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Swap execution comparison

Orkid vs LI.FI

TL;DR: Cross-chain bridge and swap aggregation protocol for multi-chain routing. Orkid charges a flat 9 bps fee with gasless execution, MEV protection, and surplus returned to you. For same-chain swaps, Orkid is dramatically cheaper: 9 bps flat vs LI.FI stacked fees. Orkid also provides MEV detection (LI.FI does not), returns surplus (LI.FI does not), and offers gasless swaps (LI.FI requires gas on both chains). For multi-chain routing, use LI.FI for the bridge and Orkid for the swap.

Launch Orkid Swap → See LI.FI 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 LI.FI if

Developers building multi-chain applications who need a single API for bridge + swap routing.

Decision table

At a glance

Comparison table for Orkid and LI.FI
Category OrkidLI.FI
Fee model 9 bps (0.09%) flatProtocol fee + bridge fee + DEX fee. Total 15-100+ bps for cross-chain swaps.
Gas Gasless via Permit2User pays gas on source and destination chains.
MEV protection Patent-backed MEV detectionNone on the swap leg. Bridge leg is typically safe, but DEX swap on destination is exposed.
Surplus return Returned to userNo.
Chains Base, Ethereum, Unichain15+ chains via bridge aggregation.
Custody Non-custodialNon-custodial
Best for Cost-conscious users who want transparent 9 bps, gasless, MEV-protected swaps with surplus returned.Developers building multi-chain applications who need a single API for bridge + swap routing.
Not ideal for Users who need chains Orkid does not support yet (non-EVM, Solana, etc.).Users who want the best single-chain swap execution with transparent fees.

Where LI.FI leads

Cross-chain infrastructure

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

  • Broadest bridge aggregation — routes across 15+ bridges and 20+ DEXs
  • Single API for cross-chain swap + bridge
  • Powers bridging in MetaMask Portfolio and Rainbow
  • Handles complex multi-hop paths automatically
  • 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 LI.FI

  • Developers building multi-chain applications who need a single API for bridge + swap routing.

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 LI.FI

No direct migration for cross-chain. For same-chain swaps, switch from LI.FI to Orkid for transparent 9 bps pricing, MEV protection, gasless execution, and surplus return.

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 LI.FI alternatives → Explore Settlement pillar → All pillars →
LLM Resource Index llms.txt