In this article, I will delve into the most reputable bridging protocols for Ethereum alternatives and other cross-blockchain asset transferring protocols.
These protocols come with quicker speed, lower costs, and safe cross blockchain interoperability—making them vital for users and developers in DeFi looking for Ethereum and other blockchain networks seamless interoperability. Find out which other platforms stand out in security and efficiency.
Key Points & Top Bridging Protocols for Ethereum Alternatives 2025 Detailed
| Bridging Protocol | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Defiway | Fast, reliable, low fees; supports Ethereum, BSC, Polygon; DeFi integration |
| Synapse Protocol | Efficient transfers, low gas fees, supports 20+ chains; strong developer activity |
| MultiChain | Highly customizable; developer-friendly; supports multiple blockchain protocols |
| AnySwap | Simple asset swaps; decentralized exchange; supports multiple token standards |
| PolyBridge | Prioritizes speed and scalability; user-friendly interface |
| ChainBridge | Advanced customization; ideal for developers; supports wide blockchain range |
| Connext | Focused on Layer 2 bridging; fast and affordable transfers |
| Allbridge | Best for multi-asset transfers; efficient connectivity across major blockchains |
| Stargate (LayerZero) | Native asset transfers; deep liquidity; supports 40+ chains; audited security |
| Across Protocol | Fast, low-fee transfers; no synthetic tokens; supports 20+ chains; UMA oracle-based |
10 Top Bridging Protocols for Ethereum Alternatives 2025
1. Defiway
Defiway is a leading cross-chain bridging protocol that offers interoperability with over 10 major blockchains including Ethereum, Solana, Tron, and Scroll. Defiway is distinct from many alternatives in that it utilizes liquidity pools instead of minting, thus boosting security and lowering the risk of exploits.
Its fixed transaction fee structure alongside rapid transaction speeds make it both cost-efficient and convenient. Defiway’s integration with Layer-2 solutions provides additional scalability and minimal latency, making it a practical choice for both retail and institutional traders needing dependable cross-chain asset transfer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports 10+ blockchains, including EVM and non-EVM networks | Limited to supported blockchains |
| Fast transaction speeds using layer-two solutions | May not support all tokens across all chains |
| One of the lowest transaction fees in the market | Newer platform may have fewer integrations |
| Smart contracts audited by Certik for enhanced security | User adoption still growing |
| No major security breaches reported in nearly two years | May lack advanced features compared to older platforms |
2. Synapse Protocol
One of the best cross-chain bridging solutions for Ethereum and other blockchains pertaining to Synapse Protocol is its robust alternative to Zebay Exchange. The protocol combines a decentralized liquidity network with an automated market maker (AMM) for cross-chain Ethereum, Avalanche, Polygon, and BNB Smart Chain transfers.
The patented design offers optimal cross-chain exchange liquidity and limited slippage. Moreover, Synapse’s multi-chain governance and growing functionality as a general-purpose interoperability protocol are valuable for users seeking reliable, scalable bridging solutions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hybrid bridging approach for speed and cost-effectiveness | May require understanding of hybrid models for new users |
| Supports asset transfers, smart contract calls, and NFTs | Some advanced features may have a learning curve |
| Optimistic security model ensures secure cross-chain transfers | Limited to supported blockchains |
| Facilitates development of cross-chain DeFi applications | Newer platform may have fewer integrations |
| Open-source and developer-friendly | May lack advanced features compared to older platforms |
3. MultiChain
Multichain is one of the best protocols when it comes to bridging between different chains. It allows seamless transfers of assets between 50 different chains such as Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, and BSC.
It merchants assets by locking them on the source chain, and minting the equivalent tokens on the destinatio. It keeps closing the chains and opens good pathways of liquidity. The protocol is significantly cheaper and eas to use without giving up the level of security. Trustless, quick transactions that cut other protocols out is what Multichain is great at.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports a wide range of blockchains and assets | Liquidity may be fragmented across chains |
| Utilizes Fusion’s DCRM technology for secure cross-chain swaps | Newer platform may have fewer integrations |
| Offers liquidity mining opportunities | User adoption still growing |
| Decentralized governance model | May lack advanced features compared to older platforms |
| Provides access to novel yield-earning activities | Some chains may have lower liquidity |
4. AnySwap
AnySwap, currently known as Multichain, is a decentralized bridge protocol that enables the transfer of digital assets between various blockchains (Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Fantom, Polygon).
