LI.FI vs. Mayan
Rift Research
Last updated
TLDR: LI.FI is a cross-chain routing and aggregation layer. Mayan is a fast cross-chain swap protocol. Consider LI.FI when you need broad coverage with an SDK, widget and agent tools. Consider Mayan when you need a fast EVM ↔︎ Solana or similar corridor. 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.
Mayan. Mayan routes cross-chain swaps through Swift (intent auction), MCTP (Circle CCTP plus Mayan auction), and Wormhole Swap. It is widely used on EVM ↔︎ Solana and similar corridors. Official docs: Mayan Docs. App: mayan.finance.
Short version
| Dimension | LI.FI | Mayan |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Cross-chain routing and aggregation layer | Fast cross-chain swap protocol |
| Fee | Integrator and service fees configured per integration; see LI.FI docs | Priced into the auction / route quote |
| Coverage | Supported networks through bridges, DEXs and solvers; coverage varies by route | Solana, Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, BNB Chain, Sui, HyperEVM, Monad and others listed in Mayan docs |
| Settlement | Depends on the winning underlying route (can be wrapped or native) | Native on the destination; path depends on Swift, MCTP or Wormhole |
| Trust model | LI.FI router plus each underlying bridge, DEX or solver | Intent auction plus the messaging layer used on that path (CCTP or Wormhole) |
| Good fit for | Broad coverage with an SDK, widget and agent tools | Fast EVM ↔︎ Solana and related corridors |
| Docs | LI.FI Docs | Mayan 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
Mayan may fit when:
- Solana is on one side of the route
- You want an intent fill rather than an AMM curve
- MCTP can reuse CCTP for a USDC leg
Key differences
LI.FI and Mayan 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 Mayan when you need a fast EVM ↔︎ Solana or similar corridor.
- 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 Mayan?
Neither has a universal price advantage. LI.FI: Integrator and service fees configured per integration; see LI.FI docs. Mayan: Priced into the auction / route 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 Mayan?
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 Mayan docs?
LI.FI: LI.FI Docs. Mayan: Mayan 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
- Mayan docs: Mayan Docs
- Mayan app: mayan.finance
- Mayan — What is Mayan?: docs.mayan.finance/
- Mayan — Swift v2: docs.mayan.finance/architecture/swift-v2
- Mayan — MCTP (CCTP path): docs.mayan.finance/architecture/mctp
- Mayan — Quote API: docs.mayan.finance/integration/quote-api
Get the Best of Both With Rift
Rift is a strong alternative to choosing between LI.FI and Mayan. 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.