Rollup is the most common Layer 2 solution in the current market. Rollup solutions can be divided into two categories: Optimistic Rollups and ZK Rollups. This article will introduce ZK Rollups. 1.Rollup is the most common Layer 2 solution in the current market. Rollup solutions can be divided into two categories: Optimistic Rollups and ZK Rollups. This article will introduce ZK Rollups. 1.
Learn/Market Insights/Hot Topic Analysis/The Highly ...What is It?

The Highly Anticipated ZK Rollup: What is It?

Jul 16, 2025MEXC
0m
ZKsync
ZK$0.01545-0.32%
4
4$0.013345-7.11%
Common Protocol
COMMON$0.0002842-8.47%


Rollup is the most common Layer 2 solution in the current market. Rollup solutions can be divided into two categories: Optimistic Rollups and ZK Rollups. This article will introduce ZK Rollups.

1. What is ZK Rollup?


ZK stands for Zero Knowledge, which refers to Zero-Knowledge Proofs. Zero-Knowledge Proofs allow users to prove their knowledge of critical data or ownership without revealing sensitive information, like the private keys to their wallet.

Rollup is a Layer 2 solution that improves efficiency by bundling multiple transactions together. After the transactions are completed, the transaction data is sent back to the main network. Rollup focuses on scaling and improving transaction performance while relying on the main network for security.

ZK Rollup is a solution that utilizes validity proofs to scale computations. It performs computations off-chain and submits validity proofs back to the main chain.

2. ZK Characteristics


The basic principle of ZK (Zero Knowledge) involves two parties: the Prover and the Verifier. The Prover generates a proof, and the Verifier verifies the proof without gaining access to the actual information. The key features include:

1. Comprehensiveness: If the Prover possesses the correct answer, they can find a way to prove its truth to the Verifier. In other words, something true cannot be proven false.

2. Soundness: If the Prover does not possess the answer, they cannot prove its truth to the Verifier. In other words, something false cannot be proven true.

3. Zero-Knowledge: During the proof process, the Verifier only gains knowledge of the proof itself and does not acquire any additional relevant information.

In the case of ZK Rollup, typically only the first two properties of ZK are applied to achieve compressed computation and reduce costs. As a result, user transaction information remains queryable.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of ZK Rollup Solutions


1. Fast Asset Transfers: Compared to Optimistic Rollups, which require approximately 7 days for verification, ZK Rollups offer much faster asset transfers. This is due to the different validation processes of the two Rollup solutions. After transaction data is processed on the Layer 2 network:

  • ZK Rollup generates a zero-knowledge proof when submitting the block to the Ethereum mainnet. The mainnet nodes verify this proof, and users generally have no perceptible delay.

  • Optimistic Rollup has a waiting period of 7 days, during which Ethereum mainnet nodes can challenge and prove a transaction to be false.

2. Low Transaction Costs: ZK Rollup performs computations off-chain and submits validity proofs to the main chain, avoiding the need to send all transaction data back to the mainnet. This reduces transaction costs. Additionally, the proof file is small and verification time remains constant, so the proof itself does not increase in size with the number of transactions.

3. High Technical Difficulty: ZK Rollup employs complex zero-knowledge proof algorithms that are incompatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Therefore, developers who want to deploy Ethereum applications on Layer 2 networks using ZK Rollup must not only rebuild their applications but also learn the development languages specific to Layer 2 networks.

4. Why are ZK gas fees so high?


The gas fees paid by users mainly consist of incentives for validator nodes, gas fees for submitting to the mainnet, and storage costs.

Validator nodes confirm and broadcast transactions on behalf of users but require incentives to perform these actions. Gas fees for submitting to the mainnet increase as the mainnet becomes more congested.

Storage costs are relatively fixed. The more people who use the available resources, the lower the average cost. ZK Rollup has not yet been widely adopted, so gas fees are much higher compared to Optimistic Rollup, which is more commonly used.

5. Currently Available ZK Rollup Solutions


Among the existing EVM-compatible solutions, StarkNet, zkSync, Polygon, and Scroll are particularly notable.

