NEAR Intents vs. Mayan
Rift Research
Last updated
TLDR: NEAR Intents is a multichain intent and solver network. Mayan is a fast cross-chain swap protocol. Consider NEAR Intents when you need unusual pairs, non-EVM routes, or solver-sourced liquidity. Consider Mayan when you need a fast EVM ↔︎ Solana or similar corridor. 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.
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 | NEAR Intents | Mayan |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Multichain intent + solver network | Fast cross-chain swap protocol |
| Fee | Solver spread set in the winning quote | Priced into the auction / route quote |
| Coverage | Bitcoin, EVM chains, Solana, NEAR, TON, Sui, Stellar and other listed assets | Solana, Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, BNB Chain, Sui, HyperEVM, Monad and others listed in Mayan docs |
| Settlement | Atomic via the intents verifier on NEAR | Native on the destination; path depends on Swift, MCTP or Wormhole |
| Trust model | Verifier contract on NEAR, solver liquidity, and the token bridges used for deposits and withdrawals | Intent auction plus the messaging layer used on that path (CCTP or Wormhole) |
| Good fit for | Unusual pairs, non-EVM routes, and solver-sourced liquidity | Fast EVM ↔︎ Solana and related corridors |
| Docs | NEAR Intents Docs | Mayan 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
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
NEAR Intents 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 NEAR Intents when you need unusual pairs, non-EVM routes, or solver-sourced liquidity.
- 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, NEAR Intents or Mayan?
Neither has a universal price advantage. NEAR Intents: Solver spread set in the winning quote. 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 NEAR Intents 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 NEAR Intents and Mayan docs?
NEAR Intents: NEAR Intents Docs. Mayan: Mayan 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/
- 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 NEAR Intents 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.