It is no longer necessary to build all the infrastructure from scratch to launch and run an L2, but the platform choice is still important. Conduit has emerged as a preferred choice for managed rollup infrastructure, but other options provide varied deployment, customization, scalability, and ecosystem support options. In this guide, I’ll take a look at the top Conduit alternatives for managed L2 infrastructure. We’ll compare their core technology, deployment options, pricing considerations, data availability, security, performance, integrations, and ideal use cases to help you find the right fit.
Why Consider Conduit Alternatives?
Flexible Deployment: Various deployment options are available across different platforms, enabling teams to select between fully managed rollups, customizable infrastructure, or self-managed environments based on their technical needs and resources.
Customization Options: Conduit alternatives offer more granular control over chain architecture, execution environments, sequencing, gas configurations, infrastructure components and other parameters needed to host specialized application-specific blockchain deployments.
Pricing Model: Infrastructure costs can vary greatly between providers due to deployment, transaction volume, cloud resources, services, and customization, hence price comparison is vital for long-term L2 operations.
Data availability: There are different data availability solutions offered by different platforms, such as Ethereum-based or modular solutions, to help projects choose an architecture that fulfills security, scalability, performance, and operational needs.
Performance Requirements: For projects with intensive workloads, consider alternatives based on throughput, transaction processing, latency, scalability, infrastructure capacity and ability to tune performance for specific applications.
Security Architecture: Different options use different security and settlement models, allowing teams to assess Ethereum security, validation mechanisms, fraud proofs, data availability assumptions, and infrastructure-level security concerns.
Ecosystem Integrations: Alternatives may offer different integrations with rollup frameworks, wallets, bridges, RPC providers, developer tools, and blockchain services, enabling projects to build a more suitable and interconnected L2 ecosystem.
Which Conduit Alternative Should You Choose?
Go with Caldera for Flexible Rollups: Caldera is well suited for teams that want managed rollup deployment, customizable infrastructure, multiple technology options, and operational support for application-specific blockchain environments.
Opt for Gelato for Integrated Infrastructure: Gelato is suitable for projects wanting managed rollup infrastructure and also broader Web3 services, integrations and developer infrastructure for launching and operating Ethereum-compatible application-specific chains.
Choose AltLayer for modular rollups: AltLayer is the best choice for teams looking for modular and flexible rollup designs, especially if they need dedicated infrastructure and technologies built around rollups to power scalable blockchain applications.
Choose Alchemy for Developer Infrastructure: If your main needs are reliable RPC, APIs, blockchain data access, and developer tooling, rather than deploying and managing a dedicated L2, Alchemy is a great choice.
Leverage QuickNode for Multi-Chain Connectivity: If you want to build an app that needs managed RPC, node infrastructure, APIs, and connectivity to multiple blockchain networks such as Ethereum, QuickNode is a good option instead of running your own blockchain nodes.
OP Stack for Full Control: For technically capable teams that want an open-source framework, broad chain customization and direct control of infrastructure instead of a fully managed deployment, OP Stack is the best.
Opt for Arbitrum Orbit for Custom Chains: Arbitrum Orbit is a great fit for teams building application-specific chains that want Arbitrum technology, configurable blockchain environments, Ethereum compatibility, and flexible deployment architectures.
10 Best Conduit Rivals for Managed L2 Infrastructure
| Conduit Rival | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Gelato | Provides Rollup-as-a-Service infrastructure with deployment, orchestration, monitoring, and managed services for Ethereum-based rollups and L2 applications. |
| Caldera | Offers managed rollup infrastructure that lets teams launch customizable L2s with integrated services, deployment tooling, and operational support. |
| Conduit | A managed rollup platform focused on simplifying L2 deployment, infrastructure operations, upgrades, and ecosystem integrations for blockchain teams. |
| AltLayer | Provides a rollup-centric infrastructure stack with tools for launching and scaling customizable rollups and application-specific chains. |
| Alchemy | Supplies blockchain infrastructure, APIs, node access, developer tools, and supporting services that can complement L2 application development and operations. |
| QuickNode | Offers managed blockchain infrastructure, RPC endpoints, APIs, and developer tools supporting applications across Ethereum and multiple L2 networks. |
| Chainstack | Provides managed blockchain node infrastructure, RPC access, deployment options, and monitoring for teams building and operating Web3 applications. |
| OVHcloud | Provides cloud infrastructure that can be used to host and operate blockchain nodes and related L2 infrastructure with customizable computing resources. |
| OP Stack | An open-source framework for building Ethereum Layer-2 chains, providing standardized rollup components rather than a fully managed deployment service. |
| Arbitrum Orbit | Enables teams to create customizable chains using Arbitrum technology, offering configurable execution environments and options for application-specific blockchain deployments. |
1. Gelato
Gelato is a Web3 infrastructure provider that allows teams to launch application-specific rollups with its Rollup-as-a-Service capabilities. Its core technology powers Ethereum rollup stacks and managed blockchain infrastructure. Pricing is determined by the deployment and infrastructure needs you choose, not a standard public price.
