Blockchain networks have long faced the scalability dilemma, the challenge of achieving robust security, high throughput, and decentralization all at once.
Meeting these demands proved difficult, but layer‑2 solutions emerged as a promising path toward greater scalability.
Among them, ZK‑rollups stand out as a breakthrough. By enhancing both security and efficiency, they offer a practical way to overcome the scalability concerns that have historically limited blockchain growth.
Zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup is a layer 2 scaling solution that increases transaction throughput by offloading transactions to the off-chain. Still, transaction data is recorded on the main chain using ZK proofs to ensure the validity without compromising security.
Even more, the most distinctive features of ZK-rollups are validity proofs and on-chain data availability.
Currently, there are more than a dozen active ZK-rollups, with billions in Total Value Locked (TVL) with Starknet [STRK] and ZKsync [ZK] as key players.
STRK uses stark proofs to bundle many transactions off-chain, prove validity, and submit the evidence to Ethereum.
Straknet support rollup data availability mode, where the state of the rollup is written on Ethereum [ETH] alongside stark proof.
Although Straknet inherited Ethereum’s security, it enabled general computation and Cairo Smart contracts. These have enabled scalable dApps with fast finality and stronger security, through mathematically verifying state transitions.
To achieve these goals, Starknet made a series of upgrades. The recent upgrade, VO.14.0, brought decentralized sequencers. Thus, the network makes pre-confirmations for a real-instant feel and faster block times.
ZKsync leverages ZK‑rollup technology to bundle multiple transactions off‑chain and then submit them to Ethereum, using zero‑knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to verify validity.
This design greatly reduces gas fees while boosting throughput. Unlike optimistic rollups, ZKsync delivers faster finality by minimizing challenge periods.
The system relies on generating proofs for each batch of transactions, which are then verified by Ethereum smart contracts. This bundling process enables rapid, low‑cost transactions without sacrificing security.
With ZKsync, aimed at scalability and security for dApps, it transitioned from a single-layer architecture to an interconnected network of sovereign zkchains.
In October 2025, ZKsync launched the Atlas Upgrade, which brought the Atlas sequencer, ZKsync OS, and Airbender prover, among others.
ZK-rollups experienced massive growth in Total Value Locked, with Straknet and ZKsync leading the sector.
Straknet emerged as the leader in the area, with its TVL jumping from $300k in 2022 to a high of $330 million, then dropping to $232 million, at press time.
Such a sustained TVL indicated increased network usage and adoption. In fact, Straknet active users jumped from an average of 4k in 2024 to 60k.
Despite TVL growth, STRK has struggled on its price charts and has declined 84% on the yearly charts.
On the other hand, ZKsync TVL plummeted from $269 million to $34 million, indicating massive capital outflows.
In fact, ZKsync TVL crashed post-airdrop as airdrop farmers sold their ZKsync tokens. Additionally, the team was accused of selling 65 million, which eroded community support.
In fact, the ZK has plummeted, now down 87% on the yearly chart as of writing.
Moreover, network usage plummeted, with Active Users dropping from over 300k to an average of 50k. Also, Transactions dropped from an average of 1 million and hovered between 20k and 50k.
Therefore, based on their respective TVLs, Straknet stands out as a clear and promising winner and holds greater future potential.
However, ZKsync poses significant potential and could rebound and reclaim its glory.
