Relay vs. Garden
Rift Research
Last updated
TLDR: Relay is a cross-chain intents and payments protocol. Garden is an HTLC atomic swap network for Bitcoin. Consider Relay when you need fast small-to-mid transfers and payments across many networks. Consider Garden when you want native Bitcoin in or out without wrapped BTC. 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.
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 | Relay | Garden |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Cross-chain intents and payments protocol | HTLC atomic swap network for Bitcoin |
| Fee | Solver spread plus small protocol components, quoted per order | Solver spread on the winning quote |
| Coverage | Networks and assets supported by the selected Relay route | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, Arbitrum, BNB Chain, Hyperliquid and others listed in Garden docs |
| Settlement | Solver fronts destination liquidity; protocol settles after proof | Native HTLC atomic swap |
| Trust model | Non-upgradable Depository contracts; Allocator-authorised withdrawals; audited settlement stack | Hashlocked timelock contracts plus independent solvers |
| Good fit for | Fast small-to-mid transfers and payments across many networks | Native Bitcoin in or out without wrapped BTC |
| Docs | Relay Docs | Garden 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
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
Relay 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 Relay when you need fast small-to-mid transfers and payments across many networks.
- 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, Relay or Garden?
Neither has a universal price advantage. Relay: Solver spread plus small protocol components, quoted per order. 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 Relay 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 Relay and Garden docs?
Relay: Relay Docs. Garden: Garden 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
- 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 Relay 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.