Ethereum’s high gas fees have remained a persistent pain point for everyday crypto users, making affordable and fast transactions feel out of reach. While we previously explored Arbitrum as a scalable alternative, the search for efficient Layer 2 (L2) solutions continues. Enter zkSync — a technically distinct yet similarly ambitious project aiming to scale Ethereum using cutting-edge zero-knowledge technology. Let’s dive into what makes zkSync a standout contender in the evolving L2 landscape.
What Is zkSync?
zkSync is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution designed to reduce transaction costs and increase throughput without sacrificing security or decentralization. Unlike many of its competitors that rely on optimistic rollups, zkSync leverages zk-rollups (zero-knowledge rollups), a more advanced approach where cryptographic proofs verify transaction batches before they’re submitted to Ethereum.
This core technical difference gives zkSync several key advantages:
- Near-complete EVM compatibility: Developers can deploy existing Ethereum smart contracts and dApps on zkSync with minimal or no code changes.
- Dramatically lower fees: By compressing transaction data and submitting only cryptographic proofs to Ethereum, gas costs are reduced by up to 100x.
- Gas payment flexibility: Users can pay transaction fees in the same token they’re transferring — no need to hold ETH in the L2 wallet.
Vitalik Buterin himself has endorsed zk-rollups as the most promising long-term scaling path for Ethereum, and zkSync is among the earliest and most prominent projects bringing this vision to life.
👉 Discover how zkSync is shaping the future of Ethereum scaling.
Who Is Behind zkSync?
zkSync is developed by Matter Labs, a company founded in 2018 with a mission to enhance blockchain scalability for decentralized applications. While headquartered in Berlin and operating primarily in Europe, Matter Labs is legally registered in the Cayman Islands, according to PitchBook data.
What sets Matter Labs apart is its self-description not just as a company, but as a "mission-driven" organization with strong ethical values and a long-term vision for decentralized freedom. The team emphasizes transparency, user empowerment, and open innovation, positioning zkSync as a tool for maximizing individual financial sovereignty.
Matter Labs has also attracted backing from prominent investors and visionaries in the crypto space, further solidifying its credibility and technical ambition.
How zkSync Works: Zero-Knowledge Rollups Explained
Understanding zkSync requires grasping two foundational concepts: zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and rollups.
Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs)
A zero-knowledge proof allows one party to prove they know a piece of information without revealing the information itself. In blockchain terms, this means a validator can confirm a transaction is valid without exposing all the underlying data.
There are two main types of ZKPs used in L2s:
- SNARKs (used by zkSync): Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge — efficient and widely adopted.
- STARKs (used by StarkWare): Scalable Transparent ARguments of Knowledge — more transparent but less compact.
zkSync uses SNARKs to generate compact proofs of transaction validity.
zk-Rollups: Bundling Transactions Securely
zk-Rollups combine ZKPs with data batching. Here’s how it works step-by-step:
- Transaction Initiation: A user initiates a transfer or interaction on zkSync.
- Batching: Multiple transactions are grouped into blocks within zkSync’s internal network.
- State Commitment: A validator aggregates these into a large “Rollup Block” containing thousands of transactions and computes a new network state.
- Proof Generation: The validator creates a SNARK proof confirming the new state correctly follows from the previous one.
- On-Chain Verification: This proof is sent to an Ethereum smart contract, which verifies it in seconds — finalizing all transactions at once.
Alongside the proof, zkSync submits compressed calldata to Ethereum, enabling full state reconstruction by anyone at any time — ensuring data availability and censorship resistance.
The result? Ethereum secures the network with minimal data overhead, enabling fast, cheap, and secure transactions.
How to Use zkSync: A Step-by-Step Guide
Currently, there are two versions of zkSync:
- zkSync v1: Live on mainnet, supports only basic transfers (no smart contracts), leading to limited adoption.
- zkSync v2: In development on the Goerli testnet, fully EVM-compatible, and supports smart contracts — the future of the network.
To interact with zkSync:
- Use MetaMask or another compatible wallet.
- No need to manually add a new network — zkSync integrates seamlessly with Ethereum or Goerli.
