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What is Polygon? (POL)

Last updated

January 22, 2026

Written by

Neill Velardo

Reviewed by

Graham Stone

Polygon is an Ethereum scaling platform that improves transaction speed and reduces costs by operating a network of interoperable Layer 2 chains and sidechains. Originally launched as the Matic Network, Polygon has evolved into a full ecosystem of scaling solutions. With Polygon 2.0, the network is shifting to a multi-chain Layer 2 architecture powered by the POL token - a hyperproductive asset enabling restaking, validation, and multiple roles across interconnected ZK-powered chains.

Use the multichain Bitcoin.com Wallet app to buy, sell, trade, and manage your POL and connect to thousands of DApps on Polygon. Start experiencing the benefits of Web3 with the world's easiest-to-use self-custody wallet.

What is Polygon? Ethereum Scaling Meets the Value Layer of the Internet

Polygon is a leading Ethereum scaling platform that enables faster, cheaper, and more efficient blockchain transactions. Designed to solve Ethereum’s congestion and high gas fees, Polygon has grown into a powerful ecosystem of Layer 2 (L2) chains supporting decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, gaming, and enterprise applications.

Now, with the launch of Polygon 2.0 and the new POL token, the network is entering a new phase - one aimed at building what it calls the Value Layer of the Internet.

History of Polygon

Polygon was originally launched as the Matic Network in 2017 by a team of developers from India: Jaynti Kanani, Sandeep Nailwal, Anurag Arjun, and Mihailo Bjelic. The project began with a mission to solve Ethereum’s scalability issues through a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) sidechain.

In 2021, the team rebranded to Polygon as it expanded beyond the original Matic PoS chain into a full-fledged ecosystem of Ethereum scaling solutions - including zk-rollups and developer toolkits like Polygon CDK.

Despite the rebrand, the network’s native token retained the ticker MATIC - until the introduction of POL under the Polygon 2.0 roadmap.

Polygon at a Glance

• Launch: 2017 (as Matic Network), rebranded to Polygon in 2021
• Mission: Scale Ethereum without compromising security or decentralization
• Solutions: PoS chain, zkEVM, and a growing ecosystem of zero-knowledge Layer 2 chains
• Token: Transitioning from $MATIC to $POL, a next-generation hyperproductive token

The Problem: Ethereum’s Scaling Limits

Ethereum is the most secure and decentralized smart contract blockchain, but it wasn’t built for mass adoption. High network fees and gas costs, which increase during periods of congestion, limit its ability to serve millions of users simultaneously.

Polygon solves this by offering faster, cheaper alternatives that remain connected to Ethereum’s security and developer ecosystem.

Polygon 2.0 and the POL Token

In October 2023, Polygon Labs launched a major upgrade: the POL token, now live on Ethereum mainnet. POL is the centerpiece of Polygon 2.0, an ambitious roadmap to scale Ethereum through a network of ZK-based Layer 2s.

Key features of POL:

• Hyperproductive utility: POL can be re-staked across multiple chains, allowing holders to validate, sequence, generate ZK proofs, and more - across many L2s at once.
• Native re-staking: Unlike traditional staking, POL enables participation in multiple roles and chains simultaneously.
• Future-ready: POL will eventually replace $MATIC, which powers the current Polygon PoS chain.

🔗 POL contract on Ethereum

Key Components of the Polygon Ecosystem

Polygon isn’t a single blockchain - it’s a growing family of Ethereum-compatible chains, including:

1. Polygon PoS (Proof of Stake)

A sidechain that processes transactions quickly and cheaply. It’s secured by its own set of validators, with assets bridged from Ethereum.

2. Polygon zkEVM

A ZK-rollup that mirrors Ethereum’s EVM environment, allowing developers to deploy Ethereum smart contracts with low fees and high security.

3. Polygon CDK (Chain Development Kit)

A toolkit for developers to launch their own customizable Layer 2 chains powered by zero-knowledge technology. These chains can interoperate and share liquidity across the Polygon network through cross-chain interoperability.

Use Cases: What Can You Do on Polygon?

Polygon supports a broad range of use cases:

• DeFi: Lend, borrow, and swap on DEXs like UniSwap, QuickSwap, Aave, and Curve.
• NFTs: Mint and trade NFTs with near-zero gas fees on OpenSea, Magic Eden, and more.
• Gaming: Play blockchain games like Aavegotchi and Zed Run with low latency.
• Payments & Remittances: Use Polygon to send crypto internationally at a fraction of Ethereum’s costs.
• Enterprise & Institutions: Big brands like Reddit and Starbucks have used Polygon to launch Web3 products.

Real-World Adoption and Payments Infrastructure

Polygon is increasingly being adopted for real-world payments and financial infrastructure. Major fintech platforms and payment providers have integrated Polygon to enable stablecoin transfers, onchain settlement, and simplified user experiences, particularly for cross-border payments and remittances.