5.1 StarkNet


StarkNet is developed by the StarkWare team. Unlike other ZK solutions, StarkNet utilizes STARK proofs, while other solutions employ SNARK proofs. In simple terms, these two proof systems are different in the following ways:

  • STARK reduces reliance on centralization and offers enhanced security.
  • SNARK enables faster verification and lower transaction fees.

5.2 zkSync


zkSync is developed by the Matter Labs team and is currently running on the zkSync Era network. The current advantages of the zkSync network include:

  • Data Compression: zkSync improves data availability and reduces the cost of transactions with a large amount of input data.

  • Account Abstraction: A recently introduced feature aimed at improving the user and developer experience. The initial use for this feature is to pay gas fees with any given currency.

5.3 Polygon


In addition to adopting Bytecode-level EVM compatibility methods, Polygon has also implemented a new consensus mechanism called Proof of Efficiency (POE), which enhances decentralization while increasing network security.

5.4 Scroll


Scroll was launched in February of this year and is currently in the Pre-Alpha testnet phase. Scroll aims to be fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) at the bytecode level. In other words, developers can use any EVM-compatible language to create smart contracts and deploy them on the Scroll platform.

Comparison Chart of the Four Solutions:


Development Phase
Programming Language
EVM Compatibility
SNARK or STARK
Fees
Polygon
Public Beta
Solidity
Fully Compatible with EVM
SNARK+STARK
ETH
Scroll
Pre-Alpha
Solidity
Fully Compatible with EVM
SNARK
ETH
zkSync Era
Public Beta
Solidity、Vyper、LLVM
Only Language Compatible
SNARK
All erc20 Tokens
StarkNet
Alpha Mainnet
Cairo, Solidity (Using Compiler)
Only Language Compatible
STARK
STRK or ETH

6. Future Potential


ZK Rollup solutions have achieved a balance between efficiency and privacy, offering higher TPS (Transactions Per Second) and lower costs. The main constraint on its development at this phase is primarily due to technical factors, particularly EVM compatibility. Different technology teams have proposed their own solutions and are currently in the testing phase. When these projects go live on the mainnet, it may pave the way for widespread adoption of ZK Rollup.
Market Opportunity
ZKsync Logo
ZKsync Price(ZK)
$0.01545
$0.01545$0.01545
-0.25%
USD
ZKsync (ZK) Live Price Chart

Popular Articles

View More
Moonveil: ZK-Powered Web3 Gaming Redefining Ownership & Economy

Moonveil: ZK-Powered Web3 Gaming Redefining Ownership & Economy

The integration of blockchain technology and the gaming industry is emerging as one of the most promising frontiers in the digital economy. Its core value lies in fundamentally transforming how

Genius Crypto ($GENIUS): Complete Guide to the Token, Features, and How to Buy

Genius Crypto ($GENIUS): Complete Guide to the Token, Features, and How to Buy

Most DeFi traders know the frustration: five browser tabs, three wallets, constant gas errors, and missed entries. Genius Terminal was built to eliminate all of it. In this guide, you'll learn

GIGGLE Token Analysis: Surging 40% Past $41 – What is GIGGLE and How to Buy?

GIGGLE Token Analysis: Surging 40% Past $41 – What is GIGGLE and How to Buy?

GIGGLE (Giggle Fund) has recently ignited the crypto market with explosive price action. According to the latest market data, GIGGLE surged past the $41 mark, recording a daily gain of over 40%! As

Stablecoin Depegging History: From UST to USD1, a Safer Evolution

Stablecoin Depegging History: From UST to USD1, a Safer Evolution

In the development history of the cryptocurrency market, stablecoin depegging events serve as a mirror, reflecting the difficult balance between pursuing innovation and ensuring safety in the digital

Hot Crypto Updates

View More
Zcash News: Privacy Cryptocurrency Gains Momentum in Crypto Market

Zcash News: Privacy Cryptocurrency Gains Momentum in Crypto Market

Privacy-focused cryptocurrencies are capturing renewed attention, and Zcash is leading the charge. The digital asset has experienced significant market activity, driven by institutional interest and

Zcash (ZEC) Price Prediction 2030: Will ZEC Hit 1,000 USDT?

