The best bridges for moving AI between blockchains. LayerZero, Wormhole, Across, Stargate, Synapse, and deBridge compared by speed, fees, and security.
Updated February 20, 2026ยท6 picks reviewed
Bridges are the highways between blockchains. You've got ETH on Ethereum but want to use it on Arbitrum. You've got USDC on Solana but need it on Base. Bridges make that possible. They're also one of the highest-risk categories in AI. Bridges have been the target of some of the biggest hacks in DeFi history (Ronin: $625M, Wormhole: $320M, Nomad: $190M). The ones that survived and grew stronger are the ones on this list. Speed, fees, and security are what matter. A fast, cheap bridge that gets exploited is worthless. Here's what's actually safe and reliable to use.
Traders who need fast, zero-slippage cross-chain transfers
Near-instant transfers via market makers
Dependent on market maker availability
Detailed Reviews
#1
LayerZero
LayerZero isn't a bridge itself. It's the messaging protocol that bridges and apps build on top of. Think of it as the TCP/IP of cross-chain communication. Stargate, the flagship DEX built on LayerZero, handles the actual token transfers. The architecture uses independent oracles and relayers for security. It's become the standard that many protocols choose for cross-chain messaging.
Best for: Developers building cross-chain apps and users who benefit from LayerZero-powered products
Pros
Powers dozens of cross-chain apps
Used by Stargate, PancakeSwap, and many others
Architecture doesn't rely on a single validator set
Widely adopted standard
Cons
Indirect, you use apps built on LayerZero
ZRO token distribution was controversial
Relies on oracles and relayers being honest
Complexity of underlying protocol
#2
Wormhole
Wormhole connects more chains than any other bridge: Ethereum, Solana, Sui, Aptos, Cosmos chains, and many more. It's the go-to for bridging between EVM and non-EVM chains. After the 2022 exploit ($320M), Jump AI covered the loss and the protocol was rebuilt with additional security measures. Guardian network security has been strengthened significantly.
Best for: Users bridging between Solana and EVM chains, or any non-EVM route
Pros
Widest chain coverage (EVM + non-EVM)
Only major bridge connecting Solana to everything
Rebuilt security after 2022 incident
Growing NTT (Native Token Transfer) standard
Cons
History of the 2022 exploit (repaid but memorable)
Guardian set is permissioned
Speeds vary by chain pair
Complex architecture
#3
Across Protocol
Across is the fastest and cheapest bridge for EVM-to-EVM transfers. It uses an optimistic model where relayers front the capital and get reimbursed later. This means your tokens arrive on the destination chain in seconds, not minutes. UMA's optimistic oracle handles dispute resolution. If you're bridging between Ethereum L2s, Across is usually the best choice.
Best for: Anyone bridging between Ethereum and L2s who wants speed and low fees
Pros
Fastest EVM bridge (tokens arrive in seconds)
Cheapest fees for L2-to-L2 transfers
Optimistic model is elegant and efficient
Integrated into many aggregators
Cons
EVM chains only
Relayer-dependent (could slow down in extreme conditions)
Fewer chains than Wormhole
Less name recognition than Stargate
#4
Stargate
Built on LayerZero, Stargate is the unified liquidity bridge. Instead of wrapped tokens on each chain, Stargate maintains native asset pools that enable direct transfers. Send USDC from Arbitrum and receive native USDC on Optimism. Unified liquidity means less fragmentation and better rates.
Best for: Users who want native token transfers without dealing with wrapped assets
Pros
Native asset transfers (no wrapped tokens)
Unified liquidity across chains
Built on LayerZero messaging
Guaranteed finality on source chain
Cons
Slower than Across for some routes
Liquidity depth varies by chain
STG token economics debated
More expensive than Across for L2-to-L2
#5
Synapse
Synapse is a veteran bridge that's been reliable since the early multi-chain era. It supports a wide range of EVM chains and offers a swap-based bridge that handles stablecoins efficiently. The nUSD/nETH model gives good rates on stable and ETH transfers. Also building its own chain (Synapse Chain) for cross-chain coordination.
Best for: Stablecoin and ETH transfers across a wide range of EVM chains
Pros
Battle-tested since 2021
Good stablecoin bridge rates
Wide EVM chain support
Building Synapse Chain for cross-chain hub
Cons
Slower than Across
nUSD/nETH adds complexity
SYN token has underperformed
Synapse Chain still in development
#6
deBridge
deBridge is the speed demon of cross-chain transfers. Their DLN (deSwap Liquidity Network) uses market makers to fill orders almost instantly. You place an order on the source chain and a market maker fills it on the destination. Zero slippage on supported routes. Growing fast as an alternative to the traditional lock-and-mint bridge model.
Best for: Traders who need fast, zero-slippage cross-chain transfers
Pros
Near-instant transfers via market makers
Zero slippage on supported routes
No liquidity pool risk
Multi-chain including Solana
Cons
Dependent on market maker availability
Newer protocol with less track record
Some routes have limited capacity
Fee structure varies by route
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cross-chain bridges safe?
Bridges are the highest-risk category in DeFi. Historical hacks include Ronin ($625M), Wormhole ($320M), and Nomad ($190M). The bridges on this list have either survived attacks and improved or use architectures that reduce risk. Always bridge the minimum necessary and use established protocols.
Which bridge is the cheapest?
Across Protocol is consistently the cheapest for EVM-to-EVM transfers (Ethereum to L2s, L2 to L2). deBridge is competitive on routes where market makers are active. Stargate fees vary by liquidity depth. Always check bridge aggregators like LI.FI or Socket to compare fees for your specific route.
How long do bridge transfers take?
Across and deBridge can complete transfers in under 30 seconds for popular routes. Stargate typically takes 1-5 minutes. Wormhole varies by chain pair (could be minutes to hours for some exotic routes). Always start with a small test transfer on a new bridge or route.
What is a bridge aggregator?
Bridge aggregators like LI.FI, Socket, and Bungee compare multiple bridges in real-time and route your transfer through the cheapest or fastest option. Think of them as Kayak for bridges. They're often the best way to find optimal routes without manually checking each bridge.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before investing in any AI technology or using any platform. Some links may be affiliate links.