10 Best StarkNet Alternatives Altcoins 2025

I will elaborate on the top StarkNet Alternatives Altcoins which provide Ethereum scalability solutions, cheaper transaction costs, and quicker transaction execution.

These Layer 2 systems have different functionalities for both developers and users, such as NFTs, decentralized finance, and improved cross-chain compatibility.

Knowing these alternatives will enable you to select the best available option to utilize and build decentralized apps.

What is StarkNet Alternatives Altcoins?

Altcoins that can be classified as StarkNet Alternatives are those Chain Networks and Cryptos that focus on Scalability, High Throughput, and lower fees from transactions, and also offer flexible Layer 2 Solutions or Advanced Smart Contract Technologies. StarkNet uses ZK-Rollups, while competitors also optimize Ethereum transactions with Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, and zkSync.

These Altcoins provide faster tx, gas cost efficiency, and more flexibility for developers to create scalable dApps and DeFi Projects. These alternatives are quite flexible and provide many more options for developers looking for dApps and DeFi Projects on tier 2 solutions on Ethereum.

Why Use StarkNet Alternatives Altcoins

Lower Costs – Many substitutes have lower gas fees, allowing micro-transactions and frequent trades at lower costs than with Ethereum’s mainnet.

Improved Transaction Speeds – Other L2s like Arbitrum or Optimism offer faster transaction speeds, making dApps and DeFi platforms more user friendly.

Greater Transaction Throughput – These systems are more expansive and can process more transactions per second, providing greater ease of use with less congestion and fewer delays.

Greater Smart Contract Flexibility – More complex contracts can be issued at better performance, lower cost tiers.

Variable Networks – Other competitors offer systems with different tokens, unique attributes or incentives allowing greater choice for users and developers.

Cross-chain Compatibility – Some altcoins provide easier access and traversal of disparate blockchain systems.

Key Point & Best StarkNet Alternatives Altcoins List

Altcoin	Key Points / Features
Arbitrum (ARB)	Layer 2 Ethereum scaling solution using Optimistic Rollups; low fees, fast transactions, strong dApp ecosystem.
Optimism (OP)	Optimistic Rollup network; enhances Ethereum scalability, supports Ethereum smart contracts with minimal changes.
zkSync (ZK)	Zero-knowledge rollup platform; ultra-low fees, fast settlement, strong focus on security and privacy.
Polygon (MATIC)	Multi-chain scaling solution; supports Ethereum-compatible blockchains, low fees, large developer community.
Loopring (LRC)	Layer 2 zkRollup for decentralized exchanges; high-speed trades, low transaction costs, NFT support.
Immutable X (IMX)	Layer 2 for NFTs on Ethereum; gas-free minting, eco-friendly, fast NFT trading.
Linea (LINEA)	ZK-Rollup network; emphasizes fast, secure transactions and scalability for DeFi and dApps.
Scroll (SCR)	zkRollup network for Ethereum; efficient, scalable, focuses on developer-friendly smart contract deployment.
Mantle (MNT)	Layer 2 Ethereum scaling solution; offers low-cost transactions, high throughput, and dApp integration.
Base (BASE)	Ethereum Layer 2 platform; fast, secure, supports a wide range of DeFi and NFT applications.

1. Arbitrum (ARB)

Optimism (OP) is one of the top contenders, and, like StarkNet, allows the user to leverage Optimistic Rollups to cost-effectively scale Ethereum securely across all transactions.

Optimism’s primary strength is the ability to integrate with Ethereum, allowing developers to deploy smart contracts with little to no adjustment. Optimism’s simple, developer-first approach allows rapid growth and uptake of dApps.

Strong support from Ethereum’s ecosystem, along with rapid finality and minimal network congestion, means Optimism provides developers and users with an outstanding, dependable, scalable, and cost-effective Layer Two solution, allowing it to stand out among other StarkNet alternatives.

Arbitrum (ARB) Features

• Scalability: With optimistic rollups Arbitrum achieves a higher volume of transactions while preserving Ethereum security.
• Low Fees: Compared to the Ethereum mainnet, transactions in Arbitrum are both cheaper and faster.
• Ecosystem Support: Versatility encompasses a variety of DeFi, NFT, and gaming projects, catering to both developers and users.

2. Optimism (OP)

Optimism (OP) is one of the top contenders, and, like StarkNet, allows the user to leverage Optimistic Rollups to cost-effectively scale Ethereum securely across all transactions. Optimism’s primary strength is the ability to integrate with Ethereum, allowing developers to deploy smart contracts with little to no adjustment.

