This article will identify the Best Ethereum Layer-2 Solutions for Low Fees that reduce the cost for the users and improve speed and scalability.
We will look at notable Layer-2 networks like Arbitrum, Optimism, zkSync Era, StarkNet, Polygon zkEVM, Base, Linea, Scroll, Mantle and Blast and their features and benefits and technology and use cases in the Ethereum ecosystem.
Why Use Ethereum Layer-2 Solutions for Low Fees
Gas Fees made Affordable
Layer-2 solutions process transactions on a secondary Layer, and batch multiple transactions into one. This significantly reduces costs and gas fees to make the use of the blockchain more economical for all participants, i.e users, developers and businesses.
Transaction Speed
Most of the computation is handled on the main Ethereum chain, which causes delays in transactions. Layer-2 solutions help processing transactions away from the congested chain of Ethereum and facilitate faster transactions in dApps, trading platforms and other Web3 services.
Scalability of Blockchain Systems
Layer-2 solutions uses multiple rollup technologies like zkRollups and Optimistic Rollups. These Layer-2 solutions can help Ethereum scale without compromising on security to support high throughput applications with a better use of system resources.
Expansion of DeFi Applications
Transaction fees are the main hindrance to the use of DeFi applications. Layer-2 solutions help reduce the costs of using DeFi applications and increase network liquidity and usage for lending and borrowing.
Enhanced Adoption
Potential users of blockchain applications are often discouraged by the high costs and cumbersome user experience. Layer-2 solutions improve the user experience by making transactions faster and cheaper. This leads to an increase in the use of wallets, games, NFTs and dApps.
Ethereum’s Security
Security is the main concern of all users on blockchains and layered solutions. Most Layer-2 solutions inherit Ethereum’s security because they post every transaction or a cryptographic proof to Ethereum. While users have lower costs and fees, they still enjoy the security of Ethereum’s infrastructure.
Begin Web3 Mass Adoption
Tier-2 solutions create an application, game, or consumer and developer friendly environment that encourages adoption of Web3 offerings. The cost of widespread blockchain use is drastically cut down the cost of widespread blockchain use, since these solutions target cost barriers.
Expand Developer Opportunities
Cost barriers for Layer-2 solutions are decreased, and so, too, are cost barriers for scalability. EVM networks let developers bring Ethereum smart contracts to their platforms, and take advantage of the speed and cost associated with Layer-2 solutions.
Strengthen NFT and Gaming Markets
NFTs and blockchain games require a lot of transactions. Layer-1 Ethereum fees get expensive with those transactions. Layer-2 infrastructure allows for cost effective minting and trading of NFTs, and other in-game transactions.
Keep Ethereum Applications Current
With proprietary, custom, and dedicated blockchain services opening up the market, Layer-2 Solutions create a sustainable architecture for Ethereum to keep pace with the growing demand for greater scalability for its services, and, worse case, for users to sacrifice the five principles of blockchain service, which are, low cost, high speed, security and decentralization.
