Layer 2 (L2) networks have become one of the most important pillars of the blockchain ecosystem. As congestion, high fees, and scalability limits continue to challenge Layer 1 blockchains, especially Ethereum, Layer 2 solutions provide a practical path toward mass adoption. When evaluating their success, one of the most relevant metrics is the number of active users, because it directly reflects real-world usage rather than theoretical capacity.
This article explores the most popular Layer 2 networks by number of users, explaining why they attract large communities, how they differ technically, and what drives adoption.
Why user count matters for Layer 2 networks
While total value locked (TVL) and transaction volume are often highlighted, user count offers a clearer picture of ecosystem health.
Adoption over speculation
A high number of users indicates:
- real demand for lower fees and faster transactions
- strong developer activity and dApp availability
- trust in network security and reliability
Layer 2 networks with many users are more resilient to market cycles and better positioned for long-term growth.
Network effects and scalability
As more users join an L2 network:
- liquidity improves
- applications become more diverse
- infrastructure providers invest more resources
This creates a self-reinforcing cycle that further accelerates adoption.
Arbitrum – the current leader in Layer 2 adoption
Among all Layer 2 solutions, Arbitrum consistently ranks at the top by number of active users.
Why Arbitrum attracts so many users
Arbitrum uses Optimistic Rollup technology, allowing it to inherit Ethereum’s security while drastically reducing fees. Its main advantages include:
- full EVM compatibility
- low transaction costs
- strong performance under high load
These features make migration from Ethereum mainnet simple for both users and developers.
Ecosystem strength
Arbitrum hosts hundreds of decentralized applications, including:
- decentralized exchanges
- lending and borrowing protocols
- NFT marketplaces
The wide availability of dApps significantly contributes to Arbitrum’s large and active user base.
Optimism – a strong contender with growing users
Optimism is another major Layer 2 network with a rapidly expanding user community.
Focus on simplicity and governance
Optimism emphasizes:
- developer-friendly tooling
- transparent governance through the Optimism Collective
- public goods funding
This approach has attracted both retail users and institutional participants.
User growth drivers
Optimism’s user growth is fueled by:
- major protocol integrations
- strong incentives for builders
- partnerships with large Web3 projects
As a result, Optimism continues to rank among the most popular Layer 2 networks by number of users.
Polygon – bridging Layer 2 and sidechain adoption
Polygon occupies a unique position in the Layer 2 landscape.
Massive user base across multiple solutions
Polygon supports:
- Polygon PoS chain
- zkEVM
- multiple scaling frameworks
Thanks to early adoption and aggressive partnerships, Polygon has onboarded millions of users, including many from outside the traditional crypto space.
Enterprise and consumer appeal
Polygon’s popularity is driven by:
- collaborations with global brands
- NFT and gaming integrations
- low-cost transactions
Although not all Polygon solutions are pure Layer 2s, its ecosystem remains one of the largest by user count.
Base – rapid growth through centralized exchange support
Base, developed by Coinbase, has quickly become one of the fastest-growing Layer 2 networks.
Seamless onboarding for new users
Base benefits from:
- direct integration with Coinbase
- simplified fiat-to-crypto access
- user-friendly wallets
This dramatically lowers the entry barrier for non-technical users.
User trust and brand recognition
Coinbase’s reputation plays a key role in Base’s adoption. Many users feel more comfortable interacting with a Layer 2 network backed by a well-known, regulated exchange.
zkSync – privacy and scalability driving adoption
zkSync leverages zero-knowledge rollup technology, offering a different scaling approach compared to Optimistic Rollups.
Why users choose zkSync
zkSync provides:
- faster finality
- enhanced privacy
- lower gas costs
As zero-knowledge technology matures, zkSync continues to attract users who prioritize efficiency and future-proof design.
Growing ecosystem
Although its user base is smaller than Arbitrum or Optimism, zkSync’s growth rate is strong, especially among developers building next-generation DeFi and Web3 applications.
Starknet – a developer-focused Layer 2 network
Starknet is another zk-rollup-based Layer 2 network with increasing adoption.
Technical innovation
Starknet uses:
- Cairo programming language
- STARK proofs for scalability
While this creates a steeper learning curve, it also enables advanced applications and long-term scalability.
User adoption trends
Starknet’s user count is growing steadily, driven by:
- experimental DeFi protocols
- gaming projects
- infrastructure-focused development
Its community is smaller but highly engaged.
Linea and emerging Layer 2 networks
Beyond the major players, several newer Layer 2 networks are rapidly expanding their user bases.
Linea and Scroll
These networks focus on:
- zkEVM compatibility
- seamless Ethereum integration
- improved user experience
Although their total number of users is lower, adoption is accelerating as ecosystems mature.
The importance of early growth
Emerging Layer 2 networks often attract:
- early adopters
- developers seeking incentives
- experimental projects
Over time, some of these networks may rival today’s leaders.
Factors that influence Layer 2 user adoption
Understanding why users choose specific Layer 2 networks helps explain current rankings.
Transaction fees and speed
Lower costs and faster confirmation times remain the strongest drivers of adoption.
Developer ecosystem
Users follow applications. Networks with more dApps naturally attract more users.
Onboarding experience
Simple wallet setup, bridges, and fiat access significantly impact user numbers.
Security perception
Networks that clearly communicate their security model tend to gain trust faster.
The future of Layer 2 adoption
The competition among Layer 2 networks is far from over.
Multi-chain future
Many users already interact with multiple Layer 2 networks, depending on:
- use case
- fees
- application availability
This trend will likely continue.
User count as a long-term indicator
While metrics may fluctuate, the most popular Layer 2 networks by number of users are those that successfully balance scalability, security, usability, and ecosystem growth.
Conclusion
Layer 2 networks are no longer experimental infrastructure—they are the backbone of scalable blockchain adoption. Arbitrum and Optimism currently lead by user count, while Polygon, Base, zkSync, and Starknet continue to attract massive and growing communities. As technology evolves and onboarding improves, user adoption will remain the clearest indicator of which Layer 2 networks truly succeed in bringing blockchain to the mainstream.
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