Zcash (ZEC) Price Prediction 2030: Will ZEC Hit 1,000 USDT?

Key Takeaways ● Zcash (ZEC) is currently trading around $590-620 USDT (November 2025 data), surging over 3,700% from its July 2024 all-time low of $15.87 USDT ● Following the November 2025 halving,

MEXC Rewards Card: Your Complete Guide to Features, Benefits, and Application

MEXC Rewards Card: Your Complete Guide to Features, Benefits, and Application

1. Introduction to the MEXC Rewards Card The MEXC Rewards Card stands out as a premium Visa credit card tailored for cryptocurrency traders, seamlessly linking everyday spending with MEXC's robust

How to Convert 114514 (114514) Crypto to Cash? A Beginner's Complete Guide

How to Convert 114514 (114514) Crypto to Cash? A Beginner's Complete Guide

Converting cryptocurrency to cash might seem complicated, but it's actually straightforward once you understand the process. Whether you're holding 114514 (114514) or any other digital asset, there

Trending News

View More
Lightning Lab CTO Releas zk-STARK; Quantum Rescue Tool

Lightning Lab CTO Releas zk-STARK; Quantum Rescue Tool

The post Lightning Lab CTO Releas zk-STARK; Quantum Rescue Tool appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Lightning Labs CTO Olaoluwa Osuntokun released a zk-STARK prototype

Crypto Update LTC: Pepeto Hits $8.1M as Litecoin LitVM Goes Live

Crypto Update LTC: Pepeto Hits $8.1M as Litecoin LitVM Goes Live

This crypto update LTC arrives as Litecoin’s LitVM builders program went live on April 7 with over 120 teams already developing on its EVM-compatible ZK rollup

StarkWare downsizes workforce as it pivots from infrastructure to product-driven strategy

StarkWare downsizes workforce as it pivots from infrastructure to product-driven strategy

The post StarkWare downsizes workforce as it pivots from infrastructure to product-driven strategy appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. StarkWare is laying off

StarkWare Cuts Staff to Focus on Revenue-Generating Products

StarkWare Cuts Staff to Focus on Revenue-Generating Products

StarkWare, the zero-knowledge scaling pioneer behind zk-STARKs, is restructuring its operations and reducing staff as it pivots from pure infrastructure development

Related Articles

View More
Stablecoin Depegging History: From UST to USD1, a Safer Evolution

Stablecoin Depegging History: From UST to USD1, a Safer Evolution

In the development history of the cryptocurrency market, stablecoin depegging events serve as a mirror, reflecting the difficult balance between pursuing innovation and ensuring safety in the digital

Are USD and USD1 the Same? An In-Depth Analysis of the Essential Differences Between USD1 Stablecoin and Traditional US Dollar

Are USD and USD1 the Same? An In-Depth Analysis of the Essential Differences Between USD1 Stablecoin and Traditional US Dollar

Key Takeaways USD1 is a cryptocurrency stablecoin issued by World Liberty Financial, while USD (US Dollar) is the legal tender of the United States - they are completely differentUSD1 stablecoin aims

What is SBTI? From Viral Personality Test to SBTI Meme Coin

What is SBTI? From Viral Personality Test to SBTI Meme Coin

In early 2026, SBTI has become a phenomenon across social media and the cryptocurrency market. It started as a viral "personality test" parodying MBTI, but it has quickly evolved into a high-volatilit

MEXC Operations Weekly Report (April 1–7, 2026)

MEXC Operations Weekly Report (April 1–7, 2026)

New Listings · Top Gainers · Spot & Futures Trading Data OverviewStatistics Period: April 1 – April 7, 2026Release Time: Every ThursdayData Source: MEXC Platform, CoingeckoLast week, global markets we

Sign Up on MEXC
Sign Up & Receive Up to 10,000 USDT Bonus