Ethereum mainnet vs Layer 2 networks
Ethereum mainnet offers the strongest security and decentralization in the ecosystem, but transaction fees can be high during busy periods. Layer 2 rollups such as Arbitrum, Optimism, Base and zkSync execute transactions off the main chain and post compressed data back to Ethereum, inheriting much of its security while offering far lower fees and faster confirmations.
Since the Dencun upgrade in 2024 introduced cheaper data storage for rollups, Layer 2 fees have dropped substantially, making them the default choice for consumer applications, games, loyalty programs and frequent payments. Mainnet remains appropriate for high-value assets, settlement and protocols where maximum security and composability with other mainnet protocols matter most.
Choosing a network also means considering liquidity, wallet and exchange support, bridging between chains and the maturity of each rollup's security model. Many projects deploy on one Layer 2 first and expand to others once demand is proven, keeping contracts portable across EVM-compatible networks.