Optimism’s simple, developer-first approach allows rapid growth and uptake of dApps. Strong support from Ethereum’s ecosystem, along with rapid finality and minimal network congestion, means Optimism provides developers and users with an outstanding, dependable, scalable, and cost-effective Layer Two solution, allowing it to stand out among other StarkNet alternatives.

Optimism (OP) Features

• Optimistic Rollups: Like Arbitrum, Optimism reduces network congestion using off-chain processing and on-chain data posting.
• Developer-Friendly: Simplifies the deployment of Ethereum-compatible smart contracts.
• Growing Ecosystem: DeFi protocol, NFT platforms, and decentralized apps support rapid expansion.

3. zkSync (ZK)

zkSync (ZK) is the best StarkNet alternative altcoin as a result of zkSync’s infrastructure that enables unparalleled security and scalability on Ethereum, thanks to the cutting-edge zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup technology zkSync deployed.

What sets zkSync apart is the capability to verify transactions on the blockchain in real time, while on-chain security is guaranteed, thus, the service is offered at a minimal fee and a quick revamping of a transaction.

Moreover, zkSync allows the Ethereum-compatible smart contracts to offer more ultra-high performance on the dApp. Furthermore, zkSync is the best alternative altcoin as a result of unparalleled user privacy, energy efficiency, coupled with seamless inter-layer accessibility to other Layer 2 facilities.

 zkSync (ZK) Features

• Zero-Knowledge Proofs: zk-rollups are used to deliver fast transactions with lower gas fees while remaining secure.
• Ethereum-Compatible: Developers can switch to using Solidity and deploy current smart contracts seamlessly.
• Security: Stays scalable while transactions get Ethereum-level security.

4. Polygon (MATIC)

Polygon (MATIC), is one of the most versatile StarkNet alternative altcoins and Ethereum’s most reputable Layer 2 is due to its ability to enhance Ethereum’s scalability with low transaction costs. With a unique ability to connect Ethereum-compatible blockchains,

Polygon is able to create seamless interoperability and flexibility to developers building different dApps, unlike the rest. Polygon has a solid ecosystem with a vast number of decentralized applications, DeFi, and NFT projects.

Polygon is able to create a cost-effective and secure Layer 2 environment which is one of the reasons Polygon is the most reputable StarkNet alternative due to high community adoption.

Polygon (MATIC) Features

• Multi-Chain Support: By connecting several chains and scaling Ethereum with sidechains, Polygon achieves multi-chain capability.
• Low Transaction Costs: Offers remarkably cheaper fees when compared to the Ethereum mainnet.
• DeFi & NFT Ecosystem: It has an extensive network supporting various projects making it favorite with devs.

5. Loopring (LRC)

Loopring (LRC) is a top contender in the StarkNet alternative space and is leading due to its decentralized focus and Layer 2 Scalability.

The benefits Loopring brings to the market is the use of zkRollup technology allowing for ultra-fast transactions at a very low cost and securing the transactions on the Ethereum network.

Loopring was built for DEX and NFT trading, giving customers the ability to make big trades without clogging the network. The smart contract and integration is beneficial for other developers looking to build their own trading or DeFi applications. Loopring is a great alternative to StarkNet.

Loopring (LRC) Features

• zk-Rollups Technology: Improvements in transaction speeds, lowers costs, and adds security features which are in line with Ethereum standards.
• Focus on Payments & Trading: It is streamlined and enhanced for use in decentralized exchanges and payments.
• Energy Efficient: It assists in solving the climate crisis by reducing the carbon footprint when compared to the traditional Ethereum transactions.

6. Immutable X (IMX)

Immutable X (IMX) is one of the top alternatives within StellarNet due to its focus on Layer 2 solutions specific to NFTs, providing gasless minting and near instantaneous transactions, all while maintaining the security of the Ethereum blockchain.

Its eco-friendly and scalable model is one of a kind, allowing NFTs to be created and traded in an economically viable, green, and sustainable way.

It is beneficial to developers since it’s Ethereum compatible and supports easy integration, allowing smooth transactions for large biggest NFT projects. Immutable X is one of the few altcoins that offers excellent, reliable, and secure starknet.

Immutable X (IMX) Features

• NFT-Centric: Focuses on the minting and trading of NFTs with the bonus of zero gas fees.
• Layer-2 Security: NFT transactions are secured by zk-rollups and they are also scalable.
• Eco-Friendly: Aims to help foster large NFT ecosystems by espousing a low energy design.

