10 Best ZK Rollup Projects to Watch in 2025

ZK Rollup started in 2018 with early Ethereum research that tested scalable transactions using proof-based models. By 2021, more than five networks had adopted the method for reducing gas costs. Businesses now observe that transaction speed increases by nearly 15 times while operational fees drop by over 80 percent during bulk execution with privacy intact.

Several projects utilising ZK rollup touched a market cap beyond 600 million US dollars during the early quarter of 2025. This blog shares ten strong projects that follow ZK Rollup in recent times.
 

What is ZK Rollup?

ZK Rollup works by collecting many transactions and then creating one proof for them, which gets verified on the main blockchain, where the space remains saved because the data does not move fully. The method uses zero-knowledge proofs for keeping the privacy of transaction details safe while the record still stays valid.

Traders use it in platforms where gas fees rise often, and the process needs faster speed. A wallet might send five transactions together with one proof during a heavy load.
 

 

ZK Rollup – Working Methodology:

1. Bundle Transactions: The network consolidates various transactions into a single group. It sends that group forward instead of processing each separately. That step helps to reduce how many times the blockchain has to work on each transaction by itself.
2. Validate Off-Chain: Many of those grouped transactions do not need checking on the blockchain itself and instead get verified outside it by other networks. That method makes the task quicker and avoids using too many blockchain resources for minor steps.
3. Generate a ZKP: The full batch of actions then leads to one single proof, which becomes the zero-knowledge proof and stands as the sign that everything was correct. No one has to check every item in the list because the proof already shows it happened properly.
4. Submit the Proof to the Blockchain: The blockchain will receive only this single short proof and store it instead of repeating or saving all transaction steps again. The space on the chain remains unused for repeated data because that one proof replaces it all.
5. Proof Offered by Blockchain: There is no new checking done by the blockchain itself, and every transaction already stands as valid through that earlier proof. The method allows each step to continue quickly without repeating checks that have already happened outside the chain.

 

Key Factors for Assessing Leading ZK Rollup Projects

• Scalability Needs: Each project might need either faster speed or stronger control, and the type of result wanted will decide the correct network. Some use Validium for faster work, while others use zkSync for strong blockchain use and better control.
• Network Security: Security features differ from project to project, and some keep most data outside the chain while others keep strong links inside it. The second type can give better long-term strength because the chain itself holds more responsibility.
• Cost Efficiency: Some Networks use less power and time, which results in better cost savings for users and developers together. Those small savings increase over time and may help the project remain strong when more users join.
• Developer Support: A good ZK Rollup project must already have a strong group of builders who can help others learn and grow with the tools. That kind of setup gives teams more comfort to build and fix things over time.

 

Top 10 ZK Rollup Projects in 2025

 

1. zkSync

ZKSync was launched in the year 2020. The platform offers very low transaction charges, nearly less than one cent, and handles over two thousand transactions per second. One strong point is its use in payments, DeFi, and NFTs. zkSync applies a rollup method that combines many transactions into a single proof, then adds it to Ethereum to save time and reduce the use of gas.

The compatibility with Ethereum-based dApps helps many developers connect without changing existing code. For companies that aim to reduce costs and still keep strong security, this solution brings practical results.

2. Scroll

It was launched during the year 2023. The platform supports very low charges and handles over two thousand transactions each second. This layer targets DeFi general-purpose dApps and the overall need for Ethereum expansion.

The Scroll model provides a familiar developer path that closely follows Ethereum, so moving from Ethereum requires less work. This saves time for business teams and technical leaders while keeping performance high and supporting cost control for heavy activity.

3. zkSpace

It was launched in 2021. The platform offers fast service with only a few cents per transaction and manages more than two thousand transactions per second. ZkSpace focuses on payments, NFTs, and DeFi with built-in exchange support. This all-in-one service model enables users to make fast and low-cost transfers with safety.

The core network helps projects like NFT platforms and trading apps run better under high volume and frequent actions. For many product teams, this structure brings convenience and support without complex handling.

4. Polygon zkEVM

It was launched during the year 2023. The network works with almost ninety percent reduced charges compared to Ethereum Layer 1 and processes more than two thousand transactions per second. It supports DeFi smart contracts and NFTs.

Polygon zkEVM follows a structure that matches Ethereum’s virtual machine, so existing projects can move easily. Businesses that require faster contract execution rely on this layer to increase speed. It also reduces effort while using Ethereum’s features.

