zkEVM Comparison: Exploring the Future of Ethereum Scaling

zkEVM is bringing revolutionary changes to Ethereum, making it closer to mass adoption. With numerous options available, we need to dive deep into the advantages and disadvantages of each solution. This article will provide a comparative analysis of mainstream zkEVM solutions such as Polygon zkEVM (and its 2.0 version), zkSync Era, Linea, Scroll, and Taiko, offering you a comprehensive guide.

Overview of zkEVM

zkEVM is a Layer 2 network solution that processes transactions and sends proofs back to the Ethereum main chain. By combining zero-knowledge proof (ZK) technology with EVM compatibility, zkEVM can significantly alleviate the computational burden on the Ethereum mainnet, improve scalability, while maintaining high security and decentralization features.

However, different zkEVM solutions differ in design philosophy and implementation methods. Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin proposed a classification framework that divides zkEVM into different types, ranging from Ethereum equivalent (Type 1) to EVM compatible (Type 4). This classification reflects the trade-off between EVM compatibility and performance.

Comparison of Mainstream zkEVM Solutions

Polygon 2.0 (zkEVM Validium)

Polygon Labs proposed a plan to upgrade Polygon PoS to zkEVM validium in June 2023. This upgrade aims to retain the existing robust ecosystem of Polygon PoS while providing lower fees and higher throughput.

Polygon 2.0 as zkEVM validium has the following advantages compared to Polygon zkEVM Rollup:

• Lower transaction fees
• Higher throughput

However, the validium model also faces challenges in ensuring the availability of off-chain transaction data. Polygon plans to leverage its existing network of over 100 validators to guarantee the security and reliability of data availability.

Polygon zkEVM

Polygon zkEVM is a Type 3 ZK-Rollup designed to achieve equivalence with the EVM. It retains compatibility with EVM opcodes to provide greater scalability while maintaining good collaboration with existing Ethereum tools and clients.

Polygon zkEVM launched its mainnet in March 2023, and the total locked value on the network is approximately 54 million USD. It complements Polygon 2.0:

• Polygon zkEVM (Rollup): Suitable for applications that handle high-value transactions, such as DeFi.
• Polygon 2.0 (zkEVM validium): Suitable for applications with high transaction volumes and low fee requirements, such as Web3 games and social platforms.

( zkSync Era

zkSync Era is a Type 4 zkEVM developed by Matter Labs. It went live on the mainnet in March 2023, with a current TVL of approximately $450 million and a trading volume of 27 million transactions in the past month.

Features of zkSync Era:

• Use a custom virtual machine )VM### to improve proof generation speed.
• Native support for Ethereum cryptographic primitives
• Simplified Hardhat plugin testing
• Improve user experience through native account abstraction
• Use LLVM compiler, supporting multiple programming languages
• Powerful L1-L2 contract messaging system

In the future, zkSync plans to launch zkPorter integration, providing users with options for different security levels and fee structures.

( Linea

Linea is a Type 3 zkEVM developed by ConsenSys (the creator of MetaMask, Truffle, and Infura). Its Alpha mainnet was launched in July 2023 and has accumulated $50 million in TVL.

The uniqueness of Linea lies in:

• Able to execute unmodified EVM native bytecode directly
• Plan to upgrade to Type 2 zkEVM in the future to further improve compatibility with Ethereum.
• Directly generate ZK proofs using the bytecode compiled from Solidity without using a transcompiler or custom compiler.

) Scroll zkEVM

Scroll is currently a type 3 zkEVM, planning to gradually transition to type 2, with the ultimate goal of becoming type 1. Scroll's development strategy prioritizes EVM compatibility and decentralization, rather than rapid generation of ZKP.

Scroll is currently in the alpha testnet phase and is open for public use.

Taiko

Taiko is also committed to becoming a Type 1 native zkEVM, but it has taken a different implementation path than Scroll. From the very beginning, Taiko has prioritized decentralization over speed:

• Achieve a high degree of decentralization for the sequencer and prover from the testnet phase.
• Maximize EVM compatibility, although this may lead to slower ZKP generation speed.

The type 1 testnet of Taiko is now live for developers and users to experience.

![Ultimate Guide to zkEVM: Comprehensive Comparison of 6 zkEVM Solutions]###https://img-cdn.gateio.im/webp-social/moments-2ce003b3a6553bf415422f8c316fcc5d.webp###

Summary

Positioning of various zkEVM solutions in Vitalik's classification framework:

• Taiko: Type 1 (Testnet Phase)
• Polygon zkEVM: Type 3 (Mainnet launched, plan to migrate to Type 2)
• Linea: Type 3 (Mainnet launched, planned to migrate to Type 2)
• Scroll: Type 3 (Testnet phase, planned to ultimately become Type 1)
• zkSync Era: Type 4 (Mainnet is live)

The development and adoption of L2 solutions are crucial for the future of Ethereum and are key to solving the scalability issues of blockchain. Each zkEVM solution has its unique advantages and challenges, but they all contribute to building a more accessible web3 ecosystem. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovations and breakthroughs that push blockchain technology into broader application scenarios.