Top 10 Layer-2 Blockchain Cryptos In 2026

Layer-2 (L2) refers to secondary protocols built on top of a blockchain’s base layer (layer-1 or L1) that help the network scale more efficiently. Instead of executing every transaction directly on the main chain, L2 solutions handle execution off-chain or in aggregated batches and then periodically anchor results back to the base layer. This design significantly increases throughput, reduces costs, and improves overall performance without weakening the underlying network’s security. Common L2 approaches include state channels, sidechains, optimistic rollups, and zero-knowledge (ZK) rollups, each using different techniques to bundle or validate transactions more efficiently.

While L1 blockchains prioritise decentralisation and security, they are inherently constrained in how many transactions they can process per second. For example, major L1s like Ethereum typically handle around 15–30 transactions per second, which can lead to congestion and high fees as demand grows. Layer-2 solutions alleviate these bottlenecks by processing thousands of transactions per second off-chain and then settling a summary on the base layer, dramatically boosting capacity and lowering costs for users and developers alike.

Layer-2 blockchain solutions aim to address these limitations by operating as extensions to layer-1, forming a separate layer that manages transactions more efficiently. By utilising smart contracts, these solutions offload transaction processing from the main blockchain while still benefiting from the security of layer-1. In summary, layer-1 ensures the network’s security and decentralisation, while layer-2 blockchains enhance scalability. In this article, we will highlight 10 key layer-2 crypto projects.

Also Read: Ethereum Technical Analysis Report – 17th February 2026

10 Notable Layer-2 Crypto Coins

Mantle (MNT)

It is a rapidly emerging layer-2 scaling token built on Ethereum, designed to power the Mantle network, a modular execution layer focused on enhancing scalability and transaction efficiency for dApps. Mantle aims to reduce costs, increase throughput, and support advanced features such as tokenization services for real-world assets (RWA).

Mantle’s ecosystem expands beyond simple transaction execution, offering infrastructure like Tokenization-as-a-Service (TAAS) and integrating with stablecoin systems to support regulated asset issuance. The MNT token plays a central role in network economics, governance, and potentially future utility models as the Mantle ecosystem grows.

Also Read: CBDC vs Crypto: Future of Digital Currency Explained

Polygon [prev. MATIC] (POL)

It is the native token of the Polygon ecosystem, previously known as MATIC, powering a suite of scaling solutions built to improve Ethereum’s performance and interoperability. POL supports high-throughput and low-cost transactions across Polygon’s multi-chain infrastructure, helping developers deploy dApps and seamlessly connect to Ethereum’s security.

Following the upgrade and rebranding from MATIC, the POL token now serves as the central asset for staking, network security, and governance across Polygon’s expanding family of Layer-2 and Layer-3 chains. Its enhanced role is designed to facilitate multi-chain validation and empower holders to participate in decisions shaping the ecosystem’s future.

Arbitrum (ARB)

It is an inventive L2 initiative, enabling individuals to construct projects on Ethereum, the prominent layer-1 blockchain. Built by Offchain Labs, the project utilizes rollup technology, consolidating numerous transactions into a single entity, resulting in enhanced scalability and reduced on-chain transaction expenses.

Furthermore, Arbitrum’s native token, ARB, plays a pivotal role in the ecosystem, allowing users to engage in protocol development decisions and fund distribution through voting. The platform simplifies the transfer of Ethereum to Arbitrum via a bridge, facilitating exchanges with other platforms as well.

Stacks (STX)

It is the native token of the Stacks network, a blockchain that brings smart contracts, decentralized applications (dApps), and DeFi functionality to Bitcoin by anchoring its operations to Bitcoin’s security. The Stacks protocol enables developers to build Web3 applications that interact with Bitcoin while inheriting its robustness.

STX is used to pay transaction fees, support network consensus through Stacking (which can reward participants with Bitcoin), and participate in ecosystem governance and incentives. By bridging Bitcoin’s security with programmable features, Stacks expands the utility of Bitcoin beyond a store of value.

Optimism (OP)

It serves as a layer-2 scaling solution on the Ethereum network, designed to lower transaction costs and latency while preserving Ethereum’s strong security guarantees. Built as an extension of Ethereum, Optimism enables users and developers to benefit from the base layer’s decentralised security at a fraction of the cost typically seen on the mainnet.

Using Optimistic Rollup technology, it batches large amounts of transaction data and posts them to Ethereum, resulting in significantly more cost-effective and faster transactions compared with executing directly on the base chain.