Key Point & Best Ethereum Layer-2 Solutions for Low Fees
| Ethereum Layer-2 Solution | Key Features | Transaction Speed | Fee Reduction | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arbitrum | Optimistic rollup technology, Ethereum compatibility, strong DeFi ecosystem, high security through Ethereum settlement | High-speed transactions compared to Ethereum Layer-1 | Reduces gas fees significantly by processing transactions off-chain | DeFi applications, gaming, NFTs, decentralized exchanges |
| Optimism | Optimistic rollup network, EVM-compatible, simple developer integration, OP Stack ecosystem | Fast transaction confirmation with Ethereum-level security | Offers low-cost transactions for users and developers | DeFi protocols, Web3 apps, blockchain infrastructure |
| zkSync Era | Zero-knowledge rollups, native account abstraction, Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility | Very fast transaction processing with low latency | Provides extremely low transaction costs through zk technology | DeFi, payments, smart contracts, mass adoption applications |
| StarkNet | ZK-rollup powered by STARK proofs, high scalability, permissionless smart contracts | Handles large transaction volumes efficiently | Lowers fees by bundling multiple transactions together | Advanced DeFi, gaming, scalable dApps |
| Polygon zkEVM | Ethereum-equivalent ZK-rollup, supports existing Ethereum tools, strong Polygon ecosystem | Faster execution with Ethereum compatibility | Reduces Ethereum gas costs using zero-knowledge proofs | Enterprise applications, DeFi, Web3 projects |
| Base | Coinbase-backed Layer-2 network, built using OP Stack, developer-friendly ecosystem | Fast transactions with reliable infrastructure | Offers affordable fees compared to Ethereum mainnet | Consumer apps, DeFi platforms, social applications |
| Linea | ConsenSys-developed zkEVM rollup, Ethereum-compatible, secure ZK proofs | High scalability with quick transaction confirmation | Enables cheaper Ethereum transactions | Enterprise solutions, DeFi, Web3 developers |
| Scroll | Native zkEVM Layer-2, Ethereum compatibility, decentralized proving system | Efficient transaction processing with strong scalability | Provides low gas fees through ZK-rollup technology | dApps, DeFi, NFT platforms |
| Mantle | Modular Layer-2 network, uses optimistic rollup architecture, data availability solutions | High throughput and fast execution | Reduces costs through efficient transaction processing | DeFi, gaming, decentralized applications |
| Blast | Ethereum Layer-2 with native yield features, optimistic rollup technology, Ethereum compatibility | Fast transactions with scalable infrastructure | Provides lower fees compared to Ethereum mainnet | DeFi protocols, yield applications, Web3 users |
1. Arbitrum
One of the prominent Ethereum Layer-2 solutions for low fees, Arbitrum, was developed by Offchain Labs and published in 2021. Arbitrum employs Optimistic Rollup technology and secures Ethereum’s mainnet.
Arbitrum aids users in saving gas costs, and also provides faster, more scalable transactions. It supports the development of contracts and is also compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine.
Best Ethereum Layer-2 Solutions for Low Fees, including Arbitrum, are used for DeFi, NFT, gaming, and DEXs. Its ecosystem is comprised of most protocols, making it one of the most adopted Layer-2 networks.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded Year | Founded in 2018 by Offchain Labs and launched its mainnet in 2021. |
| Technology Used | Uses Optimistic Rollup technology to process transactions off-chain and submit compressed data to Ethereum. |
| Transaction Speed | Provides faster transaction confirmation compared to Ethereum Layer-1. |
| Low Fees | Reduces Ethereum gas costs by bundling multiple transactions together. |
| Ethereum Compatibility | Fully EVM-compatible, allowing developers to deploy Ethereum-based smart contracts easily. |
| Security Model | Inherits Ethereum security through fraud-proof mechanisms. |
| Developer Support | Supports Solidity developers and popular Ethereum development tools. |
| Best Use Cases | DeFi platforms, decentralized exchanges, NFT marketplaces, gaming applications, and Web3 projects. |
2. Optimism
Optimism is one of the proven Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solutions. Launched in 2021, it had been founded in 2019 at the Optimism Foundation. Like others, Optimism uses Rollups, but bundles multiple transactions which reduce the congestion of the Ethereum mainnet and significantly low transaction costs.
Optimism is also fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine and supports the growing ecosystems of other developers called OP Stack.
