List of the Top 6 Layer 2 Protocols for Avantis in 2026

Base serves as an economical and secure Layer 2 solution for Ethereum, specifically tailored for developers who want to broaden web3 access to a billion users. By leveraging Ethereum’s core security, it ensures the crucial scalability and safety required for decentralized applications, while allowing smooth transitions from platforms like Coinbase, Ethereum Layer 1, and other compatible ecosystems. Developers benefit from utilizing the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) environment at a dramatically lower cost. In addition, users can experience early access to cutting-edge Ethereum functionalities such as Account Abstraction (ERC4337), intuitive developer APIs for gasless transactions, and advanced smart contract wallet features. Constructed on the open-source OP Stack from Optimism, Base streamlines the integration process for decentralized applications with Coinbase’s range of products and vast distribution network. With seamless Coinbase integrations, accessible fiat onramps, and links to the Coinbase ecosystem—which includes 110 million verified users and $80 billion in managed assets—Base stands out as a prime platform for developers eager to enhance their visibility and efficiency in the web3 domain. The array of features offered by Base not only appeals to developers but also fosters an environment ripe for innovation within the decentralized landscape, encouraging a new wave of creative applications and services.

Boba is an innovative scaling solution based on Ethereum's Layer 2 Optimistic Rollup technology, designed to significantly cut gas fees, accelerate transaction speeds, and broaden the capabilities of smart contracts. With the implementation of community-driven liquidity pools, Boba effectively shortens the exit time for Optimistic Rollups from an entire week down to mere minutes, while also offering enticing yield farming options for liquidity providers. Furthermore, the platform's adaptable smart contracts enable developers in the Ethereum ecosystem to build decentralized applications that can leverage code executed on extensive platforms like AWS Lambda, thus allowing for the execution of algorithms that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive or unfeasible to perform directly on-chain. Our mission is to enhance Boba with a clear focus on the needs of our users and developers alike. We envision creating a practical Layer 2 solution that acts as a bridge for the next billion users to interact with the Ethereum network. We encourage you to join us on this exciting journey, as your participation can help foster the expansion of our vibrant community. Together, we have the potential to redefine the landscape of decentralized applications and make a lasting impact on the blockchain ecosystem.

Linea is a next-generation Layer 2 blockchain, developed from first principles to strengthen Ethereum while scaling its global economy. Using proven zkEVM technology, Linea achieves full Ethereum equivalence, enabling developers to build with the same tooling and client stack while benefiting from ultra-low fees and near-instant settlement. Its architecture supports 10x proving performance compared to general zkVMs, delivering unmatched scalability for both DeFi protocols and enterprise applications. Every transaction executed on Linea burns ETH, driving scarcity, reinforcing Ethereum’s monetary policy, and aligning incentives with mainnet security. The network introduces capital efficiency by natively staking bridged ETH, distributing yield to liquidity providers and fueling DeFi ecosystems with optimized returns. Tokenomics are ETH-aligned, mirroring Ethereum’s Genesis distribution with no insider allocations, while the majority of supply is directed toward builders, users, public goods, and Ethereum R&D. An Ecosystem Council, comprised of trusted entities like Consensys, ENS, and Status, ensures stewardship of funds for long-term community value. With its enterprise-grade infrastructure, Linea is purpose-built for financial institutions, offering a secure platform for tokenization, settlement, and integration with custodians and payment leaders such as Mastercard and Visa. Beyond enterprise, Linea empowers developers and users alike to create applications that strengthen Ethereum with every block. As Ethereum’s aligned zkEVM, Linea represents both the technological evolution of Ethereum scaling and a capital engine designed to make ETH the world’s most valuable digital asset.

Polygon is a next-generation blockchain platform redefining digital finance through speed, scalability, and interoperability. Built for real-world utility, Polygon processes over 5 billion transactions and connects 117 million unique addresses—empowering businesses, developers, and institutions to operate on an always-on financial infrastructure. Its lightning-fast network achieves ~5-second finality and 2-second block times, enabling near-instant settlement for payments, stablecoins, and tokenized assets. Designed for enterprise-grade performance, Polygon combines account abstraction, email logins, and sponsored gas to deliver user experiences that rival traditional apps—without sacrificing decentralization. The ecosystem’s zkEVM and AggLayer technologies bring cryptographic proof and modular scalability to Web3, allowing developers to scale from 5,000 to 100,000+ TPS seamlessly. Supported by POL, the native gas and staking token, Polygon secures the network while powering thousands of decentralized applications. Its stablecoin ecosystem exceeds $3 billion in supply, backed by deep liquidity and unmatched transaction velocity. From DeFi and tokenized real-world assets (RWA) to enterprise payments and infrastructure, Polygon provides the rails for money to move as fast as the internet itself. The platform’s commitment to compliance, reliability, and interoperability makes it the go-to solution for institutions entering Web3. With its proven success and forward-looking roadmap, Polygon stands as the foundation for the global, scalable, and secure economy of the future.

Ethereum's new scalability framework guarantees swift transactions and effective smart contract execution. Optimism functions as a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), which is designed to generate profits while also delivering societal benefits through responsible and sustainable methodologies. This organizational model requires us to balance our shareholders' financial interests with the well-being of those affected by our decisions, adhering to a defined "public benefit charter." The primary goal of the Company is to enhance and protect fair access to public goods on the internet by developing open-source software. This charter reflects our dedication to the Ethereum community, as we work to uphold its core values by building infrastructure that supports the growth and sustainability of a public goods ecosystem. By doing so, we not only seek to advance technological progress but also to promote an inclusive atmosphere where all users can thrive. Ultimately, our efforts aim to bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility, ensuring that the benefits of technology are shared widely.

zkSync emerges as the leading user-centric ZK rollup solution within the Ethereum landscape. This cutting-edge scaling technique is unparalleled in its ability to securely handle unlimited volume on Layer 2, distinguishing it from alternative approaches. Unlike optimistic rollups, zkSync enables swift and cost-effective asset transfers between the ZK rollup and Layer 1. It's worth noting that zkSync offers the most affordable transaction fees among all existing and upcoming rollups. Moreover, it includes functionalities such as meta-transactions, instant confirmations with economic finality, and economical privacy solutions. The philosophy driving zkSync's design prioritizes both simplicity and a pleasurable development experience. Developers can seamlessly incorporate payment systems and atomic swaps with minimal coding effort. Additionally, zkSync supports the development of type-safe, functional smart contracts using Zinc, a Rust-based framework, while also allowing the deployment of existing EVM codebases with slight modifications. This impressive array of features positions zkSync as a compelling option for developers who are eager to achieve both efficiency and innovation in their blockchain projects, ultimately fostering a more accessible environment for blockchain advancement.