5 Best Layer-2 Crypto Coins to Buy Right Now 

Layer-2 (L2) solutions are transforming the blockchain space by solving the long-standing problems of speed, scalability, and high transaction fees faced by major networks like Ethereum and Bitcoin. By processing transactions off the main chain and then sending the results back for security verification, these systems deliver faster, cheaper, and more efficient performance, making decentralized apps (dApps) more practical for everyday use. 

As of October 2025, the Layer-2 ecosystem is one of the most dynamic areas in crypto, driving innovation across multiple blockchains, including Solana. These solutions are not just improving Ethereum’s scalability but also powering cross-chain compatibility and new high-performance infrastructures. 

For investors, Layer-2 tokens represent a growing opportunity to back the next generation of blockchain projects that could shape Web3’s future. In this guide, we have highlighted five of the best Layer-2 coins to buy right now, exploring their technology, growth potential, and why they stand out in the rapidly evolving crypto market.

5 Top Layer-2 Coins to Buy Now – Full Reviews

Here are five of the most promising Layer-2 crypto coins to buy right now. Each project brings a unique approach to solving blockchain’s scalability problem by offering faster transactions, lower fees, and greater network efficiency. 

From leading names like Arbitrum and Mantle to emerging innovators like Bitcoin Hyper, Loopring, and Soon, these tokens represent the next frontier of blockchain growth and real-world crypto adoption.

Bitcoin Hyper – A Bitcoin Layer-2 Solution with SVM Speed

Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) is an innovative Layer-2 project designed to boost Bitcoin’s performance by adding modern scalability features without sacrificing its strong security. While Bitcoin remains the most secure blockchain, it struggles to handle complex smart contracts or support decentralized apps (dApps) efficiently.

Bitcoin Hyper solves this by creating a faster, cheaper Layer-2 network built on top of Bitcoin using the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM), which is a high-speed engine known for processing thousands of transactions per second. 

By combining Bitcoin’s security with Solana’s speed, Bitcoin Hyper creates a powerful environment for Web3 projects such as DeFi platforms, NFTs, and blockchain-based games. Transactions on the network are confirmed almost instantly and cost less than a cent, making it one of the most practical Bitcoin scaling solutions so far. 

This project, which merges the viral energy of meme coins with the genuine utility of a scalable Layer-2 solution, has so far raised over $22 million from its presale, indicating investors’ interest in the project. 

The native HYPER token powers the network, and it’s used for gas fees, staking, and governance. Early stakers can also earn over 50% APY, making it a favorite among retail and institutional investors alike. 

Additionally, Bitcoin Hyper’s technology relies on off-chain rollups that group multiple transactions before sending them to Bitcoin for final verification. This allows it to reach speeds close to 65,000 transactions per second (TPS), similar to Solana, while maintaining Bitcoin-level security. 

The project’s roadmap includes a mainnet launch, wider dApp integration, and partnerships with crypto wallets like Best Wallet. With Bitcoin’s dominance above 50% and growing institutional adoption through ETFs, Bitcoin Hyper is well-positioned to benefit from this renewed interest, making it one of the best Layer 2 coins to buy now. 

For investors interested in a secure and innovative Layer 2 solution, Bitcoin Hyper is certainly one of the best top Layer 2 coins to buy now. 

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Arbitrum – A Unified Blockchain For Everyone 

Arbitrum (ARB) is one of the most successful and widely used Layer-2 networks built on Ethereum. It was developed by Offchain Labs, and it uses Optimistic Rollup technology to process transactions off-chain while keeping the same level of security as the Ethereum mainnet. 

This makes it faster and far cheaper to use, helping it become the largest Layer-2 network by Total Value Locked (TVL). Because it’s fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), developers can easily move their Ethereum-based dApps to Arbitrum without major changes.

Technically, Arbitrum works by assuming that transactions processed off-chain are valid and only verifying them on-chain if there’s a dispute. This approach drastically reduces gas fees, with users paying up to 95% less compared to using Ethereum directly. The network can also handle around 4,000 transactions per second (TPS), supporting major DeFi projects like GMX and Aave. 

As of the time of writing, Arbitrum controls about 36.1% of Ethereum’s total Layer-2 market, with more than $2.7 billion in locked assets. Its native token, ARB, acts as a governance token, allowing holders to vote on network upgrades and funding decisions. 

It is currently trading around $0.45 per ARB/USD, and it has seen a nearly 20% gain in the last 3 months, although it’s still down about 40% year-over-year due to overall market volatility. Technical indicators show ARB may be forming a bullish trend, and on the daily chart, the token trades above the 200-day EMA, suggesting growing momentum. Key support is at $0.41, while breaking resistance at $0.48 could push the price toward $0.54.

Overall, Arbitrum’s dominance continues to grow thanks to ongoing upgrades like Stylus, which lets developers code using Rust and C++, expanding the network’s flexibility. Arbitrum’s strong liquidity, active ecosystem, and developer adoption make it a key player in Ethereum scaling.

