Compare the best Ethereum Layer 2 networks by fees, speed, TVL, and ecosystem. Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, zkSync, and more in 2026.
Updated February 19, 2026·6 picks reviewed
Layer 2 networks process transactions off Ethereum mainnet and post compressed data back for security. The result: dramatically lower fees and faster confirmations while inheriting Ethereum's security. L2s have gone from experimental tech to essential infrastructure. Most DeFi activity has moved to L2s because paying $50 in gas for a $100 swap on mainnet doesn't make sense. The big question for users: which L2 should you use? It depends on what you're doing. Some have better DeFi ecosystems, some are cheaper, and some are backed by major companies bringing in users. Here's how they stack up.
The largest L2 by TVL and number of protocols. Arbitrum One uses optimistic rollup technology and hosts the most mature DeFi ecosystem of any L2. GMX, Camelot, Radiant, and hundreds of other protocols call Arbitrum home.
Best for: DeFi users who want the deepest liquidity on an L2
Pros
Largest L2 by TVL
Most DeFi protocols
Battle-tested (live since 2021)
Low fees ($0.01-$0.10 per tx)
Cons
7-day withdrawal delay to Ethereum
Centralized sequencer (decentralization planned)
ARB token has underperformed
#2
Base
Coinbase's L2 built on the OP Stack. Base has no native token and benefits from Coinbase's 100M+ user base for onboarding. The SocialFi and consumer AI scene on Base is thriving.
Best for: Consumer AI, social apps, and Coinbase users
The L2 behind the OP Stack, which Base, Zora, and others are built on. Optimism has a unique retroactive public goods funding model and a growing Superchain vision where multiple L2s share infrastructure.
Best for: Users who support the Superchain ecosystem vision
Pros
OP Stack powers multiple L2s
Retroactive public goods funding
Strong governance model
Good DeFi ecosystem
Cons
Smaller TVL than Arbitrum
7-day withdrawal delay
Superchain vision still developing
#4
zkSync Era
A ZK-rollup L2 that uses zero-knowledge proofs for faster finality than optimistic rollups. No 7-day withdrawal delay. Native account abstraction makes the UX smoother. Ecosystem is growing but still behind Arbitrum.
Best for: Users who prefer ZK-proof security and faster withdrawals
Pros
ZK-proof based (faster finality)
Native account abstraction
No 7-day withdrawal wait
Growing ecosystem
Cons
Smaller ecosystem than Arbitrum/Base
ZK token airdrop was controversial
Higher computational cost for proofs
#5
Scroll
A zkEVM L2 focused on EVM equivalence. Scroll aims to be the closest to running exactly like Ethereum but with ZK proofs for scaling. Bytecode-level compatibility means existing Ethereum tools work out of the box.
Best for: Developers and users who want the most EVM-compatible ZK L2
Pros
Closest to true EVM equivalence
ZK-proof security model
Easy to port Ethereum dApps
Growing steadily
Cons
Newer with smaller ecosystem
Lower TVL than competitors
Less brand recognition
#6
Starknet
Uses STARK proofs (vs SNARKs) and has its own programming language (Cairo) instead of Solidity. More technically ambitious but requires dApps to be rewritten. The trade-off is potentially better long-term scaling.
Best for: Technical users and devs interested in cutting-edge ZK technology
Pros
STARK proofs (no trusted setup)
Potentially superior long-term scaling
Strong technical team
Native account abstraction
Cons
Requires Cairo (not EVM compatible)
Smaller dApp ecosystem
Higher barrier for developers
STRK token performance has been weak
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Layer 2 has the lowest fees?
After EIP-4844 (proto-danksharding), most L2s have fees under $0.05 per transaction. Base and Arbitrum are typically the cheapest for simple transfers. Fees on all L2s dropped 90%+ after blob transactions went live.
Is my money safe on a Layer 2?
L2s inherit Ethereum's security for transaction validity. The main risk is the sequencer (the entity that orders transactions) being centralized. If the sequencer goes down, you may need to wait for forced withdrawal mechanisms. Most major L2s are working on decentralizing their sequencers.
How do I bridge funds to a Layer 2?
Use the official bridge for each L2 (Arbitrum Bridge, Base Bridge, etc.) or a third-party bridge like Across, Stargate, or Hop Protocol. Third-party bridges are faster but add smart contract risk. Always start with a small test transaction.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before investing in any AI technology or using any platform. Some links may be affiliate links.