Best Crypto Bridges

Best Crypto Bridges for Cross-Chain Swaps

Cross-chain interoperability is advancing fast, with new bridges launching and existing ones constantly evolving. But with so many options, finding the right bridge can be a challenge. 

Whether you’re moving between EVM Layer 1 and Layer 2 chains or crossing to non-EVM chains like Solana or Sui, this list has you covered.

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1. Rhino.fi

Rhino.fi is a powerhouse in the on-chain interoperability space, supporting over 23 blockchains like Ethereum, Arbitrum, Solana and Tron. It offers best-in-class speed with under 60-second finality and market-leading liquidity and fees. Rhino.fi leverages rollup technology on StarkEx to batch transactions off-chain to avoid congestion and optimize costs.

Having processed over $2.35 billion across 48.8 million transactions for more than a million users, Rhino.fi is a community favourite for bridging across chains at an accessible cost Supported by industry leaders like ConsenSys and Ledger, Rhino.fi is crucial for onboarding users to DeFi on EVM and non-EVM networks.

• Supported Chains: Ethereum, Arbitrum, Solana, TON, Tron, Linea, Base, Blast, Optimism, zkSync, Mantle, Avalanche, BNB Chain, and more.
• Supported Tokens: 500+ tokens, giving users broad flexibility and choice.

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2. Across Protocol

Across Protocol is an Ethereum Layer 2 bridge known for its speed and low costs, supporting chains like Optimism, Polygon, Arbitrum, and Base. Using an innovative intents-based model, Across connects users directly to applications, letting relayers compete to offer the best price and execution for each swap, often under one minute.

With over $12 billion in volume and 9 million transactions, Across consistently ranks as one of the fastest bridges with high average transaction volumes. Its modular design keeps fees minimal by shifting risk to relayers, who are paid only after successful execution, ensuring users get cost-effective, dependable transfers.

• Supported Chains: Optimism, Polygon, Arbitrum, Base, zkSync, Linea, Scroll, Blast, and more.
• Supported Tokens: WETH, DAI, USDT, USDC, BAL, ACX and 50 more.

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3. Rango Exchange

Rango Exchange leads as a cross-chain bridge aggregator, supporting asset transfers across 60+ blockchains in a single, user-friendly interface. With over $2 billion moved across 1.14 million swaps and nearly 174,000 wallets served, Rango leverages a powerful API to connect with DEXs, aggregators, and cross-chain protocols, making asset swaps fast and efficient.

Covering UTXO-based chains like Bitcoin and Dogecoin, along with EVM, Cosmos, Solana, and Tron, Rango routes trades through multiple bridges to secure the best execution. It’s a fully decentralized, no-KYC solution, focused on security and simplicity for users looking to move assets across networks.

• Supported Chains: 55+, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cosmos, Solana, and more.
• Supported Tokens: Over 1,000 tokens across major blockchains.

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4. Portal Bridge

Portal Bridge is the most popular cross-chain solution for EVM to non-EVM networks like Solana, Sui, NEAR and Aptos. Using the Wormhole framework, it locks tokens in a source chain smart contract, then mints wrapped tokens on the destination chain, simplifying swaps between native and other tokens.

What sets Portal apart is Wormhole’s Connect integration, allowing developers to enable cross-chain transfers for new Layer 1 and 2 networks with minimal code. The platform charges no fees outside of source chain gas fees, while a decentralized relayer network handles final delivery, dropping gas tokens on the destination chain for instant use.

• Supported Chains: Ethereum, Solana, Aptos, Sui, NEAR, Moonbeam, Injective, Fantom, plus 10 more.
• Supported Tokens: WETH, USDC, USDT, WBTC, SOL, SUI, NEAR, and DAI.

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5. Gravity Bridge

Gravity Bridge is the leading interoperability bridge for Cosmos-SDK chains like Osmosis, Evmos, Celestia, Canto, and Kujira, connecting them directly with Ethereum mainnet. Leveraging the IBC protocol, it allows Cosmos projects to access Ethereum’s liquidity through key ERC20 tokens like DAI and USDC, delivering cross-chain functionality to Cosmos assets.

