Best Layer 2 Crypto Projects in 2025

Although considered the second most popular blockchain, Ethereum is still facing issues like high gas fees and network downtime. To provide a solution to this issue, Layer 2 cryptocurrency projects were created, and the number of users demanding it is still increasing.

Layer 2 projects are designed to scale Ethereum by processing transactions off Ethereum’s blockchain while still using Ethereum for security and settlement. These projects improve speed, reduce cost, and offer developers an environment to build better decentralized applications.

This article is a detailed discussion on the top Layer 2 crypto projects in 2025, according to the recent data on how they are being adopted, value locked, and real use cases.

1. Arbitrum

Arbitrum uses optimistic rollup technology to bundle transactions before sending data to Ethereum and is one of the most widely used Layer 2 networks in 2025 because of its reduction in gas fees and increase in speed.

The network supports many decentralized finance applications, such as GMX, Radiant Capital, and Camelot, and also has the known ‘Arbitrum Orbit’, which allows developers to build custom blockchains that operate on its network. Considering the total value locked, Arbitrum is the best among other Layer 2 projects.

2. zkSync Era

zkSync Era is built on zero-knowledge rollups, a method that uses mathematical proofs to validate transactions, helping the technology increase speed and security while processing transactions at lower fees. zkSync Era is compatible with Ethereum’s virtual machine, which makes it easy for developers to move their projects from Ethereum to zkSync.

Arguably, zkSync has attracted more developers due to its support for account abstraction and native smart wallets. The platform is being used by projects like Argent and has been highly adopted, with hundreds of millions in value locked.

3. Optimism

Optimism is a Layer 2 project that uses optimistic rollups to improve the scalability of Ethereum and allows developers to run their existing Ethereum applications without major changes. It has built a strong ecosystem and is known for its Superchain structure, which supports other chains like Base.

The network is trusted for its low transaction fees, active governance model, and focus on public goods funding. In 2025, it is growing due to its developer-friendly environment and solid user base in various DeFi and NFT projects.

4. Base

Base is a Layer 2 solution created by Coinbase, built on the Optimism stack, and designed to bring users and developers into Web3 using Coinbase tools. Since its launch, Base has become one of the fastest-growing Layer 2 chains due to its large user base, especially from retail and consumer-focused applications.

Base supports apps like FriendTech and also integrates major DeFi protocols such as Aave and Curve. Due to Coinbase’s brand, the blockchain will continue to grow for quite a long time.

5. Starknet

Starknet is a Layer 2 network built on zk-rollup technology using STARK proofs to offer high scalability and data availability, which is important for developers working on advanced decentralized applications. The network is also used by several large projects, including dYdX and Immutable X.

This year, the project has been recognized for its use of the Cairo programming language and its focus on custom smart contract development, making it an ideal platform for developers building complex DeFi and gaming applications.

6. Polygon

Polygon zkEVM is a zero-knowledge Layer 2 network built by the Polygon team to support Ethereum smart contracts and focuses on high throughput and low fees. Polygon zkEVM is part of the larger Polygon ecosystem, which includes other blockchains and data availability solutions.

Aave, Uniswap, and other decentralized applications are mostly using the network in 2025 and also gaining adoption from Polygon, which has connections with large enterprises, including Starbucks and Disney.

7. Scroll

Scroll is a zkEVM-based Layer 2 that provides complete bytecode compatibility with Ethereum, meaning that developers can deploy Ethereum smart contracts to Scroll without any modifications.

The network is built to be scalable, low-cost, and easy to use, focusing on modular architecture, AI tools, and other high-performance use cases in 2025.

8. Mantle

Mantle is a modular Layer 2 blockchain built for high-performance DeFi applications that uses EigenLayer’s data availability solutions to reduce costs and improve scalability. The project has its focus on governance, tokenized assets, and its blockchain activity.

Currently, Mantle is gaining traction for its real-life asset tokenization features and engaging community funding, making it quickly become a preferred Layer 2 platform for projects that need speed and flexibility.

9. MetisDAO

MetisDAO is a Layer 2 network based on optimistic rollups that supports a wide range of decentralized applications and focuses on decentralized governance. It includes middleware tools like Polis, which help projects manage identity and communication across the ecosystem.

It is being used for DeFi, NFT projects, and decentralized autonomous organizations for 2025, plus its low fees and built-in tools make it useful for new developers and still-growing applications.

10. Linea

Linea is a zkEVM Layer 2 developed by ConsenSys, the team behind MetaMask, to support Ethereum smart contracts while offering fast finality with low fees.

Linea is designed for users who are already using MetaMask and want an easy Layer 2 experience, and in 2025, it is being adopted by developers building Web3 apps, digital identity projects, and tokenized services.

11. Blast

Blast is a Layer 2 that offers native ETH and stablecoin yield directly within its blockchain; in other words, users earn yield without having to stake or lend manually.

The project is attracting attention in 2025 for its new feature to its blockchain rewards. With over one billion dollars in value locked, the network is being used for gaming, NFTs, and yield farming.

12. Orderly Network

Orderly Network is a Layer 2 platform focused on liquidity and decentralized trading that supports business-grade infrastructure and unified liquidity layers. The network is helping to improve trading speed and reduce slippage for high-volume Web3 applications in 2025, and it is designed for developers building exchanges, trading bots, and liquidity protocols.

Conclusion

Layer 2 crypto projects in 2025 are solving most of the pressing issues on the Ethereum blockchain. They possess high speed, reduce fees, give developers better tools to build on the blockchain more better than Ethereum.

We have addressed that Arbitrum, zkSync Era, Optimism, and Base are at the top of the list of best Layer 2 crypto projects due to their high number of activities by users and adoption, while Starknet, Polygon zkEVM, Scroll, and Mantle are best in terms of technical features and ecosystem support.

Certainly, Layer 2 crypto projects will still keep up with improving the performance of Layer 1 projects, making crypto easily to get by users around the world as long as blockchain is growing.

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