NEAR Intents vs. Across
Rift Research
Last updated
TLDR: NEAR Intents is a multichain intent and solver network. Across is an intent-based interoperability protocol. Consider NEAR Intents when you need unusual pairs, non-EVM routes, or solver-sourced liquidity. Consider Across when you are moving canonical USDC or ETH between major chains and care about speed. Confirm the live winner on rates.gg.
What each protocol is
NEAR Intents. NEAR Intents is a multichain intent protocol. You specify the outcome (asset in, asset out, destination). Market makers compete to fill it. The verifier contract settles intent batches on NEAR. Cross-chain deposits and withdrawals use token bridges, with their own settlement and refund conditions. Official docs: NEAR Intents Docs. App: near-intents.org.
Across. Across is an intents protocol for bridging and cross-chain swaps. Relayers front destination liquidity. Across advertises approximately two-second fills on supported mainnet routes; actual timing depends on the route. Its intent settlement and refund mechanisms are separate from that initial fill. Official docs: Across Docs. App: across.to.
Short version
| Dimension | NEAR Intents | Across |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Multichain intent + solver network | Intent-based interoperability protocol |
| Fee | Solver spread set in the winning quote | Market-quoted relayer spread and LP fee; no separate flat protocol toll |
| Coverage | Bitcoin, EVM chains, Solana, NEAR, TON, Sui, Stellar and other listed assets | Supported mainnet networks, with availability determined by the exact token pair and route |
| Settlement | Atomic via the intents verifier on NEAR | Canonical assets delivered by bonded relayers |
| Trust model | Verifier contract on NEAR, solver liquidity, and the token bridges used for deposits and withdrawals | Relayer-funded fills and the settlement and dispute mechanisms of the deployed Across contracts |
| Good fit for | Unusual pairs, non-EVM routes, and solver-sourced liquidity | Canonical USDC and ETH transfers between supported chains |
| Docs | NEAR Intents Docs | Across Docs |
Where each fits
NEAR Intents may fit when:
- The pair or chain sits outside most EVM-only aggregators
- You want solvers competing on a signed intent
- Native settlement across non-EVM ecosystems matters
Across may fit when:
- You are moving USDC or ETH between major supported chains
- Fast destination fills matter; confirm the estimate for your route
- You want a dedicated intent rail rather than a meta-aggregator
Key differences
NEAR Intents and Across 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 NEAR Intents when you need unusual pairs, non-EVM routes, or solver-sourced liquidity.
- Use Across when you are moving canonical USDC or ETH between major chains and care about speed.
- 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, NEAR Intents or Across?
Neither has a universal price advantage. NEAR Intents: Solver spread set in the winning quote. Across: Market-quoted relayer spread and LP fee; no separate flat protocol toll. 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 NEAR Intents a substitute for Across?
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 NEAR Intents and Across docs?
NEAR Intents: NEAR Intents Docs. Across: Across Docs. Live rate comparison: rates.gg.
Official sources
- NEAR Intents docs: NEAR Intents Docs
- NEAR Intents app: near-intents.org
- NEAR Intents — What are intents?: docs.near-intents.org/getting-started/what-are-intents
- NEAR Intents — NEAR chain-abstraction overview: docs.near.org/chain-abstraction/intents/overview
- NEAR Intents — 1-Click Swap API: docs.near-intents.org/
- Across docs: Across Docs
- Across app: across.to
- Across — Introduction: docs.across.to/introduction
- Across — Features and fill times: docs.across.to/introduction/features
- Across — API reference: docs.across.to/api-reference
Get the Best of Both With Rift
Rift is a strong alternative to choosing between NEAR Intents and Across. 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.