Deployment is designed to make launching and operating chains simple, with customization options across supported rollup configurations and infrastructure components. Managed services is operational tooling and infrastructure support.
Performance is dependent on your chosen stack and configuration. Data availability can be obtained via supported Ethereum and modular infrastructure. Integrations cover wallets, RPCs, bridges and Web3 tooling. Security depends on the underlying rollup architecture.
Best Use Cases**
- Rollups with managed infrastructure that are specific to an application.
- Building consumer-facing Web3 applications that require dedicated chains.
- Use of Ethereum-compatible rollups without any infrastructure management.
- Projects that require integrated Web3 infrastructure and developer services.
- Teams looking for a managed approach to rollup operations.
Primary Benefits
- Maintained the roll-up infrastructure to make operations simpler.
- Supports Ethereum-compatible application environments.
- Integrations for a wider variety of Web3 infrastructure.
- Speeds up blockchain deployment and operations for teams.
2. Caldera (Caldera)
Caldera provides Rollup-as-a-Service infrastructure for deploying and running customizable Ethereum-based rollups. Its core tech supports multiple rollup frameworks and modular infrastructure options, giving projects the ability to configure components of execution, sequencing, and data availability.
Pricing is generally based on deployment and infrastructure requirements, not a straightforward, public, standardized plan. Deployment is simplified by managed infrastructure and operational tooling. Customization extends to chain parameters, supported stacks and ecosystem integrations.
Managed services include monitoring and infrastructure operations. Performance will vary by configurations. DA options depending on the architecture you choose. Integrations include blockchain infrastructure and ecosystem tools . Security is mostly a function of the rollup framework and settlement model adopted .
Best Applications
- Launching custom ethereum L2s and appchains.
- Modular Infrastructure Choices for Rollups Deployment.
- Building gaming and consumer application chains.
- Building flexible infrastructure and custom chains.
- Teams that want managed rollup operations.
Major Advantages
- Simplifies Rollup deployments and infrastructure management.
- Provides a lot of chain customization.
- Supports several rollup-stacks configurations.
- Operational infrastructure is managed.
3. Conduit
Conduit is a Rollup-as-a-Service platform aimed at simplifying the process for blockchain teams to deploy L2s and rollups. At its heart, it offers managed infrastructure for supported Ethereum rollup stacks, lessening the operational burden of running a chain. Prices depend on your deployment requirements, services and configuration.
Deployment is intended to be streamlined; customization includes chain configuration and infrastructure decisions. Managed services are responsible for core operational tasks such as managing and upgrading infrastructure.
Performance depends on the rollup architecture and configuration you choose. Supported stack determines data availability choices. Integrations include Web3 infrastructure and ecosystem services, and security follows the base rollup and Ethereum settlement design in the end.;
Top Use Cases**
- Deploying production-ready ethereum L2s.
- Building app-specific rollups and appchains.
- Launching chains without independently assembling infrastructure.
- Projects requiring managed roll-up operations.
- Teams that want to deploy L2 faster.
Key Benefits
- Facilitates L2 deployment.
- Lessen the need for infrastructure management.
- Delivers operational support as a service.
- Enables customizable rollup infrastructure.
4. AltLayer
AltLayer is a modular blockchain infrastructure provider delivering rollup-centric technology for application-specific chains and scalable Web3 applications. Fundamentally, it features a rollup stack and services built atop customizable and restaked rollup architectures. There is not a single price to deploy but prices vary depending on the infrastructure and services required.
Deployment supports configurable rollup environments and customization can span execution and infrastructure components. Managed capabilities give projects options for running blockchain infrastructure.
