There are more L2 blockchains in use than ever, and learning the top options can significantly improve your DeFi strategy. These scaling solutions help to reduce congestion by separating the core components of processing from the validation processes. This approach enables L1 networks like Ethereum to scale vertically, enhance features, and expand interoperability within the market. As such, they serve a vital role in today’s fast-paced market. Here are the top 10 L2 blockchains (in no particular order) you need to know.
Base is a high-performance L2 that’s backed by North America’s largest CEX, Coinbase. This L2 is among the newest on the list. It officially launched its mainnet in 2023. Despite its short time in service, Base has proven to be a reliable and consumer-friendly Ethereum scaling solution. The network seeks to become a vital component of the L2 market. Its goal is to connect chains and create an interoperability mesh that will help to drive liquidity.
One of the main draws of Base is its develop-centric approach. The platform is EVM compliant and streamlines the deployment of smart contracts and Dapps. Additionally, the project has a strong developer community and a growing number of dapps in its ecosystem. Users can leverage the security of Ethereum while enjoying the high performance offered by Base.
Source – Base
One unique aspect of Base is that the developers don’t intend to launch a token. This approach allows them to focus on L2 features and prevents conflicts of interest. It also allows the developers to create a robust infrastructure that can support the most advanced multi-chain applications, helping to further expand the Ethereum ecosystem.
Interestingly, Base’s developers leveraged Optimism’s blockchain solutions as a guide to ensure seamless integration. Today, the network hosts a variety of popular NFT projects, Dapps, and subnets. Additionally, it has direct access to Coinbase’s massive network and services, positioning it ideally for large-scale adoption.
Optimism is a popular Ethereum L2 scaling solution. It entered the market in 2019 and has seen considerable adoption since its launch. Today, the network and its utility token OP, are recognized as top contenders in the L2 arena. As such, the L2 has a strong developer community and a growing user base.
Optimism uses OPtimistic Rollup technology. Optimistic Rollup technology bundles transaction data together to create batches. This approach reduces gas fees and mainnet congestion without sacrificing security. It adds performance and interoperability with DeFi systems and is a popular scaling solution in the L2 market nowadays. Notably, Optimism is 100% EVM compliant, meaning developers can seamlessly migrate their projects.
Another feature of Optimism is the elimination of memepools. Eliminating memepools provides the network with faster performance and near-instant transaction approval. In the Optimism network, transactions are assumed correct and sent to the Ethereum mainnet within a 7-day challenge period. Notably, this strategy improves the network tps. However, you will need to wait 7 days to make withdrawals due to the challenge period.
Optimism has gained considerable financial support from various VCs, including Andreessen Horowitz. In one instance in 2021, the project secured $25M, which helped it cement its positioning in the competitive market. The main draws for this project are its strong support network, security updates, and transparency.
The L2 network zkSync integrates Zero-Knowledge (zk) Roll-Ups to support Ethereum blockchain activities. This technology provides the network with considerable benefits, including vertical scalability. Like Optimistic roll-ups, zk roll-ups batch transactions together to save on gas fees. Additionally, they provide more privacy. Privacy-centric users prefer this option because zero-knowledge transactions operate by enabling transactions without revealing account details to each party. Consequently, ZK rollup-powered networks are much more expensive to track via blockchain forensics.
Developers enjoy a fully programmable EVM stack that supports the latest DeFi services and scalability. The network has been bench-tested to 100K tps and can scale further if needed. This L2 blockchain uses modular smart accounts that improve the UX and enable users to interact with subchains seamlessly. Additionally, users may transfer digital assets between networks using zkSync’s bridge features.
New users find zkSync’s onboarding process to be straightforward. The network supports a selection of identification methods including passkeys and FaceID wallet access. This strategy is preferred by those who don’t want to remember seed phrases or other inconvenient codes. These reasons and many more make zkSync an option to consider.
PolygonzkEVM provides a fully EVM-compatible scaling solution that integrates zk-proofs and more. This strategy improves security and scalability and provides a high level of privacy compared to L1 options. The network also deepens liquidity across the Ethereum ecosystem by enabling users to transfer tokens across L1 blockchains easily.
PolygonzkEVM users enjoy a high-performance execution environment and reduced gas prices without sacrificing security. As part of this strategy, the blockchain requires user-initiated transactions from both parties, ensuring that full approval is reached before sending funds. Notably, PolygonzkEVM differs from the Polygon blockchain in that it relies on Ethereum for validity. I
PolygonzkEVM accomplishes its goal of providing an enhanced EVM ecosystem that can support DeFi smart contracts and dapps using rollup architecture. effeciently. However, it’s still in beta testing, with the V2 upgrade set to release soon. This upgrade will further improve performance and streamline the deployment of smart contracts for EVM developers.
Arbitrum entered the market in 2021 and was designed by Offchain Labs. This L2 option uses Optimistic Rollups as part of its structure. It also introduces fraud proof to enhance security. Notably, Arbitrum integrated the Graph Foundation in 2022, improving its scaling capabilities even further.