What truly sets Gravity apart is its highly decentralized, permissionless design. Backed by a robust validator network, it’s one of the most secure, battle-tested bridges around, boasting zero exploits or bugs. Currently, it supports transfers for Ethereum and USDC, with plans to expand its token support post-Polaris update on the Cosmos SDK.

• Supported Chains: Ethereum, Cosmos, Osmosis, Terra, Fetch.ai, Canto, Secret, and more.
• Supported Tokens: WETH, ETH, USDC, USDT, DAI, WBTC, ATOM, OSMO, and more.

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Is Bridging Crypto Safe?

Cross-chain bridging carries real security risks. In 2022, bridge hacks alone accounted for $2 billion in stolen assets, making up nearly 70% of all crypto thefts. Bridges are especially vulnerable, as they consolidate large pools of funds, and each design brings its own set of weaknesses that hackers exploit.

For safer bridging, look for platforms with rigorous code audits and strong security frameworks. Rapid responses to breaches, like tracking and marking stolen assets, can help limit damage. 

While bridging is essential for blockchain interoperability, its safety depends on each bridge’s security measures and user awareness of potential threats.

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What are Crypto Bridges?

Crypto bridges connect different blockchain networks, enabling assets and data to move across chains like Ethereum, Solana, and Cosmos. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of bridging protocols:

1. Messaging Bridges: These traditional bridges lock assets on one chain and mint equivalent tokens on another using validators or oracles. They’re generally reliable but can be slow due to verification delays and can carry security risks because of their centralized asset storage.
2. Intent-Based Bridges: A newer approach, intent-based bridges focus on user experience and speed. Users specify their target asset and destination chain, while relayers (or solvers) bid to fulfill the transaction. By fronting liquidity, solvers streamline the process, making it faster and more cost-effective, especially for swaps and lending.
3. Off-Chain Rollup Bridges: These bridges bundle multiple transactions off-chain before posting a single summary back on-chain, reducing gas fees. Common in DEXs and lending protocols, off-chain rollups optimize costs but require careful sequencing for secure batch validation.

These platforms are key to blockchain interoperability, though each type has distinct trade-offs. While messaging bridges offer robust security, intent-based bridges prioritize speed, and rollups aim for gas efficiency.

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Our Cross-Chain Bridging Tips

Exploring the multi-chain world can be overwhelming. For peace of mind, follow these tips to ensure you are bridging your assets safely and with the best capital efficiency:

1. Vet Security Thoroughly: Choose bridges with strict code audits and a clean security record. Go for those with multi-sig wallets or decentralized validators. Anything that adds an extra layer of security is worth it.
2. Know the Bridge Type: Each bridge architecture has its quirks. Messaging bridges tend to be secure but slower, while intent-based bridges are fast and efficient, though they can be centralized around key relayers. Pick based on whether you prioritize speed, cost, or security.
3. Check Supported Assets: Don’t assume every bridge supports every token. Double-check compatibility for the tokens and chains you need to avoid added fees or complications down the line.
4. Factor in Fees: Don’t just look at bridging fees, factor in network gas costs, which vary by chain. Intent-based bridges can cut fees with relayer networks and roll up bridge bundle transactions to save on gas.
5. Stay Updated: Bridges are always evolving. Following audits, security upgrades, and new features will keep you in the loop on enhancements that can improve your experience and even reduce costs.

Considering these strategies can help you bridge with confidence, keeping costs down and security up across all networks.

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Bottom Line

Finding the best crypto bridge for cross-chain swaps comes down to balancing security, speed, fees and most importantly network support. Rhino.fi, Across Protocol, Rango Exchange, Portal Bridge, and Gravity Bridge each have strengths, whether you need fast EVM swaps, non-EVM flexibility, or low-cost Cosmos transfers. 

Be sure to prioritize bridges with strong security audits, choose architecture that matches your needs, and stay current on updates to bridge assets confidently and cost-effectively.