How zk rollup ZKsync is changing Ethereum performance - Guide 2026

ZKsync is a Layer 2 solution for Ethereum that utilizes advanced zk rollup technology to increase transaction speed and reduce costs. Instead of processing each transaction on the main chain, zk rollup batches multiple operations off-chain and then submits them to Ethereum with a cryptographic proof, ensuring security without sacrificing performance.

Where does ZKsync stand today?

The ZK token has reached a market capitalization of $176.3 million at the current price of $0.02 (as of February 20, 2026). Although well below its all-time high of $0.321 in June 2024, ZKsync remains one of the key players among zk rollup solutions for Ethereum. The network handles over 400 million transactions across more than 7 million addresses, maintaining the position as the second-largest zk rollup network by total value locked.

What is zk rollup and how does ZKsync implement it?

A zk rollup is a technology based on zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP), which allow verification of transactions without revealing their details. ZKsync uses ZK-SNARKs — a specific type of cryptographic proof — to batch transactions and submit them to Ethereum as a single compact operation. This approach reduces main chain load, lowers gas fees, and accelerates processing.

In practice, hundreds of transactions can be grouped into one zk rollup and verified mathematically, instead of processing them individually. This technique guarantees that each transaction is secure and valid, while keeping its details private.

How exactly does the ZKsync network work?

The ZKsync network consists of two components: on-chain and off-chain. The on-chain component includes smart contracts that manage proof verification, data storage, and deposit tracking. The off-chain component comprises virtual machines that process most transaction computations, reducing the burden on the main Ethereum network.

The process is straightforward:

1. Batching — multiple transactions are collected into one batch off-chain
2. Proof generation — a zk rollup proof is created, cryptographically confirming the validity of all operations
3. Verification on-chain — the proof is sent to an Ethereum smart contract, which verifies its correctness
4. Finalization — if the proof is valid, the batch is recorded on the blockchain

This mechanism allows processing up to 100,000 transactions per second, with fees below $0.01 per transaction.

Why is ZKsync attractive?

High throughput — zk rollup technology enables processing hundreds of times more transactions than the main Ethereum chain, making it suitable for DeFi applications requiring complex operations.

Low transaction fees — moving most computations off-chain reduces network congestion, resulting in lower gas costs for users.

Security — zk rollup guarantees security through cryptographic proofs that prevent data manipulation without detection.

EVM compatibility — ZKsync supports the Ethereum Virtual Machine, making it easier for developers to migrate dApps from Ethereum with minimal code changes.

Flexible payments — users can pay transaction fees with any token, not just ETH, making the system more user-friendly.

ZKsync Airdrop — what happened?

In June 2024, ZKsync conducted one of the largest Layer 2 airdrop campaigns. A snapshot taken on March 24, 2024, identified 695,232 wallets eligible to receive ZK tokens based on their activity within the ecosystem.

Distribution was split: 89% for active users, 11% for ecosystem contributors. Eligible users could receive from 450 up to 100,000 ZK tokens, depending on their level of engagement. Despite the deadline passing (January 3, 2025), this event remains a milestone in zk rollup history highlighted by ZKsync.

How to transfer assets to ZKsync?

Transferring assets to ZKsync via the Portal Bridge is simple:

1. Visit portal ZKsync bridge
2. Connect your wallet (e.g., MetaMask)
3. Select assets and amount
4. Review details and confirm the transaction
5. Approve in your wallet

Safety tips:

• Use only the official ZKsync Bridge portal
• Ensure the token is supported on the network
• Be aware of gas fees
• Double-check addresses to avoid asset loss

ZKsync vs other Layer 2 solutions

ZKsync stands out from competitors. Compared to Base (Optimistic Rollups with TVL of $7.14B), ZKsync offers faster finality, though Base has higher liquidity. StarkNet, another major zk rollup player, can handle up to 1 million transactions per second but requires programming in Cairo, which complicates migration from Ethereum.

Other zk rollup solutions like Polygon zkEVM or Scroll offer different trade-offs between speed, security, and ease of deployment. The choice depends on the specific needs of the project.

Challenges of zk rollup and ZKsync

Zk rollup technology also has limitations. Implementation requires advanced cryptographic expertise and significant computational resources, which can be a barrier for smaller projects. Liquidity fragmentation across different Layer 2 networks may reduce overall trading efficiency. Although ZKsync is advanced, it remains in relatively early development stages compared to the main Ethereum chain, posing potential technical challenges.

Summary

ZKsync represents the future of Ethereum scaling through advanced zk rollup technology. It offers faster, cheaper transactions without compromising security, making it a valuable tool for DeFi applications and beyond. Although the ZK token experienced a tough period after its all-time high, the technology remains solid and promising for the long-term growth of the Ethereum ecosystem.