Which ZK-rollups on Ethereum should be monitored in 2025

Why Ethereum Needs Scaling

Ethereum has long established itself as the primary platform for decentralized applications. However, its popularity has created a serious problem: the network suffers from congestion. Growing activity has led to soaring gas fees and slower transaction processing. Ethereum 2.0 is being rolled out gradually and does not fully solve the problem. This is where layer 2 solutions come into play, especially ZK-rollups—they offer the most efficient way to scale without compromising security.

How ZK-Rollups Work: From Theory to Practice

ZK-Rollup (Zero-Knowledge Rollup) is a layer 2 solution that groups multiple transactions into a single compact cryptographic structure. The essence of the technology lies in using zero-knowledge proofs (zero-knowledge proofs)—a special tool that allows verifying the correctness of all operations without revealing the details of each one.

Imagine a city with crowded streets: ZK-rollups work like ring roads, handling main traffic off the main highway (off-chain), but ensuring that every movement was legal and safe.

Three key properties of cryptographic proofs:

• Completeness — the proof is always valid for genuine data
• Soundness — it’s impossible to fool the system with a fake proof
• Privacy — there’s no need to disclose details of individual operations

How ZK-Rollups Work

The technology relies on a combination of smart contracts on the main network and off-chain computations:

1. Smart contracts set the rules — defining parameters and conditions for ZK-rollup transactions
2. Calculations occur in parallel — operations are processed in a separate virtual machine, reducing costs and increasing speed
3. A cryptographic proof is generated — a compact signature confirming the correctness of the batch without revealing each step
4. The proof is sent and verified — information is submitted to the main network, where validators confirm its validity

Result: throughput increases by dozens of times, fees drop, and security remains at the level of the main network.

Competitive Advantages of ZK-Rollups

Scalability without compromises
ZK-rollups bundle dozens or hundreds of transactions into a single blockchain record, drastically reducing load. This allows gas fees to be lowered by 10-100 times depending on network congestion.

Security at the main network level
Unlike optimistic rollups (which assume correctness by default and verify only in case of dispute), ZK-rollups cryptographically verify each transaction. This means instant finality and no waiting period.

Data privacy
Details of individual operations remain hidden within the proof, providing a higher level of privacy for users concerned about confidentiality.

Ethereum compatibility
Many ZK-rollups maintain compatibility with EVM, allowing developers to deploy existing contracts without rewriting code.

Approach Comparison: ZK-Rollups vs. Optimistic Rollups

Optimistic rollups use a different logic: they assume all transactions are valid until someone disputes them. ZK-rollups require proof of correctness from the outset.

Practical differences:

• ZK-rollups provide instant transaction finality
• Optimistic rollups require a challenge period (usually 7 days)
• ZK-rollups do not need trusted validators
• Optimistic rollups rely on the assumption of honest network participants

ZK-rollups are considered more reliable but also more complex.

Top ZK Projects on Ethereum: Current Rankings

Manta Network — Focus on Privacy in DeFi

Manta Network (Manta Pacific) has rapidly gained a position in the Ethereum ecosystem, becoming one of the largest layer 2 solutions by total value locked. Launched in September 2023, it quickly built a reputation for focusing on private DeFi operations.

Current metrics:

• MANTA market cap: $33.88M
• Native token used for governance, staking, and fee payments

Manta uses zk-SNARKs to encrypt transaction details (assets, amounts) while still enabling cryptographic verification. This allows traders and investors to perform operations in fully anonymous mode.

Advantage: Privacy in DeFi—a feature rarely found in competing networks. The platform positions itself as a privacy layer for all DeFi applications regardless of the underlying blockchain.

Linea — Maximum Scalability

Linea is a minimalist yet powerful solution for processing large volumes of transactions. Launched in August 2023, the network focuses on ease of integration for developers.

Current metrics:

• LINEA market cap: $107.90M

Linea uses zk-SNARKs for validating transaction batches. The project announced plans for a native token airdrop in 2024, though the full token utility remains unclear. The network emphasizes speed and low fees as its main competitive advantages.

Advantage: Excels in high throughput, making it ideal for DeFi applications with intensive trading volumes.

Polygon zkEVM — Integration with the Polygon Ecosystem

Polygon zkEVM, part of the larger Polygon ecosystem, offers a ZK solution fully compatible with Ethereum Virtual Machine. Launched in March 2023 in beta mainnet.

Current metrics:

• Native token MATIC used for fees and governance
• Benefits from synergy with other Polygon products

The project executes off-chain transactions in an EVM-compatible environment, then confirms them via ZK proofs. This ensures maximum compatibility with Ethereum tools and contracts.

Advantage: For developers already working within the Ethereum ecosystem, transitioning to zkEVM requires minimal code changes.

StarkNet — Revolutionary STARKs

StarkNet employs a fundamentally different cryptographic approach—STARKs (Scalable Transparent ARguments of Knowledge) instead of traditional zk-SNARKs.

