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Across vs Stargate: which bridge to use

Both move ETH and stablecoins between EVM networks, but they work differently. Across pays you fast from relayers, Stargate pays you from liquidity pools over LayerZero.

The short answer

For moving ETH or USDC between Ethereum and like Arbitrum, Base and Optimism, Across is usually faster, often finishing in seconds. Stargate shines with on networks Across does not cover, and with large stablecoin transfers where its pools are deep.

Both are well established. Compare the amount you will receive on the day, because fees change with demand.

How Across works

Across is an . You lock funds on the source network, and a pays you on the destination network from its own money right away. Later the relayer is repaid from Across pools, after a check by the UMA optimistic .

Because the relayer takes the waiting risk, you do not wait for the source network to settle.

How Stargate works

Stargate is a built on LayerZero. You deposit into a Stargate pool on the source network, a LayerZero message is verified, and the pool on the destination network pays you the same asset.

Stargate V2 offers two modes. Taxi sends your transfer right away. Bus groups several transfers into one message to make it cheaper, but you may wait for the bus to fill.

Side-by-side

The main differences in practice:

  • Speed: Across usually seconds to a minute; Stargate usually one to several minutes, depending on the source network.
  • Tokens: Across focuses on ETH, WETH, USDC, USDT, WBTC, DAI and a few more; Stargate focuses on stablecoins and ETH.
  • Networks: both cover the main networks; Stargate also reaches several networks Across does not.
  • Who you trust: Across relies on relayers and the UMA oracle to settle; Stargate relies on the LayerZero verifiers configured for it.
  • Limits: Across is limited by relayer capital per transfer; Stargate by the size of each pool.

Which one to pick

Pick Across when you move ETH or USDC between Ethereum and major rollups and want it fast.

Pick Stargate when your network or stablecoin is not on Across, or when you move a large stablecoin amount and its pool offers a better result.

If you are not sure, an like LI.FI or Jumper shows quotes from both side by side.

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