ZKSwap Gas Fee Calculator
ZKSwap
$0.00 gas fee per transaction
No gas fees - transactions processed on Layer-2
Uniswap V3
$1.20-$3.50 gas fee per transaction
Average Ethereum gas fee range
PancakeSwap
$0.10-$0.30 gas fee per transaction
Average BNB Chain gas fee range
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Total gas fees paid on ZKSwap
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When you hear ‘ZKSwap review’, you’re probably wondering if this Layer‑2 DEX lives up to the hype of zero‑gas trading and lightning‑fast swaps. Below we break down how ZKSwap works, what makes it different, and whether it’s worth your time in 2025.
What is ZKSwap?
ZKSwap is a non‑custodial, Layer‑2 decentralized exchange that uses zero‑knowledge rollup (ZK‑Rollup) technology to scale Ethereum transactions. Launched in 2020 by the ZKS organization, the platform lets you trade ERC‑20 tokens without paying the typical Ethereum gas fees. In 2023‑2024 the protocol expanded into zkSwap Finance, a multi‑chain DeFi hub that runs on ZKsync Era, Monad and Sonic networks while keeping the original fee‑free promise.
How ZK‑Rollup Powers the Exchange
The core engine behind ZKSwap is ZK‑Rollup, a scaling solution that bundles thousands of transactions off‑chain, generates a succinct zero‑knowledge proof, and posts that proof to Ethereum. This approach gives the network a theoretical throughput of more than 10,000 transactions per second (TPS) versus Ethereum’s 15‑45 TPS on‑chain. Because the proof validates the batch’s correctness, users enjoy Ethereum‑level security without the associated gas cost.
Key Tokens: ZKS and ZF
ZKSwap’s ecosystem is anchored by two native tokens. ZKS is the original governance token that lets holders vote on protocol upgrades and fee structures. The newer ZF token powers the zkSwap Finance version, receiving 75% of protocol profits for buy‑backs, which in theory supports price appreciation.
Security Snapshot
DeFi security is a make‑or‑break factor. ZKSwap has undergone several audits, the most recent from Certik awarding a score of roughly 93 out of 100, placing it among the higher‑rated platforms in the space. While no audit can guarantee zero risk, the high score, combined with the inherent safety of ZK‑Rollup proofs, gives many users confidence to lock funds.
Wallet Integration and On‑ramp Options
The exchange works with all major Ethereum‑compatible wallets. First‑time users typically connect via MetaMask, but the platform also supports Trust Wallet, MathWallet, TokenPocket, WalletConnect, and others.
Because ZKSwap is non‑custodial, you retain full private‑key control. Deposits are locked in Ethereum smart contracts, and every Layer‑2 batch is verified on‑chain, keeping your assets safe even if the off‑chain operator disappears.
Speed and Cost Comparison
To put numbers on the claim, let’s compare a typical swap on ZKSwap versus two popular Layer‑1 DEXs.
| Exchange | Avg. TPS | Gas Cost (USD) | Typical Swap Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZKSwap (Layer‑2) | >10,000 | $0.00 (gas‑free) | ~2‑3 seconds |
| PancakeSwap (BNB Chain) | ~300 | $0.10‑$0.30 | ~5‑8 seconds |
| Uniswap V3 (Ethereum) | ~15‑45 | $1.20‑$3.50 | ~12‑20 seconds |
The table shows why high‑frequency traders gravitate toward ZKSwap: you pay nothing for gas and your orders confirm in a flash.
Liquidity and Token Coverage
Speed isn’t everything. Liquidity determines slippage and price impact. ZKSwap’s pool depth is respectable for popular pairs like ETH/USDC or WBTC/USDT, but it lags behind giants such as Uniswap, which boasts thousands of pools with deep liquidity.
New tokens can be listed by anyone for a modest fee, which encourages niche projects to appear early. However, the overall token selection remains narrower than Layer‑1 AMMs, a trade‑off you’ll notice if you hunt for obscure meme coins.
User Experience: From Setup to First Trade
For someone already comfortable with MetaMask, the onboarding timeline looks like this:
- Visit zkswap.com and click “Connect Wallet”.
