Bitcoin Layer 2 Comparison Table
Compare Bitcoin Layer 2 solutions side by side. Evaluate Lightning Network, Spark, Liquid, Stacks, and other L2s by speed, fees, security model, smart contract support, and DeFi capabilities.
| L2 | Speed | Avg Fee | Security | Smart Contracts | Custody |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SparkFLASHNET | < 1 second | < $0.01 | Bitcoin-anchored | Yes | Self-custody |
| Lightning Network | < 1 second | < $0.01 | Payment channels | Limited (HTLCs) | Self-custody |
| Liquid Network | ~2 minutes | ~$0.01 | Federated | Limited | Federation-dependent |
| Stacks | ~5 seconds | ~$0.10 | Proof of Transfer | Yes (Clarity) | Self-custody |
| RGB Protocol | Variable | Low | Client-side validation | Yes | Self-custody |
Data based on publicly available specifications. Performance metrics may vary with network conditions and protocol upgrades. Not financial advice.
What is the Bitcoin Layer 2 Comparison Table?
A Bitcoin Layer 2 comparison table provides a structured overview of the different scaling solutions built on top of Bitcoin. Layer 2s are protocols that process transactions off the main Bitcoin blockchain to achieve faster speeds, lower fees, and additional functionality.
Each L2 makes different tradeoffs between speed, decentralization, security, and feature set. Understanding these tradeoffs is essential for developers choosing where to build and users deciding where to trade.
Flashnet operates on Spark, a Bitcoin Layer 2 that combines the security of Bitcoin with sub-second settlement and smart contract capabilities, enabling complex DeFi applications without sacrificing self-custody.
How Does It Work?
The comparison table displays key metrics for each Bitcoin L2 solution in an easy-to-scan format. Categories include transaction speed, average fees, security model, smart contract support, DeFi ecosystem size, and custody model.
Each L2 is rated across these dimensions so you can quickly identify which solution best fits your needs. A developer building a trading application has different priorities than a user making payments — the table helps both make informed decisions.
Click on any L2 row to see an expanded view with more details about the technology, key projects building on it, and resources to get started.
The Bitcoin Layer 2 Landscape
Bitcoin's base layer processes roughly 7 transactions per second with 10-minute block times. While this provides unmatched security and decentralization, it creates scalability challenges. Layer 2 solutions address this by handling transactions off-chain while inheriting Bitcoin's security guarantees to varying degrees.
The Lightning Network is the most widely adopted Bitcoin L2, optimized for instant payments through payment channels. It excels at small, frequent transactions but has limitations for complex DeFi applications. Channel liquidity management and routing can be challenging for new users.
Sidechains like Liquid Network use a federated model where a group of functionaries validate transactions. They offer faster confirmation times and confidential transactions but rely on the federation for security rather than Bitcoin miners directly.
Spark represents a newer approach that enables native Bitcoin smart contracts with sub-second finality. It maintains self-custody properties while supporting complex operations like AMM trading, lending, and stablecoin issuance.
Stacks brings full smart contract programmability to Bitcoin through its Proof of Transfer consensus mechanism. It settles on Bitcoin L1 and has a growing DeFi ecosystem. The choice of L2 depends on your specific use case: payments, trading, DeFi, or general-purpose smart contracts.
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