Aztec's zk-rollup excels at providing default, programmable privacy for all transactions by leveraging its zk-SNARK-based Noir language and UTXO model. This architecture ensures asset amounts, sender, and receiver are fully shielded on-chain. For example, its Aztec Connect bridge demonstrated this by processing private DeFi interactions with a total value locked (TVL) that peaked near $100M, showcasing demand for native privacy. However, this comprehensive encryption results in higher computational overhead and gas costs per private transaction.
LABS
Comparisons
Aztec vs zkSync: A Technical Comparison of ZK-Rollup Privacy Architectures
An in-depth analysis for CTOs and protocol architects comparing Aztec's fully private, programmable rollup with zkSync Era's optional privacy features for payments and swaps. We break down the trade-offs in architecture, developer experience, cost, and suitability for different use cases.
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introduction
THE ANALYSIS
Introduction: The Privacy Spectrum in ZK-Rollups
A technical breakdown of Aztec's fully private zk-rollup versus zkSync's selective privacy features for CTOs evaluating infrastructure.
zkSync Era takes a different, application-layer approach by offering privacy as an optional feature through its ZK Stack and custom zk-circuits. This strategy, exemplified by projects like zk.money (now part of Aztec) or privacy-focused DApps built on zkSync, allows developers to implement selective privacy—such as hiding transaction amounts—while maintaining the chain's high throughput of 100+ TPS for public transactions. The trade-off is that privacy is not universal and must be explicitly coded per application.
The key trade-off: If your priority is regulatory-compliant, full-stack financial privacy for all users (e.g., private stablecoins, confidential DAO voting), choose Aztec. If you prioritize scalability and flexibility, needing a high-performance L2 where privacy is an opt-in feature for specific use cases (e.g., private NFT bids, shielded payroll), choose zkSync Era.
tldr-summary
ZK-Rollup Privacy Showdown
TL;DR: Core Differentiators at a Glance
A direct comparison of Aztec's privacy-first zk-rollup and zkSync's optional privacy features for CTOs and architects.
01
Aztec: Full-Stack Privacy
Privacy by default: Every transaction is private using zk-SNARKs. This matters for DeFi, enterprise, and confidential DAO voting where data exposure is unacceptable. The network is purpose-built for this single goal.
02
Aztec: Programmable Privacy
Custom privacy logic: Developers use Noir (a Rust-like ZK language) to build private smart contracts. This matters for creating private AMMs, shielded lending pools, and confidential NFTs that are impossible on transparent chains.
03
zkSync: Scalable Public L2
High-throughput base layer: zkSync Era is a general-purpose zk-rollup with 3,000+ TPS and sub-$0.01 fees. This matters for mass-market dApps, gaming, and social apps where cost and speed are primary, not privacy.
04
zkSync: Optional Privacy via L3s
Privacy as a feature: Teams can deploy a ZK Stack Hyperchain (L3) with custom privacy rules using zkSync's proving system. This matters for regulated institutions or specific dApp modules needing privacy without building a new L1.
05
Aztec Trade-off: Ecosystem Size
Smaller, niche ecosystem: Focus on privacy limits the number of deployed dApps and composable liquidity (TVL) compared to general-purpose L2s. This matters if you need deep integrations with mainstream DeFi like Uniswap or Aave.
06
zkSync Trade-off: Privacy Overhead
Privacy is not native: Implementing full privacy requires significant additional engineering (building/managing an L3) and may fragment liquidity. This matters if time-to-market for a private product is a critical constraint.
ZK-ROLLUP PRIVACY COMPARISON
Head-to-Head Feature Matrix: Aztec vs zkSync Privacy
Direct comparison of architectural approaches and capabilities for private transactions.
| Metric / Feature | Aztec Network | zkSync Era (Privacy Features) |
|---|---|---|
Core Privacy Model | Default Private State (zk-zkRollup) | Optional Privacy via zkPorter & Custom Apps |
Transaction Privacy | Full (Sender, Receiver, Amount) | Selective (App-Dependent) |
Programming Model | Aztec.nr (Noir-based, privacy-native) | zkSync SDK & zkStack (custom integration) |
Avg. Private TX Cost | $0.50 - $2.00 | $0.10 - $1.00 (estimated) |
EVM Compatibility | Limited (Custom VM) | Full (EVM-equivalent zkEVM) |
Native Private Assets | zkETH, zkDAI | |
Developer Tooling | Aztec Sandbox, Aztec.js | zkSync Portal, Hardhat Plugins |
pros-cons-a
ZK-ROLLUP PRIVACY COMPARISON
Aztec Network vs. zkSync: Privacy Features
A data-driven breakdown of architectural trade-offs between Aztec's native privacy rollup and zkSync's optional privacy tooling. Choose based on your protocol's privacy-first requirements.
03
zkSync's Scalable Base Layer
Higher public throughput: As a general-purpose zkEVM (zkSync Era), it processes ~100 TPS for public transactions. This matters for applications where public composability with major DeFi protocols (Uniswap, Aave) is the priority, with privacy as a secondary feature.
04
zkSync's Privacy as a Feature
Optional privacy via ZKPs: Privacy features (e.g., zkPorter, custom L3s with ZK) can be added on top of the public L2. This matters for teams wanting a public-first, privacy-optional architecture, using tooling from ZK-stack partners.
05
Aztec's Trade-off: Throughput & Cost
Higher cost per private tx: Complex ZK proofs lead to higher fees (~$5-10) vs. public L2s. This matters for high-frequency, low-value transactions where cost is prohibitive.
