Cross-chain bridges are decentralized applications that allow users to move tokens between various Layer 1 and Layer 2 crypto networks. This means that crypto users can easily move tokens between Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, Optimism and hundreds of different smart contract platforms.
The best 5 cross-chain bridges for crypto investors on all networks are:
- Synapse - Best Overall (most networks)
- Stargate Finance - Best Liquidity and Slippage for large amounts
- Portal Bridge - Best for Ethereum to Solana
- Hop Bridge - Best for ETH Layer 2 networks
- Allbridge - Best for smaller Layer 1 networks
- Fastest and most trusted cross-chain bridge for 18+ networks.
- Low fees and slippage for cross-chain swaps with USDC, ETH & USDT.
- Highest volume cross-chain bridge across all of DeFi.
1. Synapse Protocol
Synapse Protocol is the largest trustless cross-chain bridge that trades over $100 million in daily volume. Their platform allows users to seamlessly transfer assets across Ethereum, Layer 2's, Binance Smart Chain, DogeChain and 15 other popular networks. Their platform is audited by top smart contract security engineers and is the most trusted by retail and institutional DeFi users.
- Available Networks: 18
- Supported Assets: ETH, USDC, USDT, DAI, OHM, BUSD
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2. Stargate Finance
Stargate Finance aims to be the most user-friendly cross-chain bridge with the best liquidity and slippage for large amounts. The platform is live on Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Harmony and Avalanche with more networks planned in the future. Stargate's cross-chain bridge is non-custodial and uses Stargate's native token, STG, to facilitate cross-chain swaps with low fees.
- Available Networks: 7
- Supported Assets: ETH, USDC, USDT, STG
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3. Portal Bridge
Portal Network is one of the first cross-chain bridges to launch on Ethereum and Solana. The Portal Bridge uses a unique multi-hop mechanism that allows users to cross-chain swap any ERC20 or SOL token with zero gas fees. Their platform is live on Ethereum mainnet and Solana Testnet with cross-chain bridges planned for Polkadot, Binance Smart Chain and more.
- Available Networks: Solana and Ethereum
- Supported Assets: ETH, SOL, USDC, USDT, DAI, sETH, sUSD
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4. Hop Bridge
Hop Bridge is a cross-chain DEX aggregator that sources liquidity from over 20 different Layer 2 protocols. Hop's cross-chain bridge is non-custodial and uses the ANY token to facilitate cross-chain swaps with very low fees. The platform is live on Ethereum mainnet and supports cross-chain swapping of ERC20, ERC721 and ERC1155 tokens.
- Available Networks: Ethereum and ETH Layer 2's.
- Supported Assets: ETH, USDC, USDT, ANY, sETH, sUSD
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5. Allbridge
Allbridge is a cross-chain bridge that is live on Ethereum mainnet and Binance Smart Chain testnet. The Allbridge cross-chain bridge uses a unique multi-hop mechanism that allows users to cross-chain swap any ERC20 or BEP2 token with zero gas fees. Allbridge is one of the first cross-chain bridges to launch on Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain and plans to support cross-chain swapping of ERC20, ERC721 and ERC1155 tokens.
- Available Networks: Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain
- Supported Assets: ETH, BNB, BEP2, ERC20, ERC721, ERC1155
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What is a Crypto Bridge?
A cross-chain bridge is an application that enables users to move tokens between two different blockchain networks. For example, a cross-chain bridge could allow users to move tokens from the Ethereum blockchain to the Solana blockchain.
These applications have become increasingly popular in the cryptocurrency space as they provide a way for users to transfer value between different smart contract platforms. This is especially important in the DeFi space as it allows users to move value between different protocols and platforms.
How do Crypto Bridges work?
There are a few different types of cross-chain bridges that are being developed. The most common type is a two-way peg, which uses smart contracts to lock up tokens on one blockchain and mint an equivalent amount of tokens on the other blockchain.
Another type of cross-chain bridge that is being developed is a trustless cross-chain swap. This type of cross-chain bridge uses atomic swaps to enable users to swap tokens between two different blockchains without having to trust a third party.
Final Thoughts
Cross-chain bridges have become essential tools for crypto investors, enabling seamless token transfers between various Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks. Our top 5 recommended cross-chain bridges are Synapse Protocol, Stargate Finance, Portal Bridge, Hop Bridge, and Allbridge, each excelling in different areas such as network compatibility, liquidity, and specific network support.
Synapse Protocol stands out as the best overall choice due to its wide range of supported networks and large daily trading volume. These decentralized applications enhance the user experience by providing a convenient way to move value between smart contract platforms and DeFi protocols, making them an integral part of the evolving crypto landscape.
Dylan Matthews is the Co-Founder and head of operations at Buy Bitcoin Bank, with a background in engineering and experience as a Prop Trader. He has leveraged his knowledge and skills to build and scale the platform, providing users with a seamless experience for buying and selling cryptocurrency.
