Top 10 Bitcoin Layer 2 You Should Watch in 2024

Bitcoin is a trusted cryptocurrency. However, its ability to run complex Smart Contracts and create DApps is minimal. Bitcoin experiences inherent scalability issues.

Developers & Enthusiasts are creating Bitcoin Layer 2 that helps develop innovative Smart Contracts and Decentralized applications.

If you are a techy looking for a Bitcoin Layer 2 solution, you have landed on the right page.

I have listed Top 10 Bitcoin Layer 2 that you should know about 2024 in this listicle.

Each of the discussed Layer 2 solutions has a unique value proposition and history. The items are listed according to the longevity of the projects.

Let’s get the ball rolling.

Stacks

Stacks is a Bitcoin Layer 2 enables smart contracts & apps with Bitcoin as a secure base layer. Stacks founders include Muneeb Ali, Peter Czaban, & Ryna Shea. Initially founded as BlockStack, later renamed as Stacks.

Muneeb Ali holds a Ph.D. in computer science from Princeton University. Stacks was founded in the Princeton Computer Science Department to solve the underlying problems of current web and mobile apps.

Stacks was founded in the year 2013.

BlockSurvey is built on the Stacks Ecosystem.

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Rootstock

This EVM-compatible Bitcoin Layer 2 and Smart Contracts Platform is designed for a more decentralized world. Deploy smart contracts on Rootstock and leverage the security of the Bitcoin network. Rootstock is secured by the same computing power that secures Bitcoin.

Rootstock was founded in 2015 by RSK Labs to overcome Ethereum’s limitations. It leverages Bitcoin’s unmatched security & stability.

Additionally, RSK offers faster transaction speeds that are approximately 10 times faster than Ethereum, with gas fees that are 50 times cheaper.

Rootstack uses Smart BTC (RBTC) as its native coin. This coin facilitates minting, swaps, gas fees, and more.

Make sure you use a wallet that supports RBTC. MyEtherWallet, Metamask, Trezor, & Exodus are a few wallets that support RBTC.

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Zulu

Zulu is the first Bitcoin Layer 2 platform to introduce a dual-layer architecture. ZuluPrime acts as Layer2 on Bitcoin with EVM compatibility. ZuluNexus acts as Layer3, focusing on native Bitcoin format innovations.

Like other Layer2 solutions, Zulu helps build Smart Contracts & DApps on the BitCoin network.

Zulu is compatible with EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) & UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output). This fusion of technologies opens endless possibilities. Zulu is a High-Performance Zero Knowledge Stack.

Francis and Luke are the co-founders of the Zulu Network. After a remarkable 20-year journey in finance, Francis led transformations in corporate and startups before finding the Zulu Network along with Luke.

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BSquared Network

BSquared Network calls itself the most practical Bitcoin Layer 2 solution. B² Network is the first zero-knowledge proof verification commitment rollup on Bitcoin. It paves the way for groundbreaking applications like DeFi, NFTs, and other decentralized systems.

B² Network is over 50x cheaper and 300x faster than the Bitcoin network. Hashkey Capital, Waterdrip Capital & KuCoin Ventures are a few of its renowned ventures. Use MetaMask, Unisat, OKX Wallet, Xverse, Leather, etc., to interact with B², just like you usually would.

Users can easily migrate DApps from EVM-compatible chains to the B² network.

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Tuna Chain

The first modular Bitcoin Layer 2 that features a ZK-OP (zero-knowledge / Optimistic) hybrid approach. Experience the seamless fusion of Bitcoin's security with Ethereum's versatility. TUN is the native coin.

While Bitcoin is the most trusted cryptocurrency, its capability for complex smart contracts and advanced applications remains limited. Tuna Chain ambitiously endeavors to bridge this gap, integrating EVM compatibility into Bitcoin’s L2 framework and thus expanding the realm of possibilities for Bitcoin’s application and utility.

It has a modular DA Layer. DA layer ensures that all kinds of data, such as transaction details, smart contracts data, and other off-chain data, are available to all the nodes on L1, L2, and L3 networks.

With this groundbreaking dual-phase architecture, you can accelerate Secure Transactions and Empower Smart Contracts. In addition to security, you can also experience slashed transaction costs.

Tuna Chain is backed by investors like ArkStream Capital, Normie Capital, Serafund, and a few more.

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LumiBit

LumiBit is another BitCoin layer 2 solution based on Zero Knowledge rollup. By utilizing ZK-rollup technology, LumiBit can process many transactions off-chain before settling them on the Bitcoin blockchain, thereby reducing congestion and lowering fees.

Founded by Ethan WinterByte, a prominent figure in the crypto space, LumiBit offers a promising solution to the long-standing challenge of slow and expensive Bitcoin transactions.

LumiBit fully respects and utilizes Bitcoin’s inherent characteristics and ensures the credibility and transparency of data on the LumiBit chain.

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Naka

Naka is a low-cost and lightning-fast Bitcoin Layer 2 blockchain designed for DeFi apps on Bitcoin, which allows for the payment of gas fees in Bitcoin.

Naka Chain is powered by a Bitcoin virtual machine. BVM is an innovative blockchain architecture for building low-cost and lightning-fast Bitcoin L2 blockchains.

NakaChain is EVM equivalent. It allows developers to migrate DApps from Ethereum to Bitcoin with minimal or no modifications.

Reach here to participate in Naka Airdrop.

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BEVM

BEVM is the first fully decentralized EVM-compatible Bitcoin L2 that uses BTC as Gas. It allows all DApps running in the Ethereum ecosystem to operate on Bitcoin L2.

Like Ethereum, it supports Metamask wallet and development frameworks like Truffle, & Solidity programming language.

BEVM provides a better experience, using Web3 principles to advance Bitcoin ecosystem application development to the next level.

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AINN

AINN is the first Bitcoin Layer 2 built for AI. This is also an EVM-compatible solution like most other Bitcoin Layer 2 solutions. This platform caters to various AI models, ensuring that AI computational needs are met. Thus, it provides a diverse range of AI services within the network.

AINN L2 is the native token. It is the primary currency in the AINN ecosystem. It is also necessary to stake this token to become an L2 Validator node.

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Build on Bitcoin (BOB)

BOB claims it is the first Bitcoin Layer 2 with full EVM capability. The native Bitcoin support empowers everyone to build & innovate on Bitcoin.

BOB makes Defi a reality. BOB leverages the Ethereum Virtual Machine to fuel the creation of smart contracts. Smart Contracts built for Ethereum are compatible with BOB.

It achieves best-in-class security with a cutting-edge Rollup stack. Alexei Zamyatin is the person behind the creation of “Build on Bitcoin (BOB).”

BOB is just starting, with plenty of new things remaining to be built, researched, and experimented with. It features Smart Contracts written in Rust Programming language.

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Moving on to Final Thoughts.

Final Thoughts

Each of the Bitcoin Layer 2 solutions is unique in its own way. You must perform a research or build a MVP to validate these solutions for your requirement.

It’s finally all about extending the power & facility of the Bitcoin Network through Layer-2 solutions. With this Layer-2 solution, you are well on your way to creating robust Smart contracts and decentralized applications.

Signal21 is very helpful in tracking your networks with comprehensive Blockchain analytics services. Give it a try.

There are other Layer 2 solutions that are not listed here. Feel free to research those, too. You can share your Bitcoin Layer 2 experience on this listicle through [email protected].