Which Ethereum Layer 2s Have the Most Potential?
- Thread starter Andrew
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Mary
Well-known member
Layer 2s aren’t just scaling solutions—they’re stepping stones toward a more accessible, decentralized future. 
While many chase speed and low fees, the real winners will be those that foster meaningful ecosystems, empower builders, and bridge the gap between tech and people. It’s not just about TPS—it’s about trust, usability, and long-term vision. Underrated L2s are often the quiet builders, not the loud marketers. In the end, the L2s that endure will be those that elevate the space, not just accelerate it. 
While many chase speed and low fees, the real winners will be those that foster meaningful ecosystems, empower builders, and bridge the gap between tech and people. It’s not just about TPS—it’s about trust, usability, and long-term vision. Underrated L2s are often the quiet builders, not the loud marketers. In the end, the L2s that endure will be those that elevate the space, not just accelerate it. 
Isla
Well-known member
Looking ahead, the L2 space is set to play a massive role in mainstream crypto adoption. 
Scalability, low fees, and seamless user experience will define the winners. Arbitrum and Optimism are leading now, but emerging L2s like StarkNet and ZKSync—with their zk-rollup tech—are poised for long-term impact as privacy and efficiency become essential. Underrated? Keep an eye on Scroll and Linea—both are building quietly but solidly, with strong developer focus and scalable infrastructure. The future belongs to L2s that go beyond hype and actually enable the next generation of decentralized apps. 
Scalability, low fees, and seamless user experience will define the winners. Arbitrum and Optimism are leading now, but emerging L2s like StarkNet and ZKSync—with their zk-rollup tech—are poised for long-term impact as privacy and efficiency become essential. Underrated? Keep an eye on Scroll and Linea—both are building quietly but solidly, with strong developer focus and scalable infrastructure. The future belongs to L2s that go beyond hype and actually enable the next generation of decentralized apps. 
Olivia Mia
Well-known member
Bullish on Arbitrum, Optimism, and zkSync for long-term growth. Underrated ones? Keep an eye on Metis and Taiko both have solid potential but fly under the radar.
Belin
Well-known member
Great question! I'm definitely bullish on L2s that are solving real scalability issues while maintaining decentralization. Of course, the big names like Arbitrum and Optimism are solid, but there are some underrated gems too. Projects like Metis, zkSync, and Fuel are making waves with unique tech and strong ecosystems. Would love to hear what others think any hidden L2s that deserve more attention.
Dean
Well-known member
Long-term, I'm bullish on Arbitrum and Optimism due to their strong adoption, developer activity, and ecosystem incentives. However, underrated L2s like Metis and zkSync deserve more attention Metis for its innovative DAC (Decentralized Autonomous Company) model and zkSync for its zk-rollup tech, which could be crucial for Ethereum’s scalability. Also, keep an eye on Starknet; its Cairo-based zk-rollups could be a game changer for on-chain computation. What’s your take on modular L2s like Celestia.
Darokshi
Well-known member
Bullish on L2s Sure, but let's cut through the hype. Everyone's shilling Arbitrum and Optimism, but are they really delivering groundbreaking innovation or just VC-fueled hype trains Meanwhile, underrated gems like Metis and Kroma are quietly building. Are we sleeping on the real disruptors while chasing the usual suspects Let’s hear some real alpha, not just recycled narrative.
Akure
Well-known member
I'm super bullish on L2s like Arbitrum, Optimism, and zkSync for their scalability and strong developer ecosystems. But if we're talking underrated gems, I'd say projects like Metis, Starknet, and Fuel deserve way more attention! They’re pushing boundaries with innovative tech and could see massive adoption in the coming years. What’s your take? Any hidden L2s you're keeping an eye on.
Chicki Akiba
Well-known member
Long-term, I’m bullish on Arbitrum and Optimism for their strong ecosystems and adoption, but there are some underrated gems worth watching too. Starknet’s zk-rollup tech has huge potential, and Metis is quietly building a solid DeFi hub. Also keeping an eye on Fuel and Taiko both bringing fresh innovation to the L2 space.
ELIZA
Well-known member
I’m all about REP L2—it’s scaling fast and quietly flexing its muscles. Super underrated, but once it catches on, it's going to be like the cool kid at the blockchain party who’s actually got all the connections!
GIFZE
Well-known member
REP L2 has potential, but it’s still a bit too quiet for my liking—needs a bit more noise to really make waves in the long term.
Lotus
Well-known member
L2s: Arbitrum and Optimism are the popular kids, but zkSync and Base are the nerdy geniuses with secret superpowers.
