At a glance
Across Protocol ↗ and Stargate Finance ↗ are two leading cross-chain bridges launched in 2022, each taking a distinct technical approach. Across uses an intent-based model with relayer competition and UMA optimistic verification, prioritizing speed and capital efficiency for L2-to-L2 transfers. It powers bridge flows for Uniswap and Coinbase Wallet. Stargate relies on LayerZero and unified-liquidity pools, with its v2 Hydra design offering instant guaranteed finality, fee tiers, and cost optimization. As of 2026-05-28, Stargate holds $0.4B in TVL across 10 chains, while Across manages $0.2B also across 10 chains. Both protocols are battle-tested with no recorded incidents.
Key differences
Chain coverage: Across supports Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, Polygon, zkSync, Linea, Blast, Mode, and Scroll. Stargate covers Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, BNB, Avalanche, Base, Linea, Mantle, and Aptos. While both run on 10 chains, Stargate uniquely reaches BNB, Avalanche, and Aptos, whereas Across adds zkSync, Blast, Mode, and Scroll—making Across stronger in the Ethereum rollup ecosystem.
TVL and liquidity depth: Stargate’s $0.4B TVL is double Across’s $0.2B, suggesting deeper pools for large transfers on Stargate. However, Across’s intent-based design relies on off-chain relayers rather than on-chain pool size for speed, so TVL differences may not directly translate to transfer capacity.
Mechanism: Across employs a relay network where fillers compete to fulfill user intents, with UMA’s optimistic oracle settling disputes. This yields fast settlement times, especially between L2s, and capital efficiency because relayers rebalance without large locked pools. Stargate uses unified-liquidity pools shared across chains via LayerZero, with Hydra adding instant finality and a ferry system for batched cheap transfers. This model tends to offer more predictable, guaranteed finality.
Integrations and audits: Across is deeply integrated with Uniswap and Coinbase Wallet, providing embedded bridge UX. Its three audits (OpenZeppelin, Mixbytes, Code4rena) outnumber Stargate’s two (Quantstamp, Zellic). Stargate’s broader chain set makes it a common backbone for other DeFi applications needing omnichain liquidity.
Security and track record
Both protocols launched in 2022 and have suffered no major incidents. Across’s three audits and use of UMA’s optimistic verification add layers of economic security—disputes are resolved by UMA tokenholders. Stargate’s security depends on LayerZero’s oracle and relayer infrastructure, which has also remained resilient, backed by two audits. Neither protocol has been compromised; both operate under DAO governance (Across DAO and Stargate DAO). Across’s higher audit count and integration with battle-tested systems like Uniswap may provide a marginal edge in perceived security, but Stargate’s Hydra upgrade demonstrates a commitment to robustness.
Fees and costs
Specific fee data is not disclosed in our data for either protocol. Across’s relayer competition theoretically drives down costs, with fees dependent on current relayer spreads. Stargate’s v2 offers fee tiers and a ferry system that batches transfers for lower costs, balancing speed and price. Users should check official sources (across.to, stargate.finance) for live fee estimates, as costs fluctuate with network conditions and demand.
Which should you choose
Pick Across Protocol if you:
- Primarily move assets between Ethereum rollups (Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, zkSync) and need fast settlement.
- Value intent-based execution and integration with Uniswap or Coinbase Wallet.
- Prefer a protocol with three independent audits.
Pick Stargate Finance if you:
- Require transfers to chains like BNB, Avalanche, or Aptos not covered by Across.
- Need deep unified liquidity and instant guaranteed finality via Hydra.
- Want flexible fee options (fast vs. cheap) through Stargate’s ferry system.
Verdict
There is no universal winner between Across Protocol and Stargate Finance. Across excels for Ethereum-centric users seeking fast, intent-driven L2 transfers with strong ecosystem integrations. Stargate wins for those needing broader chain access, unified liquidity, and instant finality. The right choice depends entirely on your chain preferences and use case.
DeFi Intel publishes editorial research, not financial advice. Do your own research and consult a licensed advisor for your situation.