NEAR Intents vs. Garden
Rift Research
Last updated
TLDR: NEAR Intents is a multichain intent and solver network. Garden is an HTLC atomic swap network for Bitcoin. Consider NEAR Intents when you need unusual pairs, non-EVM routes, or solver-sourced liquidity. Consider Garden when you want native Bitcoin in or out without wrapped BTC. 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.
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 | NEAR Intents | Garden |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Multichain intent + solver network | HTLC atomic swap network for Bitcoin |
| Fee | Solver spread set in the winning quote | Solver spread on the winning quote |
| Coverage | Bitcoin, EVM chains, Solana, NEAR, TON, Sui, Stellar and other listed assets | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, Arbitrum, BNB Chain, Hyperliquid and others listed in Garden docs |
| Settlement | Atomic via the intents verifier on NEAR | Native HTLC atomic swap |
| Trust model | Verifier contract on NEAR, solver liquidity, and the token bridges used for deposits and withdrawals | Hashlocked timelock contracts plus independent solvers |
| Good fit for | Unusual pairs, non-EVM routes, and solver-sourced liquidity | Native Bitcoin in or out without wrapped BTC |
| Docs | NEAR Intents Docs | Garden 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
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
NEAR Intents 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 NEAR Intents when you need unusual pairs, non-EVM routes, or solver-sourced liquidity.
- 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, NEAR Intents or Garden?
Neither has a universal price advantage. NEAR Intents: Solver spread set in the winning quote. 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 NEAR Intents 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 NEAR Intents and Garden docs?
NEAR Intents: NEAR Intents Docs. Garden: Garden 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/
- 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 NEAR Intents 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.