It is distinguished by the unrestricted token swap using the proprietary DCRM technology of Fusion that eliminates intermediaries, hence, enhancing the level of security and minimizing the chances of exploits.
Also, AnySwap has a broad token range and allows liquidity mining where users are compensated for lending liquidity to the protocol. AnySwap is easy to use, and secure, and so a dependable service for cross-chain operations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Decentralized cross-chain swaps with low fees | Liquidity may be fragmented across chains |
| Supports a wide range of blockchains and assets | Newer platform may have fewer integrations |
| Utilizes Fusion’s DCRM technology for secure cross-chain swaps | User adoption still growing |
| Offers liquidity mining opportunities | May lack advanced features compared to older platforms |
| Provides access to novel yield-earning activities | Some chains may have lower liquidity |
5. PolyBridge
PolyBridge is a decentralized cross-chain bridge protocol created by Poly Network which enables asset transfers between Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Huobi ECO Chain, and multiple other blockchains. Using a unique Lock-Mint swap approach, PolyBridge employs locking assets on the source chains while minting their equivalent tokens on the destination chain.
This design achieves interoperability between diverse blockchains in a secure and efficient manner. PolyBridge’s integration with Poly Network Chain facilitates the verification and coordination of cross-chain messages over a decentralized network of keepers and relayers
Which boosts the asset transfer’s overall security and reliabiility. PolyBridge is capable of cross-chain NFT transfers which can be accomplished through its user friendly interface. As a result, PolyBridge is a premier choice for cross-chain DeFi interoperability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enables cross-chain compatibility of digital assets | Limited to supported blockchains |
| Supports fungible tokens and NFTs | Newer platform may have fewer integrations |
| Low transaction fees and excellent user experience | User adoption still growing |
| Decentralized governance model | May lack advanced features compared to older platforms |
| Provides access to novel yield-earning activities | Some chains may have lower liquidity |
6. ChainBridge
ChainBridge is a protocol made by ChainSafe Systems that allows for cross-chain bridging and is borderless in nature. This allows for transfer of both assets and data between Ethereum and Ethereum Classic. What makes ChainBridge special is its ability to lock assets on the founding chain while creating new minted assets on the target chain, allowing these chains to operate in tandem.
This enables users to access the liquidity of both chains, improving their overall DeFi experience. Also, the open Latin Bridge nature and modular design of ChainBridge promotes security and efficiency cross-chain bridging. This makes it an excellent option for developers and users wanting cross-chain solutions that are transparent.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Developed by ChainSafe Systems for Ethereum and Ethereum Classic | Limited to Ethereum and Ethereum Classic |
| Open-source and modular architecture | Newer platform may have fewer integrations |
| Facilitates secure asset transfers between Ethereum and Ethereum Classic | User adoption still growing |
| Supports a wide range of tokens and assets | May lack advanced features compared to older platforms |
| Provides access to novel yield-earning activities | Some chains may have lower liquidity |
7. Connext
Connext is a decentralized cross-chain bridge protocol that enables the transfer of assets between different blockchains, such as Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, and Binance Smart Chain. Connext’s innovation utilizes a liquidity network model, enabling network nodes to provide liquidity for transfers. This method benefits transfers by eliminating centralized intermediaries.
This boosts scalability while lowering transaction costs, a favorable outcome for systems and users. Furthermore, Connext’s Composable architecture allows developers to create and incorporate cross-chain capabilities for applications seamlessly. This bolsters the growing interconnected application network.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Decentralized cross-chain bridge with a liquidity network model | Limited to supported blockchains |
| Supports a wide range of assets and chains | Newer platform may have fewer integrations |
| Facilitates secure and efficient transfers without centralized intermediaries | User adoption still growing |
| Composable architecture for developers to build cross-chain functionalities | May lack advanced features compared to older platforms |
| Provides access to novel yield-earning activities | Some chains may have lower liquidity |
8. Allbridge
Allbridge enables users to move assets free of boundaries cross-chain bridging including Solana, Tron, Avalanche, and Ethereum. By employing stablecoin liquidity pools, users can swap tokens freely without wrapped tokens decreasing security risks related to token wrapping and minting.
