Top zk rollups projects on Ethereum: the evolution of scalability in 2025-2026

Ethereum has become a revolutionary platform for decentralized applications (dApps), transforming the financial industry and extending far beyond it. However, this impressive growth has exposed a critical issue: scalability. As the number of network users increases, transaction fees spike sharply, and processing times slow down. This is where zk rollups have emerged as a promising solution, providing unprecedented efficiency and reliability.

What Are ZK Rollups and How Do They Work?

ZK rollups are a layer-two scaling solution designed to significantly increase transaction throughput on blockchains like Ethereum. They achieve this by bundling many transactions into a single operation, greatly reducing the load on the main network.

The analogy is simple: if Ethereum is a busy city with congested streets, zk rollups act as bypass roads, efficiently processing transactions off-chain while ensuring their authenticity on the main chain. These solutions utilize a cryptographic tool known as zero-knowledge proofs, which can verify the integrity of a batch of transactions without revealing any individual data.

Such proofs are highly concise and lightweight, dramatically reducing the data stored on the main network and enabling ultra-fast transaction finality. Zero-knowledge proofs possess three key properties: completeness, soundness, and zero-knowledge, ensuring secure and efficient verification.

How Do ZK Rollups Work on Ethereum?

The operation of zk rollups is based on the interaction between smart contracts on the main chain and off-chain computation:

1. Main network smart contracts: They set the rules and parameters for all transactions within the ZK Rollup, acting as the system’s arbitrator.

2. Off-chain computations: Transactions are executed in a separate virtual machine outside the main chain, allowing for significant cost reductions and faster processing.

3. Generation of cryptographic proof: A zero-knowledge proof is created, confirming the correctness of the entire batch of transactions without revealing individual details.

4. Verification on the main chain: The proof is submitted to Ethereum and validated by validators, ensuring the integrity of all off-chain operations.

This architecture greatly increases throughput, reduces main network load, and lowers transaction fees, creating a win-win situation for the ecosystem.

Main Advantages of ZK Rollup Solutions

ZK rollup networks have revolutionized Ethereum scaling by offering several key benefits:

Scalability and efficiency: These solutions increase capacity by aggregating multiple off-chain transactions into one, reducing the amount of data recorded on the main blockchain and lowering gas fees through batch processing. The result is significantly more cost-effective transactions.

Security and fast finality: Cryptographic proofs ensure security without revealing sensitive data, and bundled transactions are finalized much faster than on the main network.

Improved user experience: ZK rollups provide faster and cheaper transactions, which are critical for high-throughput dApps, while also reducing network congestion.

Data availability and compatibility: Unlike some Layer 2 alternatives, zk rollups maintain data availability on the main chain, enhancing transparency and reliability. Most are also compatible with Ethereum smart contracts, easing developer migration.

Environmental friendliness and cross-chain interaction: Efficient transaction processing reduces energy consumption, and some solutions facilitate interoperability between different blockchain ecosystems.

ZK Rollups Compared to Other Layer 2 Solutions

The main difference between zk rollups and other Layer 2 solutions like Optimistic Rollups lies in their verification approach. Optimistic Rollups assume transactions are valid by default and only verify them if a dispute arises. In contrast, zk rollups verify each transaction using cryptographic proofs.

Advantages of zk rollups over competitors:

• Instant finality: ZK rollups provide immediate transaction finality on the main chain, whereas Optimistic Rollups require a challenge period to detect potential fraud.

• No economic assumptions: These solutions do not rely on trusting validators’ honesty, unlike Optimistic Rollups.

• Enhanced privacy: Transaction details remain hidden within the cryptographic proof, offering a higher privacy level.

Although zk rollups are more complex to implement, they offer a more reliable and secure scaling solution for Ethereum.

Leading ZK Rollup Projects on Ethereum in 2025-2026

The ZK Rollup landscape is rapidly evolving, with innovative projects reshaping scaling capabilities. Here are some of the most notable layer-two solutions worth watching:

1. Manta Network (Manta Pacific) — Leader in Private Finance

Current Market Cap: $32.81M
Launch: September 2023
Native Token: MANTA — used for governance, staking, and fee payments on a privacy-focused platform.

Manta Network focuses on private decentralized finance. Using zk-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge), the platform enables users to perform transactions and swaps privately. Transaction details are encrypted but still verifiable.

Shortly after launch, Manta Pacific became the fourth-largest Ethereum Layer 2 by total value locked (TVL). Its main strength is addressing privacy gaps on other DeFi platforms, making Manta Network a unique offering in the ecosystem.

2. Linea — High-Performance Scaling Choice

Current Market Cap: $53.83M
Launch: August 2023
Native Token: LINEA (token utility to be announced later)

Linea is a Layer 2 solution utilizing zk-rollup architecture to boost transaction speed and reduce costs. It processes transactions off Ethereum, batching them before submission with zk-SNARKs for verification.

The main advantage of Linea is its high throughput and speed, providing a more efficient alternative to competitors. The network also emphasizes ease of integration for developers, enabling faster deployment of dApps.

3. Polygon zkEVM — Compatibility as a Competitive Edge

Current Market Cap: Not updated
Launch: March 2023 (mainnet beta)
Native Token: MATIC — used for gas fees and governance

Polygon zkEVM (Zero Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine) offers a scalable zk-rollup solution fully compatible with Ethereum. It executes transactions off-chain within an EVM-compatible environment and then proves their validity on-chain via ZK proofs.

As part of the broader Polygon ecosystem, zkEVM benefits from network effects and integration with other Polygon solutions. Its main advantage is compatibility with existing Ethereum tools and smart contracts, enabling a smooth developer transition.