How to Deposit Funds into zkSync
For zkSync v1:
- Visit the official zkSync website.
- Navigate to Learn > Wallet v1.
- Connect your wallet and click Top Up.
- Choose from bridges, direct purchase services (Ramp), or exchanges like Bybit.
For zkSync v2:
- Go to Learn > v2 Portal.
- Connect via MetaMask (currently the only supported option).
- Ensure your wallet is set to the Goerli testnet.
- Use the built-in faucet or bridge tokens from Goerli to get started.
Once funded, you can explore testnet dApps, bridge assets, or participate in ecosystem quests — all while preparing for mainnet launch.
👉 Start exploring zkSync-compatible tools and services today.
Ecosystem Growth: What’s Built on zkSync?
Thanks to its EVM compatibility, zkSync is attracting significant developer interest. Notable integrations include:
- Uniswap: The community voted to deploy Uniswap V3 on zkSync, signaling strong confidence in its long-term viability.
- Wallets & Bridges: Major wallets like MetaMask support zkSync, along with cross-chain bridges and fiat on-ramps.
- DeFi & NFT Projects: Numerous dApps from Ethereum and other ecosystems are preparing to launch on zkSync v2.
As full mainnet deployment approaches, expect an influx of DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, gaming platforms, and more — all benefiting from low fees and high speed.
Will zkSync Have a Token Airdrop?
Rumors of a native token and potential airdrop have fueled significant user activity. Matter Labs has raised **$458 million** in funding, including a $200 million Series C round — underscoring investor confidence.
In October, the team hosted a Twitter Spaces AMA teasing a “tokenomics announcement” and the launch of zkSync 2.0 Fair Launch Alpha for developers. However:
- The developer mainnet was delayed to late 2025.
- Full public launch (Full Alpha) is expected in early 2025.
- No official token launch or airdrop details have been confirmed.
Keep in mind: Over 400,000 wallets were created during zkSync 1.0’s test phase purely for potential airdrop farming. With likely stricter criteria for v2, early meaningful participation — not just wallet creation — may be key.
Final Thoughts
zkSync represents a next-generation approach to Ethereum scaling through zk-rollups, offering fast, cheap, and secure transactions while maintaining full EVM compatibility. As one of the pioneers in zero-knowledge technology, it stands apart from optimistic rollup-based competitors like Arbitrum and Optimism.
While zkSync v2 is still in testing, its roadmap promises full DeFi functionality and broad ecosystem adoption upon mainnet release. For developers and users alike, now is the time to engage with the testnet, explore integrations, and prepare for what could be one of Ethereum’s most impactful scaling milestones.
👉 Stay ahead of the next major crypto developments with real-time insights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is zkSync?
zkSync is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution that uses zero-knowledge rollups (zk-rollups) to enable fast, low-cost transactions while maintaining security through cryptographic proofs verified on Ethereum.
How does zkSync differ from Arbitrum?
While both are Ethereum L2s, zkSync uses zk-rollups with cryptographic proofs for instant finality, whereas Arbitrum uses optimistic rollups that assume validity and rely on fraud proofs — making zkSync faster and more secure by design.
Is zkSync EVM-compatible?
Yes, zkSync v2 is fully EVM-compatible, allowing developers to deploy Ethereum smart contracts with little or no modification.
Can I pay gas fees in tokens other than ETH on zkSync?
Yes — one of zkSync’s unique features is gas flexibility, allowing users to pay transaction fees in the same token they are transferring.
Is there a zkSync token or airdrop coming?
There is no official confirmation yet. While rumors persist due to funding rounds and team teases, Matter Labs has not announced a token or airdrop plan as of now.
How do I start using zkSync today?
You can interact with zkSync v2 on the Goerli testnet using MetaMask. Fund your wallet via the built-in faucet or bridge from Goerli ETH, then explore dApps and test transactions.
Core Keywords: zkSync, Ethereum Layer 2, zk-rollups, zero-knowledge proofs, EVM compatibility, Layer 2 scaling, crypto transaction fees, blockchain scalability