Base vs Optimism: which does AI recommend?

· ChatGPT Search and Google AI Mode

Based on every AI answer that names bothReviewed by

How we measure

AI summary

The claims treat and as equal picks, while answers naming both list first slightly more often.

Listed first when AI names both

BaseBase: 47%OptimismOptimism: 53%

Pick Base for

  • Cheapest, predictable gas fees Usually

Topic by topic

Mentioned in, as a share of each topic’s answers

Base named more2Within 2 points1

Base named more

Within 2 points1

Only Base is ranked in12

Only Optimism is ranked in3

What people ask AI about Base and Optimism

Base listed firstOptimism listed first
  1. I'm a developer planning to deploy a complex dApp. Which Layer 2 token's network has the cheapest and most predictable gas fees for smart contract execution?Base usually first
  2. For a dApp that requires fast and frequent state changes, what is the best token for an "optimistic chain"?Optimism often first
  3. I want to invest in a token that benefits directly from the growth of EIP-4844 (Proto-Danksharding).Optimism almost always first
  4. As a DeFi newcomer, what is the safest way to bridge funds from a centralized exchange to an L2 or sidechain without using scam bridges?Base often first

Who AI mentions first

Base listed firstOptimism listed first

ChatGPT Search lists first slightly more often, while Google AI Mode lists first more often than not.

  • ChatGPT SearchBase listed first: 57%Optimism listed first: 43%
  • Google AI ModeBase listed first: 31%Optimism listed first: 69%

Sources cited in the comparisons

Base favouredNeither favouredOptimism favoured

Also named alongside Base and Optimism

appears in most of these answers, and in about half, placing and alongside other named options.

  1. Arbitrum90%
  2. Ethereum44%
  3. Solana21%
  4. zkSync16%
  5. Polygon15%
  6. Ether (ETH)10%
  7. zkSync Era10%
  8. Coinbase8%
  9. StarkNet8%
  10. Polygon PoS7%
  11. Stargate Finance5%
  12. USD Coin5%

Base vs Optimism: common questions

Is Base better than Optimism?
The claims treat Base and Optimism as equal picks, while answers naming both list Optimism first slightly more often.
Do ChatGPT and Google AI Mode recommend Base or Optimism?
ChatGPT Search lists Base first slightly more often, while Google AI Mode lists Optimism first more often than not.
What are the alternatives to Base and Optimism?
Arbitrum appears in most of these answers, and Ethereum in about half, placing Base and Optimism alongside other named options.
When is Base the better pick?
AI usually lists Base first for: Cheapest, predictable gas fees.

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