4. StarkNet — Quantum-Resistant Scalability

Current Market Cap: $248.52M
Launch: February 2022
Native Token: STRK — used for gas fees, governance, and staking

StarkNet is built on STARK technology (Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge)—a type of zero-knowledge proof designed for high scalability and privacy. It processes and verifies transactions off-chain, then publishes proofs on Ethereum.

Using STARKs makes StarkNet highly scalable and secure without trusted setup, unlike zk-SNARKs. Additionally, STARKs are quantum-resistant, providing long-term security.

5. zkSync Era — Focus on Usability and Compatibility

Current Market Cap: Not updated
Launch: March 2023 (full mainnet launch)
Native Token: ZKS — used for gas fees, governance, and staking

zkSync Era, developed by Matter Labs, employs an innovative zkRollup technology emphasizing scalability and user-friendliness while maintaining Ethereum compatibility. It batches transactions off-chain into a single proof submitted to Ethereum.

Its key advantage is EVM compatibility, allowing smart contracts to run on Layer 2 without rewriting code, greatly easing developer migration.

6. Scroll — Performance and Compatibility Focus

Current Market Cap: Not updated
Launch: October 2023 (bridge deployment)
Token Status: Not yet available

Scroll is a ZK Rollup solution focused on high throughput and low latency. It uses zk-SNARKs to compress off-chain transactions, aggregating them into a single proof before submitting to Ethereum.

Scroll emphasizes EVM compatibility, simplifying migration of existing smart contracts. Its goal is to achieve high capacity at low costs for DeFi and high-volume operations.

7. Aztec Protocol — Privacy as a Built-in Feature

Launch: 2017
Token Status: No native token

Aztec Protocol employs a hybrid public-private ZK-Rollup model, enabling smart contract logic to be executed both publicly and privately while maintaining Ethereum security. Privacy is optional, supporting private trading and anonymous voting.

A key innovation is the Noir programming language for developing zero-knowledge circuits, simplifying the creation of privacy-preserving dApps. The protocol aims for full decentralization at mainnet launch.

Advantages include programmable privacy, hybrid architecture, and the ability to combine private and public operations.

8. ZKFair — Fair Trading via Cryptography

Launch: December 2023
Native Token: ZKF — used for gas, governance, and rewards
Current Market Cap: $163M

ZKFair is a decentralized exchange (DEX) focused on fair execution and preventing front-running via zk rollups. It uses zero-knowledge proofs to process transactions off-chain before aggregating them on Ethereum.

Its main feature is resistance to transaction order manipulation, providing traders with a fairer trading environment compared to competitors.

9. DeGate V1 — Derivatives with Minimal Slippage

Launch: September 2022
Native Token: DG — used for governance, staking, and fees
Market Cap DG: $21.14M

DeGate V1 is built on zk rollup architecture, using zero-knowledge proofs to batch process transactions off-chain before submitting to Ethereum. This reduces costs and increases capacity while maintaining security.

DeGate V1 is tailored for decentralized derivatives trading, optimized for minimal slippage and low costs, especially for large positions.

10. ZetaChain — Cross-Chain Bridges and Interoperability

Launch: February 2021
Native Token: ZETA — used for gas, governance, and cross-chain interactions
Current Market Cap: $66.04M

ZetaChain pioneers the creation of “universal bridges” between blockchains, utilizing ZK rollups for secure and efficient cross-chain communication. It employs zk-SNARKs to verify transactions across networks without revealing sensitive info.

This enables seamless asset and data transfer between different blockchains. ZetaChain emphasizes interoperability, allowing dApps to access assets and data from multiple ecosystems effortlessly.

11. Taiko — Decentralized Sequential Management

Launch: January 2024 (testnet)

Taiko introduces an innovative approach in Ethereum, using Zero Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (ZK-EVM) and zk rollup technology to create a decentralized Layer 2 protocol. It is fully compatible with Ethereum, allowing deployment of existing dApps without modifications.

Having raised $37 million in two funding rounds, Taiko shows significant progress through its alpha testnets.

Its key innovation is the “based” sequencing method, where sequence management is handled by the main chain (Layer 1) instead of a centralized structure. This addresses single points of failure and censorship issues in existing rollup tech, simplifying the value creation chain and reducing trust assumptions.

Challenges Facing zk Rollup Development

Despite significant advantages, zk rollup solutions face several critical challenges:

• Implementation complexity: Cryptographic mechanisms require high technical expertise, complicating development and maintenance.

• Limited flexibility: There are constraints on transaction types that zk rollups can efficiently process, limiting applicability.

• Data availability management: Ensuring the availability of transaction data is vital, requiring reliable data management systems.

• Proof generation efficiency: The resource-intensive process of creating cryptographic proofs can hinder scalability.

• Deployment and integration: Widespread adoption depends on user trust and robust infrastructure support.

• Protocol governance: Coordinating updates and changes demands effective decentralized governance models.

• Economic viability: Despite efforts to reduce costs, operational economics can be complex due to computational resource requirements.

The Future of ZK Rollups in the Ethereum Ecosystem

The outlook for zk rollup solutions is promising. Current research focuses on simplifying cryptographic complexity and improving integration with Ethereum’s mainnet. Innovative approaches aim to address liquidity fragmentation issues.

With ongoing development and collaboration among projects, zk rollups have the potential to revolutionize Ethereum’s ecosystem, ushering in an era of high-speed, cost-effective, and secure blockchain applications.

Final Thoughts

ZK rollup solutions are a groundbreaking technology that fundamentally changes Ethereum’s scalability landscape. By efficiently processing transactions off-chain while ensuring data security and integrity, they open the door to a more scalable, efficient, and resilient Ethereum ecosystem and the broader blockchain industry.

Their ability to overcome existing scalability limitations paves the way for mass adoption of blockchain technology, unlocking its true potential for users and transforming how we interact with decentralized infrastructure.