LI.FI vs. Garden
Rift Research
Last updated
TLDR: LI.FI is a cross-chain routing and aggregation layer. Garden is an HTLC atomic swap network for Bitcoin. Consider LI.FI when you need broad coverage with an SDK, widget and agent tools. Consider Garden when you want native Bitcoin in or out without wrapped BTC. Confirm the live winner on rates.gg.
What each protocol is
LI.FI. LI.FI is a routing and orchestration layer. One integration reaches bridges, DEXs, solvers and yield protocols for same-chain swaps, cross-chain swaps, and multi-step flows. Official docs: LI.FI Docs. App: li.fi.
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 | LI.FI | Garden |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Cross-chain routing and aggregation layer | HTLC atomic swap network for Bitcoin |
| Fee | Integrator and service fees configured per integration; see LI.FI docs | Solver spread on the winning quote |
| Coverage | Supported networks through bridges, DEXs and solvers; coverage varies by route | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, Arbitrum, BNB Chain, Hyperliquid and others listed in Garden docs |
| Settlement | Depends on the winning underlying route (can be wrapped or native) | Native HTLC atomic swap |
| Trust model | LI.FI router plus each underlying bridge, DEX or solver | Hashlocked timelock contracts plus independent solvers |
| Good fit for | Broad coverage with an SDK, widget and agent tools | Native Bitcoin in or out without wrapped BTC |
| Docs | LI.FI Docs | Garden Docs |
Where each fits
LI.FI may fit when:
- You need one integration that covers the long tail of chains and tokens
- You want widgets, SDK, MCP and agent tooling in the same stack
- The product is a general-purpose cross-chain app, not a single corridor
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
LI.FI 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 LI.FI when you need broad coverage with an SDK, widget and agent tools.
- 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, LI.FI or Garden?
Neither has a universal price advantage. LI.FI: Integrator and service fees configured per integration; see LI.FI docs. 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 LI.FI 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 LI.FI and Garden docs?
LI.FI: LI.FI Docs. Garden: Garden Docs. Live rate comparison: rates.gg.
Official sources
- LI.FI docs: LI.FI Docs
- LI.FI app: li.fi
- LI.FI — What LI.FI provides: docs.li.fi/introduction/introduction
- LI.FI — Product stack: docs.li.fi/introduction/product-stack
- LI.FI — API overview: docs.li.fi/api-reference/introduction
- 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 LI.FI 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.