Layer 2 (L2) scaling solutions are reshaping the Ethereum ecosystem by cutting transaction costs and easing network congestion. These chains handle transactions off the main Ethereum layer, delivering faster speeds and significantly lower gas fees. For crypto founders, blockchain developers, and investors, understanding which L2s offer the cheapest fees is essential for building cost-effective applications and making informed investment choices.

This post ranks the leading Ethereum L2 chains by their gas fees in 2025, highlighting cost differences and practical considerations. You’ll discover which networks provide the best savings and how fee structures impact usability. With L2s playing an increasingly important role, knowing where fees stand helps you optimize for both user experience and budget.

Overview of Layer 2 Technologies and Their Impact on Gas Fees

Layer 2 technologies have become essential for lowering transaction costs on Ethereum without sacrificing security. By processing transactions off the main Ethereum chain, these solutions reduce congestion and gas fees, making blockchain use more practical. Two primary types of Rollups—Optimistic Rollups and Zero-Knowledge (ZK) Rollups—stand out in this space for their different approaches to scaling and fee reduction. Understanding how these Rollups work and their impact on gas fees helps founders and developers choose the right network for their projects.

Optimistic Rollups: Mechanism and Gas Fee Reduction

Optimistic Rollups operate by executing transactions off-chain and posting only minimal summary data to Ethereum. This approach assumes that transactions are valid by default (“optimistic”), and only runs fraud proofs if a challenge is raised. Because it doesn’t verify every transaction on-chain, this technique greatly reduces the computation and data burden on Ethereum’s mainnet.

Popular networks using this technology include Optimism and Arbitrum. Both have brought average gas fees down to about $0.09 to $0.27 per transaction, while Ethereum mainnet fees often range from $1 to $5 or more. These low fees come from batching many transactions together and compressing data before submitting it to Layer 1, cutting costs dramatically.

Currently, Optimism is in a throttled beta phase, which means fees are somewhat higher than their future potential. As throttling lifts, costs could fall further. Arbitrum also continues to optimize its network throughput to lower fees and improve delivery times. These Rollups provide enough scalability to support complex DeFi operations and NFT minting with affordable gas costs.

Zero-Knowledge Rollups: Security with Low Fees

Zero-Knowledge Rollups (ZK Rollups) have a different method for scaling. They bundle hundreds of transactions off-chain and generate cryptographic proofs (called zk-SNARKs or zk-STARKs) that the bundles are valid. These proofs are then posted on Ethereum, enabling quick verification without rerunning every transaction individually on-chain.

ZK Rollups like zkSync Era and Polygon zkEVM offer strong security guarantees and extremely low fees, sometimes even below those of Optimistic Rollups, averaging around $0.07 per transaction. Their fee models benefit from reduced computational work on Ethereum and fewer confirmation delays because proofs are instantly verifiable.

Besides lower transaction costs, ZK Rollups improve finality speeds and provide resistance to certain attack types. Their complex cryptography means ZK Rollups require more development time, but many protocols have matured enough to run live today. They are particularly attractive for applications demanding both security and efficiency.

Layer 2 solutions continue to drive down gas fees as networks mature. Would your project benefit more from the accessibility of Optimistic Rollups or the faster finality and security of ZK Rollups? Understanding these options will help you make smarter choices about cost, speed, and scalability.

Ranking the Cheapest Layer 2 Chains for Gas Fees

When managing gas fees on Ethereum, Layer 2 chains offer meaningful relief. But not all L2s are created equal. Some deliver exceptionally low transaction costs ideal for simple transfers and microtransactions, while others balance fees with advanced developer tools and ecosystem support. Picking the right L2 depends on your budget and use case, whether that’s DeFi, gaming, NFT minting, or payments.

Here’s a clear look at which Ethereum L2 options rank as the cheapest, which chains trade slightly higher fees for extra features, and which newcomers to watch as gas costs evolve.

Most Affordable Chains: Metis, Loopring, zkSync Era

If your priority is paying the lowest possible gas fees, Metis Network, Loopring, and zkSync Era consistently rank near the top. These networks focus on minimizing transaction costs, sometimes bringing fees down to just a few cents per transaction.

  • Metis Network uses an Optimistic Rollup combined with its own decentralized data availability layer, allowing fees often as low as $0.01 to $0.03. This makes it a solid choice for applications like DAOs, small transfers, and dapps needing cheap but reliable transactions.
  • Loopring, a zkRollup built for decentralized exchanges and wallets, offers fees typically under $0.05. Its strength lies in high-speed NFT minting and trading with minimal costs, perfect if your project centers on microtransactions or NFT marketplaces.
  • zkSync Era combines zero-knowledge proofs with EVM compatibility to slash costs to roughly $0.03–$0.07 per transaction. The network is suited for DeFi protocols demanding fast, secure, and cost-effective operations while maintaining Ethereum’s security standards.

