Scaling Revolution: Which ZK Rollup Projects Lead on Ethereum in 2025

The scalability solution for Ethereum remains one of the most pressing challenges in the crypto ecosystem. Although the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade is progressing in phases, second-layer solutions are already demonstrating their effectiveness in increasing network throughput. Among them, ZK Rollup stands out — a technology that promises to radically change how users interact with the blockchain through unprecedented speed and security.

What You Need to Know About ZK Rollup Technology

ZK Rollup is an innovative second-layer scaling solution for blockchains. Its essence lies in aggregating multiple transactions into a single batch, which is then processed off the main chain with subsequent verification on Ethereum. This significantly reduces network load and user fees.

The key technological component is zero-knowledge proofs (zero-knowledge proofs). They allow confirming the correctness of a block of transactions without revealing any details of individual operations. This approach ensures both security and privacy while minimizing data stored on the main network.

The mechanism works as follows: smart contracts on the main network set the rules, an off-chain virtual machine processes transactions, a cryptographic proof is generated, which is then verified by validators on the chain. The result — transactions become cheaper, faster, and more secure.

Advantages Over Traditional Second-Layer Solutions

ZK Rollup outperforms Optimistic Rollups on several critical parameters. While optimistic rollups assume transaction validity by default and verify only in case of disputes, ZK solutions verify each operation immediately. This means instant finality of transactions on the main network instead of a challenge period.

Additionally, ZK Rollup does not require trust in validators — the system is entirely based on cryptography. The privacy of individual transactions is also maintained at a higher level, as details are hidden within the proof.

Leading ZK Rollup Projects in the Ethereum Ecosystem

Manta Network — focus on DeFi privacy

Manta Network is distinguished by its focus on confidential transactions in decentralized finance. Its second layer, Manta Pacific, uses zk-SNARKs to ensure full privacy during cryptocurrency exchanges. Shortly after launching in September 2023, the network reached fourth place by total locked value among second-layer solutions for Ethereum.

Current metrics: Market cap is $33.61M, MANTA token is used for platform governance and fee payments.

Manta’s unique advantage is the ability to create a privacy layer for DeFi applications across various blockchains, which is almost absent on competing platforms.

Linea — high throughput and easy integration

Linea offers a ZK Rollup solution focused on maximum throughput and developer convenience. The network uses zk-SNARKs for validation, processing transactions off the main chain and then aggregating them into a single proof.

Current metrics: Market cap is $106.01M. Linea announced plans for a native token airdrop, details of which have not yet been fully disclosed.

The main advantage of Linea is the ease of migrating existing Ethereum applications to the platform thanks to its compatibility, accelerating ecosystem growth.

Polygon zkEVM — universal compatibility

Polygon zkEVM is part of the Polygon ecosystem and provides a scalable ZK Rollup solution with full Ethereum compatibility. Transactions are executed in an EVM-compatible environment and then verified via ZK proofs.

Current metrics: TVL is $115 million, MATIC is used for gas fees and governance.

Polygon zkEVM’s main strength is the ability to run existing Ethereum contracts without modifications, making the platform highly accessible for experienced developers.

Starknet — future security via STARKs

Starknet is built on STARKs (Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge), which represent a more advanced form of zero-knowledge proofs. STARKs do not require trusted setup, unlike zk-SNARKs, and are resistant to quantum computing.

Current metrics: Market cap is $391.07M, STRK token is used for fee payments and governance.

The platform supports universal computations, allowing working with any smart contracts. This makes Starknet an exceptionally flexible solution for developers.

zkSync Era — user-friendliness focus

zkSync Era, developed by Matter Labs, uses zkRollup technology with a special emphasis on user convenience and Ethereum compatibility. The platform groups transactions into a single proof and submits it to the main network.

Current metrics: TVL reaches $555 million.

The key advantage of zkSync Era is maintaining compatibility with EVM, enabling the deployment of Ethereum contracts without rewriting code.

Scroll — high throughput, low costs

Scroll focuses on maximum throughput with minimal latency, using zk-SNARKs to compress transactions. The platform is especially attractive for high-volume DeFi applications.

Current metrics: TVL is $63.46 million.

Scroll emphasizes EVM compatibility, allowing seamless migration of existing smart contracts.

Aztec Protocol — privacy as a choice

Aztec Protocol offers a hybrid model of public-private ZK-Rollup, enabling smart contract logic to be executed both openly and confidentially. Privacy here is an optional feature.

An innovative tool of Aztec is the Noir programming language for developing zero-knowledge circuits, simplifying the creation of decentralized applications based on ZK.

ZKFair — fair trading in DEX

ZKFair is designed as a decentralized exchange focused on preventing front-running and transaction order manipulation. ZK Rollup technology is used here to ensure fair execution of trades.

Current metrics: ZKF market cap is $163 million.

ZKFair’s unique advantage is resistance to transaction order manipulation, creating a fair environment for traders.

DeGate V1 — minimal slippage for large trades

DeGate V1 is built on ZK Rollup and functions as a decentralized exchange optimized to minimize slippage, especially for large transactions.

Current metrics: Market cap is $21.14 million.

ZetaChain — cross-chain interoperability

ZetaChain paves the way for universal bridges between blockchains, using ZK Rollup for secure cross-network interaction. The platform employs zk-SNARKs to verify transactions across networks without revealing confidential information.

Current metrics: Market cap is $79.66M, ZETA is used for fee payments and governance.

A key strength is its focus on interoperability, enabling decentralized applications to use assets and data from multiple blockchains simultaneously.

Taiko — decentralized sequence

Taiko presents an innovative approach through an architecture with a “based” sequence method. Unlike traditional solutions where a centralized sequential element manages transaction batching, in Taiko this role is performed by the first-layer blockchain itself.

The project has successfully attracted $37 million in funding and demonstrates significant progress through alpha test networks, gaining broad developer support.

This approach solves the single point of failure and censorship issues, simplifies the value creation chain on the second layer, and reduces trust assumptions.

Challenges Facing the Technology

Despite its potential, ZK Rollup faces obstacles:

• Technical complexity — cryptography implementation requires deep technical understanding
• Flexibility — restrictions on transaction types affect applicability
• Data management — availability of data corresponding to transactions is critical for security
• Proof generation efficiency — resource-intensive cryptographic proof creation
• Mass adoption — requires broad acceptance and ecosystem integration
• Decentralized governance — complexity in decision-making for protocol updates
• Economic viability — operational costs may impact final service pricing

Future Outlook

The future of ZK Rollup looks promising. Current developments aim to simplify complexity, improve integration, and address liquidity fragmentation issues. With sustainable growth and collaboration within the ecosystem, ZK Rollup has the potential to revolutionize Ethereum scalability and usher in a new era of high-speed, cost-effective, and secure blockchain applications.

ZK Rollup technology is transforming the Ethereum scalability landscape. By efficiently processing transactions off the main chain while ensuring data security and integrity, ZK Rollup opens the door for mass adoption of blockchain technologies and unlocking their full potential in transforming the digital economy.