Arbitrum users gain access to transfer tools that make it easy to create signals and subgraphs and accomplish other vital tasks. The network streamlines the creation of subchains and assets as well. Orbit Chains are another key feature of the protocol. These fully permissionless self-governed networks can use separate rules, consensus, tokens, and more.
Additionally, Arbitrum operates as a bridge to other networks within the Ethereum ecosystem, seamlessly connecting all L2s. This added interoperability helps to improve liquidity, drive innovation, and reduce development time by enabling developers to leverage more EVM options.
OP Mainent is a Proof-of-Stake L2 blockchain that operates as an Ethereum alternative and scaling solution. All transactions and smart contract executions occur on the Op Mainnet, which then relies on the Ethereum blockchain for final validation. Notably, the network features a sandbox environment that ensures deterministic smart contract execution between networks.
The Optimism Virtual Machine provides developers with a full stack to create in-depth and helpful applications. The system ensures full and reliable smart contract executions. Additionally, the community remains highly active, helping new users and developers to migrate their DeFi activities. Optimism offers interoperability within the Ethereum economy and works with the popular wallet option, MetaMask.
Like many others on this list, Optimistic roll-up technology helps to power this network. Another plus that users enjoy is the powerful bridge feature that makes it easy to transfer assets across networks. Also, this L2 has a streamlined upgrade process that eliminates hard forks from the equation.
ImmutableX is among the first L2 gaming solutions to launch and gain popularity. This purpose-built off-chain network leverages Ethereum for security and introduces other technologies to support gas-less transactions and instant finality. These features make the platform a smart choice for gamers and those who need to complete microtransactions.
ImmutableX focuses on being easy to navigate for gamers. The platform introduces a single-button wallet initiation feature that enables anyone to join and start participating effortlessly in the platform’s features. Some gaming options that you won’t find on other L2s include API for minting land with properties, random metadata generation for land purchases, and streamlined token creation.
When it comes to NFT minting, ImmutableX is one of the best options. The network offers zero gas fees and high minting performance. Users can create multiple NFTs and distribute these assets with minimal costs and effort. Also, the entire project seeks to be carbon neutral, adding to its overall sustainability.
ImmutableX integrates zero-knowledge rollups to bundle data and reduce congestion. The platform was specially designed to support NFT and ingame token creations. It also has an ownership layer for these assets, simplifying the entire NFT validation process. For gamers and those in the NFT collection space, ImmutableX provides a custom custom-tailored experience that can make your blockchain games more responsive.
Linea is a zk-rollup-powered L2 solution that focuses on providing Dapp developers with the tools they need to succeed. The platform provides lower costs than the Ethereum mainnet and is capable of much higher performance. Additionally, the L2 enjoys full interoperability within the Ethereum market. Originally launched on the Goerli testnet, today, Linea is in full operation, providing valuable services to the market.
Notably, Linea integrates lattice-based cryptography to enhance security. It combines this approach with a recursion-friendly zkSNARK prover and formal verification protocol. This structure provides enterprise-level protection without sacrificing interoperability for developers.
Additionally, Linea integrates functional modifiers and other systems to monitor and report suspicious activity. The system uses Hexagate to investigate the validity of smart contracts as part of this approach. These features, combined with real-time monitoring, make Linea a wise option for security-minded developers.
Starknet’s whitepaper was released in January 2018 before fully launching in 2022. It was founded by Starkware Industries, which is best known for its work on STARK and Zcash. During that time, the developers mastered the use of ZK tech to enhance privacy and performance.
This decentralized and permissionless L2 integrates a tech called STARK proofs, borrowed from their other projects. This protocol provides some major benefits like lightning-fast finality. Additionally, Starknet leverages the Cairo programming language, enabling developers to create dapps with less effort.
Starnet is a community-governed platform that allows users to vote on its upgrades. Additionally, developers can create chains that are designed to host specific dapps. This strategy allows creators to build customized environments that support tasks, games, or metaverse environments. Additionally, the community offers full support to developers via a variety of helpful tools, documentation, and more.
Canvas Connect is an L2 scaling solution that focuses on the banking community. The protocol provides institutional traders with fast transactions, near-instant finality, and added privacy via the use of Zk-rollups. This network focuses on large financial institutions and governments, ensuring they can integrate blockchain features within their current legacy systems.
Canvas Connect helps networks to improve liquidity and innovation. The project’s goal to help transform the banking sector places it apart from the competition. It also ensures that users can tokenize infrastructure products for markets, dapps, governments, and more.
The L2 seeks to drive blockchain adoption in the commercial sector. It offers real-time data sync to keep your files connected, no surge pricing, a no-fee token, and no minimum trade restrictions. Additionally, its structure reduces locked liquidity, enabling users to access more opportunities.
Top L2 Blockchains
There are more L2 options than ever, and depending on your tasks, one network will surely be better suited than others. Now that you have a full understanding of the top 10 L2 blockchains in operation today, you’re ready to start building faster, more powerful dapps for the community. For now, it’s vital to understand that the L2s listed improve your chances of success greatly.
You can learn more about exciting blockchain projects here.