Ethereum scaling through ZK Rollups: Which projects to watch in 2025

Ethereum faces serious scalability issues — fees are rising, transactions are slowing down, users are seeking solutions. The network is currently waiting for Ethereum 2.0, while second-layer solutions are already changing the game. Among them, ZK Rollups stand out as the most promising approach for scaling blockchain rollup architectures.

How ZK Rollups Solve Scalability Problems

The essence of the technology: instead of processing each transaction separately, ZK Rollups batch hundreds of transactions into one, creating a cryptographic proof (zero-knowledge proof) and submitting it to the main network. The result — load on Ethereum decreases, fees are paid, transactions are faster.

Technically, it works like this:

1. Users send transactions to the Rollup network, not directly to Ethereum
2. An off-chain virtual machine processes these operations
3. A ZK proof is generated, confirming the validity of the entire batch
4. This proof is sent to the main network and verified by validators

Most importantly: all this happens without revealing details of individual transactions. Data remains on-chain (unlike some solutions), security is guaranteed, and speed is maximized.

Why ZK Rollups Outperform Other Layer 2 Solutions

There are other approaches on the market — Optimistic Rollups, Sidechains, Validiums. But ZK Rollups have a clear advantage:

Immediate finality. Optimistic Rollups assume transactions are valid by default and then wait a challenge period (7 days). ZK Rollups verify instantly.

No trusted intermediaries. Optimistic Rollups rely on assumptions about validator honesty. ZK Rollups are pure mathematics, trust is not required.

Confidentiality. Transaction details remain encrypted within the proof, making ZK Rollups ideal for private operations.

Top ZK Rollups Projects in the Ethereum Ecosystem for 2025

1. zkSync Era — leader in Ethereum compatibility

TVL: $555 million
Launch: March 2023
Token: ZKS ($0.07, −1.46% over 24h)

zkSync Era, developed by Matter Labs, focuses on maximum EVM compatibility. Developers can deploy Ethereum smart contracts directly — without rewriting code. This factor makes zkSync Era the leader in adoption among developers looking to migrate to Layer 2.

The network processes transactions off-chain, batches them, and submits a single ZK proof to Ethereum. The result: low fees and high throughput without compromising security.

2. Manta Network — focus on privacy

TVL: $851 million
Launch: September 2023
Token: MANTA ($0.07, −0.66% over 24h)

Manta Pacific (Ethereum Layer 2 from Manta Network) uses zk-SNARKs for confidential DeFi transactions. Within a few months, the network surpassed competitors and became the fourth-largest Layer 2 on Ethereum by TVL.

Key feature: users perform transactions and swaps completely privately. Asset, amount, address — all encrypted but verifiable. The network also aims to become a privacy layer for all DeFi applications across different blockchains.

3. StarkNet — the safest option for the future

TVL: $170 million
Launch: February 2022
Token: STRK ($0.08, −2.34% over 24h)

StarkNet uses STARKs (Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge) — a special type of ZK proof. Unlike zk-SNARKs, STARKs do not require a trusted setup and are quantum-resistant.

The network processes and verifies transactions off-chain via STARKs, then publishes proofs on Ethereum. The result: high scalability, security, and privacy. StarkNet supports general computations, meaning it can execute any smart contract.

4. Linea — balancing speed and simplicity

TVL: $202 million
Launch: August 2023
Token: LINEA ($0.01, +1.06% over 24h)

Linea is designed for easy integration. Developers can quickly deploy their applications on the network without deep diving into ZK architecture details.

The network uses zk-SNARKs for validation and focuses on scalability and speed. The team announced the distribution of the native token LINEA in January 2024, although token utility is still under development.

5. Polygon zkEVM — compatibility as a main advantage

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

Polygon zkEVM is part of the Polygon ecosystem and offers ZK Rollup scaling with full EVM compatibility. Developers benefit from the network effects of the larger Polygon ecosystem and can easily integrate with other Polygon solutions.

The network executes transactions in an EVM-compatible environment off-chain, then verifies them with ZK proofs on Ethereum. This provides a seamless experience for Ethereum developers.

6. ZetaChain — focus on cross-chain interaction

Launch: February 2021
Token: ZETA ($0.07, −1.46% over 24h)

ZetaChain builds universal bridges between blockchains via ZK Rollups. Using zk-SNARKs, the network confirms transaction validity on one chain without revealing confidential information on another.

Result: seamless transfer of assets and data across different blockchains. Users and developers can use assets from multiple chains within a single dApp without complications.

7. Scroll — simplicity and throughput

TVL: $63.46 million
Launch: October 2023
Token: Not yet available

Scroll develops solutions for high throughput and low latency. The network uses zk-SNARKs to compress transactions, batches them off-chain, then submits a single proof to Ethereum.

Key value: high speed at low costs. The platform focuses on DeFi applications and high-volume transaction scenarios.

8. Aztec Protocol — private trading and anonymous voting

Launch: 2017
Token: Not yet available

Aztec offers a hybrid public-private ZK Rollup model. Smart contract logic can be executed publicly or privately, while maintaining Ethereum security.

Unique feature: Noir programming language for writing ZK circuits, greatly simplifying the development of privacy-preserving dApps. Aztec aims for full decentralization of all components before mainnet launch.

9. Taiko — decentralized sequencing

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

Taiko is an innovator in Layer 2 approaches. Its “based” sequencing method allows the main chain (Ethereum) to act as a dispatcher rather than relying on a centralized sequencer.

This solves a critical problem of current rollups: a centralized sequencer can become a point of failure or censorship. Taiko eliminates this risk, simplifying architecture and trust assumptions.

Remaining Challenges

Despite progress, ZK Rollups face real obstacles:

• Development complexity. Advanced cryptography complicates implementation and maintenance
• Limited flexibility. Not all transaction types are equally efficient
• Data availability. Critical to store transaction-related data
• Proof generation resources. The process increases operational costs
• User adoption. Broad integration and trust in the ecosystem are needed
• Network governance. Decentralized upgrade solutions require complex coordination

The Future of ZK Rollups and Blockchain Scaling

Research and development are actively ongoing to simplify ZK Rollups and deepen Ethereum integration. Innovative solutions help address liquidity fragmentation, and steady network effect growth creates a positive trend.

ZK Rollups have the potential to revolutionize Ethereum and usher in a new era of fast, cost-effective, and secure applications. Their ability to solve scalability issues opens the door for mass adoption of blockchain technology and the full realization of decentralization potential.

Conclusion

ZK Rollups represent a groundbreaking step forward in scaling blockchain rollup architecture. Efficiently processing off-chain operations while guaranteeing security and data integrity paves the way for a more scalable, effective, and reliable Ethereum ecosystem.

Their capacity to overcome existing limitations in fees, speed, and throughput sets the stage for mass adoption and a reevaluation of blockchain technology capabilities. The projects described above demonstrate the diversity of approaches within the ZK Rollup paradigm — from privacy to cross-chain interaction, from ease of development to decentralized sequencing.

Choosing solutions tailored to their needs, developers and users have options personalized to the specific requirements and challenges of their projects.