Among the Best Ethereum Layer-2 Solutions for Low Fees, Optimism is also very simple to implement, provides security, and excellent community support. It provides the solutions for most DeFi, Web3, gaming, and scalable DApp projects that require cheap and efficient transactions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded Year | Founded in 2019 by the Optimism Foundation and launched publicly in 2021. |
| Technology Used | Uses Optimistic Rollups to improve Ethereum scalability and reduce transaction costs. |
| Transaction Speed | Enables faster processing by moving transactions away from Ethereum mainnet. |
| Low Fees | Provides significantly lower gas fees compared to Ethereum Layer-1. |
| OP Stack Ecosystem | Powers multiple Layer-2 networks through its modular OP Stack framework. |
| Ethereum Compatibility | Fully compatible with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). |
| Security Model | Uses Ethereum settlement and fraud-proof technology for security. |
| Best Use Cases | DeFi applications, blockchain infrastructure, gaming, and decentralized applications. |
3. zkSync Era
In 2023, Matter Labs branched out on its own to develop its own, highly innovative Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solution – zkSync Era. As a zero-knowledge rollup, zkSync Era processes off-chain transactions in batches, cryptographically securing proofs of those transactions on the Ethereum mainnet.
Using advanced zk-rollup technology, zkSync Era has a great user experience, incorporates zkEVM, and offers account abstraction. The Best Ethereum Layer-2 Solutions for Low Fees rankings include zkSync Era, as it is a highly scalable solution with incredibly low transaction costs and near instant finality.
zkSync Era was designed to integrate end users and developers across enterprise use cases of DeFi, payments, and games, as well as NFTs, zkSync Era accommodates the Ethereum security model for enterprise blockchain applications.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded Year | Developed by Matter Labs and launched in 2023. |
| Technology Used | Uses Zero-Knowledge Rollups (ZK-Rollups) for scalable Ethereum transactions. |
| Transaction Speed | Processes thousands of transactions faster than Ethereum mainnet. |
| Low Fees | Provides very low transaction costs through transaction batching and ZK proofs. |
| zkEVM Compatibility | Supports Ethereum smart contracts with minimal changes. |
| Account Abstraction | Offers advanced wallet features and improved user experience. |
| Security Model | Uses cryptographic proofs to verify transaction validity. |
| Best Use Cases | DeFi, payments, gaming, NFTs, and mass blockchain adoption. |
4. StarkNet
Launched by StarkWare in 2022, StarkNet is a highly innovative, low cost Layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum. StarkNet combines the power of STARK zero-knowledge rollup proofs to free transactions from Ethereum’s restricted processing capacity.
StarkNet increases the complexity of users’ Dapps by adding a programming language – Cairo. Reducing transaction fees is a combination of highly efficient batching; this has earned StarkNet a spot in the Best Ethereum Layer-2 Solutions for Low Fees category.
StarkNet’s powerful and highly scalable architecture makes it an ideal layer for the Web3 Games, DeFi, financial, and high-speed low cost transactional applications of the next generation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded Year | Developed by StarkWare and launched in 2022. |
| Technology Used | Uses STARK-based Zero-Knowledge Rollups for scalability. |
| Transaction Speed | Supports high transaction throughput with efficient proof generation. |
| Low Fees | Reduces costs by processing multiple transactions together. |
| Programming Language | Uses Cairo language for developing scalable smart contracts. |
| Security Model | Uses STARK cryptographic proofs with Ethereum settlement. |
| Scalability | Designed for large-scale decentralized applications. |
| Best Use Cases | DeFi platforms, gaming, financial applications, and advanced Web3 solutions. |
5. Polygon zkEVM
Polygon zkEVM is a zero-knowledge Ethereum Layer-2 solution from Polygon Labs in 2023. It has Ethereum-equivalence, meaning developers can deploy Ethereum’s smart contracts on Polygon zkEVM without major changes.
It leverages ZK-rollups to boost the speed of transactions and lower gas fees on the network while upholding the security of Ethereum. Best Layer-2 Solutions for Ethereum with Low Fees empower developers and businesses by building scalable blockchain apps on them with low costs for operations.