5. StarkNet

It was introduced in 2022. The platform handles charges that remain low but change based on use, while the future goal is over nine thousand transactions per second. The focus is on DeFi gaming and better support for apps that require scale. StarkNet is built using a technique known as STARKs, which supports off-chain computation that improves speed.

Many businesses can benefit from this method when they want to build private and secure solutions for large applications. The potential for big data and real-time use makes it suitable for strong blockchain support.

6. Loopring

It was launched in 2019. The method brings costs down to nearly one percent of Ethereum’s normal fees and maintains over two thousand transactions per second. Loopring was one of the first to use this rollup idea, mainly for decentralized trading.

The platform allows activity that compares with centralized exchanges while still keeping Ethereum-grade security. Companies working in digital trading find this helpful when trying to control charges and speed in user transactions.

7. Aztec

The launch occurred in the year 2020. The cost is far less than Ethereum, and over one thousand transactions can be processed in one second. The platform focuses strongly on privacy with its DeFi support. Aztec uses a private layer where transaction data is hidden but still checked on-chain.

This method fits business models that need financial privacy, such as bank-like systems. Such an approach supports security rules while avoiding data leaks during transaction sharing.

8. Linea

It was launched in 2023. The charges stay lower than Ethereum, and over two thousand transactions per second are supported. Linea supports Ethereum-linked applications and DeFi tools. This layer keeps a close match with Ethereum use cases while still adding high-performance support.

For those building web3 apps and new structures, this network allows freedom of use and works without the slow speed or cost of Layer 1 networks. Developers gain more results with less drain on time and gas.

9. Mina Protocol

This protocol was established in 2020. The platform stays lightweight and manages over one thousand transactions per second with more room for growth. Mina utilizes a structure designed to maintain the entire blockchain. It makes it a few kilobytes in size. This structure relies on a proof method named ZK-SNARKs, which keeps the size down and still verifies changes.

It suits companies that aim to add blockchain to private networks or networks without carrying large backend files. The small base makes it easier to run on basic machines or low-capacity networks.

10. Immutable X

It was launched during the year 2021. The layer gives a gas-free experience for trading NFTs and manages more than nine thousand transactions each second. The network is designed for gaming and NFT platforms. Immutable X allows creation and trading without gas fees and uses rollup tools to reduce the impact on the environment.

This method fits creators and companies building digital collections and game assets on a wide scale. Low-cost and high-volume handling suits quick market entries.
 

Reasons Why ZK Rollups Will Set The Future of Blockchain Scaling?

1. Low Gas Consumption on Main Blockchain

Transaction batches in zero-knowledge rollups create smaller data loads inside the main chain structure, which allows much lower gas fees than traditional single-transaction networks. Most activities happen outside the chain, which keeps on-chain costs very minimal during heavy user interaction times.

2. Faster Transaction Processing Outside the Main Layer

Bundling and validation tasks take place outside the central network, which helps improve the processing speed of many operations. Network block time has less impact since the final submission takes very little time per batch.

3. Stronger Privacy Protection by Default

Zero-knowledge methods avoid the open sharing of transaction content and allow hidden data confirmation. Such a network helps limit exposure of personal account details and transfer history without breaking the final trust logic.

4. Suitable for Large Decentralized Applications

When many users interact in a single platform, smart contracts and applications perform better due to fewer on-chain demands. This helps large platforms operate smoothly without gas spikes from each user action.

5. Long-Term Compatibility with Ethereum Ecosystem

Smart contract layers inside zero-knowledge rollups follow Ethereum’s core networks and work well without breaking EVM rules. This makes such rollups fit smoothly into present and future Ethereum changes, including upgrades.

6. Security Proofs Support Final Trust Guarantees

Batch proofs created using cryptographic tools confirm transaction accuracy and block consistency before data reaches the main layer. The strong proof network acts as a protection measure even when actions happen outside the chain.

7. Lower Network Load with High User Volume

Main networks often struggle under rising user numbers due to repeated single transfers. Rollup models reduce such load by collecting user tasks and pushing them as shared batches.
 

Conclusion:

The technology behind ZK Rollup projects continues to grow strong as platforms begin to focus on speed and cost reduction. Each project built on zero-knowledge methods allows better transaction handling without revealing important data. Business people and firms have already started applying such solutions to handle daily blockchain work.

Fire Bee Techno Services is a renowned Blockchain Development Company that offers strong zero-knowledge rollup development with steady backend support. Build your ZK Rollup project with us today for better speed and privacy in blockchain use.