These L2s are champions at keeping costs to a minimum, ideal for projects needing tight control over fees or serving users who prioritize affordability. Are you building a product that requires frequent, low-value transactions? These chains deserve your attention.

Competitive Chains with Slightly Higher Fees: Arbitrum One and Optimism

Arbitrum One and Optimism are the most widely adopted Optimistic Rollups, boasting mature ecosystems and robust developer communities. Their gas fees average around $0.10 to $0.30 per transaction—higher than ultra-cheap L2s but still much lower than Ethereum mainnet.

This fee range reflects trade-offs:

  • Both chains support complex smart contracts and host large DeFi protocols, which require more computation and security checks.
  • Their developer tools, integrations, and liquidity pools attract projects seeking a balance between cost and network reliability.
  • The fees on these networks fluctuate with usage but remain predictable and affordable for many dapps.

Optimism’s removal of throttling promises further fee reductions soon, which should help close the gap with lower-cost alternatives. For projects where ecosystem support and compatibility matter as much as low fees, Arbitrum and Optimism represent the middle ground.

Emerging Players and Future Fee Trends

New Layer 2 chains like Base and zkSync Lite are pushing gas fees even lower and may redefine fee expectations in 2025. Base, backed by Coinbase, combines Optimistic Rollup tech with a user-friendly onboarding experience, often charging fees under $0.05. zkSync Lite extends zkSync’s promise with a focus on light client compatibility and further compression of transaction data.

Looking forward, gas fees on L2s should continue to shrink as infrastructure improves. Innovations in rollup designs, increased batching, and new cryptographic optimizations aim to:

  • Drive fees closer to zero for simple transfers
  • Maintain robust security without increasing costs
  • Enable fast finality times that reduce waiting and gas waste

The question is not just which chain offers the cheapest fees today, but which networks will sustain low, steady costs even as demand grows. Emerging L2s, combined with upgrades on existing ones, suggest a future where microtransactions and high-volume dapps become affordable for everyone.

This ranking helps clarify where things stand. If saving on gas fees is your top priority, start with Metis, Loopring, or zkSync Era. For projects balancing cost with wider developer support and ecosystem resources, Arbitrum One and Optimism remain strong contenders. Keep an eye on new players like Base and zkSync Lite—they promise an even cheaper future. How will these fee differences influence your choice of Layer 2?

Key Factors Influencing Gas Fees Across L2 Chains

Understanding why gas fees vary across Layer 2 (L2) chains means looking beyond just their base technology. Several practical factors shape how much you actually pay per transaction. Even the cheapest L2 networks can see fees fluctuate depending on demand and how assets move between layers. Paying attention to these influences helps you pick the right network for your needs and anticipate cost changes.

Network Congestion and Transaction Volume Effects

Even on L2s designed to drastically reduce fees, usage spikes can push costs higher. Why does this happen? L2 chains batch transactions and submit proofs or summaries back to Ethereum mainnet. When transaction volume surges, these batches fill up, and validators or sequencers raise fees to prioritize which transactions get processed first. This creates fee volatility tied directly to network congestion.

For example, zkSync Era often boasts ultra-low fees around $0.03 to $0.07 per transaction during normal activity. However, during peak NFT drops or popular DeFi launches, fees temporarily rose above $0.15 as thousands rushed to participate. Similarly, Arbitrum and Optimism see fee spikes up to $0.30-$0.50 when usage climbs sharply. These fee jumps show that no L2 is immune to congestion effects, even if the baseline costs remain far below Ethereum mainnet.

How do users navigate this? They might delay non-urgent transactions or set custom gas limits. Some projects also throttle new activity when fees spike to protect users from sudden cost increases. Understanding this helps you time your transactions more efficiently and budget accordingly.

Bridging Costs and Their Role in Overall Transaction Expenses

Bridging between Ethereum mainnet and an L2, or transferring assets across different L2s, adds an important layer of fees beyond simple transaction costs. Moving assets requires validation on multiple chains, so bridging involves on-chain operations on both the source and destination networks. This makes bridging fees comparatively higher and sometimes the biggest single expense for users interacting across layers.

For context, bridging ETH or tokens from Ethereum to L2s like Arbitrum or Metis typically costs anywhere between $5 to $20, depending on network congestion on Ethereum mainnet. These are one-time costs per asset moved but can be significant compared to near-cent transaction fees on L2s themselves.

Cross-L2 bridges, which allow asset movement from one L2 directly to another, are emerging but still carry varying fees and longer wait times due to security checks and proof submissions. For example, bridging from Optimism to zkSync may require deposits and withdrawals on mainnet, incurring multiple transaction fees.

Bridging fees impact:

  • How frequently users move assets between layers
  • Project design decisions about when to interact with L1 vs staying on L2
  • The true cost base for multi-chain or cross-rollup applications

Many users try to minimize bridging by batching activity or staying within a single L2 ecosystem. Developers also focus on integrations to reduce bridging frequency.

