Uncover how to transfer ETH cheaply via layer 2, while also evaluating prominent networks on the ETH ecosystem. Since Ethereum’s release, its network has supported the most significant ecosystem of decentralized apps.
Still, rising use meant rising gas fees and network congestion. During peak times, a basic transfer that once cost pennies may now soar to many pounds, rendering daily transactions impossible for many users. Through Layer-2 networks is the quickest and most economical way to move Ethereum.
Inheriting Ethereum’s security, these scaling solutions handle off-chain transactions and significantly reduce expenses. This tutorial teaches you how Layer-2 transfers function, evaluates prominent networks including Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, and zkSync, and shows step-by-step ETH mobility with minimum fees.
What is Layer-2?
On top of the Ethereum mainnet (Layer-1), a Layer-2 (L2) network batch compresses several transactions into one. This lowers gas usage and lessens mainnet traffic. While still providing Ethereum-grade security, the chief advantage is quicker transactions and lower costs.
Typical Layer-2 Technologies
- Rollups: Top L2 design choice. L1 collects and checks transactions.
- Used by Arbitrum and Optimism, optimistic rollups are employed.
- Used by zkSync, StarkNet, and Polygon zkEVM, ZK-Rollups
Separate blockchains connected to Ethereum, including Polygon PoS and Gnosis Chain. Low prices are available, but their own validators are needed.
Depending on network demand, directly transferring ETH on the Ethereum mainnet can cost anything from £3 to £20 per transaction. On a Layer-2, the same transfer could cost under £0.05 and be confirmed in seconds.
Why Use Layer-2 for ETH Transfers?
Main benefits:
- Cheaper gas costs—up to 99% less than mainnet.
- Quicker confirmation times: seconds rather than minutes.
- Scalability: thousands of transactions per second.
- Cross-network portability is made possible by cross-chain interoperability.
Popular Layer-2 Networks for Cheap ETH Transfers
Popular Layer-2 Networks for Cheap ETH Transfers
1. Arbitrum one
- Average transfer charge: roughly £0.03
- 10–20 seconds
- Good for: traders and ordinary DeFi users.
Leading in total value locked (TVL), Arbitrum provides great Dex integration via Uniswap, GMX, and Aave.
2. Base by Coinbase
- Average transfer charge: roughly £0.04
- Transaction period: 10–15 seconds
- Good for: Retail consumers and owners of Coinbase wallets
Fiat on-ramping is made easy and affordable as base links effortlessly with Coinbase accounts.
3. Hope
- Average transfer cost: around £0.05
- Transaction time: 15–30 seconds
- Excellent for DAOs and builders.
Through its Optimism Collective and cooperation with prominent DeFi projects, optimism’s ecosystem has grown quickly.
4. z kSync Era
- Typical transfer cost: ~£0.02
- Transaction time: under 10 seconds
- Ideal for people who value privacy.
Often the least expensive choice for little transfers, zkSync’s zero-knowledge rollup technology guarantees cost effectiveness, speed, and security.
Step-by-Step: How to Transfer ETH via Layer-2
Step 1: Pick Your Network
Determine your preference among Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, and zkSync. Examine supported exchanges and bridge costs for every network.
Step 2: Link a Wallet
Utilize MetaMask, Rabby, or Trust Wallet—non-custodial wallets.
manually add the preferred network or by means of a site such as chainlist.org.
Step 3: Transfer Layer-2 ETH
Visit an official bridge:
- Arbitrum bridge: bridge.arbitrum.io
- Bridge.base.org
- Optimism Gateway: app.optimism.io/bridge
- portal.zksync.io: zkSync Portal
Choose Ethereum as your source chain and your preferred Layer-2 as the target. Enter the number of ETH to transfer, verify, then wait for the transaction to complete.
Step 4: Use or Transfer ETH
Once your ETH lands on Layer-2:
- Send ETH to other wallets almost instantaneously.
- Associate with NFT markets or DeFi protocols.
- Exchange tokens with close-to-zero gas prices.
Optional step 5: Bridge back to Ethereum
You can bridge money back if you need to return it to the Ethereum mainnet. Withdrawals from Optimistic Rollups may take several days; ZK-Rollups normally finish in minutes.
Suggestions on Keeping Costs Really Cheap
- Bridge late at night UTC during off-peak hours, when Ethereum gas is lower.
- Use native bridges; third-party bridges often demand greater spreads.
- Avoid minor transactions; combine ETH to lower the overall gas fee effect.
- Keep an eye on gas trackers like etherscan.io/gastracker.
- If your wallet permits, enable fee optimization.
Comparing Layer-2 ETH Transfer Costs
| Network | Average Fee (GBP) | Confirmation Time | Security Type | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| zkSync Era | £0.02 | 5–10s | ZK-Rollup | Everyday transfers |
| Arbitrum One | £0.03 | 10–20s | Optimistic Rollup | DeFi traders |
| Base | £0.04 | 10–15s | Optimistic Rollup | Coinbase users |
| Optimism | £0.05 | 15–30s | Optimistic Rollup | DAO builders |
Frequent Errors to Steer Clear of
- Sending right to unsupported transactions. Some centralised platforms still do not accept all Layer-2 deposits.
- Connecting without natural gas. Keep some ETH on each chain to cover expenses.
- Neglecting waiting periods. Optimistic Rollups could postpone withdrawals by seven days.
- Falling in love with false bridges. Always confirm URLs from authentic sources.
Last Words
The Layer-2 revolution of Ethereum is transforming the way people conduct transactions. The high-fee era is ending as Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, and zkSync all provide transfers under 5p. For daily payments, staking incentives, and DeFi activity, Layer-2 networks now provide the ideal mix of speed, cost effectiveness, and security — without sacrificing Ethereum’s venerable core. As usual, compare bridge costs before moving and only rely on official links or audits.
