Leading ZK-Rollup projects in the Ethereum ecosystem in 2025

Why ZK-Rollup Became the Main Solution for Scalability?

Ethereum revolutionized decentralized applications, but its success exposed a critical issue — scalability. As the network grows, transaction fees soar, and processing slows down. While Ethereum 2.0 is under development, layer 2 solutions already offer a practical way forward.

This is where Ethereum-based ZK-rollup projects come into play. These solutions use cryptographic proofs to bundle multiple operations into one, significantly reducing load and costs. Imagine detours that efficiently distribute traffic, leaving the main highway free — that’s how ZK-rollup on Ethereum works.

How Do ZK-Rollup Solutions Work?

The technology is based on (zero-knowledge proofs), which allow confirming the correctness of a batch of transactions without revealing information about each individual operation. These proofs are extremely compact — they greatly reduce the data volume on the main chain.

The process works as follows:

1. Smart contracts on the main network set rules for layer 2 operations
2. Off-chain virtual machine processes transactions with minimal costs and maximum speed
3. Cryptographic proof is generated to verify the correctness of the batch of operations
4. Validation occurs on the main network, ensuring the integrity of all off-chain transactions

The result — throughput increases exponentially, and fees decrease.

Main Advantages of ZK-Rollup Technology

Scalability without compromises: Bundling multiple operations into one proof allows processing transactions hundreds of times faster.

Security through cryptography: Unlike solutions requiring trust in validators, ZK-rollup on Ethereum rely on mathematics, providing instant finality.

Cost efficiency: Gas fees drop from tens of dollars to cents, opening the door for microtransactions and mass adoption.

Privacy: Transaction details remain encrypted within the proof, offering a level of privacy unavailable in Optimistic Rollups.

Compatibility: Most ZK-rollup projects are compatible with existing Ethereum code, simplifying application migration.

ZK-Rollup Projects: Comparing Alternatives

Optimistic Rollups assume all transactions are valid by default and verify only in case of disputes — this is slower and requires a challenge period. ZK-rollup on Ethereum verify each operation immediately, ensuring reliability and speed.

Although ZK-rollup are more complex to implement, they provide safer and more efficient scalability.

Key ZK-Rollup Projects to Watch

1. Manta Network — Leader in DeFi Privacy

TVL: $851 million | Launch: September 2023 | Token: MANTA

Current Market Cap of MANTA: $33.66M

Manta Network uses zk-SNARKs for fully private DeFi transactions. In a short period, it surpassed competitors and became the fourth-largest layer 2 solution on Ethereum.

Its main feature — users can trade and exchange cryptocurrencies with absolute privacy, while the system verifies legitimacy. This is a feature often missing in other DeFi platforms.

Main advantage: Privacy layer for the entire DeFi ecosystem across multiple blockchains.

2. Linea — Speed and Simplicity

TVL: $202 million | Launch: August 2023 | Token: LINEA

Current Market Cap of LINEA: $107.21M

Linea processes operations off-chain, groups them, and sends them as a single batch via zk-SNARKs. The network is especially developer-focused — integration takes minimal time.

In January 2024, an airdrop campaign was announced, although full utility is still being revealed.

Main advantage: Best throughput among competitors with low latency.

3. Polygon zkEVM — Compatibility as a Strategy

TVL: $115 million | Launch: March 2023 | Token: MATIC

Polygon zkEVM operates as a ZK-Rollup with full Ethereum compatibility. Developers can migrate existing smart contracts without rewriting code.

Part of the broader Polygon ecosystem, the project benefits from network effects and integration.

Main advantage: Minimal barriers for developers already working with Ethereum.

4. Starknet — Security Without Trusted Setup

TVL: $170 million | Launch: February 2022 | Token: STRK

Current Market Cap of STRK: $400.35M

Starknet is built on STARKs — a type of proof that does not require a trusted setup (unlike zk-SNARKs). This means better security and resistance to quantum computers.

The platform supports universal computations, working with any smart contracts.

Main advantage: Maximum scalability with protection against future threats.

5. zkSync Era — Balancing Speed and Accessibility

TVL: $555 million | Launch: March 2023 | Token: ZKS

zkSync Era by Matter Labs combines ZK-rollup efficiency with full EVM compatibility. Developers can deploy Ethereum smart contracts directly without modifications.

Main advantage: EVM compatibility plus the lowest fees — ideal for mass adoption.

6. Scroll — High Throughput Focus

TVL: $63.46 million | Launch: October 2023 | Token: None

Scroll specializes in maximizing throughput while minimizing delays, using zk-SNARKs. All off-chain operations are aggregated into a single proof.

Main advantage: The best choice for high-load DeFi applications and mass operations.

7. Aztec Protocol — Programmable Privacy

Launch: 2017 | Token: None

Aztec offers a hybrid model where logic can be executed publicly or privately. The Noir programming language simplifies creating private dApps.

The protocol aims for full decentralization, following Ethereum principles: open source and censorship-resistant.

Main advantage: Programmable privacy for private trading and anonymous voting.

8. ZKFair — DEX Without Front-Running

Launch: December 2023 | Token: ZKF (Market Cap $163 million)

ZKFair is designed as a DEX where ZK Rollups protect against transaction order manipulation. Front-running is impossible.

Main advantage: Fair execution of trades — a critical advantage for traders.

9. DeGate V1 — Minimal Slippage

Launch: September 2022 | Token: DG (Market Cap $21.14M)

DeGate V1 uses ZK Rollup for a decentralized exchange with minimal slippage. Especially effective for large trades.

Main advantage: Optimized for high-volume traders.

10. ZetaChain — Cross-Chain Interoperability

Launch: February 2021 | Token: ZETA

Current Market Cap of ZETA: $80.34M

ZetaChain paves the way for “universal bridges” between blockchains using zk-SNARKs. Applications can use assets and data from multiple networks without complexity.

Main advantage: The first choice for cross-chain applications.

11. Taiko — Decentralized Sequencing

Launch: January 2024 (Testnet)

Taiko introduces an innovative “based” sequencing method, where transaction management is handled by the main blockchain rather than a centralized structure. This eliminates a single point of failure.

The project has already attracted $37 million in investments and demonstrates strong developer support.

Main advantage: Fully decentralized architecture for layer 2 solutions.

What Challenges Do ZK-Rollup Technologies Face?

Technical complexity: Implementation requires high-level specialists, limiting the number of developers.

Flexibility constraints: Not all types of computations are equally efficient on ZK-rollups.

Data management: Data availability is critical and requires reliable solutions.

Computational costs: Creating proofs demands power, affecting economics.

User adoption: Time is needed for deployment and ecosystem integration.

Cost efficiency: Despite efforts to lower fees, operational expenses can be complex.

The Future of ZK-Rollup Projects on Ethereum

Current developments focus on simplifying complexity and better integration. Research addresses performance issues, and innovations tackle liquidity fragmentation.

With sustainable growth and collaboration, ZK-rollup on Ethereum has the potential to become the main architecture for high-speed, cost-effective, and secure applications not only on Ethereum but across the entire blockchain industry.

Final Conclusions

ZK-rollup projects demonstrate how technology can solve longstanding scalability issues. By processing transactions efficiently while guaranteeing security and integrity, these solutions pave the way for exponential growth of the blockchain ecosystem.

Their ability to overcome existing limitations creates conditions for mass adoption, unlocking the true potential of decentralized technologies to transform user interaction with the world.