Knowing this makes it clear: while L2s deliver cheap, fast transactions, bridging costs are a critical factor in the overall expense picture. They can act like toll booths that add fixed costs before you enjoy the benefits of L2 speed and low fees.

Gas fees are not just about the L2 technology itself but also how and when you use it. Network congestion puts upward pressure on fees even for affordable chains, while bridging keeps some costs anchored to mainnet activity. By factoring in these realities, you gain a complete understanding of your transaction expenses across Layer 2 environments.

Selecting the Right Layer 2 Chain Based on Gas Fees and Use Case

Choosing the right Layer 2 chain goes beyond simply looking for the cheapest gas fees. Different applications require different trade-offs between cost, speed, and user experience. Some need ultra-low fees for thousands of quick transactions, while others balance affordable costs with smooth interactions for end users. Matching your project’s demands to the L2 that fits best will optimize both performance and budget.

For DeFi Projects and High Frequency Trading: Recommend L2 Chains Optimal for Applications Requiring Frequent, Low-Cost Transactions

DeFi protocols and high-frequency trading applications demand extremely low gas fees combined with fast transaction finality. These apps often execute hundreds or thousands of trades or contract interactions daily. If fees spike or transactions lag, the user experience and profitability suffer.

Layer 2 chains that excel here include:

  • Metis Network: With gas fees often as low as $0.01 to $0.03, Metis offers near-instant transaction throughput and a reliable security model. This makes it ideal for DeFi vendors needing tight control over operational costs without sacrificing security.
  • zkSync Era: Combining zero-knowledge rollups with EVM compatibility, zkSync Era delivers fees generally between $0.03 and $0.07, along with quick transaction verification. Its robust security and efficient execution make it a strong contender for trading and lending protocols processing many microtransactions.
  • Loopring: Tailored for fast and cheap transactions, Loopring’s zkRollup tech drives fees below $0.05. It suits decentralized exchanges and automated market makers requiring constant trading activity.

These chains accommodate the sheer volume and complexity of DeFi transactions where every cent saved multiplies across thousands of trades. Fast settlement and low transaction costs allow traders and developers to scale without worrying about spiraling fees or bottlenecks.

For NFT Marketplaces and Gaming DApps: Suggest L2s That Offer a Good Balance of Low Fees and User Experience for NFT Minting and Gaming

NFT minting and gaming DApps need more than just low fees. They require smooth, responsive user experiences with instant transaction feedback. Delays or unpredictable costs can frustrate users, especially when minting limited NFTs or engaging in fast-paced games.

Ideal Layer 2 solutions for these use cases often offer slightly higher, but stable and predictable gas fees paired with proven usability features:

  • Polygon zkEVM: Polygon’s zero-knowledge EVM-compatible rollup provides low fees around $0.04-$0.08 per transaction and spots a strong emphasis on user-focused tooling. Its environment supports smooth NFT minting and gameplay interaction, helping projects build vibrant communities.
  • Arbitrum One: Widely adopted and developer-friendly, Arbitrum charges moderate fees averaging $0.10 to $0.20 but delivers mature infrastructure and good wallet support. NFT marketplaces benefit from the chain’s stability and integration with popular Ethereum wallets.
  • Optimism: Optimism’s fees currently hover around $0.10-$0.15, balancing cost with excellent developer tools and ecosystem integrations. This helps gaming and NFT projects tap into a broader Ethereum base without pricing users out of regular interactions.

For gaming and NFT projects, consistent experience often matters more than the absolute lowest fees. Players and collectors expect swift transactions and seamless wallet connections. An L2 with user-focused enhancements and reliable throughput will reduce friction, even if fees are marginally higher than the absolute cheapest options.

Understanding which chain to choose comes down to your project’s transaction frequency and user expectations. If cutting costs at the highest volume is key, prioritize ultra-cheap L2s like Metis or zkSync Era. For NFT or gaming projects where smooth and predictable user flow matters, newer chains with solid tooling and moderate fees, like Polygon zkEVM or Arbitrum, might make more sense. Balancing fees with user experience is crucial to long-term success in either category.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Ethereum Layer 2 chain directly influences how much you pay in gas fees and the overall user experience of your project. The cheapest L2s like Metis, Loopring, and zkSync Era deliver extremely low transaction costs, making them ideal for applications with frequent, small transactions or tight budget constraints. Meanwhile, networks like Arbitrum and Optimism provide a solid middle ground, offering balanced fees alongside mature tooling and ecosystem support.

Layer 2 technologies are advancing quickly, with ongoing improvements that promise even lower fees and faster finality in the near future. Strategic selection of an L2 should weigh cost-efficiency, network maturity, and project requirements together. This approach ensures scalable, affordable blockchain solutions that align with your goals.

What impact will these evolving fee structures have on your project’s design and growth? As the Layer 2 ecosystem grows, keeping track of both gas fees and operational factors will remain essential for smart decision-making in 2025 and beyond.