Top Ethereum Layer-2 Networks Compared 2025: Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, Polygon & More

Ethereum is one of the most widely used blockchains in the world. However, its popularity has made the main network slower and more expensive to use, especially during busy periods.

To stay competitive with fast and low cost networks like Solana and BNB Chain, Ethereum relies on layer-2 solutions. These networks work on top of Ethereum and help process transactions faster and more cheaply, while still relying on Ethereum for security.

In 2025, several Ethereum layer-2 networks stand out for their performance, growth and real world use.

Arbitrum and Base as leaders in adoption

Arbitrum is currently one of the most widely used Ethereum layer-2 networks, especially in decentralised finance.

Built by Offchain Labs, it is fully compatible with Ethereum, which allows developers to move their applications without changing their code. This has helped it attract more than 500 decentralised applications and achieve a DeFi total value locked of around 3 billion dollars.

In real-world conditions, Arbitrum handles thousands of transactions per second with average fees of only a few cents. Arbitrum Nova, which is designed for gaming and NFTs, reduces fees even further, making it ideal for high-volume activity.

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Base is another major player in the layer-2 space.

Developed by Coinbase, it has grown very quickly thanks to simple onboarding and strong brand recognition. It processes millions of transactions per day and has millions of active weekly users.

Base is known for very low and stable fees, as well as strong liquidity on decentralised exchanges. The main trade-off is that its transaction sequencing is still more centralised, as it is currently managed by Coinbase.

Optimism and Polygon as mature and versatile networks

Optimism is one of the earliest optimistic rollup projects.

Founded in 2019, it helped shape how modern layer-2 networks are designed. Today, it is not only focused on scaling Ethereum, but also on building an interconnected group of chains called the Superchain.

Optimism offers fast block times, low fees and strong compatibility with existing Ethereum tools. It has processed billions of transactions and supports hundreds of decentralised applications.

However, its share of decentralised finance activity has declined compared to newer competitors, so it is often seen as a stable but slower-growing option.

Polygon has long been considered one of the most flexible scaling solutions.

It can handle extremely high throughput, offers very low fees and confirms transactions quickly. Polygon supports both proof of stake systems and zero-knowledge rollups, which gives it strong security and adaptability.

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Polygon is especially popular for gaming and NFT projects, where cheap, fast transactions are more important than instant settlement. Although powerful, its ecosystem can feel more complex for beginners.

zkSync Era and Starknet as next-generation solutions

zkSync Era represents a newer generation of Ethereum layer-2 technology.

It uses zero-knowledge proofs to validate transactions almost instantly. This allows it to offer very fast finality and extremely low fees, often costing less than a cent per transaction.

zkSync Era is widely used for payments, privacy-focused applications and some DeFi projects. While its technology is very advanced, the ecosystem is still growing, and not all complex applications are fully supported yet.

Read Also: Is Ethereum Slowly Recovering?

Starknet takes a different technical approach by using STARK proofs.

This allows it to handle heavy computation, deliver strong security and potentially scale to very high transaction volumes. It is especially suited for advanced DeFi and blockchain-based AI applications.

The main challenge with Starknet is that it does not fully support the standard Ethereum programming model. Developers must learn the Cairo language, which has slowed down adoption and limited the number of active applications so far.

Conclusion

Ethereum layer-2 networks have become a core part of the ecosystem, not just an optional upgrade.

Arbitrum and Base lead in user adoption and liquidity, making them practical for general users. Optimism offers long term stability and strong community support, while Polygon remains a strong choice for gaming and high volume use cases.

zkSync Era stands out for speed and low costs, while Starknet represents innovation and future potential. Over time, these networks are likely to work more closely together, with Ethereum acting as a secure base layer for settlement.

For readers who want to explore these networks more actively, creating an account on Bitrue can be a simple starting point. By visiting Bitrue.com, users can register and access a wide range of crypto tools and markets. This makes it easier to follow the performance of layer-2 projects and understand how each network develops over time.

As the crypto space continues to evolve, having access to reliable platforms and clear information will help users make more confident decisions.

FAQ

What is an Ethereum layer-2 network?

It is a scaling network built on top of Ethereum that makes transactions faster and cheaper.

Which layer-2 is the fastest?

zkSync Era and Starknet are among the fastest due to their use of zero-knowledge technologies.

Is Arbitrum easy to use for developers?

Yes, because it is fully compatible with Ethereum’s standard development tools.

Why is Base popular?

Base is popular because of easy access, low fees and strong support from Coinbase.

Can layer-2 networks replace Ethereum?

No, they work together with Ethereum and rely on it for security.