Layer 2 projects function as swift alternatives for Ethereum, especially when the network experiences high traffic. As one of the most widely used blockchains, Ethereum can become congested, leading to slower transaction speeds and increased fees. Layer 2 networks address this by providing faster transaction processing.
In this list, we break down the biggest Layer 2 projects by market value and highlight what makes each one unique. Even if you’re not a crypto expert, this will give you a clear picture of the tools helping Ethereum scale for everyday use.
1. Mantle (MNT)
Sitting comfortably at the top, Mantle’s rocking a $5.48 billion market cap and trades at $1.69 per token at the time of reporting. It’s been on a roll lately, climbing 7.6% this week. Mantle’s growth shows how much people love speed — especially when it comes to scaling the crypto ecosystem.
2. POL (formerly MATIC)
Remember MATIC? It’s now POL — same power, new name. With a market cap of about $2.03 billion and a token price of $0.19, POL keeps proving it’s here to stay. Developers love it for its reliability, and it continues to hold strong as one of Ethereum’s best sidekicks.
3. Arbitrum (ARB)
Arbitrum is one of those projects that just quietly gets things done. Valued at around $1.71 billion and trading at $0.31, it’s up 4.6% this week. Thanks to its massive developer community and smooth Ethereum compatibility, it’s a top choice for anyone building apps that actually work fast.
4. Immutable (IMX)
If gaming and NFTs had a favorite Layer 2, it’d be Immutable. With a market cap just shy of $1 billion and a token price of $0.51, IMX has risen 5.6% in the past week. It’s helping game developers bring fun (and functional) blockchain experiences to players — minus the lag and high fees.
5. Stacks (STX)
Something unique about Stacks is that it connects smart contracts to Bitcoin. At $0.43 per token and a $775 million market cap, it’s up 5.7% this week. It’s like giving Bitcoin a DeFi makeover while keeping its famous security intact.
6. Optimism (OP)
Optimism lives up to its name. Priced at $0.43 with a $765 million market cap, it’s up 6.1% this week. The project’s mission? Make Ethereum faster and cheaper — and so far, it’s doing a pretty solid job. A favorite among dApps and DeFi projects that don’t want to break the bank on gas fees.
7. Starknet (STRK)
Last but definitely not least, Starknet is all about innovation. It uses zero-knowledge proofs (very sci-fi, very efficient) to make transactions lightning-fast and super secure. It’s smaller than some of the others, but it’s definitely one to watch — the tech behind it could shape the next wave of L2 growth.
Layer 2 projects are transforming the crypto landscape, offering developers and users alike faster, cheaper, and more scalable alternatives to Ethereum’s mainnet. With innovation accelerating, these top L2s are likely to continue leading the charge in blockchain scalability.