06
zkSync's Trade-off: Privacy Depth
Not private by default: Achieving Aztec-level privacy requires significant custom L3 development and lacks the same battle-tested, native privacy primitives. This matters for regulatory-sensitive applications requiring strongest possible guarantees without extra engineering.
pros-cons-b
Aztec vs. zkSync Era
zkSync Era Privacy Features: Pros and Cons
Comparing the privacy paradigms of a dedicated privacy rollup versus a general-purpose L2 with selective privacy features. Key trade-offs for CTOs and architects.
01
Aztec: Full Transaction Privacy
Default privacy for all operations: Uses zk-SNARKs to shield sender, receiver, and amount on every transaction. This is critical for DeFi, DAO voting, and enterprise settlements where data confidentiality is non-negotiable. The protocol is purpose-built for this single use case.
02
Aztec: Programmable Privacy (zk.money, Noir)
Developer-focused privacy stack: Offers the Noir programming language for creating private smart contracts. This enables complex private applications like confidential DeFi pools and identity systems. The ecosystem is nascent but targeted.
03
Aztec: Trade-Offs & Limitations
Higher cost and complexity: Private transactions are computationally intensive, leading to higher fees. Limited composability with public Ethereum state and other L2s. Ecosystem and tooling (wallets, explorers) are less mature than general-purpose L2s.
04
zkSync Era: Selective Privacy via zkProofs
Privacy as a feature, not default: Leverages its ZK-rollup architecture to enable privacy-preserving applications through custom circuits, while keeping most transactions public for efficiency. Ideal for gaming (hidden moves) and selective business logic.
05
zkSync Era: Mainstream Scalability & EVM Compatibility
Performance-first foundation: Processes 2,000+ TPS with sub-$0.01 average fees. Full EVM compatibility (Solidity/Vyper) means existing teams can integrate privacy modules without a full rewrite. Backed by a $5B+ ecosystem with major DeFi protocols like Uniswap and Curve.
06
zkSync Era: Privacy is Not Native
Requires custom implementation: Developers must build privacy features themselves using ZK circuits; it's not provided out-of-the-box. This increases development overhead. Transaction metadata (addresses) on the base layer may still be visible, offering less anonymity than Aztec.
ZK-ROLLUP PRIVACY: AZTEC VS ZKSYNC
Technical Deep Dive: Privacy Architecture
A technical comparison of privacy implementations between Aztec's dedicated zk-rollup for private smart contracts and zkSync's optional privacy features within its general-purpose zkEVM.
Yes, Aztec provides stronger, default privacy. Aztec is a dedicated privacy-focused zk-rollup where all transactions are private by default using zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs). zkSync's privacy is an optional feature (e.g., via zkPorter or third-party apps) where most activity on its main zkEVM is transparent. Aztec's architecture, with its private kernel and note-based UTXO model, is fundamentally designed to hide sender, receiver, and amount.
CHOOSE YOUR PRIORITY
Decision Framework: When to Choose Which
Aztec for DeFi
Verdict: The specialized choice for private DeFi primitives. Strengths: zk.money and zkFi showcase native private transactions and shielded liquidity pools. The Aztec Connect bridge allows private interaction with mainnet protocols like Lido and Element Finance. Ideal for applications requiring transaction anonymity, such as private DEX swaps or confidential lending positions. Trade-offs: Currently lower TVL and fewer integrated protocols than general-purpose L2s. Development requires learning Noir and the Aztec SDK.
zkSync Era for DeFi
Verdict: The performance choice for public, high-throughput DeFi. Strengths: Matter Labs' zkEVM supports Solidity/Vyper, enabling easy porting of protocols like Uniswap V3 and Curve. Boasts superior TPS and lower public transaction fees. The zkSync Portal provides a rich ecosystem for public DeFi with high capital efficiency. Trade-offs: Native privacy features are limited to transaction masking (zkPorter) and are not default. Privacy is a bolt-on, not a core primitive.
verdict
THE ANALYSIS
Final Verdict and Strategic Recommendation
A data-driven breakdown to guide your choice between Aztec's dedicated privacy rollup and zkSync's selective privacy features.
Aztec's zk-rollup excels at providing default, programmable privacy because it is architected from the ground up as a privacy-first L2. Its use of private state and private function execution allows for complex, confidential DeFi logic, as demonstrated by its Aztec Connect bridge which processed over $100M in private volume. This makes it the superior choice for applications where privacy is the core, non-negotiable requirement, such as private voting, confidential payroll, or shielded DAO treasuries.
zkSync Era takes a different approach by offering selective privacy features on a high-performance, general-purpose zk-rollup. Its strategy leverages zk-SNARKs for public execution (achieving ~100+ TPS) and integrates privacy through external ZK-circuits and applications like zk.money or Tornado Cash. This results in a trade-off: developers get a vibrant, EVM-compatible ecosystem with lower public transaction fees, but must rely on specific, often application-layer, solutions for privacy, which can fragment liquidity and user experience.
The key trade-off: If your priority is uncompromising, protocol-level privacy for every transaction and smart contract interaction, choose Aztec. Its architecture is purpose-built for this, though you accept a more specialized toolchain and ecosystem. If you prioritize building in a high-throughput, EVM-compatible environment where privacy is an optional feature for specific actions, choose zkSync Era. You gain access to a massive DeFi TVL and developer tools, but privacy becomes an added layer rather than the default state.
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