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Best bridge to Solana: how to choose
There is no single best bridge to Solana. The right choice depends on what you send and where it starts. Solana uses a different wallet and address format, so you need a Solana wallet such as Phantom, Solflare or Backpack before you start.
Before you start
Solana is a non-EVM network. Your MetaMask 0x address does not work there, so set up a Solana wallet first and copy its address carefully.
You also need a little SOL for fees and to open token accounts. Many bridges can deliver a small amount of SOL along with your transfer.
From Ethereum and EVM networks
For most transfers from Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, Polygon or BNB Chain, these are the main options:
- Relay: intent-based, usually finishes in seconds, good for ETH and USDC to SOL or USDC on Solana.
- Mayan: built on Wormhole, swaps directly into SOL or Solana tokens, with fast and cheaper modes.
- deBridge: intent-based, fast, supports swaps into any Solana token.
- Circle CCTP: moves native USDC with no wrapped copy; used inside many of the apps above.
- Aggregators such as LI.FI and Jumper compare several routes in one place.
Stablecoins
For USDC, choose a route that delivers native Solana USDC, through CCTP or a swap-based bridge. Avoid wrapped versions unless you know where you will use them.
USDT on Solana is issued natively by Tether. Most bridges swap your USDT into Solana USDT or USDC on arrival, so check which one you receive.
From Bitcoin and TRON
From Bitcoin, native swap services such as Chainflip, NEAR Intents and Garden can turn BTC into SOL or into wrapped BTC on Solana. Another option is cbBTC, which Coinbase issues on Solana.
From TRON, the simplest path is usually an exchange that supports withdrawals on both networks, or a cross-chain swap service that supports TRON.
How to compare
Check these points for every quote:
- The final amount you receive, after all fees.
- Which token you receive: native, wrapped or swapped.
- Whether a little SOL for fees is included.
- Expected time: intent-based bridges take seconds, others can take minutes.
- Send a small test first, especially the first time you use a new wallet.
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