These integrations highlight Polygon’s role beyond DeFi and NFTs, positioning it as a cost-efficient blockchain network for regulated payment use cases, institutional adoption, and enterprise-grade Web3 applications.

Recent integrations and acquisitions by Polygon Labs reflect a broader push toward regulated onchain payments, fiat onramps, and user-friendly wallet infrastructure across Europe and the United States.

How Polygon Compares to Other Ethereum Layer 2s

Wallets and Tools to Use with Polygon

You can get started with Polygon using a self-custodial crypto wallet like the Bitcoin.com Wallet. Once your wallet is set up:

1. Add the Polygon network
2. Bridge assets from Ethereum
3. Explore dApps via sites like DappRadar or direct decentralized App (dApp) URLs

The Road Ahead for Polygon

With the POL token live and the Polygon 2.0 roadmap underway, key upcoming upgrades include:

• A new staking layer for POL
• Migration of Polygon PoS to zkRollup
• Shared liquidity and ZK interoperability across all Polygon chains

These upgrades aim to transform Polygon into an ecosystem of interconnected ZK chains - all powered by a single re-staked token, POL.

Polygon’s long-term goal? To build the Value Layer of the Internet - a global infrastructure where value flows freely, securely, and equitably for all.

Final Thoughts

Polygon has evolved from a single Proof-of-Stake sidechain into a full suite of Ethereum scaling solutions, now unified under the ambitious Polygon 2.0 vision. With the launch of the POL token and a network of ZK-powered Layer 2s on the horizon, it aims to make Ethereum more scalable, interconnected, and accessible than ever. Whether you’re a developer, trader, gamer, or NFT creator, Polygon offers the tools to build and interact with Web3 efficiently and affordably.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polygon used for?
Polygon is used to scale Ethereum by enabling faster and cheaper transactions. It supports a wide range of use cases, including decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, blockchain gaming, payments, and enterprise Web3 applications. By operating as a network of Ethereum-compatible Layer 2 chains, Polygon helps reduce congestion on Ethereum while maintaining compatibility with its ecosystem.

Is Polygon a Layer 2 or a sidechain?
Polygon includes both Layer 2 solutions and sidechains. The original Polygon PoS network operates as a sidechain secured by its own validators, while newer Polygon solutions such as Polygon zkEVM are true Layer 2 rollups that settle transactions on Ethereum using zero-knowledge proofs.

What is the difference between MATIC and POL?
MATIC was the original native token of the Polygon network. POL is its successor under the Polygon 2.0 roadmap. POL is designed as a next-generation token that supports restaking across multiple Polygon Layer 2 chains, allowing holders to perform multiple roles such as validation, sequencing, and ZK proof generation across the ecosystem.

Has Polygon replaced MATIC with POL?
Polygon is in the process of transitioning from MATIC to POL as part of Polygon 2.0. POL is live on Ethereum mainnet and will progressively replace MATIC as the primary staking and utility token across Polygon’s expanding network of ZK-based Layer 2 chains.

Is Polygon secured by Ethereum?
Polygon solutions vary in how they inherit Ethereum’s security. Polygon zkEVM is directly secured by Ethereum through zero-knowledge proofs, while the Polygon PoS chain uses its own validator set and checkpoints transaction data to Ethereum. Polygon 2.0 aims to increase Ethereum-level security across more of its ecosystem.

How does Polygon compare to Arbitrum and Optimism?
Polygon zkEVM uses zero-knowledge rollup technology, while Arbitrum and Optimism use optimistic rollups. zk-rollups offer faster transaction finality and withdrawals to Ethereum, while optimistic rollups rely on a challenge period that typically lasts about seven days. Each approach involves trade-offs between complexity, maturity, and performance.

Do I need a special wallet to use Polygon?
No. Any Ethereum-compatible, self-custodial wallet can be used with Polygon once the network is added. Many wallets, including the Bitcoin.com Wallet, support Polygon by default or allow easy network configuration. Users can then bridge assets from Ethereum and interact with Polygon-based dApps.

What is Polygon 2.0?
Polygon 2.0 is a long-term roadmap that transforms Polygon into a network of interconnected, zero-knowledge-powered Layer 2 chains. It introduces shared liquidity, improved interoperability, and a unified staking model powered by the POL token, with the goal of building the Value Layer of the Internet.

Is Polygon still relevant now that Ethereum has upgrades?
Yes. Ethereum upgrades improve the base layer, but they do not eliminate the need for Layer 2 scaling. Polygon complements Ethereum by handling high-volume activity off-chain, making decentralized applications more affordable and accessible while Ethereum remains the settlement and security layer.