7. Linea (LINEA)

Linea (LINEA) is a top StarkNet competitor. Securing top posistions came from using ZK-Rollup technology to facilitate secure, fast, low-cost transactions on Ethereum. Linea combines scalability with top tier developer tools, enabling fast deployment on complex dApps, and DeFi protocols without overspent on resources.

Emphasing on paradoxical high-throughput, low-latency and cross Ethereum ecosystem connectors, Linea is an ideal fit for users and developers looking for robust software. Improving user experience around Linea and its commmitment to security ensures transactions get verified as fast as possible, without losing trust. These factors justif a top tier scalable, low cOst StarkNet competitor.

Linea (LINEA) Features

• Layer-2 Scalability: Uses rollup technology to enhance the number of Ethereum transactions are afforded on a given time.
• Low Fees: Transaction costs are low from the point of view of both the developer and the user.
• Ecosystem Growth: A big number of users are attracted by the support of a wide variety of projects such as DeFi, gaming, and NFTs.

8. Scroll (SCR)

Scroll is a leading alternative altcoin to StarkNet due to its zkRollup technology which allows for quick and inexpensive transactions on the Ethereum blockchain whilst also retaining impenetrable on-chain safety.

The ease of smart contract deployment enables easy Ethereum dApp migration because of the developer-friendly ecosystem the platform provides. Scroll is also able to do all this whilst maintaining superb efficiency because of its scalability.

This enables large volumes of transactions to go through which decreases congestion on the network leading to a better experience for the users. With swift confirmation times, high interoperability, and better efficiency for DeFi and NFT systems, Scroll is a premier Layer 2 alternative due to its accessibility, safety, and low costs.

Scroll (SCR) Features

• zk-Rollup-Based: Transaction processing is fast and occurs in a secure manner.
• Ethereum-Compatible: It is completely interoperable with existing Ethereum smart contracts.
• Developer Support:** Aimed at user responsiveness, it has sought to design and build a range of development tools for seamless dApp deployment and scaling.

9. Mantle (MNT)

Mantle (MNT) sits as an alternative to StarkNet due to its ability to combine Layer 2 scaling with Ethereum-compatible smart contracts, giving it the ability to execute swift transactions.

Mantle’s greatest strength lies in facilitating throughput optimization for high-traffic dApps and DeFi services to allow user-entry uninterrupted network transactions. Moreover, Mantle allows for a simplified interoperable contract deployment across Ethereum applications, offering a helpful dev ecosystem.

Optimizing for speed, accessibility, and efficiency, Mantle has the ability to provide seamless scaling for both devs and end-users, making it one of the most optimal and reliable engines for blockchain-enabled app services, and helping it stand out as an alternative to StarkNet.

Mantle (MNT) Features

• Layer-2 Performance: Transaction speed is increased on Ethereum and costs are lowered.
• Strong Security: Rollup technology is used to mantém security at Ethereum levels.
• DeFi & NFT Integration: Supports decentralized finance and NFT platforms.

10. Base (BASE)

Base (BASE) competes with StarkNet as the most efficient altcoin as a StarkNet competitor. Created as an Ethereum Layer 2 protocol, it has the benefits of low latency, low cost, and high security.

Developers can deploy dApps and smart contracts without complex customization. Base operates primarily with gas-efficient transactions and rapid confirmations.

Base operated seamlessly between DeFi and NFT Ethereum ecosystem within the Ethereum ecosystem. Base is efficient Layer 2 system which StarkNet users and developers base can rely on.

Base (BASE) Features

• Scalable L2 Solution: Scalable and secure Ethereum Layer 2.
• Low Cost Transaction: Low gas fees for users and devs.
• Wide Adoption Potential: Extensive ecosystem integrating backed by major crypto players.

Conclusion

To conclude, top tier StarkNet alternatives; namely; Arbitrum (ARB), Optimism (OP), zkSync (ZK), Polygon (MATIC), Loopring (LRC), Immutable X (IMX), Linea (LINEA), Scroll (SCR), Mantle (MNT), Base (BASE), provide excellent Tier 2 solutions that improve Ethereum’s scalability, offer instant transaction solutions, and make the whole network more effective.

All listed altcoins have their use case; zero-knowledge rollups and Optimistic Rollups, NFT focus, and multicoin bridge technology. These alternatives facilitate building and effectively interacting with dApps in a faster, less expensive, and more secure environment, so they make strong, viable alternatives to StarkNet.

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