Rootstock is a Bitcoin sidechain, powering Bitcoin DeFi through EVM-compatible smart contracts. Secured by over 80 percent of Bitcoin’s hash power through merge-mining, Rootstock extends Bitcoin’s utility while maintaining its security and decentralization.
Why Rootstock is the most secure Bitcoin layer
Rootstock combines the best of Bitcoin’s security model with the flexibility of Ethereum’s developer-friendly environment. With leading tools like Solidity, Truffle, and Web3.js, combined with faster, low-cost transactions, Rootstock brings together the best of both worlds.
Merge-mined security2.1
Rootstock shares more than 80% of Bitcoin’s mining power via merged mining.
Ethereum compatibility2.2
Developers can deploy Solidity smart contracts using standard EVM tools.
Battle-tested infrastructure2.3
Rootstock is the longest-standing Bitcoin layer with 100% uptime, delivering best-in-class security and resilience.
What is a Bitcoin sidechain
A Bitcoin sidechain is an independent blockchain that runs alongside the Bitcoin network, enabling enhanced features like faster transactions and smart contracts without altering Bitcoin’s core protocol. Rootstock is the leading Bitcoin sidechain, bringing secure DeFi to Bitcoin. By using the Powpeg bridge, users can securely move BTC to Rootstock while still relying on Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work security
How Rootstock works
Merge-mined with Bitcoin4.1
Rootstock is secured through merged mining, allowing Bitcoin miners to simultaneously mine Rootstock and Bitcoin using the same computational resources. Over 80 percent of Bitcoin’s hashrate currently contributes to Rootstock’s security. Mining pool partners include Foundry, Luxor, AntPool, Binance & ViaBTC.
Proof-of-work consensus and censorship resistance4.2
Rootstock inherits Bitcoin’s PoW security via merge-mining. By aligning incentives for Bitcoin miners, Rootstock achieves strong decentralization and security without requiring its own independent mining network.
Uptime and operational reliability4.3
Rootstock has operated without a single network outage or chain reset since its mainnet launch in 2018. Its uninterrupted history makes it one of the most reliable sidechain networks in the blockchain ecosystem.
Powpeg and Union Bridge
Powpeg5.1
The Powpeg is the most secure and battle-tested Bitcoin bridge, facilitating the BTC bridging in and out of Rootstock. It is governed by consensus rules and operates without centralized custodians.
The PowPeg bridge uses cutting edge technology to allow secure, permissionless movement of BTC to and from Rootstock.
- Globally distributed Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) that sign transactions based on Bitcoin’s hashpower.
- HSMs custodied by a trusted group of 9 geographically distributed pegnatories, including Xapo, Collider, Luxor, and RootstockLabs.
Union Bridge and BitVMX5.2
Union Bridge introduces a new level of decentralization through BitVMX, a system that allows any participant to verify bridge operations using cryptographic proofs. This eliminates reliance on fixed validator sets.
- Open to anyone acting as a validator.
- Verifiable without trusted third parties.
Designed to be the most trust-minimized and verifiable bridge between Rootstock and Bitcoin.
How Rootstock compares
Security
Merge-mined with Bitcoin
Proof of Transfer (PoX)
Payment channel model
Smart Contract Support
Full EVM (Solidity)
Clarity (non-Turing complete)
None
Launch Date
Use Cases
Trust Assumptions
Proof-of-Work consensus
Delegated mining
Centralized routing risk
Use Cases and Tools for
Rootstock allows users to access DeFi apps and protocols that run on PoW security. Users can hold, lend, borrow, and trade using rBTC, Rootstock's programmabe BTC.
Rootstock is designed for long-term institutional adoption with a focus on security and DeFi infrastructure.
Bitcoin-backed consensus and bridge model.
Decentralized, tamper-proof custody and movement of assets.
Full uptime and technical transparency.
Rootstock supports full Ethereum tooling, making it easy to port or launch new smart contract applications.
- Launch on a network secured by Bitcoin miners.
- Access documentation and community support.
- Apply for funding in RootstockCollective, a DAO for Bitcoin builders.
Use Solidity, Web3.js, Hardhat, and Truffle.
Built on Bitcoin's principles
Rootstock is not just a scalable solution; it is designed to align with Bitcoin’s original vision. Its trust-minimized architecture, censorship resistance, and secure bridges reflect a deep commitment to user sovereignty and long-term viability.
Rootstock extends Bitcoin without altering its foundation. It is built to serve as a permanent, reliable, and secure layer for the world’s most important decentralized network.
Frequently asked questions
Rootstock is a smart contract platform built as a Bitcoin Layer 2. It utilizes Bitcoin’s security while enabling EVM-compatible applications.
Rootstock employs merge-mining and supports EVM smart contracts, unlike Lightning (which is payment-only) or Stacks (which uses non-Turing complete Clarity contracts).
rBTC is the native token of Rootstock, pegged 1:1 to Bitcoin, and is used to pay for transactions on the network.
Rootstock’s Powpeg and the upcoming Union Bridge use multi-layer cryptographic systems to minimize trust and maximize security.
Rootstock is supported by a decentralized community of developers, miners, and organizations, including Rootstock Labs and the Rootstock Open Source Project.
Rootstock offers significantly lower transaction fees than Ethereum by processing transactions off-chain and settling them on the Bitcoin main chain. This approach reduces congestion and costs, making it more accessible for users and developers.
Yes, Rootstock is fully compatible with Ethereum’s development ecosystem. Developers can use familiar tools like Solidity, Truffle, and Web3.js to build and deploy smart contracts on Rootstock.
Absolutely. Rootstock’s infrastructure is designed for stability and scalability, making it ideal for institutional adoption. Its merge-mined security model and compliance-aware pathways provide the reliability institutions require.
Developers can build a wide range of decentralized applications on Rootstock, including DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and decentralized exchanges, leveraging Bitcoin’s security and Rootstock’s smart contract capabilities.
Since its mainnet launch in 2018, Rootstock has operated without a single network outage or chain reset, demonstrating its robust and reliable infrastructure.