📊 Comparison: Polygon vs Arbitrum
Compare real-world sidechain and rollup architectures
Understand the difference between scaling approaches
Your Progress
0 / 5 completed⚖️ Head-to-Head Comparison
Let's compare sidechains and Layer 2 solutions across key metrics to understand when to use each approach.
📊 Interactive Metric Comparison
Select a metric below to see detailed comparison and scores (out of 10).
Security
Relies on independent validator set - as secure as those validators
Inherits Ethereum security - mathematically guaranteed by L1
🎯 Find Your Best Fit
Rate how important each factor is for your use case (1 = not important, 10 = critical). We'll recommend the best approach.
Layer 2 Solution Recommended
Based on your priorities, Layer 2 provides the best balance of security and performance.
📋 Quick Decision Matrix
Choose a Sidechain When:
- ✓You need maximum flexibility and custom blockchain rules
- ✓Lowest possible transaction costs are critical
- ✓You can accept a different security model than Ethereum
- ✓Fast finality and withdrawals matter more than trustlessness
Choose Layer 2 When:
- ✓Security is your top priority and you want Ethereum guarantees
- ✓You need trustless security without relying on validators
- ✓You're okay with withdrawal delays (7 days for Optimistic)
- ✓Your users value Ethereum brand and security perception
🌉 Sidechain Examples
Most popular sidechain, ~100 validators, PoS consensus
Former xDai, focuses on payments and stable transactions
⛓️ Layer 2 Examples
Optimistic Rollups with 7-day challenge period
ZK Rollups with instant finality via validity proofs