Layer-2 cryptocurrencies help make blockchain transactions faster and cheaper.
Polygon remains one of the strongest Layer-2 networks in 2026 despite price changes.
Gaming and NFTs are major growth areas for projects like Immutable and ZORA.
Layer-2 cryptocurrencies are blockchain projects built on top of existing networks, such as Ethereum. Their main goal is to make transactions faster and cheaper. Many investors and developers are paying close attention to these projects, as they help address problems like high gas fees and slow processing times.
Let’s take a look at the best Layer-2 crypto tokens to watch, based on their ranking, price, and market cap.
Mantle (MNT) ranks 35th in the world cryptocurrency rankings, with a price of $0.5756. In the last 24 hours, the asset dropped by 1.90%. Over the past 7 days, it fell by 10.71%. In 30 days, the price decreased by 36.34%.
In 60 days, MNT declined by 44.81%, and in 90 days, by 43.70%. Mantle has a market cap of $1,872,564,362.
Mantle focuses on improving Ethereum scalability. Even though the recent performance shows negative percentages, it still holds a strong market cap, which shows that many investors continue to believe in its long-term value.
Also Read - Top Cryptocurrency to Buy With $1,000 Right Now
Polygon, previously known as MATIC, ranks 52nd on CoinMarketCap and trades at $0.1053. In the past 24 hours, it increased by 2.20%. Over 7 days, it dropped slightly by 1.80%. In 30 days, the token declined by 15.73%.
In 60 days, POL slipped by 0.14%. In 90 days, it fell by 22.39%. Its market cap stands at $1,116,668,547.
Polygon remains one of the most well-known Layer-2 solutions. It supports many decentralized apps and continues to expand its ecosystem despite recent price changes.
Arbitrum is in the 73rd position on CoinMarketCap and Coinbase. ARB’s current price is $0.09298 at press time. In the last 24 hours, it gained 2.88%. Over 7 days, it dropped by 19.18%. In 30 days, it fell by 46.88%. In 60 days, it decreased by 51.25%. In 90 days, it declined by 56.91%. Its market cap is $541,820,450.
Arbitrum is popular for using optimistic rollups to scale Ethereum. Although the short-term numbers show declines, it remains an important Layer-2 network.
Stacks ranks 84th on several crypto indices. STX’s price is $0.2337. In the past 24 hours, it fell by 0.51%. Over 7 days, it decreased by 11.63%. In 30 days, it dropped by 21.90%. In 60 days, it declined by 7.62%. In 90 days, it went down by 26.63%. Its market cap is $424,127,938.
Stacks connects Bitcoin with smart contracts. This makes it different from many other Layer-2 networks that focus mainly on Ethereum.
Immutable is ranked 105 in the current crypto market. IMX price is $0.1527. In 24 hours, it rose by 0.32%. Over 7 days, it fell by 12.18%. In 30 days, it declined by 38.33%. In 60 days, it decreased by 34.43%. In 90 days, it dropped by 52.19%. Its market cap is $303,907,327.
Immutable focuses on gaming and NFTs. It aims to provide zero gas fees for NFT minting and trading, which attracts many game developers.
Optimism ranks 117th on many digital asset platforms. Its price is $0.1182. In the last 24 hours, it increased by 2.37%. Over 7 days, it dropped sharply by 37.49%. In 30 days, it declined by 60.67%. In 60 days, it went down by 55.09%. In 90 days, it fell by 63.11%. Its market cap is $250,484,626.
Optimism also uses optimistic rollups. It works closely with Ethereum and supports many decentralized finance projects.
Starknet is ranked 126 on major crypto exchanges. STRK is trading at $0.03986 at press time. In 24 hours, it fell by 3.74%. Over 7 days, it dropped by 18.48%. In 30 days, it declined by 43.80%. In 60 days, it decreased by 50.52%. In 90 days, it went down by 73.39%. Its market cap is $217,146,303.
Starknet uses zero-knowledge rollups, which are known for strong security and efficiency. It is still growing and building its community.
ZKsync ranks 139th on several crypto platforms. ZK price is $0.01913. In the past 24 hours, it increased by 5.02%. Over 7 days, it dropped by 12.51%. In 30 days, it declined by 32.81%. In 60 days, ZK fell by 34.12%. In 90 days, it decreased by 54.07%. Its market cap is $176,404,506.
ZKsync focuses on zero-knowledge technology. It aims to speed up Ethereum transactions while keeping fees low.
Also Read - Top Picks For Fastest Growing Cryptocurrencies in 2026
ZORA is ranked 200th on major crypto market indices, with a price of $0.01914. In the last 24 hours, it dropped by 0.46%. Over 7 days, it declined by 12.42%. In 30 days, it fell by 40.62%. In 60 days, it decreased by 52.28%. In 90 days, it went down by 63.88%. Its market cap is $85,564,510.
ZORA is known for NFT infrastructure. It supports creators and digital art marketplaces.
Nervos Network holds rank 277 on several digital asset exchanges, and its price is $0.001502. In 24 hours, it fell by 0.22%. Over 7 days, it declined by 9.17%. In 30 days, it dropped by 39.43%.
In 60 days, CKB decreased by 37.09%. In 90 days, it went down by 43.18%. Its market cap is $72,556,070. Nervos focuses on scalability and long-term blockchain storage solutions.
Layer-2 cryptocurrencies continue to play a key role in improving blockchain performance. While many of these tokens show price declines in recent months, their technology remains important for the future of decentralized finance, gaming, and digital assets.
Investors often look beyond short-term price movements and focus on long-term development and adoption.
What are Layer-2 Cryptocurrencies?
They are blockchain networks built on top of main chains like Ethereum to improve speed and reduce fees.
Why is Polygon important in 2026?
Polygon supports many apps and helps scale Ethereum with lower transaction costs.
How do Layer-2 projects help Gaming and NFTs?
They reduce gas fees, making it cheaper to mint, trade, and use digital assets in games and NFT platforms.
Are Layer-2 Cryptocurrencies safe?
Most use advanced security systems connected to major blockchains, but like all crypto, they still carry risk.
Is 2026 a good time to invest in Layer-2 projects?
It depends on your research and risk level, as crypto markets remain volatile and unpredictable.
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Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance on cryptocurrencies and stocks. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be risky, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more about the financial risks involved here.