Base ¹

Coinbase's L2 where you can go from buying crypto to using dApps without leaving their ecosystem. The corporate chain that doesn't pretend to be decentralized.

Unique Position Base is Coinbase running blockchain infrastructure as a service — they control the sequencer, collect the fees, and can onboard users directly from their 100M+ person exchange. While other L2s chase decentralization theater, Base leverages Coinbase's regulatory clarity and fiat rails. The only L2 where your grandma might accidentally use blockchain through Coinbase Wallet.

Primary Use Cases

• Consumer apps needing seamless fiat-to-crypto onramps
• Projects targeting Coinbase's massive retail user base
• Builders wanting corporate stability over decentralization
• Social applications leveraging Base Passport identity
• DeFi protocols seeking Coinbase listing pipeline

Ecosystem Character Mainstream-focused ecosystem prioritizing user experience over crypto purity. Home to consumer social apps, simplified DeFi, and experiments in onchain identity. The community accepts centralization as a feature for reliability and regulatory compliance. Where Silicon Valley VCs deploy their consumer crypto bets.

Trade-offs

• Completely centralized — Coinbase controls everything
• Success tied to Coinbase's business decisions and regulatory status
• No permissionless validation or decentralized governance
• Higher fees than newer L2s optimizing for cost
• Ecosystem growth dependent on Coinbase marketing and partnerships

Technical Details

Architecture Optimistic rollup built on OP Stack using Bedrock architecture, part of the Optimism Superchain ecosystem. Standard 7-day fraud proof window with withdrawal delays.

Performance Transaction costs 10-100x cheaper than Ethereum mainnet depending on calldata usage. Real throughput limited by L1 data availability. Consistent 2-second block times with reliable sequencer operation.

Security & Trust Model Inherits Ethereum security through optimistic fraud proofs, but challenge mechanism controlled by whitelist. Centralized sequencer operated exclusively by Coinbase with no failover. Must trust Coinbase for liveness, ordering fairness, and upgrade integrity.

Control & Governance Coinbase has unilateral control over protocol upgrades, sequencer operation, and fee collection. No on-chain governance or community input mechanism. Security council exists but is Coinbase-appointed. Progressive decentralization mentioned but no concrete timeline provided.