It enhances DeFi, gaming, and NFTs, as well as enterprise use cases, while extending its benefits to the larger Polygon ecosystem. Its emphasis on compatibility with Ethereum reduces the friction for developers to adopt it.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded Year | Developed by Polygon Labs and launched in 2023. |
| Technology Used | Uses Zero-Knowledge Rollup technology with Ethereum compatibility. |
| Transaction Speed | Improves Ethereum transaction processing speed. |
| Low Fees | Reduces gas expenses by executing transactions off-chain. |
| Ethereum Equivalent | Allows developers to use existing Ethereum smart contracts and tools. |
| Security Model | Uses Ethereum settlement with ZK proofs. |
| Developer Experience | Supports Solidity and Ethereum development frameworks. |
| Best Use Cases | Enterprise applications, DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and Web3 platforms. |
6. Base
Base is an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain from Coinbase that uses the OP Stack technology from Optimism and was launched in 2023. Optimistic solution to security, scalability, and low-cost transactions for DApps is what Base seeks to achieve.
Base has a friendly infrastructure for developers, as well as all the integrations of the Coinbase ecosystem and the security of Ethereum, thanks to optimistic rollups.
It is among the Best Layer-2 Solutions for Ethereum with Low Fees due to its growing Web3 ecosystem. It also deals with gaming and other DApps while opening up the world of blockchain for millions of users.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded Year | Developed by Coinbase and launched in 2023. |
| Technology Used | Built using Optimism OP Stack technology. |
| Transaction Speed | Provides fast transaction execution with scalable infrastructure. |
| Low Fees | Offers affordable transactions compared to Ethereum mainnet. |
| Ethereum Compatibility | Supports Ethereum smart contracts and developer tools. |
| Security Model | Uses Ethereum security through optimistic rollups. |
| Coinbase Integration | Benefits from Coinbase ecosystem and user adoption. |
| Best Use Cases | Consumer apps, DeFi, social platforms, gaming, and Web3 applications. |
7. Linea
Linea, developed by ConsenSys and launched in 2023, is a zkEVM-based Ethereum Layer-2 network. By utilizing zero-knowledge rollups, Linea can be faster, more scalable, and have cheaper gas costs while remaining compatible with Ethereum. Linea gives developers the ability to use Ethereum’s tools and networks, and smart contracts, which eases migration.
Being one of the Best Ethereum Layer-2 Solutions for Low Fees, Linea aims to provide safe and inexpensive blockchain infrastructure for developers and enterprises. The network supports DeFi, NFTs, and games, and Web3, and has the added benefit of ConsenSys’ knowledge of Ethereum infrastructure and developer tools.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded Year | Developed by ConsenSys and launched in 2023. |
| Technology Used | Uses zkEVM-based Zero-Knowledge Rollups. |
| Transaction Speed | Provides faster transaction processing with scalable architecture. |
| Low Fees | Reduces Ethereum gas costs using ZK technology. |
| Ethereum Compatibility | Supports existing Ethereum tools, wallets, and smart contracts. |
| Security Model | Uses Ethereum settlement and zero-knowledge proofs. |
| Developer Support | Provides integration with ConsenSys developer ecosystem. |
| Best Use Cases | DeFi, enterprise blockchain solutions, NFTs, and Web3 applications. |
8. Scroll
Scroll is a decentralized Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solution launched in 2023 that employs native zkEVM technology. Through the use of zero-knowledge proofs, it scales Ethereum-compatible smart contracts to have faster execution and cheaper transactions.
Scroll, like many of the Best Ethereum Layer-2 Solutions for Low Fees, aims to improve the Ethereum ecosystem by making it a cheaper and more efficient environment for DApps, and therefore reducing gas costs and network congestion.