For investors, ARB offers exposure to one of the most established and proven Layer-2 solutions, making it a top Layer 2 crypto to choose. 

Mantle – Ethereum’s Largest L2 Network with ZK Proofs 

Mantle (MNT) is one of the most advanced Ethereum Layer-2 projects, built to make blockchain faster, cheaper, and more efficient.

What makes Mantle unique is its modular architecture, which separates the core blockchain functions (execution, consensus, data availability, and settlement) into different layers instead of running them all together. This design improves performance and reduces costs without compromising security. 

Mantle uses Optimistic Rollups to process transactions off-chain before sending them back to Ethereum for verification. For storing data, it relies on a decentralized data availability system powered by EigenLayer’s restaking technology. 

This setup helps cut down gas fees and allows for quicker transaction finality, making Mantle a strong option for both DeFi and institutional use. Mantle’s native token, MNT, serves as both a governance and utility token. It is used for decision-making, paying gas fees, and supporting various network operations. 

Formerly known as BitDAO, the project merged its BIT token into MNT to streamline its ecosystem and concentrate value. This consolidation boosted confidence among investors, helping drive up demand and liquidity. Right now, MNT trades around $2.3, up nearly 97% in the last month, 284% in the past 3 months, and over 87.70% year to date. It recently hit a new all-time high of $2.47 with strong trading volume confirming growing investor interest. 

The token’s price chart shows a clear uptrend, marked by higher highs and higher lows, which is a classic sign of sustained buying momentum. Mantle’s integration with liquid staking, especially through mETH (Mantle Staked Ether), has been a major growth driver. 

With almost $2 billion in total value locked (TVL) and partnerships with platforms like Bybit, Mantle is positioning itself as one of the most promising Layer-2 solutions for real-world assets and scalable DeFi. Its modular design, powerful DAO backing, and rising adoption make it one of the best Layer 2 crypto coins to buy right now.

Loopring – Secure and Fast ZK-Rollup Exchange Protocol

Loopring (LRC) is one of the first and most established Layer-2 projects on Ethereum, focused on building a high-speed, low-cost decentralized exchange (DEX) and payment network.

It uses Zero-Knowledge Rollups (ZK-Rollups), a cutting-edge technology that bundles thousands of transactions off-chain and sends back a cryptographic proof (a “zero-knowledge proof”) to Ethereum. This proof verifies that all those off-chain transactions are valid, giving users the same level of security as the Ethereum mainnet but at a fraction of the cost.

ZK-Rollups are considered one of the most secure and efficient scaling methods in crypto because they don’t rely on long dispute periods like Optimistic Rollups. Instead, they instantly confirm the correctness of transactions, allowing for immediate withdrawals and faster finality. This makes Loopring perfect for fast-paced applications like trading, payments, and NFTs, where users need speed, security, and minimal fees.

Loopring aims to offer the best of both worlds, which is the speed of centralized exchanges and the safety of decentralized systems. Its native token, LRC, powers the protocol by handling fees, staking, and governance. 

Additionally, a portion of protocol fees is burned, giving the token a deflationary edge over time. At  the time of writing, LRC trades around $0.0826, showing around 10% increase in the past 3 months. Historically, LRC reached an all-time high above $3.80, meaning it’s now trading at a major discount, and this can be a good thing for long-term investors.

Also, recent chart data shows LRC consolidating near its key support level at $0.08, forming a base that could lead to a recovery if broader DeFi and ZK-Rollup sentiment improves. Analysts see potential for a short-term push toward $0.11, especially as interest in zero-knowledge technologies and NFT integrations grows. 

Overall, Loopring remains one of the most secure, proven, and efficient ZK-based Layer-2 solutions, and it is ideal for users who value privacy, instant transactions, and a reliable decentralized trading experience.

Soon – The Cross-Chain, SVM-Powered L2

Soon (SOON) is one of the newest and most exciting Layer-2 projects, designed to make cross-chain applications faster, cheaper, and easier to use. It stands out by using the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM), the same technology behind Solana’s ultra-fast blockchain, to power its execution layer. 

This allows Soon to achieve the high speed and low transaction fees Solana is famous for, while still connecting with other major ecosystems like Ethereum. Unlike many other Layer-2 solutions, Soon focuses on cross-chain interoperability, meaning decentralized apps (dApps) built on Soon can move assets and data smoothly between different blockchains. 

Developers can also build high-performance dApps that tap into the liquidity of multiple Layer-1s, including Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana, without sacrificing speed or user experience. The project is also focused on making Web3 more accessible to everyday users. 

It integrates social engagement tools, gamified rewards, and user-friendly onboarding systems, features that allow people to join the ecosystem without needing complex crypto wallets. Its SOON token powers the network, serving as both the utility and governance token. 

Holders of this token can also use it to pay for transactions, earn rewards, and participate in community decisions. Soon has attracted strong backing from Coinbase Ventures and Solana Labs, along with over $22 million raised through NFT sales to fund its 2025 mainnet launch.

