October 26 - 2025
Polygon zkEVM is one of the most important products in the Polygon ecosystem. It combines the security of Ethereum with the speed and low cost of Layer 2 technology. It uses Zero Knowledge proofs ZK proofs to make transactions faster and cheaper while staying fully compatible with Ethereum.
In this article we will explain what Polygon zkEVM is how it works and why it matters.
What Is Polygon zkEVM?
The term “zkEVM” stands for Zero Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine. It means that Polygon has created a Layer 2 chain that works just like Ethereum but uses zero knowledge proofs for scaling.
This allows developers to use the same smart contracts, tools and wallets they already use on Ethereum, but with lower fees and faster transactions.
How Does It Work?
Here’s how Polygon zkEVM operates:
1. Users send transactions on the zkEVM chain.
2. These transactions are processed and grouped together.
3. A zero-knowledge proof is created to confirm all transactions are valid.
4. This proof is then sent to Ethereum for final verification.
5. Once accepted the transactions become fully secure and permanent.
Only the proof is sent to Ethereum not every transaction so it reduces gas fees and speeds up processing.
Why Is zkEVM Important?
Polygon zkEVM has several benefits:
Low fees: Gas costs are up to 90% cheaper than Ethereum.
Fast confirmation: Transactions are confirmed within seconds.
Ethereum level security: ZK proofs are verified directly on Ethereum.
Easy for developers: Smart contracts written for Ethereum work exactly the same on zkEVM.
What Makes It Different from Other Layer 2s?
Other Layer 2 solutions like Optimistic Rollups take longer to finalize transactions because they allow a challenge period of several days.
Polygon zkEVM uses ZK proofs so transactions are finalized much faster there is no waiting period.
Use Cases of Polygon zkEVM.
Polygon zkEVM can be used for:
DeFi platforms: Cheaper trading, lending, and staking
NFT marketplaces: Low cost minting and transferring.
Web3 gaming: Instant transactions for in game actions.
Payments and remittances: Fast and low cost transfers across borders
How POL Connects to zkEVM ?
In Polygon 2.0 the POL token will help secure zkEVM and other Polygon chains. Validators can stake POL to support multiple chains, including zkEVM and earn rewards.
POL will also be used for governance and ecosystem funding.
Conclusion:
Polygon zkEVM delivers the best of both worlds Ethereum security and low cost, high speed transactions. It is fully compatible with Ethereum tools uses advanced zero knowledge technology and plays a key role in Polygon 2.0.
Author: Ahmed Ali Nizamani