Currently, the BNB Chain ecosystem includes Layer1 chain BSC, BSC application sidechains, storage chain BNB Greenfield, and Layer2 chain zkBNB. What role does opBNB play in this landscape?
Introduction
BNB Chain recently announced the testnet launch of opBNB, an EVM-compatible Layer2 scalability solution built on OP Stack. Designed to handle over 4,000 transactions per second (TPS) with an average cost below $0.005 per transaction, opBNB aims to address high throughput and low-cost demands. The mainnet is slated for Q3 2023.
This move follows BNB Chain’s Q1 2023 roadmap update, which hinted at opBNB’s testnet release in May and zkBNB’s mainnet launch by June. Delays in the testnet suggest a possible postponement for zkBNB’s mainnet as well.
But why launch opBNB now?
With giants like Coinbase and ConsenSys entering the Layer2 race, opBNB appears to be Binance’s strategic countermove. While zkBNB’s testnet debuted in September 2022, its progress has been slow due to ZK technology’s complexity and partial EVM incompatibility.
Arbitrum and Optimism pose direct competition to BNB Chain. According to DefiLlama, BSC ranks third in TVL ($3.35 billion), but its lead over Arbitrum is narrowing.
As Arnaud Bauer, BNB Chain’s Senior Solutions Architect, explained to The Block, opBNB’s EVM compatibility is crucial for ecosystem expansion and developer adoption.
The Role of opBNB in BNB Chain’s Ecosystem
BNB Chain’s infrastructure now includes:
- Layer1: BSC
- Application Sidechains: BAS (BSC Application Sidechains)
- Storage: BNB Greenfield
- Layer2: zkBNB and opBNB
Below, we break down each chain’s unique functions and evolution.
Binance Smart Chain (BSC)
Launched in 2020 as an EVM-compatible smart contract platform, BSC evolved from Binance Chain (2019). By February 2022, it rebranded as BNB Chain, merging with BNB Beacon Chain to form a modular system.
Key Stats:
- Speed: ~2,000 TPS
- Avg. Cost: $0.109 per transaction
- Use Cases: Dominated by DeFi and infrastructure, but GameFi leads with 163 active projects—more than other chains.
👉 Explore BNB Chain’s ecosystem dashboard
BSC Application Sidechains (BAS)
Introduced in early 2022, BAS enables independent blockchains linked to BSC via cross-chain bridges. It targets GameFi, SocialFi, and metaverse applications, offering scalability without compromising security.
Layer2 Solutions: zkBNB vs. opBNB
1. zkBNB
- Tech: Zero-knowledge rollups
- Focus: High-throughput gaming and NFTs
- TPS: Up to 10,000
- Gas Fees: 10x cheaper than BSC
Despite its potential, EVM limitations hindered adoption.
2. opBNB
- Tech: Optimistic rollups (OP Stack)
- Focus: EVM compatibility and developer-friendly migration
- TPS: 4,000+
- Cost: <$0.005 per transaction
opBNB simplifies Ethereum-to-BSC dApp porting, making it ideal for mass adoption.
BNB Greenfield
A decentralized storage layer launched in April 2023, Greenfield supports data-intensive apps (e.g., games, social media). Key features:
- Integration with BSC smart contracts
- BNB token for staking/governance
- AWS-backed testnet
Conclusion
BNB Chain’s expansion follows a clear trajectory:
- BSC for core smart contracts
- BAS for specialized app chains
- zkBNB for ZK-driven scalability
- opBNB for EVM-compatible L2
- Greenfield for decentralized storage
With MetaFi and GameFi as focal points, opBNB positions BNB Chain for the next wave of high-performance dApps.
FAQs
Q: Why did BNB Chain choose OP Stack over other L2 solutions?
A: OP Stack offers full EVM compatibility, easing developer onboarding and Ethereum dApp migration.
Q: How does opBNB compare to Arbitrum?
A: opBNB boasts lower fees (~$0.005/tx) and higher throughput (4K TPS), but Arbitrum has a larger DeFi ecosystem.
Q: Is zkBNB being phased out?
A: No—zkBNB caters to ZK-specific use cases (e.g., privacy-focused apps), while opBNB serves general EVM needs.
Q: What’s next for BNB Chain?
A: Expect deeper GameFi/SocialFi integrations, leveraging opBNB’s scalability and Greenfield’s storage.