Its fair-launch model and community-driven growth strategy have helped build trust and excitement within the crypto community. Right now, SOON trades around $0.85, up 161% in the past month and more than 450% over the last three months. 

The daily chart shows the token holding key support near $0.79, suggesting strong buying interest. It recently broke above its 30-day moving average, signaling a possible continuation of its uptrend if market sentiment remains positive. 

Overall, Soon’s combination of Solana-grade performance, cross-chain flexibility, and strong community focus makes it one of the best layer 2 crypto coins to buy now. If it successfully executes its roadmap, Soon could become one of 2025’s standout Layer-2 projects, bridging the gap between major blockchain networks.

What Are Layer-2 Crypto Coins?

Layer-2 (L2) crypto coins are tokens that power scaling networks built on top of existing blockchains like Ethereum or Bitcoin. These networks aim to make blockchain transactions faster and cheaper without sacrificing security or decentralization. In simple terms, Layer-2s act as “speed boosters” for major blockchains, helping them handle more users and activity efficiently.

To understand why L2s exist, it’s important to know the Layer-1 (L1) scaling problem. Blockchains like Ethereum are secure and decentralized because every transaction is verified by thousands of nodes. However, this process is slow and expensive, and as more people use the network, fees rise and transactions take longer to confirm. This challenge is part of what’s known as the Blockchain Trilemma, which refers to the difficulty of achieving security, decentralization, and scalability all at once.

Layer-2 networks solve this issue by processing transactions off-chain (away from the main blockchain) and then sending a summary of those transactions back to the L1 for verification. This reduces congestion and cuts fees dramatically, from several dollars to just a few cents, while increasing transaction speeds to thousands per second.

There are two main types of Layer-2 technologies:

• Optimistic Rollups – It is used by projects like Arbitrum and Mantle. They assume all transactions are valid by default, and only if there’s a dispute does the system verify them on-chain. This approach offers fast performance but includes a short waiting period for withdrawals.
• ZK-Rollups (Zero-Knowledge Rollups) – They use cryptographic proofs to instantly verify that all transactions are valid before posting them to the main blockchain. This provides faster finality and stronger security, making it ideal for trading and financial apps.

Layer-2 tokens such as ARB, MNT, and LRC play multiple roles in their ecosystems. They are used to:

• Pay for gas fees on the L2 network.
• Vote in governance decisions that shape protocol upgrades.
• Earn rewards through staking or liquidity programs.

Ultimately, L2 coins are vital to blockchain’s next phase of growth, helping Web3 applications scale for global use while maintaining the trust and security of their Layer-1 foundations.

Why Are Layer-2 Coins So Popular?

Layer-2 coins are among the most talked-about investments in crypto because they make blockchains faster, cheaper, and easier to use. Their rise comes from solving real problems and enabling mainstream adoption. 

Here are some of the reasons why Layer 2 coins are so popular:

1. Solves Scalability Problems  

Traditional Layer-1 blockchains like Ethereum often get congested, leading to high gas fees and slow transactions. Layer-2 networks such as Arbitrum, Optimism, Loopring, and Mantle process transactions off-chain, then settle them on the main network. This reduces fees from dollars to a few cents and speeds up confirmation times from minutes to seconds.

2. Improved User Experience

With L2s, users can mint NFTs, trade on DEXs, and make microtransactions easily and cheaply. This has turned crypto from a costly experiment into a usable, everyday technology for both individuals and businesses.

3. Rapid Dev Growth

Since gas fees are low, developers can create richer apps, from complex DeFi protocols to gaming and social platforms, without worrying about cost or network limits. This growth has caused a surge in Total Value Locked (TVL) and ecosystem activity.

4. Modular Revolution

Instead of one chain doing everything, blockchains are becoming modular with Layer-1s providing security and Layer-2s handling specific functions like execution or payments. This design is more efficient and scalable.

5. Market Momentum

Right now, the combined Layer-2 market cap sits around $22.1 billion. Coins like Mantle, Arbitrum, Loopring, and Soon dominate, reflecting strong investor confidence and rising adoption across the crypto space.

Final Words – Should You Invest In Layer-2 Coins Right Now?

Layer-2 coins have moved from being experimental projects to becoming the backbone of blockchain technology. They solve one of crypto’s biggest challenges, which is making transactions faster and cheaper, a key to global adoption. Tokens like Arbitrum, Mantle, Loopring, Bitcoin Hyper, and Soon each focus on improving scalability in different ways, from modular designs to high-speed integrations.

While investing in crypto always involves risk and price swings, Layer-2 tokens stand out as a strong long-term opportunity. They power the infrastructure that will support the next generation of decentralized apps and finance systems. 

For those looking at crypto’s future, Layer-2 coins may be among the most promising areas in 2025. Still, investors should remember that the sector is competitive, and trends could change fast. So before investing, do your own research, diversify wisely, and seek financial advice when needed. 

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