Layer 2 Rollups vs Polkadot vs Ethereum: Complete Comparison

Layer 2 Rollups, Polkadot, and Ethereum each address blockchain scalability and interoperability but through distinct approaches. Layer 2s like Optimism and Arbitrum scale Ethereum by batching transactions off-chain, while Polkadot’s parachain model enables cross-chain communication. Ethereum remains the dominant smart contract platform but faces inherent scalability limits, making it a foundational layer for Layer 2 innovations.