zkEVM Solutions Depth Comparison: Who Will Prevail Among Polygon, zkSync, Linea, Scroll, Taiko?

zkEVM Analysis: In-Depth Comparison of Multiple Solutions

zkEVM technology is driving Ethereum to reach a broader user base. With many options available, which solution stands out the most? This article will compare and analyze the main zkEVM solutions, including Polygon zkEVM (version 2.0), zkSync Era, Linea, Scroll, and Taiko, providing you with a comprehensive guide.

zkEVM Ultimate Guide: Comprehensive Comparison of 6 zkEVM Solutions

zkEVM Overview

zkEVM is a second-layer network technology responsible for processing transactions and sending proofs back to the Ethereum mainnet. It combines zero-knowledge proofs (ZK) and Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, aiming to alleviate the computational burden on the Ethereum mainnet, enhance scalability, while not sacrificing security and decentralization.

However, there are differences among various zkEVM solutions. According to the framework proposed by Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin, zkEVM can be classified into different types, from Ethereum-equivalent (Type 1) to EVM-compatible (Type 4). This classification mainly weighs the relationship between EVM compatibility and performance.

Comparison of Main zkEVM Solutions

Polygon 2.0 (zkEVM Validium)

In June 2023, Polygon Labs proposed to upgrade Polygon PoS to zkEVM validium. Polygon PoS has a large ecosystem, including over $2 billion in total value locked (TVL), tens of thousands of decentralized applications (dApps), and approximately 2.5 million transactions per day.

The migration of PoS to zkEVM validium aims to preserve its network effects and low fees while not affecting the existing applications, users, and developer experience. Polygon 2.0, as zkEVM validium, has lower costs and higher throughput compared to Polygon zkEVM Rollup.

The main advantage of Validium compared to Rollup is:

  • Lower fees, as expensive Ethereum Gas is not required.
  • Higher scalability, not limited by Ethereum transaction data publishing.

However, Validium needs to ensure the availability of transaction data outside of Ethereum, which can be challenging. The existing 100+ validators of Polygon PoS can provide a highly secure and reliable guarantee for data availability.

Polygon zkEVM

Polygon zkEVM is a type 3 ZK-Rollup designed to be EVM equivalent. It retains EVM opcode compatibility, thereby providing greater scalability when working with existing Ethereum tools and clients.

The mainnet of Polygon zkEVM was launched in March 2023, and the current TVL on the network is approximately $54 million. It complements Polygon 2.0: Polygon zkEVM (Rollup) has slightly higher fees and slightly lower throughput, but offers the highest level of security, suitable for applications handling high-value transactions (such as DeFi). On the other hand, Polygon 2.0 (zkEVM validium) will provide the highest scalability, suitable for applications with high transaction volumes and low fees (such as Web3 games and social).

zkSync Era

zkSync Era is currently a Type 4 zkEVM, built by Matter Labs, and was launched in March 2023. The current TVL is approximately $450 million, with a trading volume of 27 million transactions in the past month.

zkSync's goal is not EVM equivalence, but rather to improve proof generation speed through its custom virtual machine (VM). It natively supports Ethereum cryptographic primitives, simplifies the testing process, and enhances user experience through native account abstraction.

zkSync Era uses its LLVM compiler to convert Solidity, Vyper, and Yul code into executable code on the zkSync VM, and plans to support Rust and C++ in the future. It has a powerful L1-L2 contract messaging system that helps in transferring data between contracts on Ethereum and zkSync.

In the future, zkSync will launch the zkPorter integration, providing users with high-security zkRollup account options and zkPorter accounts with stable transaction fees.

zkEVM Ultimate Guide: Comprehensive Comparison of 6 zkEVM Solutions

Linea

Linea, built by ConsenSys, is currently a Type 3 zkEVM. Its Alpha mainnet was launched in July 2023 and has accumulated a TVL of $50 million. Linea's uniqueness lies in its ability to execute unchanged native bytecode according to Ethereum Virtual Machine specifications.

Linea does not use a translator or custom compiler; instead, it directly utilizes the bytecode compiled from Solidity to generate ZK proofs for smart contracts, thereby reducing errors and security risks. For users, this means security similar to Ethereum, but with significantly lower transaction costs.

Scroll zkEVM

Scroll is a zk-Rollup on Ethereum, currently a Type 3 zkEVM, with plans to transition to Type 2. Its long-term goal is to prioritize EVM compatibility and decentralization over rapid ZKP generation, with the ultimate aim of becoming a Type 1 zkEVM.

The alpha testnet of Scroll is now open to the public and is currently in the type 3 zkEVM phase.

Taiko

Taiko, similar to Scroll, is a broad zk-Rollup designed to be a type 1 native zkEVM. Taiko takes a different approach from Scroll, prioritizing decentralization over speed from the very beginning.

Although the generation speed of ZKP is relatively slow, Taiko has been committed to decentralizing its components and maximizing EVM compatibility from the very beginning. Taiko's Type 1 testnet is currently available.

Summary

Types of zkEVM solutions:

  • Taiko: Type 1 (Testnet Launch)
  • Polygon zkEVM: Type 3 (Mainnet launched, planned migration to Type 2)
  • Linea: Type 3 (Mainnet launch, planned migration to Type 2)
  • Scroll: Type 3 (Testnet launch, planned to switch to Type 1)
  • zkSync Era: Type 4 (Mainnet Launch)

Ultimate Guide to zkEVM: Comprehensive Comparison of 6 zkEVM Solutions

The development and adoption of second-layer solutions are crucial for the future development of Ethereum and addressing blockchain scalability issues. Each zkEVM solution has its unique advantages and challenges, but they all play a key role in driving the creation of a more accessible Web3 ecosystem.

zkEVM Ultimate Guide: Comprehensive Comparison of 6 zkEVM Solutions

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ParanoiaKingvip
· 07-10 17:00
Polygon is the most stable and reliable.
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MondayYoloFridayCryvip
· 07-10 15:31
Looking forward to zkSync winning big.
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TokenCreatorOPvip
· 07-08 02:25
zkEVM technology is in green
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ConsensusBotvip
· 07-08 02:25
Scroll is really good
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MemeTokenGeniusvip
· 07-08 02:24
All need to be faster
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MEVictimvip
· 07-08 02:23
a bit of rise in knowledge
View OriginalReply0
ContractFreelancervip
· 07-08 02:09
zkSync hardcore fan passing by
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CascadingDipBuyervip
· 07-08 02:08
Looking forward to this blue ocean.
View OriginalReply0
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