Summary
Choosing a Scroll RPC provider means balancing latency, reliability, and data access. This guide covers Scroll’s chain settings, evaluation criteria for production use, and code examples to get started. Whether you need a public endpoint or dedicated nodes, understand what to check before integrating.
Scroll RPC Provider Decision Checklist
Before selecting a Scroll RPC provider, evaluate these factors:
| Criterion | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Endpoint type | Full node vs archive node | Archive nodes support historical state queries; full nodes are cheaper and sufficient for most apps |
| Rate limits | Requests per second (RPS) and monthly request caps | Affects scalability; free tiers may throttle under load |
| Latency | Geographic server distribution and response time | High latency slows transaction broadcasts and data fetches |
| WebSocket support | wss:// endpoint availability | Required for real-time subscriptions (e.g., pending transactions, event logs) |
| Security | Authentication method (API key vs public) and privacy guarantees | Public endpoints risk IP exposure; private endpoints are better for production |
| Uptime SLA | Provider’s historical uptime and compensation policy | No provider guarantees 100%; check real‑world performance |
| Data coverage | Whether archival/trace APIs are available | Needed for indexers, analytics, and debugging complex transactions |
| Pricing model | Pay-as-you-go vs flat monthly fee | Match your request volume to cost |
Use this list to compare providers like OnFinality, which offers both public and dedicated Scroll RPC endpoints.
Scroll Network Overview
Scroll is a zkEVM (Type‑2) scaling solution for Ethereum, designed for bytecode‑level EVM equivalence. Developers can deploy existing Ethereum smart contracts without modification by changing the RPC URL. The network uses zero‑knowledge proofs to batch transactions off‑chain and submit validity proofs to Ethereum L1.
Key network parameters for Scroll Mainnet:
- Chain ID: 534352 (0x82750)
- Currency: ETH
- Block Explorer: scrollscan.com
- Official RPC:
https://rpc.scroll.io - WebSocket:
wss://scroll-rpc.publicnode.com
How to Connect to Scroll
Using a public endpoint (for testing)
curl -X POST https://scroll.api.onfinality.io/public \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","method":"eth_blockNumber","params":[],"id":1}'
Using a private API key (recommended for production)
Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your key from your provider.
curl -X POST https://scroll.api.onfinality.io/public \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
-d '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","method":"eth_getBalance","params":["0x...", "latest"],"id":1}'
What to Look for in a Scroll RPC Provider
1. Reliability and Uptime
Even the best public RPCs experience intermittent outages. For production dApps, consider a dedicated node or a provider with a proven track record. OnFinality’s infrastructure includes monitoring and failover across multiple regions.
2. Latency and Geographic Distribution
Scroll’s RPC nodes are globally distributed. Check if the provider offers endpoints in regions close to your user base. Tools like curl -w "%{time_total}" can measure response times.
3. Archive Node Support
If your dApp needs historical data (e.g., past balances, event logs over months), you need an archive node. OnFinality provides archive RPC endpoints for Scroll; verify with the eth_getBalance method on an older block.
4. WebSocket Endpoints
Real‑time features (like order book updates, transaction monitoring) require WebSocket. Ensure the provider exposes wss:// endpoints and supports eth_subscribe.
5. Rate Limits and Scalability
Public endpoints often have strict rate limits. For high‑throughput apps, look for providers with custom RPS tiers. OnFinality offers scalable pricing from shared to dedicated nodes.
Comparison: Public vs. Private Scroll RPC
| Feature | Public RPC | Private RPC (Dedicated Node) |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication | None or API key | API key or whitelist |
| Rate limits | Low (e.g., 100 req/min) | Customizable (e.g., 1000 RPS) |
| Archive data | Often no extra cost | Extra RU per request |
| Latency | Variable by region | Consistent low latency |
| Cost | Free or pay-as-you-go | Monthly fee based on tier |
| Ideal for | Development, low‑traffic apps | Production, high‑traffic dApps |
Common Pitfalls When Choosing a Provider
- Using a public endpoint in production – You risk rate limiting, IP blacklisting, and lack of SLA.
- Ignoring WebSocket support – Many dApps need real‑time data; without wss, you must poll.
- Not testing archive access – If your app needs historical data, confirm archive support early.
- Overlooking geographic latency – A single data center may be slow for global users.
Key Takeaways
- Scroll is an EVM‑equivalent zkEVM; chain ID 534352, currency ETH.
- Evaluate providers on latency, rate limits, WebSocket, archive support, and pricing.
- Public endpoints are fine for testing; private dedicated nodes are better for production.
- OnFinality provides public and dedicated Scroll RPC with global coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Scroll support archive RPC?
A: Yes, many providers including OnFinality offer archive endpoints for Scroll. Archive nodes store the full historical state, enabling queries like eth_getBalance at any past block.
Q: What are the rate limits for the public Scroll RPC on OnFinality? A: Public endpoints are rate‑limited to ensure fair usage. For production workloads, we recommend a paid plan with dedicated resources.
Q: Can I use MetaMask with Scroll? A: Yes. In MetaMask, add a custom network with chain ID 534352 and an RPC URL from your provider. The OnFinality public endpoint works.
Q: How do I monitor my Scroll node performance? A: OnFinality provides dashboard metrics for response time, error rate, and usage. You can also use third‑party monitoring tools.
Q: Is there a testnet available? A: Scroll Sepolia testnet (chain ID 534351) is available but note that it was shut down as of July 30, 2026. Use Scroll Mainnet for development.
Next Steps
- Explore supported RPC networks to see all chains OnFinality covers.
- Review RPC pricing for Scroll and other networks.
- Consider a dedicated node for consistent performance under high load.