- Select MetaMask (or Trust Wallet) and approve the connection.
- Deposit your ERC‑20 token; the UI shows a “Layer‑2 deposit” button that instantly reflects the movement.
- Choose a trading pair, set the swap amount, and hit “Swap”. No gas popup appears.
- Optionally, claim any airdrop or reward in ZF tokens from the “Earn” tab.
Complete novices may need an extra 8‑10 hours to understand concepts like rollups, paymasters, and account abstraction. Community tutorials, Telegram Q&A sessions, and the platform’s own documentation help bridge that gap.
Competitive Landscape
ZKSwap isn’t the only ZK‑Rollup DEX. Loopring offers similar fee‑free swaps but focuses more on order‑book liquidity. SyncSwap runs on zkSync Era and excels at providing deep liquidity for stable‑coin pairs. When you compare their core features, ZKSwap’s unique selling points are its multi‑chain expansion (including Sonic) and the built‑in “Swap2Earn” incentives that reward high‑frequency traders with ZF tokens.
Price Outlook for ZKS and ZF
Analyst forecasts for 2025 are split. TradingBeast sees ZKS hovering around $0.09‑$0.10, while WalletInvestor projects a bullish $0.158 by year‑end. PricePrediction.net is more cautious, expecting a dip to $0.044. The average consensus sits near $0.16, implying a modest upside if adoption accelerates. ZF, being newer, has less public data, but its buy‑back mechanism suggests a potential upside if trading volume on zkSwap Finance grows.
Regulatory Considerations
Because ZKSwap is non‑custodial, it sidesteps many registration requirements that centralized exchanges face. Nonetheless, U.S. regulators are tightening scrutiny on DeFi tokens, especially those that provide governance rights. Keep an eye on SEC announcements; a classification of ZKS or ZF as securities could affect staking or trading incentives.
Pros, Cons, and Bottom Line
- Pros:
- Zero gas fees - you save up to $3 per swap on busy days.
- Fast finality - trades confirm in seconds.
- High Certik security score.
- Multi‑chain reach (Ethereum, zkSync Era, Sonic).
- Swap2Earn incentives via ZF token.
- Cons:
- Smaller liquidity pool compared to Uniswap or PancakeSwap.
- Limited token catalog; niche coins may be missing.
- Steeper learning curve for total DeFi beginners.
- Future regulatory risk around governance tokens.
If you trade frequently, the fee savings alone make ZKSwap worth a try. For occasional hobbyists who value deep liquidity over speed, sticking with a Layer‑1 AMM might feel more comfortable.
How to Get Started Today
- Ensure you have an Ethereum‑compatible wallet (MetaMask is recommended).
- Buy some ETH or an ERC‑20 token on a centralized exchange.
- Transfer the token to your wallet, then head to zkswap.com.
- Connect your wallet and deposit the token to the Layer‑2 bridge.
- Start swapping, and explore the “Earn” tab for ZF rewards.
Remember to enable two‑factor authentication on your wallet and keep your seed phrase offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ZKSwap truly gas‑free?
Yes. All swaps happen on the Layer‑2 rollup, which batches transactions and settles a single proof on Ethereum. Users never see a gas fee for the individual swap.
Can I trade on ZKSwap without any Ethereum holdings?
You need a small amount of ETH to cover the initial Layer‑2 deposit bridge fee, but after that the platform refunds any gas cost through the rollup mechanism.
How does the Certik score affect my security?
A 93/100 rating means most critical vulnerabilities were addressed in the audit. It doesn’t guarantee immunity, but it signals a thorough review by a reputable firm.
What is the difference between ZKS and ZF?
ZKS governs the original ZKSwap protocol (v1/v2) and is used for voting on upgrades. ZF powers the newer zkSwap Finance suite, receives protocol profit buy‑backs, and is earned through the Swap2Earn program.
Will regulators target ZKSwap’s tokens?
Regulators are watching DeFi governance tokens closely. If the SEC classifies ZKS or ZF as securities, the platform may need to adjust token distribution or add KYC measures.
Evan Holmes
ZKSwap’s zero‑gas claim feels more hype than reality.