Explore the top Zero-Knowledge (ZK) solutions of 2024, including cutting-edge ZK-Rollups and ZK Proof technologies. Discover leading platforms like Aligned Layer, and other innovative projects revolutionizing blockchain scalability, privacy, and security. Stay ahead with the best in ZK technology for seamless, secure transactions on decentralized networks.

List of Popular ZK Solutions

Infrastructure

Developer Tools

## **Linea**

Linea is a ZK rollup-based Layer 2 network designed to seamlessly deploy Ethereum applications without requiring code modifications. Its architecture is composed of three key components:

- **Sequencer**: Executes transactions, batches them, and submits them to the network.
- **Prover**: Generates zero-knowledge proofs to validate transactions processed by the Sequencer.
- **Bridge Relayer**: Manages data transfer between Linea and other networks, including Ethereum Mainnet.

**Benefits of Linea**:

- **ZK-Proofs from Solidity**: Linea can directly generate ZK-proofs from Solidity’s compiled bytecode, minimizing the risks of bugs and vulnerabilities often introduced during code translation.
- **Ethereum-Like Experience**: Linea offers a familiar user experience, allowing developers and users to continue using their preferred Ethereum wallets, tools, and interfaces, ensuring a smooth transition.

Linea

Linea is a ZK rollup-based Layer 2 network designed to seamlessly deploy Ethereum applications without requiring code modifications.

## **Scroll zkEVM**

Scroll is a Type-3 zkEVM solution that prioritizes security, transparency, and a decentralized infrastructure closely aligned with Ethereum's principles. Its architecture includes:

- **Settlement Layer**: Integrates with Ethereum to ensure data availability and order, verifying validity proofs and facilitating asset transfers between Ethereum and Scroll.
- **Sequencing Layer**: Processes transactions and creates L2 blocks, posting data to Ethereum for transparency and submitting validity proofs for finalization.
- **Proving Layer**: A decentralized network of provers generates zkEVM validity proofs, with a coordinator assigning tasks and sending proofs to the Rollup Node for Ethereum confirmation.

**Benefits of Scroll**:

- **Decentralized Proving**: Anyone can participate in the proving process by staking SCR, ensuring a decentralized approach.
- **Low Cost of Proving**: Scroll’s innovative techniques reduce proving costs, making it accessible for participants with limited computing resources.

Scroll zkEVM

Scroll is a Type-3 zkEVM solution that prioritizes security, transparency, and a decentralized infrastructure closely aligned with Ethereum's principles.

## **Polygon zkEVM**

Polygon offers a suite of zero-knowledge rollups to boost Ethereum's throughput while maintaining decentralization and security. The suite includes:

- **Zero**: An EVM-compatible rollup using Plonky2 to reduce computational costs in generating validity proofs.
- **Hermez**: Employs a 'Proof of Efficiency' system, allowing users to serve as sequencers or aggregators, reducing centralization risks.
- **Nightfall**: Combines optimistic rollups with ZK cryptography for private institutional transactions.
- **Miden**: A STARK-based ZK rollup that processes transactions locally, submitting proofs to the network for enhanced scalability.
- **zkEVM**: Maintains EVM opcode compatibility, enabling developers to transition smart contracts with minimal adaptation.
- **Polygon 2.0**: Upgrades the existing network to a zkEVM validium, integrating zero-knowledge proofs for better security and performance.

**Benefits of Polygon’s ZK Rollups**:

- **Swift Proof Generation**: Accelerates validity proof generation, ensuring faster transaction processing and an improved user experience.

Polygon zkEVM

Polygon offers a suite of zero-knowledge rollups to boost Ethereum's throughput while maintaining decentralization and security.

## **StarkNet**

StarkNet leverages a proprietary proof system, zk-STARK, to validate transactions while maintaining privacy. Its architecture includes:

- **User Accounts**: Implemented as smart contracts, offering more flexibility than Ethereum's EOAs and enabling better wallet recovery mechanisms.
- **Sequencer**: Manages transaction validation and bundling into blocks.
- **Prover**: Generates cryptographic proofs to ensure the integrity of computations.
- **Full Nodes**: Maintain transaction records and track the system’s global state.
- **Verifier and Core Smart Contract**: On-chain components that validate proofs and record state changes.

**Benefits of StarkNet**:

- **Native Account Abstraction**: Integrates AA at the protocol level, simplifying development by treating all accounts as smart contracts.
- **Reduced Transaction Costs**: Optimizes Layer 1 calldata costs, significantly lowering transaction fees on Ethereum.

StarkNet

StarkNet leverages a proprietary proof system, zk-STARK, to validate transactions while maintaining privacy.

## **zkSync Era**

zkSync Era is an advanced version of the zkSync protocol, designed for enhanced efficiency and scalability. It supports nearly all EVM-based smart contracts, providing a robust and user-friendly experience.

**Benefits of zkSync Era**:

- **Enhanced Scalability and Efficiency**: Improved architecture and memory management lead to better scalability and efficiency compared to traditional Ethereum.
- **Improved Security and Developer Experience**: Supports nearly all EVM-based smart contracts, reducing the need for repeated security audits and offering a more secure development environment.

zkSync Era

zkSync Era is an advanced version of the zkSync protocol, designed for enhanced efficiency and scalability.

## **Aligned Layer**

Aligned Layer is a decentralized network that verifies zero-knowledge (ZK) and validity proofs with high throughput and low latency, designed to accelerate Ethereum’s scalability and the adoption of verifiable computation. By leveraging EigenLayer, Aligned provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional on-chain verification, enabling the development of complex, trustless applications.

**Key Features**:

- **High Throughput**: Verifies over 1,000 proofs per second, significantly increasing blockchain efficiency.
- **Cost Efficiency**: Reduces proof verification costs by up to 99%, depending on the proof system.
- **Developer Flexibility**: Offers fast and aggregation modes, supporting various proof systems without size or cost constraints.

Aligned Layer

Aligned Layer is a decentralized network that verifies zero-knowledge (ZK) and validity proofs with high throughput and low latency.

List of Popular ZK Solutions

Explore by chain

Linea

Scroll zkEVM

Polygon zkEVM

Get started with GoldRush

Get the GoldRush newsletter.

Products

Use Cases

Developer