ZKVMs vs. ZK Circuits: A Spicy Debate

Today, we get to moderate a debate that’s been brewing in the ZK-space: ZKVMs or custom ZK circuits?

ZKVMs have been pivotal in getting projects up and running quickly. They lower technical barriers by making zero-knowledge proofs accessible to more developers. But as applications mature, there’s a growing question: do you stick with the flexibility of ZKVMs, or do you shift toward building custom ZK circuits for that extra boost in efficiency and performance?

In this episode, we’ll unpack what makes each approach unique. We’ll explore the pros and cons of using a generalizable ZKVM, the impact of custom circuit development, and how these choices affect everything from developer experience to security audits. The goal of this debate is understanding the trade-offs and how ZK fits into your project’s long-term vision.

Whether you’re building a new DeFi protocol, optimizing your existing stack, or just curious about where ZK tech is headed, this discussion offers plenty of ideas about implementing ZK and how to do it.

Now, let’s get into the nuts and bolts of ZK.

The Rollup