//Solutions>Builder's Guide>Tools>OP Mainnet
OP Mainnet

OP Mainnet

Optimism is an open-source Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that enables fast, low-cost transactions with Ethereum-grade security.

users1m+
launched2021
Submit or update a tool
Audience
🛠️Infrastructure Developers
💸DeFi Developers
🗳️DAO Tooling Developers
🏭Enterprise Blockchain Teams
🔗Tokenization Platforms
websitexlinkedingithubdiscord

Overview

Optimism is an open-source Layer 2 blockchain scaling solution built to enhance Ethereum's throughput and reduce transaction costs while maintaining Ethereum-grade security. It achieves this by leveraging optimistic rollup technology, which processes transactions off-chain and submits compressed data to Ethereum's mainnet. This approach allows developers and enterprises to launch scalable, customizable Layer 2 chains and decentralized applications (dapps) with significantly faster and cheaper transactions compared to Ethereum Layer 1.

The core of Optimism is the OP Stack, a transparent and forkable modular framework that anyone can use, adapt, and contribute to. The OP Stack enables chain operators to build their own Layer 2 chains with shared upgrades and open-source innovation, fostering a collaborative ecosystem. Optimism is production-ready and trusted by major projects such as Coinbase's Base, Uniswap, and Worldcoin, securing tens of billions in assets. It also plans to introduce interoperability features that will allow seamless connection between chains and apps within the Superchain, unlocking shared users, liquidity, and tooling from day one.

Developers can get started by deploying apps or launching their own chains using Optimism's comprehensive documentation and developer tools. The platform supports Ethereum-compatible smart contracts and integrates with popular DeFi protocols like Aave, Velodrome, and Morpho. Optimism also provides bridges for asset transfers between Ethereum and Layer 2, governance tools, and a grants program to support ecosystem growth. Its open-source nature and active community make it a flexible and secure choice for teams looking to scale Ethereum applications efficiently.

The Problem

Ethereum's Layer 1 blockchain faces scalability challenges, resulting in high transaction fees and slow confirmation times that limit user experience and application growth. Developers and enterprises need a solution that can scale throughput without compromising security or decentralization.

High gas fees limiting DeFi adoption

The Solution

Key Features

Optimistic rollup technology

Processes transactions off-chain with fraud proofs to ensure correctness and scalability.

Superchain interoperability (coming soon)

Enables seamless connection between Layer 2 chains and apps to share users, liquidity, and tooling.

Bridges and developer tools

Includes asset bridges, governance frameworks, and comprehensive SDKs for easy integration.

Key Strengths

Ethereum-grade security
Open-source and modular OP Stack
Production-ready ecosystem

How Developers Use OP Mainnet

💰

Launching scalable DeFi protocols

DeFi developers use Optimism to deploy lending, borrowing, and decentralized exchange platforms with lower fees and faster transactions.

🛠️

Building custom Layer 2 chains

Infrastructure teams leverage the OP Stack to create tailored Layer 2 blockchains optimized for specific applications or enterprises.

🎨

Scaling NFT marketplaces and social dapps

NFT and social app developers deploy on Optimism to provide users with smooth, cost-effective interactions.

Ship faster than your competition

Free RPC across 77+ chains. Spin up an endpoint in under 30 seconds.

Get your endpoint

Add a related tool

OP Mainnet Alternatives

Explore web3 competitors and apps like OP Mainnet.

Fuse
Tool logo

Fuse

Fuse is a public blockchain ecosystem designed for low-cost, scalable Web3 payments and business adoption with a focus on mobile-first and real-world use cases.
+5
View
Polygon zkEVM
Tool logo

Polygon zkEVM

Polygon zkEVM is the first zero knowledge rollup scaling solution fully equivalent to the Ethereum Virtual Machine, enabling seamless Ethereum smart contract compatibility with lower costs and higher throughput.
View
Cyber
Tool logo

Cyber

An Ethereum Layer 2 network focused on onchain social primitives, AI integration, and decentralized governance.
+2
View
Polygon PoS
Tool logo

Polygon PoS

Polygon is a fast, low-cost blockchain platform powering real-world assets and global payments with high throughput and Ethereum compatibility.
View
Starknet
Tool logo

Starknet

Starknet is a Layer 2 validity rollup using STARK cryptography to scale Ethereum and enable complex decentralized applications with high security and scalability.
View
Rollux
Tool logo

Rollux

Optimism is an open-source Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum designed to increase throughput and reduce transaction costs while maintaining security.
View
Arbitrum Bridge
Tool logo

Arbitrum Bridge

Arbitrum is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that offers faster, cheaper transactions while maintaining Ethereum-level security through optimistic rollup technology.
View
Lisk
Tool logo

Lisk

Layer 2 blockchain built for founders in high-growth markets, based on the Superchain architecture.
+5
View
Hemi
Tool logo

Hemi

Hemi is a modular Layer-2 protocol that integrates Bitcoin and Ethereum to enable superior scaling, security, and interoperability.
+2
View
ZKsync
Tool logo

ZKsync

ZKsync is a network of interoperable ZK Rollup chains providing scalable, privacy-preserving, and compliant blockchain infrastructure secured by cryptography.
View

Pricing

Free
Price (Monthly)Free
Price (Annual)Free
MessagingN/A
SupportCommunity support via Discord and GitHub
Analytics

Start Building Now

Reliable RPC, powerful APIs, and zero hassle.