In the ever-changing world of Ethereum’s Layer 2 solutions, two main players have emerged and are competing for the spotlight: zkSync Era and Optimism.

These platforms have found their own special places, each with its own strengths and challenges.

Let’s dive into what sets them apart and explore why Optimism might face some difficulties in surpassing the zkSync Era.

zkSync Era: The Money Maker

When it comes to making money in the Layer 2 space, zkSync Era is leading the pack.

According to data from Dune Analytics, zkSync Era has captured a significant 42% of the total revenue generated by various rollups.

This impressive achievement highlights its ability to generate substantial profits for its users.

On the other hand, Optimism is in a somewhat less impressive position, accounting for a smaller 15% of profits.

The Optimism Edge: Cheaper Transactions

Amidst this competition, Optimism stands out with its lower transaction costs compared to the zkSync Era.

This cost difference has caught people’s attention and raised optimism about what the platform can achieve.

zkSync Era’s design requires validation proofs for accuracy, which adds extra steps and higher costs to transactions.

In contrast, Optimism’s streamlined approach results in lower expenses, giving it an advantage in this area.

The impact of lower transaction costs is significant.

It makes it easier for new users to join the Optimism community, potentially attracting more people to the platform.

This could lead to Optimism surpassing the zkSync Era in terms of network activity in the months to come.

zkSync Era’s Activity Dominance

Although Optimism’s cost advantage is eye-catching, it’s not the sole factor shaping the future of these platforms.

Insights from Artemis’ data shed light on an important aspect: zkSync Era’s strong network activity.

Both the number of active users and daily transactions on zkSync Era far exceed those on Optimism.

Notably, zkSync Era recently celebrated a major milestone by reaching over 100 million transactions—an achievement that speaks volumes about its growing influence.

https://perseuscrypto.com/optimism/optimism-challenge-zksync-era-a-closer-look/