Relay vs. Mayan
Rift Research
Last updated
TLDR: Relay is a cross-chain intents and payments protocol. Mayan is a fast cross-chain swap protocol. Consider Relay when you need fast small-to-mid transfers and payments across many networks. Consider Mayan when you need a fast EVM ↔︎ Solana or similar corridor. 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.
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 | Relay | Mayan |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Cross-chain intents and payments protocol | Fast cross-chain swap protocol |
| Fee | Solver spread plus small protocol components, quoted per order | Priced into the auction / route quote |
| Coverage | Networks and assets supported by the selected Relay route | Solana, Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, BNB Chain, Sui, HyperEVM, Monad and others listed in Mayan docs |
| Settlement | Solver fronts destination liquidity; protocol settles after proof | Native on the destination; path depends on Swift, MCTP or Wormhole |
| Trust model | Non-upgradable Depository contracts; Allocator-authorised withdrawals; audited settlement stack | Intent auction plus the messaging layer used on that path (CCTP or Wormhole) |
| Good fit for | Fast small-to-mid transfers and payments across many networks | Fast EVM ↔︎ Solana and related corridors |
| Docs | Relay Docs | Mayan 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
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
Relay 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 Relay when you need fast small-to-mid transfers and payments across many networks.
- 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, Relay or Mayan?
Neither has a universal price advantage. Relay: Solver spread plus small protocol components, quoted per order. 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 Relay 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 Relay and Mayan docs?
Relay: Relay Docs. Mayan: Mayan 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
- 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 Relay 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.