ZK-Rollup on Ethereum: How to Choose the Best Scaling Protocol in 2025

Why ZK-Rollup is Changing the Ethereum Game

Ethereum remains the leader among blockchains for decentralized applications but faces a serious problem: when the network is congested, fees skyrocket and transactions slow down. Ethereum 2.0 upgrades are being rolled out gradually, but a real solution is already in operation — second-layer networks, particularly Zero-Knowledge (ZK) Rollup technology.

ZK-Rollup functions like high-speed highways, bypassing the main network. They bundle multiple transactions into one, process them off-chain, and then send a compact cryptographic proof to Ethereum. This approach offers several key advantages: scalability increases by tens of times, fees decrease, and transaction speeds are measured in seconds instead of minutes.

How ZK-Rollup Actually Works

The technology relies on zero-knowledge proofs (zero-knowledge proofs) — a cryptographic tool that allows confirming the correctness of transactions without revealing their details. Imagine: you want to prove you have money without showing how much is in your account. That’s exactly what ZKP does.

The process looks like this:

• A smart contract is launched on the main Ethereum network, setting the rules
• Transactions are processed off-chain in a separate environment
• A cryptographic proof is created, confirming the validity of all operations
• This proof is sent to the main network and verified by validators

Thanks to this, throughput increases, fees decrease, and security remains at Ethereum’s level.

Two Types of Proofs: Which Is Better

Not all ZK-Rollups are the same. There are two main standards:

zk-SNARK — compact proofs that are easier to verify but require a “trusted setup.” Used in Manta Network, Linea, zkSync Era, Scroll, and ZetaChain.

STARK — a newer approach without trusted setup, resistant to quantum computers. This is the choice of StarkNet.

The main difference between ZK-Rollup and its competitor Optimistic Rollup is that ZK verifies each transaction immediately, providing instant finality. Optimistic Rollup relies on a challenge period, which is slower but easier to implement.

Top ZK-Rollup Projects in 2025

Manta Network — focus on privacy

TVL: $851 million
MANTA Token: $33.98M (circulating market cap)

Manta Network stands out among others due to its focus on private DeFi transactions. Using zk-SNARK, the platform allows users to trade and exchange cryptocurrencies completely privately. Transaction details are encrypted but verifiable.

In a short period, Manta surpassed Coinbase’s Base and became the fourth-largest second-layer solution for Ethereum.

Linea — scalability and speed

TVL: $202 million
LINEA Token: $107.99M (circulating market cap)

Linea is aimed at simplicity for developers. The network uses zk-SNARK for validation, processing transactions off-chain before batching and sending them to the main network. The key advantage is high throughput at low costs.

Polygon zkEVM — compatibility first

TVL: $115 million
MATIC Token: used for fees and governance

Polygon zkEVM is part of the Polygon ecosystem, providing full compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine. This means developers can easily migrate their smart contracts without rewriting code.

StarkNet — technology of the future

TVL: $170 million
STRK Token: $397.08M (circulating market cap)

StarkNet uses STARKs instead of SNARKs, offering two key advantages: no trusted setup required and resistance to quantum attacks. The platform supports universal computations, making it flexible for any smart contracts.

zkSync Era — balancing functionality and compatibility

TVL: $555 million
ZKS Token: used for fees and governance

zkSync Era by Matter Labs strikes a balance between low fees and full EVM compatibility. Transactions are batched into a single proof and sent to Ethereum, while existing Ethereum applications run unchanged.

Scroll — high throughput

TVL: $63.46 million
Token: none

Scroll focuses on achieving high throughput while maintaining low costs. It uses zk-SNARK to compress transactions and emphasizes EVM compatibility.

Aztec Protocol — programmable privacy

Launched: 2017
Token: none

Aztec offers a hybrid model where smart contract logic can be executed publicly or privately. Its unique feature is the Noir programming language for developing ZK circuits.

ZKFair — fair trading conditions

Launched: December 2023
ZKF Token: $163 million (market cap)

ZKFair operates as a decentralized exchange that protects against front-running. Using ZK proofs, the platform prevents transaction order manipulation.

ZetaChain — cross-chain interaction

Launched: February 2021
ZETA Token: $81.05M (circulating market cap)

ZetaChain creates “universal bridges” between blockchains, using zk-SNARK for secure cross-chain interactions. This allows dApps to work with assets from multiple networks simultaneously.

Taiko — decentralized sequencer

Launched: January 2024 (testnet)
Funding: $37 million

Taiko attracts attention with its innovative “based” sequencer approach, where the validator is managed by Ethereum itself rather than a separate entity. This addresses centralization issues present in other rollup solutions.

Why ZK-Rollup Is Better Than Competitors

Compared to Optimistic Rollup, ZK-Rollup has clear advantages:

• Instant finality versus 7-day challenge period
• Enhanced security without trusting validators
• Better privacy through cryptographic proofs
• No economic assumptions — the system operates independently of operator honesty

Challenges Facing ZK-Rollup

Despite its potential, the technology faces real obstacles:

• Development complexity — cryptography requires high expertise
• Limited flexibility in handling certain transaction types
• Critical data availability — requires reliable management
• High computational cost of proof generation
• Need for widespread adoption to create network effects
• Complex governance during protocol upgrades
• Economic viability due to operational costs

The Future of ZK-Rollup on Ethereum

Current trends show active efforts to simplify the technology and improve integration. Ongoing research aims to address issues of complexity and liquidity fragmentation.

With steady development, ZK-Rollup could become the foundation for a high-speed, cost-effective, and secure ecosystem. This would pave the way for mass adoption of blockchain, unlocking new opportunities for users and fundamentally transforming interactions with the financial system.

Summary

ZK-Rollup represents a revolutionary leap in solving Ethereum’s scalability problem. By processing transactions off-chain while maintaining security, they create conditions for a more scalable and efficient ecosystem. Their ability to overcome current limitations opens the door for mass adoption of blockchain technologies, transforming them from niche tools into the backbone of a global financial infrastructure.