List of the Top 3 Layer 2 Protocols for Alchemy Pay in 2025

The Raiden Network acts as an off-chain solution that enables near-instantaneous, cost-effective, and scalable transactions. Its design aligns seamlessly with the Ethereum blockchain and is compatible with any token that follows the ERC20 standard. As a project in progress, it is primarily focused on investigating state channel technology, developing protocols, and creating reference implementations. This network serves as an additional infrastructure layer atop Ethereum, and while the fundamental idea is clear, the complexities of the underlying protocol and its execution are significantly intricate. Nevertheless, developers can navigate these technical challenges and use a user-friendly API to build scalable decentralized applications that take advantage of the Raiden Network. The main aim of this network is to overcome the consensus bottleneck that frequently plagues blockchains. By establishing a network of payment channels, it facilitates secure off-chain value transfers, which greatly reduces the necessity of engaging the blockchain for each individual transaction. As the Raiden Network progresses, it is dedicated to improving the overall performance and efficiency of decentralized finance applications, ensuring that they can handle a larger volume of users and transactions smoothly.

Manta Pacific employs Celestia in conjunction with a tailored OP stack to deliver a sophisticated technical framework that excels in scalability and keeps gas fees low. This platform, enhanced by Manta Pacific's universal circuits, establishes a unique environment for the creation and execution of Zero-Knowledge (ZK) applications and decentralized applications (dApps). The applications developed on Manta span various sectors, including finance, gaming, and social networking, all aiming to improve user experiences and provide meaningful value to real users. Moreover, the Manta ecosystem's grant program is dedicated to exploring and nurturing innovative use cases that tackle common user challenges in their daily activities. In addition, Manta Network's zkSBTs allow users to verify information in a decentralized manner while ensuring their privacy is protected. Noteworthy zkSBTs, such as the zkBAB and zkGalxe passports, streamline on-chain Know Your Customer (KYC) processes by removing the need for users to upload sensitive documents or share personal details, highlighting a significant leap in privacy and security. By emphasizing solutions centered around the user, Manta is not only enhancing the digital experience but also setting the stage for a more secure and efficient online ecosystem moving forward. This commitment to innovation positions Manta as a leader in the evolving landscape of digital trust and security.

The Lightning Network for Bitcoin facilitates instantaneous payments, offering quick blockchain transactions that circumvent the typical wait associated with block confirmations. It boosts security through smart contracts on the blockchain, negating the requirement for distinct on-chain transactions for every payment. Users can enjoy transaction times that vary from milliseconds to just seconds. This innovative network features impressive scalability, able to manage millions or even billions of transactions every second, significantly eclipsing the capacity of conventional payment systems. Moreover, it allows payments to be tied to specific actions or clicks without relying on intermediaries. Another advantage is its cost-effectiveness, as off-chain transaction settlements lead to significantly reduced fees, enabling groundbreaking applications such as real-time micropayments. The Lightning Network also facilitates cross-chain atomic swaps that can be executed instantly and off-chain, given that the involved blockchains share the same cryptographic hash function. This capability for interoperability among various blockchain systems introduces exciting opportunities for smoother financial exchanges. With its dynamic features, the Lightning Network is set to revolutionize the way transactions are conducted in the digital realm.