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Swap execution comparison

Orkid vs Wormhole

TL;DR: The largest cross-chain messaging protocol by chain count, connecting 30+ blockchains. Orkid charges a flat 9 bps fee with gasless execution, MEV protection, and surplus returned to you. Wormhole moves tokens between chains. Orkid swaps them at the best price on a single chain. Use Wormhole to bridge to Base, then use Orkid to swap at 9 bps with MEV protection and gasless execution.

Launch Orkid Swap → See Wormhole 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 Wormhole if

Developers building cross-chain applications that need broad chain support including non-EVM networks.

Decision table

At a glance

Comparison table for Orkid and Wormhole
Category OrkidWormhole
Fee model 9 bps (0.09%) flatVariable bridge fee + gas on both chains. No swap optimization.
Gas Gasless via Permit2User pays gas on source and destination chains.
MEV protection Patent-backed MEV detectionNone on the swap leg. Bridge transfers are non-custodial but swaps on the destination chain are exposed to MEV.
Surplus return Returned to userNo. Positive slippage on any swap is kept by the DEX or bridge.
Chains Base, Ethereum, Unichain30+ chains including Solana, Sui, Aptos, and all major EVM networks.
Custody Non-custodialNon-custodial (guardian-verified)
Best for Cost-conscious users who want transparent 9 bps, gasless, MEV-protected swaps with surplus returned.Developers building cross-chain applications that need broad chain support including non-EVM networks.
Not ideal for Users who need chains Orkid does not support yet (non-EVM, Solana, etc.).Users who want optimized swap execution on a single chain.

Where Wormhole leads

Cross-chain infrastructure

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

  • Broadest chain support — 30+ networks including non-EVM chains
  • Guardian-based verification model has been live since 2021
  • Generic messaging enables cross-chain governance, NFT bridges, and custom calls
  • Wormhole Connect widget for embedded bridging
  • Strong developer ecosystem

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 Wormhole

  • Developers building cross-chain applications that need broad chain support including non-EVM networks.

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 Wormhole

No direct migration — different tools. Use Wormhole for cross-chain transfers and 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 Wormhole alternatives → Explore Settlement pillar → All pillars →
LLM Resource Index llms.txt