Across Protocol vs Relay: Security and Chain Reach
Both Across Protocol and Relay use intent architectures to settle native cross-chain transfers without minting wrapped tokens. Transfers on both systems bypass canonical bridge delays by having off-chain actors front liquidity on destination chains. Reimbursing third-party relayers through the UMA optimistic oracle, Across Protocol connects 27 networks including Ethereum, Solana, and major Layer 2 networks. Relay pairs user orders with solvers verified on its dedicated settlement hub, routing transactions across 85 chains including Bitcoin, Sui, and Tron.
Verification methods and ecosystem reach mark the primary differences. Institutional stablecoin transfers up to $50 million route through the Across Protocol Transit integration, with disputes settled via optimistic fraud proofs. In contrast, Relay charges a base cost under $0.01 and supports three times as many networks, but its settlement hub relies on an authorized oracle signer structure instead of decentralized challenge windows.
Quick verdict
The choice comes down to settlement security versus network availability. Across Protocol uses optimistic verification backed by single-sided liquidity pools on Ethereum mainnet, giving larger transfers clear dispute mechanisms despite a smaller footprint of 27 chains. Relay delivers broader connectivity across 85 blockchains including non-EVM ecosystems like Bitcoin and Sui, but verification runs through an authorized signer architecture rather than an optimistic fraud proof mechanism.
Choose Across Protocol if you bridge high-value sums between EVM networks and Solana, require optimistic dispute verification via UMA, or need liquidity for transfers up to $50 million without wrapped token depeg risks.
Choose Relay if you need native transfers across unconventional ecosystems such as Bitcoin, Tron, and Sui, want base bridge costs under $0.01, or build cross-chain checkout applications that sponsor destination gas for end users.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Security | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Speed | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Fees | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Chain coverage | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Ease of use | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Specs | ||
| KYC required | No | No |
| Design | Intent-based | Intent-based |
| Chains | Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, Polygon, Other | Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, BNB Chain, Solana, Bitcoin, Sui, Tron, Other |
| Chains supported | 27 | 85 |
| Typical fee | Network gas and relayer fee with zero aggregator markup | Under $0.01 average cost plus dynamic execution fees |
| Typical transfer time | 1.2 seconds | 1 second |
| Security model | UMA optimistic oracle | Non-custodial depository with authorized signer oracle Hub and relayer settlement |
| Audited | Yes | Yes |
| Token | ACX | Not disclosed |
| Intent-based | Yes | Yes |
| Native token transfers (no wrapped tokens) | Yes | Yes |
| Max transfer | $50,000,000 | Not disclosed |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2021 | 2023 |
| Headquarters | — | United States |
| Investors | Paradigm, Bain Capital Crypto, Coinbase Ventures, Multicoin Capital +3 | Archetype, Union Square Ventures |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Best for | Fast cross-chain Layer 2 bridging, DeFi traders avoiding wrapped assets, Large stablecoin institutional transfers | Fast native multi-chain transfers, Cross-chain stablecoin settlements, Developers building cross-chain checkout |
Highlighted cells show the stronger value in each row. Data comes from each provider's site and public sources; check details before you sign up.
FAQ
Is Across Protocol faster than Relay?
Relay is slightly faster with an average settlement speed of 1 second, compared to 1.2 seconds on Across Protocol. Both platforms use intents to fill destination orders directly without waiting for canonical bridge finality.
Which bridge supports more blockchains?
Relay supports more blockchains, connecting over 85 networks including Bitcoin, Sui, and Tron alongside EVM environments. Across Protocol supports 27 networks, concentrating on Ethereum, Solana, and major Layer 2 rollups.
How do the security models of Across Protocol and Relay compare?
Across Protocol verifies relayer repayments through UMA optimistic oracles with public challenge windows. Relay validates execution on its Relay Chain Hub using an authorized oracle signer architecture.
Do Across Protocol or Relay require KYC verification?
Neither platform requires identity verification. You can bridge native assets directly by connecting a self-custody wallet to either web interface or developer API.