Base ¹

What is Base?

An Ethereum L2 built by Coinbase using the Optimism OP Stack, focused on mainstream scalability and deep integration with Coinbase products.

• Security: Inherits Ethereum security via optimistic fraud proofs. Centralized sequencer operated by Coinbase. 7-day challenge period for withdrawals.
• Performance: Cheaper than Ethereum (~10–100x depending on calldata usage). Real TPS ~20–30. Limited by L1 calldata throughput.
• Ecosystem: Rapidly growing due to Coinbase support. Used for onchain identity (Base Passport), consumer apps, DeFi, and developer tools.
• Governance: Coinbase controls upgrades and sequencing. No on-chain upgrade delay or decentralized verifier set yet.
• Trade-offs:
  • Sequencer and upgrade path fully centralized
  • Tied closely to Coinbase infra and roadmap
  • No native decentralization yet for data availability or challenge verification

Contract Languages