Relay vs. Across
Rift Research
Last updated
TLDR: Relay is a cross-chain intents and payments protocol. Across is an intent-based interoperability protocol. Consider Relay when you need fast small-to-mid transfers and payments across many networks. 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
Relay. Relay is a cross-chain intents protocol. Users deposit into a per-chain Depository; solvers fill on the destination; a dedicated settlement chain and oracle reimburse the solver. Official docs: Relay Docs. App: relay.link.
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 | Relay | Across |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Cross-chain intents and payments protocol | Intent-based interoperability protocol |
| Fee | Solver spread plus small protocol components, quoted per order | Market-quoted relayer spread and LP fee; no separate flat protocol toll |
| Coverage | Networks and assets supported by the selected Relay route | Supported mainnet networks, with availability determined by the exact token pair and route |
| Settlement | Solver fronts destination liquidity; protocol settles after proof | Canonical assets delivered by bonded relayers |
| Trust model | Non-upgradable Depository contracts; Allocator-authorised withdrawals; audited settlement stack | Relayer-funded fills and the settlement and dispute mechanisms of the deployed Across contracts |
| Good fit for | Fast small-to-mid transfers and payments across many networks | Canonical USDC and ETH transfers between supported chains |
| Docs | Relay Docs | Across Docs |
Where each fits
Relay may fit when:
- Speed on a small or mid-size transfer matters most
- You need a long list of networks from one integration
- The job is a payment or simple transfer, not a multi-step DeFi action
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
Relay 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 Relay when you need fast small-to-mid transfers and payments across many networks.
- 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, Relay or Across?
Neither has a universal price advantage. Relay: Solver spread plus small protocol components, quoted per order. 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 Relay 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 Relay and Across docs?
Relay: Relay Docs. Across: Across Docs. Live rate comparison: rates.gg.
Official sources
- Relay docs: Relay Docs
- Relay app: relay.link
- Relay — How Relay works: docs.relay.link/how-relay-works
- Relay — Protocol design: docs.relay.link/references/protocol/how-it-works
- Relay — Security and audits: docs.relay.link/references/protocol/security
- 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 Relay 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.