As of early 2026, Optimism remains one of the leading Ethereum layer-2 ecosystems, with its broader “Optimism Superchain” holding several billion dollars in total value locked (TVL) and hosting hundreds of protocols across DeFi, DEXs, and other applications. While other L2 solutions like Arbitrum and Base also have large TVL figures, Optimism continues to be a major player in scaling Ethereum and supports widely used projects including Velodrome, Aave, Curve, and Uniswap. 

Also Read: Smart Contracts: An Overview of the Future of Transactions

Immutable (IMX) 

It is a dedicated Ethereum-based layer-2 network focused on enabling high-performance NFT infrastructure and Web3 gaming experiences. Built using zero-knowledge rollup technology, Immutable allows users and developers to build, mint, trade, and interact with digital assets and games while benefiting from Ethereum’s security and dramatically reduced transaction costs.

The platform offers tools, APIs, and developer-focused infrastructure that make it easier to launch NFT projects, gaming economies, and digital marketplaces with fast, scalable transactions and near-zero gas fees. IMX is the native utility token of the network, used for paying protocol fees, staking for rewards, and participating in governance across the expanding Immutable ecosystem, which supports hundreds of integrated projects in the NFT and gaming space.

ZKsync (ZK) 

It operates as a layer-2 protocol that uses zero-knowledge rollup (zk-rollup) technology to scale Ethereum by processing transactions off-chain and submitting cryptographic proofs to the mainnet. This allows zkSync to deliver faster and much cheaper transactions while preserving Ethereum’s foundational security and decentralisation.

zkSync is designed as a trustless, scalable network where transaction validity is ensured through zero-knowledge proofs, meaning users’ funds remain as secure as if they were on Ethereum’s base layer. The protocol has evolved into the zkSync Era ecosystem, which supports EVM-compatible smart contracts and enables developers to deploy dApps with minimal changes from Ethereum.

The zkSync ecosystem includes a growing number of decentralized applications, with integrations from projects such as Curve (stablecoin exchange), Yearn Finance (yield optimisation), and Taker Protocol (DAO-based liquidity), among many others building on the layer-2 network.

Also Read: 10 Best Cryptos to Buy Under $1 in 2026

Starknet (STRK)

It is the utility and governance token of Starknet, a decentralized Layer-2 network built on Ethereum that uses zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup technology to scale the base chain. Starknet processes transactions off-chain and attests their validity to Ethereum, enabling lower fees, faster execution, and robust security for decentralized applications.

STRK supports core network functions, including paying transaction fees, participating in governance decisions, and contributing to network security through planned staking mechanisms. This token plays a key role in driving Starknet’s decentralization and long-term growth as a high-performance Ethereum scaling solution.

ZORA (ZORA)

It is the native token of the Zora network, a blockchain layer that combines on-chain social engagement with decentralized finance and NFT ecosystems. Zora allows users and communities to mint, trade, and interact with content in a tokenized Web3 environment, where contributions and participation can be rewarded programmatically.

The ZORA token is central to network participation and governance, enabling holders to engage with the protocol’s ecosystem and contribute to its evolution. Zora’s social and economic features position it as a hybrid platform connecting digital culture, creator economies, and blockchain incentives. 

Nervos Network (CKB) 

It is the native crypto asset of the Nervos Network, an open-source, layered blockchain designed to act as a secure, decentralized base layer for a global crypto-economy. The CKB token represents a claim on data storage within the network’s “Common Knowledge Base,” meaning each token entitles the holder to store one byte of information on the blockchain.

CKB is used to pay transaction and computation fees, incentivize miners, and enable access to state storage. Its unique economic model combines a Bitcoin-like proof-of-work security foundation with flexible storage economics, aligning incentives for users, developers, and node operators across the Nervos ecosystem.

Also Read: What is an Automated Market Maker?

Should I Invest in Layer-2 Crypto Projects?

Layer-2 crypto projects are emerging as key drivers of blockchain scalability, helping networks handle higher activity while keeping costs and delays in check. As adoption grows, these solutions are increasingly shaping how decentralised applications and ecosystems evolve, making them an important part of the broader blockchain landscape.

That said, while layer-2 technologies carry strong potential for long-term growth and wider adoption, investing in their native tokens still comes with risks. Market conditions, technological competition, and regulatory developments can all influence outcomes, so thorough research and a cautious approach are essential before making any investment decisions.

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