Current metrics:

• STRK market cap: $396.28M
• Launched: February 2022

STARKs have a critical advantage: they do not require trusted setup and are resistant to quantum computing. This makes StarkNet one of the most promising solutions for long-term security.

The platform supports universal computations, enabling work with any type of smart contracts.

Advantage: STARKs technology provides exceptional scalability without trust assumptions. Quantum resistance is a significant plus for future-oriented investors.

zkSync Era — Balance of Simplicity and Power

zkSync Era, developed by Matter Labs, positions itself as the most user-friendly solution for mass adoption. Mainnet launch occurred in March 2023.

Current metrics:

• Native token ZKS used for fees, governance, and staking

The platform batches transactions off-chain and then submits a single proof to Ethereum. ZK proofs ensure security and efficiency.

Advantage: Full EVM compatibility allows direct deployment of Ethereum contracts. This greatly lowers the entry barrier for developers.

Scroll — Focus on High Throughput

Scroll is a specialized solution for maximizing throughput while minimizing latency. Bridge deployment took place in October 2023.

Current metrics:

• Native token not yet released
• TVL: $63.46 million

The platform uses zk-SNARKs to compress large transaction batches. Its focus on EVM compatibility simplifies migration of existing applications.

Advantage: Optimized specifically for high-performance scenarios—heavy trading, gaming, microtransactions streams.

Aztec Protocol — Programmable Privacy

Aztec offers a hybrid approach: smart contract logic can be both public and private within a single application. Launched in 2017, it continues to evolve.

Current metrics:

• Native token not yet issued

The key innovation is the Noir language for developing zero-knowledge circuits. This greatly simplifies creating dApps utilizing ZK logic.

Advantage: Programmable privacy opens new possibilities—private trading, anonymous voting, confidential DeFi strategies.

ZKFair — Fair Trading Conditions

ZKFair is a decentralized exchange focused on preventing front-running. Launched in December 2023.

Current metrics:

• ZKF native token: market cap $163 million###
• Used for fees, governance, and rewards

The platform employs ZK proofs to process transactions in a way that prevents manipulation of order. This is critically important for traders suffering from front-running on other DEXs.

Advantage: Resistance to transaction order manipulation—a rare and valuable feature for traders.

DeGate V1 — DEX with Minimal Slippage

DeGate V1 operates on ZK-rollups for derivatives trading. Launched in September 2022.

Current metrics:

• DG native token: market cap $21.14 million

The platform batches several transactions off-chain before final verification on the mainnet, drastically reducing fees and improving execution conditions.

Advantage: Focused on minimizing slippage for large trades.

ZetaChain — Cross-Chain Bridges

ZetaChain builds infrastructure for secure cross-chain interactions using ZK-rollups.

Current metrics:

• ZETA market cap: $80.78M
• Launched: February 2021

The platform applies zk-SNARKs to verify cross-chain transactions without revealing sensitive data. It includes its own “ZetaML” technology for executing smart contracts off-chain.

Advantage: Interoperability focus—enables dApps to use assets and data from multiple ecosystems simultaneously.

$37 Taiko — Decentralized Sequencing

Taiko presents an innovative approach to ZK-rollup architecture with a “based” sequencing method. Testnet launched in January 2024.

Current metrics:

• Raised (million) in funding

Unlike competitors where sequencing is controlled by a centralized operator, Taiko uses its own first-layer blockchain for this role. This eliminates single points of failure and censorship.

Advantage: “Based” sequencing reduces trust assumptions, simplifies deployment, and addresses the main vulnerability of traditional ZK-rollups.

Challenges and Limitations of the Technology

Cryptographic complexity
ZK-rollups employ advanced cryptography, making development and auditing difficult. This raises the skill requirements for developers.

Transaction type limitations
Some complex operations are more efficiently handled on other layers, limiting universality.

Data management requirements
Availability of ZK-rollup state data is critical for security. Reliable infrastructure for storing and disseminating this data is necessary.

Proof generation computational load
Creating cryptographic proofs demands significant computational resources, which can impact processing speed for large batches.

Need for widespread adoption
Broad user and developer acceptance is progressing slower than project initiators would like. Time is needed for tool development and community education.

Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

Current developments in ZK-rollups focus on simplifying complexity and increasing Ethereum compatibility. Ongoing research helps overcome existing limitations, and innovative architectures like “based” sequence Taiko address liquidity fragmentation issues.

With continued investment and collaboration, ZK-rollups have the potential to radically transform the Ethereum ecosystem, ushering in an era of decentralized applications with parameters beyond the mainnet’s capabilities: microtransactions, high-frequency trading, real-time gaming.

Summary

ZK-rollups already demonstrate what the future of scalable blockchain could look like. Efficiently processing millions of transactions off-chain while maintaining cryptographic security guarantees, they open the door for mass adoption of blockchain technology. Their development is not just a technical progress but an evolution of financial infrastructure.