throughput: Up to 1 million TPS
• TVL: Over $198 million
• Technology: Bi-directional payment channels

Lightning Network is a unique layer-2 solution for Bitcoin. Operating off-chain, it enables instant microtransactions with low fees. It provides near-instant transaction confirmation, making it ideal for daily use. Despite technical complexity challenges, Lightning Network is paving the way for faster, cheaper Bitcoin transactions.

4. Polygon (MATIC)

• Throughput: 65,000 TPS
• TVL: $4 billion
• Technology: zk Rollup

Polygon is a multi-chain ecosystem offering various layer-2 solutions to scale Ethereum. With a throughput of 65,000 TPS, it significantly outperforms Ethereum mainnet. The MATIC token is used for gas fees, staking, and governance. Polygon hosts a vibrant DeFi ecosystem with top protocols like Aave, SushiSwap, Curve, and major NFT marketplaces.

5. Base - Coinbase’s Layer-2 Solution

• Throughput: 2,000 TPS
• TVL: $729 million
• Technology: Optimistic Rollup

Base is a layer-2 protocol designed to enhance Ethereum’s potential. Using OP Stack and Optimistic Rollups, it aims for 2,000 TPS and reduces gas costs by up to 95%. Supported by Coinbase, it leverages Ethereum’s security while processing transactions off-chain. Developer-friendly, it is building an increasingly large ecosystem.

6. Dymension (DYM)

• Throughput: 20,000 TPS
• TVL: 10.42 million DYM
• Current Price: $0.04 (as of 02/20/2026)
• Technology: RollApps

Dymension is a modular blockchain ecosystem within Cosmos. It includes specialized blockchains called RollApps built on a secure payment hub. The DYM token is used for gas fees, governance, and staking. Its modular design allows individual RollApps to scale independently without affecting the entire network.

7. Coti (COTI)

• Throughput: 100,000 TPS
• TVL: $28.98 million
• Current Price: $0.01 (as of 02/20/2026)
• Technology: zk Rollup

Initially a layer-2 solution for Cardano, Coti is transitioning to become a privacy-focused layer-2 network for Ethereum. This shift aims to provide faster, cheaper, and more secure transactions. The COTI token is used for fees, staking, governance, and commercial processing.

8. Manta Network (MANTA)

• Throughput: 4,000 TPS
• TVL: $951 million
• Current Price: $0.07 (as of 02/20/2026)
• Technology: zk Rollup

Manta Network is a privacy-focused ecosystem for Ethereum. It includes Manta Pacific, an EVM-compatible layer-2, and Manta Atlantic, which handles private identity management. Zero-knowledge cryptography ensures transaction validity without revealing privacy. MANTA tokens fuel the network.

9. Starknet (STRK)

• Throughput: 2,000-4,000 TPS
• TVL: $164 million
• Technology: zk Rollup

Starknet uses STARK proofs to verify off-chain transactions, offering unmatched speed with theoretical throughput reaching millions of TPS. It significantly reduces transaction fees, making blockchain interactions nearly free. Starknet provides a developer-friendly environment and aims to be a fully decentralized network.

10. Immutable X (IMX)

• Throughput: Over 9,000 TPS
• TVL: $169 million
• Current Price: $0.16 (as of 02/20/2026)
• Technology: Validium

Immutable X is a layer-2 network dedicated to gaming. Utilizing ZK-Rollups, it achieves over 4,000 TPS with near-instant transactions and minimal fees. IMX tokens power the network, used for fees, staking, and governance. Immutable X promises a seamless experience for gamers with fast transactions and true NFT ownership.

The Future of Layer-2 Coins in the Ethereum Ecosystem

Ethereum 2.0, especially Proto-Danksharding, is expected to boost Ethereum’s throughput to an impressive 100,000 TPS. This advancement offers significant benefits for layer-2 networks:

• Enhanced Scalability: Danksharding optimizes layer-2 efficiency, making them cost-effective options for blockchain activities.

• Lower Transaction Fees: Proto-Danksharding reduces layer-2 transaction costs, opening opportunities for both experienced DeFi users and newcomers.

• Seamless Integration: Better synergy between Ethereum Layer 1 and layer-2 solutions will deliver a smoother user experience.

Ethereum 2.0 does not render layer-2 solutions obsolete; instead, it fosters a symbiotic relationship where both work together to create a more efficient blockchain ecosystem.

Conclusion: Layer-2 Coins Are the Future

Layer-2 coins have emerged as foundational building blocks in improving the blockchain ecosystem. They address the limitations of Layer-1 protocols, marking a transformative phase in blockchain technology development.

From booming Ethereum layer-2 solutions to innovative Bitcoin scaling protocols, these layer-2 networks are shaping the future of the crypto industry. They pave the way for widespread adoption, unlock new opportunities, and demonstrate that blockchain can be fast, cost-effective, and accessible to all.

Additional Resources

• Top Ethereum Layer-2 Projects to Watch in 2024
• Top 6 Bitcoin Layer-2 Projects in 2024
• What Is ZK Rollup? The Best 10 ZK Rollup Projects on Ethereum in 2024
• Layer 1 and Layer 2 Scaling Solutions for Blockchain
• Comparing Blockchain Layer-2 and Layer-3 Differences