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Swap execution comparison

Orkid vs Axelar

TL;DR: Proof-of-stake interoperability layer connecting EVM, Cosmos, and Solana. Orkid charges a flat 9 bps fee with gasless execution, MEV protection, and surplus returned to you. Axelar bridges across diverse chains. Orkid swaps optimally on EVM chains. Use Axelar for non-EVM bridging, then Orkid for the swap on Base/Ethereum/Unichain.

Launch Orkid Swap → See Axelar alternatives →
// QUICK FIT CHECK

Choose Orkid if

you want transparent 9 bps fees, gasless swaps, MEV protection, and surplus returned to you on Base, Ethereum, or Unichain.

Choose Axelar if

Users bridging between EVM and non-EVM chains (Cosmos, Solana, Polkadot).

Decision table

At a glance

Comparison table for Orkid and Axelar
Category OrkidAxelar
Fee model 9 bps (0.09%) flatProtocol fee + gas on source, Axelar, and destination chains.
Gas Gasless via Permit2User pays gas on multiple chains (source, Axelar, destination).
MEV protection Patent-backed MEV detectionNone on the swap leg.
Surplus return Returned to userNo.
Chains Base, Ethereum, UnichainEVM + Cosmos + Solana + Polkadot.
Custody Non-custodialNon-custodial (PoS validator-verified)
Best for Cost-conscious users who want transparent 9 bps, gasless, MEV-protected swaps with surplus returned.Users bridging between EVM and non-EVM chains (Cosmos, Solana, Polkadot).
Not ideal for Users who need chains Orkid does not support yet (non-EVM, Solana, etc.).Users who want optimized swap execution on EVM chains.

Where Axelar leads

Cross-chain infrastructure

Axelar has its own strengths. Here is where it performs well:

  • Broadest non-EVM chain support — Cosmos, Solana, Polkadot
  • Proof-of-stake verification is well-understood
  • Squid Router combines bridging and swapping
  • Strong developer tooling

Where Orkid leads

Transparent execution and surplus return

Orkid is built around a simple promise: 9 bps flat, gasless, MEV-protected, surplus returned. No hidden fees, no auction spreads, no gas tokens required.

  • 9 bps flat fee — transparent and competitive. On a $10,000 swap, that is $9.
  • Gasless via Permit2 — sign a message, Orkid handles the transaction. No ETH needed for gas.
  • Patent-backed MEV detection engine — protects against sandwich attacks and front-running.
  • Surplus returned to you — if the route produces positive slippage, you get it back.
  • Routes across 11+ DEX venues and RFQ sources on Base, Ethereum, and Unichain.

Best fit

Who should choose Axelar

  • Users bridging between EVM and non-EVM chains (Cosmos, Solana, Polkadot).

Best fit

Who should choose Orkid

  • Anyone swapping on Base, Ethereum, or Unichain who wants the lowest transparent fee with gasless execution and MEV protection.
  • Users tired of opaque fees, auction spreads, and paying gas on top of swap fees.
  • Traders who want surplus returned to them, not kept by the protocol.
// SWITCHING PATH

Migration view

Switching from Axelar

No direct migration. Use Axelar for cross-chain, Orkid for same-chain swaps.

Next step

Try Orkid for your next swap

See the difference transparent pricing makes. Swap on Orkid with 9 bps flat, gasless execution, and MEV protection.

Launch Orkid Swap → See Axelar alternatives → Explore Settlement pillar → All pillars →
LLM Resource Index llms.txt