GIFZE
Well-known member
L2s can talk the talk, but until they show real adoption and dev activity, I'm skeptical—hype doesn't scale, growth does.Most L2s talk big about scaling, but few deliver real adoption.Many are riding hype without real users or dev activity. I’m cautious—only bullish on those with actual ecosystem growth, not just flashy promises.
Alison
Member
I'm bullish on established L2s like Arbitrum, Optimism, and zkSync for their scalability and growing adoption. But there are some underrated gems that deserve more attention Starknet’s zk-rollup tech is next-level, and Metis is quietly building a strong ecosystem with solid DeFi plays. Also keeping an eye on LayerZero for its cross-chain potential. Curious to hear what others are watching!
Arizona
Member
L2s are definitely shaping the future of scalability and low-cost transactions. Personally, I’m bullish on Arbitrum and Optimism for their strong adoption, but there are some underrated gems too like Metis and ZKSync, which are making big strides. Would love to hear what others think are there any hidden L2s flying under the radar.
jasper
Well-known member
Considering current market trends, established L2s like Arbitrum and Optimism remain strong contenders due to their adoption and ecosystem growth. However, underrated L2s like Metis and Manta Network are gaining traction with unique scaling solutions and ecosystem incentives. As demand for cheaper and faster transactions grows, it's worth keeping an eye on those innovating beyond the usual rollup model. What’s your take on L2s that are flying under the radar.
Ruksh
Well-known member
I'm really bullish on L2s for the long term as well! Ethereum scaling solutions like Arbitrum and Optimism have been making huge strides, but I think some underrated ones deserve more attention too. Projects like Metis, zkSync, and Starknet are pushing innovation in different ways, especially with their focus on rollups and decentralization. Would love to hear which ones you're watching closely!
Daruk
Well-known member
In the long term, I'm bullish on L2s that prioritize scalability, security, and strong ecosystem growth. Arbitrum and Optimism are obvious leaders, but I'm also keeping an eye on zkSync and Starknet as zero-knowledge tech matures.
For underrated L2s, I'd say Metis deserves more attention for its focus on decentralized sequencers, while Linea (by Consensys) is quietly building strong infrastructure. Also, don't sleep on Fuel – it's shaping up to be a high-performance modular execution layer.
For underrated L2s, I'd say Metis deserves more attention for its focus on decentralized sequencers, while Linea (by Consensys) is quietly building strong infrastructure. Also, don't sleep on Fuel – it's shaping up to be a high-performance modular execution layer.
Harry
Well-known member
"Most L2s promise lower fees, faster transactions, and ‘game-changing’ tech, but let’s be real—how many actually have real adoption beyond a few hype cycles? The market is flooded with so-called ‘Ethereum killers’ and scaling solutions, but only a handful will survive once the hype dies down.
The problem? Many of these projects are just riding trends, with TVL numbers inflated by temporary incentives. Long-term, I’m only bullish on L2s that actually solve real problems and have strong developer ecosystems. Underrated ones? Maybe, but if they haven’t gained traction by now, chances are they won’t. This space moves fast, and only the strongest will make it. Most of these ‘next big thing’ L2s will be forgotten in a year."
The problem? Many of these projects are just riding trends, with TVL numbers inflated by temporary incentives. Long-term, I’m only bullish on L2s that actually solve real problems and have strong developer ecosystems. Underrated ones? Maybe, but if they haven’t gained traction by now, chances are they won’t. This space moves fast, and only the strongest will make it. Most of these ‘next big thing’ L2s will be forgotten in a year."
James Henry
Well-known member
"From an economic standpoint, Layer 2 (L2) solutions are essential for the long-term scalability and economic viability of blockchain networks. As demand for decentralized applications (DeFi, gaming, RWAs) increases, transaction costs and congestion on Layer 1 chains like Ethereum become unsustainable.
The strongest L2s will be those that balance scalability, security, and ecosystem adoption. Optimistic rollups (like Arbitrum & Optimism) and ZK-rollups (like Starknet & zkSync) are leading the charge, with ZK technology offering greater long-term efficiency.
Underrated L2s? Base (backed by Coinbase) has a unique advantage in onboarding retail users, while Linea and Scroll are promising up-and-comers in the ZK space. The real question is: which L2s will capture sustained developer activity and liquidity? That will determine their long-term success, not just hype."
The strongest L2s will be those that balance scalability, security, and ecosystem adoption. Optimistic rollups (like Arbitrum & Optimism) and ZK-rollups (like Starknet & zkSync) are leading the charge, with ZK technology offering greater long-term efficiency.
Underrated L2s? Base (backed by Coinbase) has a unique advantage in onboarding retail users, while Linea and Scroll are promising up-and-comers in the ZK space. The real question is: which L2s will capture sustained developer activity and liquidity? That will determine their long-term success, not just hype."