The protocol is designed to support DeFi, NFT, and Web3 services all while retaining the Ethereum security model. Additionally, Scroll’s layer also makes development of Ethereum DApps easier and more efficient, as the ecosystem supports all developer tools and frameworks.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded Year | Developed by Scroll team and launched mainnet in 2023. |
| Technology Used | Uses native zkEVM Zero-Knowledge Rollup technology. |
| Transaction Speed | Enables faster Ethereum-compatible transactions. |
| Low Fees | Lowers transaction costs through efficient ZK proofs. |
| Ethereum Compatibility | Allows developers to deploy existing Ethereum applications. |
| Security Model | Secures transactions through Ethereum validation. |
| Developer Experience | Supports Solidity and Ethereum development tools. |
| Best Use Cases | DeFi, NFT platforms, decentralized applications, and Web3 ecosystems. |
9. Mantle
Mantle is a Moduler Ethereum Layer-2 network launched in 2023 by the Mantle ecosystem and supported by BitDAO. Mantle combines optimistic rollups and modular data availability to further enhance scalability and decrease finality times and transaction costs.
Mantle optimistically rollups the execution layer and separates the settlement and data availability steps of the process. This gives Mantle the ability to perform much more operations at once. As designated as one of the Best Ethereum Layer-2 Solutions for Low Fees, Mantle provides highly subsidized transactions.
Mantle concentrates mainly on DeFi, gaming, Web3, and enterprise blockchain solutions, while also having much higher throughput and performance than the Ethereum mainnet.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded Year | Launched in 2023 by the Mantle ecosystem supported by BitDAO. |
| Technology Used | Uses modular Layer-2 architecture with optimistic rollups. |
| Transaction Speed | Provides high throughput and scalable transaction processing. |
| Low Fees | Uses modular data availability to reduce operational costs. |
| Architecture | Separates execution, settlement, and data availability layers. |
| Security Model | Uses Ethereum security mechanisms. |
| Developer Support | Supports Ethereum-compatible applications and smart contracts. |
| Best Use Cases | DeFi, gaming, enterprise applications, and Web3 infrastructure. |
10. Blast
Launched in 2024 with the approval of the Blast team, who founded the blockchain project, Pacman (creator of Blur), Blast is an Ethereum Layer-2 network built as an optimistic rollup with fully integrated yield generation for both ETH and stablecoins. Blast facilitates lower cost, rapid transactions on Layer-2 compared to Layer-1 Ethereum, while also providing a yield generation mechanism.
For this reason, Blast is one of the Best Ethereum Layer-2 Solutions for Low Fees. The network offers support for DApps, NFT marketplaces, DeFi, and more, while providing a cost-effective way for developers to create scalable Web3 solutions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded Year | Launched in 2024 by the Blast team, associated with Blur founder Pacman. |
| Technology Used | Uses optimistic rollup technology with native yield features. |
| Transaction Speed | Provides faster transactions compared to Ethereum mainnet. |
| Low Fees | Reduces gas costs for users and developers. |
| Native Yield Feature | Provides automatic yield generation for ETH and stablecoins. |
| Security Model | Uses Ethereum settlement for transaction security. |
| DeFi Integration | Designed for decentralized finance applications and yield-based protocols. |
| Best Use Cases | DeFi platforms, NFT applications, yield farming, and Web3 projects. |
Comparison Table: Best Ethereum Layer-2 Solutions for Low Fees
| Ethereum Layer-2 Solution | Founded Year | Developer / Founder | Technology | Transaction Fees | Speed & Scalability | EVM Compatibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arbitrum | 2018 (Mainnet 2021) | Offchain Labs | Optimistic Rollup | Very Low | High scalability with fast confirmations | Full EVM Compatible | DeFi, DEXs, NFTs, Gaming |