Moreover, Allbridge embraces innovative cross-chain communication via Wormhole, CCTP, and other multiple messaging protocols. Allbridge is a trustworthy competitor to Zebay Exchange due to its ample measures (stablecoin interoperability and security) and functionality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports a wide range of blockchains and assets | Limited to supported blockchains |
| Utilizes native stablecoin liquidity pools for direct swaps | Newer platform may have fewer integrations |
| Supports multiple messaging protocols for efficient cross-chain communication | User adoption still growing |
| Focus on stablecoin interoperability | May lack advanced features compared to older platforms |
| Provides access to novel yield-earning activities | Some chains may have lower liquidity |
9. Stargate (LayerZero)
LayerZero Labs created Stargate, one of the first cross-chain protocols for transferring tokens natively on multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Avalanche, without wrapped tokens.
Stargate leverages LayerZero’s omnichain messaging for unique architecture, which enhances liquidity efficiency and lowers transaction costs. Stargate’s unified liquidity pools provide broad liquidity and minimal slippage, making it a popular option for DeFi. Stargate’s streamlined protocols for scalability and user experience also position it as a premier cross-chain bridge for Ethereum alternatives.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enables seamless and secure transfers of native assets | Limited to supported blockchains |
| Utilizes LayerZero’s omnichain messaging capabilities | Newer platform may have fewer integrations |
| Deep liquidity and low slippage through unified liquidity pools | User adoption still growing |
| Focus on scalability and user experience | May lack advanced features compared to older platforms |
| Provides access to novel yield-earning activities | Some chains may have lower liquidity |
10. Across Protocol
Across Protocol provides secure and instant asset bridging across Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base and other alt blockchains. Users set intentions and independent relayers fulfill payment intents with their own capital, competing with other relayers.
This intent-based architecture eliminates custodial risks, multisigs, and guarantees fast trust-minimized bridging. Across Protocol completes fills in under a minute at $1, making it one of the efficient and low-cost bilateral bridging solutions. Its low-cost cross-chain asset bridging protocols and open-source integration with various DeFi applications ensure wide adoption in the blockchain ecosystem.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Decentralized cross-chain bridge with intent-based architecture | Limited to supported blockchains |
| Fast and trust-minimized bridging with average fill times under one minute | Newer platform may have fewer integrations |
| Low transaction fees below $1 | User adoption still growing |
| Open-source and developer-friendly | May lack advanced features compared to older platforms |
| Provides access to novel yield-earning activities | Some chains may have lower liquidity |
Conclsuion
To summarize, Defiway, Synapse, MultiChain, AnySwap, PolyBridge, ChainBridge, Connext, Allbridge, Stargate, and Across Protocol and the rest of the top bridging protocols for Ethereum alternatives provide secure, efficient, and scalable cross-chain transfers of digital assets.
Each provides different capabilities—native liquidity pools, intent-based bridging, and LayerZero messaging—critical for the cross-chain Defi infrastructure.
FAQ
What is a cross-chain bridge?
A bridge allows assets and data to move securely between different blockchain networks.
Why use Ethereum alternatives for bridging?
They offer lower fees, faster transactions, and access to diverse DeFi ecosystems.
Which are the most reliable bridging protocols?
Defiway, Synapse, MultiChain, AnySwap, PolyBridge, ChainBridge, Connext, Allbridge, Stargate, and Across Protocol.
Are these bridges secure?
Most use audited smart contracts, decentralized liquidity, or LayerZero messaging for trust-minimized transfers.
Can I transfer NFTs using these bridges?
Yes, protocols like Synapse, PolyBridge, and Allbridge support NFT bridging.
