Ethereum revolutionized crypto with smart contracts. However, ETH can be expensive and slow to use. “Layer 2” solutions unlock faster, cheaper transactions at scale. They “roll up” and offload traffic that periodically settles on Ethereum itself.

There are two main types: Zero-Knowledge and Optimistic Rollups. Put simply, ZK Rollups verify transactions using complex math, while Optimistic Rollups assume validity unless an error is noted. Both enable fast and cheap Ethereum-compatible activity.

Scaling competition is ramping up — with great benefits for Ethereum itself. While providing a better experience for users, Layer 2s still pay substantial network fees in ETH. Top ZK and Optimistic Rollups have paid or “burnt” more than 12,100 ETH (worth more than $28M) over the past thirty days.

• Top ZK-Rollups: Linea, Starkware, zkSync Era, and Scroll.

• Top Optimistic Rollups: Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base.

We’re building a gateway to the multichain ecosystem. Today, let's dive into zkSync and its top decentralized applications.

Make a zero-knowledge transfer

With a native Bridge, Layer3 makes it simple to hop chains — ZK or otherwise. By unlocking zkSync, you can then freely explore its vibrant DeFi landscape. While the main Ethereum chain can cost nearly $2.00 to send ETH today, zkSync costs less than $0.15 (according to l2fees.info).

Explore leading ZK DEXes

Unlock blazing-fast token swaps on top decentralized exchanges such as 1inch, now powered by ZK Rollups. As a leading liquidity aggregator across multiple chains, the 1inch team noted in April:

“As zkSync Era gains steam, 1inch users will benefit from faster and cheaper transactions… zkSync Era’s ultimate goal is hyper scalability – an ability to process an unlimited number of transactions without any major impact on security or costs.”

Decentralized finance and free speech

Crypto can revolutionize money, finance, and communication. You can send encrypted messages across zkSync (and beyond) with Dmail’s protocol for emails and notifications, connecting users and critical applications.

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