| Optimism | 2019 (Mainnet 2021) | Optimism Foundation | Optimistic Rollup | Low | Fast transactions with scalable OP Stack | Full EVM Compatible | DeFi, Web3 Apps, Infrastructure |
| zkSync Era | 2023 | Matter Labs | ZK-Rollup / zkEVM | Extremely Low | High throughput with fast finality | zkEVM Compatible | Payments, DeFi, Mass Adoption |
| StarkNet | 2022 | StarkWare | STARK Zero-Knowledge Rollup | Very Low | High scalability using STARK proofs | Limited EVM Compatibility | Advanced dApps, Gaming, Finance |
| Polygon zkEVM | 2023 | Polygon Labs | ZK-Rollup | Low | Fast Ethereum scaling solution | Ethereum Equivalent | Enterprise, DeFi, NFTs |
| Base | 2023 | Coinbase | OP Stack Optimistic Rollup | Very Low | Fast processing with Coinbase ecosystem support | Full EVM Compatible | Consumer Apps, DeFi, Web3 |
| Linea | 2023 | ConsenSys | zkEVM Rollup | Low | High scalability with ZK proofs | Full EVM Compatible | Enterprise, DeFi, Developers |
| Scroll | 2023 | Scroll Team | Native zkEVM Rollup | Very Low | Efficient scaling with Ethereum security | Full EVM Compatible | dApps, NFTs, DeFi |
| Mantle | 2023 | Mantle Ecosystem / BitDAO | Modular Optimistic Rollup | Low | High throughput with modular architecture | EVM Compatible | DeFi, Gaming, Infrastructure |
| Blast | 2024 | Blast Team (Pacman) | Optimistic Rollup | Very Low | Fast transactions with native yield features | EVM Compatible | DeFi, Yield Applications, NFTs |
Quick Comparison Summary
| Category | Best Ethereum Layer-2 Solution |
|---|---|
| Lowest Transaction Fees | zkSync Era, Scroll, Blast |
| Best DeFi Ecosystem | Arbitrum, Optimism |
| Best Ethereum Compatibility | Polygon zkEVM, Linea, Scroll |
| Best Developer Experience | Base, Optimism, Arbitrum |
| Best ZK Technology | StarkNet, zkSync Era |
| Best Enterprise Adoption | Polygon zkEVM, Linea |
| Best Gaming Applications | Arbitrum, StarkNet, Mantle |
| Best Overall Layer-2 Adoption | Arbitrum, Optimism, Base |
Conclusion
Ethereum Layer-2 solutions help solve gas prices, speed, and scalability issues of transaction processing on the blockchain. Each of Arbitrum, Optimism, zkSync Era, StarkNet, Polygon zkEVM, Base, Linea, Scroll, Mantle, and Blast have their own distinct traits.
These Layer 2 Scaling solutions, including Optimistic Rollups and Zero-Knowledge Rollups, make Ethereum Rollups faster. The Best Ethereum Layer-2 Solutions for Low Fees help users and developers build DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, games, and Web3 that are scalable and affordable. The emergence of more Ethereum users drives more Layer 2 solutions to make the Ethereum Blockchain more usable.
FAQ
What are Ethereum Layer-2 solutions?
Ethereum Layer-2 solutions are scaling networks built on top of the Ethereum blockchain to improve transaction speed and reduce gas fees. They process transactions separately from the Ethereum mainnet and then record final results back on Ethereum for security. These solutions help developers create faster and more affordable decentralized applications.
Why are Ethereum Layer-2 solutions important for low fees?
Ethereum Layer-2 solutions reduce network congestion by moving transactions away from the main Ethereum chain. By processing multiple transactions together through technologies like Optimistic Rollups and Zero-Knowledge Rollups, they significantly lower gas costs while maintaining Ethereum’s security and reliability.
Which are the Best Ethereum Layer-2 Solutions for Low Fees in 2026?
Some of the Best Ethereum Layer-2 Solutions for Low Fees in 2026 include Arbitrum, Optimism, zkSync Era, StarkNet, Polygon zkEVM, Base, Linea, Scroll, Mantle, and Blast. These networks offer lower transaction costs, faster processing, and scalable infrastructure for DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and Web3 applications.
Is Arbitrum cheaper than Ethereum?
Yes, Arbitrum generally offers significantly lower transaction fees compared to Ethereum Layer-1. It uses Optimistic Rollup technology to bundle transactions and process them efficiently, making it a popular choice for DeFi users and developers looking for affordable blockchain transactions.