Performance varies based on selected configuration and workload. Supported modular solutions may take advantage of data availability. Integrations: Ethereum and other web3 infrastructure. Security: Depends on the architecture and validation mechanisms you use.
Top Use Cases**
- Rollups that are specific to an application.
- Deploy scalable Web3 application chains.
- Development of rollups with a modular architecture.
- Infrastructure projects for restaked rollups.
- Developers creating niche blockchain ecosystems.
Main Advantages
- Rollup Modular Infrastructure.
- Support for customizable rollup architectures.
- Provides technology for application specific chains.
- Provides infrastructure and services focused on rollups.
5. Alchemy
Alchemy is not a dedicated managed L2 launch platform but a blockchain infrastructure platform that provides RPC nodes, APIs, development tools and infrastructure services. Its core technology underpins blockchain connectivity and application infrastructure on Ethereum and various Layer 2 networks.
Pricing is based on usage and service needs. Pricing varies by plan and infrastructure needs. Instead of deploying a fully managed L2, deployment is connecting applications to supported networks. You can customize it using APIs, RPC access and developer tooling. We run the infrastructure to make it reliable and scalable.
Performance varies by network and plan. DA and L2 security are inherited from the underlying networks while integrations include wallets, APIs, developer tools and Web3 apps.
Top Use Cases
- Creating apps that need reliable blockchain RPC access.
- Creation of wallets and Web3 applications.
- Accessing Ethereum and L2 networks via APIs.
- How to scale blockchain applications without running your own nodes.
- Embedding blockchain data in consumer applications.
Advantages
- Broad coverage of blockchain infrastructure.
- Rich RPC and API tooling.
- Robust developer-oriented infrastructure.
- Easy to connect to the blockchain and scale the applications.
6. QuickNode
QuickNode offers managed blockchain infrastructure for RPC endpoints, APIs, node services, and developer tools across many blockchain networks and L2 ecosystems. The underlying technology enables applications to query the blockchain and send transactions without having to run their own nodes.
The cost will vary based on the plan you select, your usage, the network, and other infrastructure you might need. You can easily deploy applications that need to connect to a blockchain and customize the available endpoint configurations and developer services. Managed infrastructure for reliability, scalability and monitoring.
Network and service configuration affect performance. The data availability is determined by the blockchain it is connected to. Integrations range from wallets, APIs, development tools and Web3 applications. Security is associated with the underlying networks and infrastructure controls.
Use Cases for Best
- Building Web3 apps that need RPC infrastructure.
- Connecting apps to Ethereum and L2 networks.
- Developing wallets, DeFi platforms and dApps
- APIs to access data from blockchain.
- Scaling applications without dedicated nodes.
Top Benefits
- Support for general multi-chain infrastructure.
- Management of RPC and node infrastructure.
- APIs and tools that developers are able to use.
- Reduces overhead of running the blockchain infrastructure.
7. Chainstack
Chainstack is a managed blockchain infrastructure provider, offering node hosting, RPC endpoints, APIs and supporting infrastructure for Web3 apps. “At the core of all this technology is the objective to make running blockchain nodes easier across multiple networks, including Ethereum and L2 ecosystems.
The cost depends on how much infrastructure you use, what plan you choose and your network requirements. Teams can provision blockchain nodes through deployment, without having to manage the underlying infrastructure themselves.
Customization includes node configurations, network selection and control of access and infrastructure settings. Managed services encompass deployment, operations monitoring and maintenance. Performance varies depending on network and configuration. The underlying blockchain provides the DA and settlement security. Integrations include development platforms, APIs, wallets, and Web3 applications.
Best Use Cases for
- Deploy managed blockchain nodes.
- Building web3 apps on multiple chains.
- Connecting applications to Ethereum and L2.
- Operating blockchain infrastructure without physical server management.
- Web3 application creation for enterprise and production.
4 Big Advantages
- Management of Node Deployment.
- Multi-chain infrastructure coverage
- Adaptable infrastructure configurations.
- Reduces the operation of blockchain nodes.
8. OVHcloud
OVHcloud is a general-purpose cloud infrastructure provider and not a dedicated managed L2 platform. Core technology such as virtual machines, dedicated servers, networking, storage and cloud infrastructure teams to host blockchain nodes and L2 components.
Prices vary by region, hardware, storage, bandwidth and selected cloud service. Deployment is flexible but generally involves more technical management than specialized Rollup-as-a-Service platforms.
