Enso vs. Garden
Rift Research
Last updated
TLDR: Enso is a DeFi action and shortcut layer. Garden is an HTLC atomic swap network for Bitcoin. Consider Enso when you need multi-step DeFi intents, not only a simple swap. Consider Garden when you want native Bitcoin in or out without wrapped BTC. Confirm the live winner on rates.gg.
What each protocol is
Enso. Enso is a unified DeFi API. The Route API finds a path into a destination token, LP or vault. The Bundle API composes ordered actions (swap, lend, borrow, deposit) into one transaction. Enso constructs transaction data for the integrating product to present for signing. The signing flow and underlying protocols determine permissions and custody assumptions. Official docs: Enso Docs. App: enso.finance.
Garden. Garden is an intents network for native Bitcoin and related assets. Solvers compete on a quote. Hashlocks and timelocks coordinate the two legs. Uncompleted swaps have refund paths subject to the contracts, timeouts and network conditions. Garden does not custody funds or mint wrapped BTC. Official docs: Garden Docs. App: garden.finance.
Short version
| Dimension | Enso | Garden |
|---|---|---|
| Role | DeFi action and shortcut layer | HTLC atomic swap network for Bitcoin |
| Fee | Depends on the composed route and underlying protocols | Solver spread on the winning quote |
| Coverage | Multi-chain DeFi primitives connected through Enso integrations | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, Arbitrum, BNB Chain, Hyperliquid and others listed in Garden docs |
| Settlement | Atomic bundled transaction when using Bundle; otherwise the returned route tx | Native HTLC atomic swap |
| Trust model | Enso router / wallet adapters plus each underlying protocol | Hashlocked timelock contracts plus independent solvers |
| Good fit for | Multi-step DeFi intents, not only a simple swap | Native Bitcoin in or out without wrapped BTC |
| Docs | Enso Docs | Garden Docs |
Where each fits
Enso may fit when:
- The job is swap-plus-deposit, zap, or another multi-step action
- You want Enso to build the calldata while you keep the wallet UX
- A single-hop bridge or AMM swap is not enough
Garden may fit when:
- Bitcoin is on one side of the trade
- You want HTLC atomic settlement rather than lock-and-mint
- Garden solvers are printing the best live rate
Key differences
Enso and Garden should be compared on the job you need to complete: the input asset, destination asset and chain, trade size, execution method and custody assumptions. They may overlap on some routes and complement each other on others. A broader chain list or faster advertised fill does not establish a better net rate. Compare executable quotes in the same window, including gas and every underlying step.
When to use which
- Use Enso when you need multi-step DeFi intents, not only a simple swap.
- Use Garden when you want native Bitcoin in or out without wrapped BTC.
- If both can quote the same route, take the better net output after fees, time and settlement type. Check that print on rates.gg.
FAQ
Which is cheaper, Enso or Garden?
Neither has a universal price advantage. Enso: Depends on the composed route and underlying protocols. Garden: Solver spread on the winning quote. Compare executable quotes for the same size, destination and time window, including gas, underlying venue costs and any extra transfer. Expected output and minimum received are different figures; compare like with like.
Is Enso a substitute for Garden?
Only on overlapping pairs and chains. When both can quote the same route, take the better net output after fees and time. When only one supports the asset or chain, that one is the only option.
Where are the official Enso and Garden docs?
Enso: Enso Docs. Garden: Garden Docs. Live rate comparison: rates.gg.
Official sources
- Enso docs: Enso Docs
- Enso app: enso.finance
- Enso — Developer home: docs.enso.build/home
- Enso — Use cases: docs.enso.build/pages/use-cases
- Enso — API: api.enso.finance/api
- Garden docs: Garden Docs
- Garden app: garden.finance
- Garden — Docs home / SDK: docs.garden.finance/
- Garden — Product overview: garden.finance/
Get the Best of Both With Rift
Rift is a strong alternative to choosing between Enso and Garden. It brings routes from both together with additional venues on supported pairs, comparing available quotes to find the best net execution for your order. You get the strengths of both through one API.
Rift adds no router fee and uses secure hardware enclaves to enforce noncustodial execution. Underlying venue fees, spreads and network costs still apply, and availability depends on the asset, chain and order size. The live quote shows the route and expected output.