Customizability is very high, since teams own their own infrastructure environment. Managed services are based on the product chosen from OVHcloud. Performance is hardware- and architecture-dependent. The implementation of DA should be via the selected blockchain stack. Security is a function of the cloud controls and the deployed blockchain architecture.
Best Use Cases of
1.Running blockchain nodes on cloud infrastructure.
2. Self-service L2 infrastructure.
3. Deploying the validator and RPC infrastructure
4. Hosting of custom blockchain services.
5. Teams requiring configurable compute and networking resources
Major Benefits
- Cloud infrastructure that is flexible.
- Wide range of compute and storage options.
- Heavy customization of infrastructure.
- Ideal for teams who want hands-on operational control.
9. c
OP Stack is an open source framework for building Ethereum Layer-2 chains, and is fundamentally different than a managed infrastructure provider. Its underlying tech is modular components to compose OP-based rollups.
The software itself is not priced at one price to deploy on the whole platform, though you will still pay for running an OP Stack chain, for the infrastructure, sequencing, data availability and Ethereum transactions. Deployment includes technical configuration and infrastructure management.
Chain parameters and supported components can be widely customized. Managed services are not included by default. Implementation and infrastructure are key to performance. The configured rollup architecture largely dictates data availability, while security is dictated by the Ethereum settlement and the particular OP Stack deployment.
Top Use Cases
- Construction of layer 2 networks based on Ethereum.
- Develop application-specific rollups.
- Developing custom OP chains.
- Projects that need open-source rollup infra.
- Teams wanting to control the chain architecture directly.
Major Benefits
- rollup framework open source.
- Chain is highly customizable.
- Architecture of security and settlement of Ethereum
- Large OP Ecosystem & Tooling Available.
10. Arbitrum Orbit
Arbitrum Orbit is a framework for building customizable chains that use Arbitrum technology, including chains built for application-specific workloads. Its core technology is built on the Arbitrum rollup and AnyTrust. ‘
The cost is based on the deployment model you choose, the infrastructure and the transaction or settlement requirements that follow, not a single all-encompassing fee. Deployment provides configurable blockchain environments, including chain parameters, gas settings and infrastructure choices.
Managed services rely on the provider used to run the Orbit chain. Performance, depends on configuration and workload. Supported Arbitrum methods may take advantage of availability of data. Security depends on chain model chosen, validators and Ethereum settlement architecture.
Best Applications
- Starting application-specific chains.
- Constructing custom Arbitrum rollups
- Establishing gaming and consumer app chains.
- Developing specialized DeFi infrastructure
- Applications with customizable blockchain environments.
The key benefits
- Flexible chains customization
- Arbitrum rollup tech.
- Various ways of data availability.
- High compatibility with Ethereum-based applications.
Conclusion
Your ideal Conduit competitor depends on your goals for your L2 infrastructure, your needs for customization, your security model, your performance needs and your operational preferences. Caldera and Gelato are notable for managed rollup deployment . – AltLayer : Modular rollup-focused infrastructure . For RPC, APIs and general blockchain connectivity, Alchemy and QuickNode are better choices.
Chainstack & OVHcloud are for teams who want managed or configurable infrastructure. OP Stack gives more control through an open-source framework. Arbitrum Orbit is a good fit for application-specific chains that require customization. The ideal alternative is one that strikes the right balance between ease of deployment, scalability, data availability, integrations, security and long-term infrastructure costs.
FAQ
What is the best Conduit alternative for managed L2 infrastructure?
Caldera and Gelato are strong choices for managed L2 infrastructure because they simplify rollup deployment, provide infrastructure services, and support customizable blockchain environments.
Is Caldera better than Conduit?
Caldera can be preferable for projects seeking flexible rollup configurations and modular infrastructure options. The better choice depends on customization, deployment requirements, integrations, and operational needs.
What is the best Conduit alternative for customizable rollups?
OP Stack, Arbitrum Orbit, Caldera, and AltLayer provide strong customization options. OP Stack offers particularly high control because it is an open-source rollup framework.
Which Conduit rival is best for developer infrastructure?
Alchemy and QuickNode are strong options for RPC, APIs, blockchain connectivity, and developer tooling. They are more focused on infrastructure access than fully managed L2 deployment.
Which Conduit alternative is best for modular rollup infrastructure?
AltLayer is a strong choice for projects exploring modular and customizable rollup architectures, particularly application-specific blockchain environments.
