Flashbots Protect RPC vs MEV-Share RPC: User Protection vs Searcher Collaboration

Blocks frontrunning & sandwich attacks: Uses a private mempool to hide transactions until inclusion. This matters for retail traders and DeFi users who need to execute large swaps or liquidations without being exploited. It's the standard for secure, private transaction submission on Ethereum.

Set-and-forget security: A single RPC endpoint (https://rpc.flashbots.net) provides protection. This matters for wallets (like MetaMask) and dApp developers integrating a simple, reliable security layer for their users without complex configuration.

Users capture MEV value: Users can opt to share transaction hints with searchers in exchange for a portion of the extracted MEV (via refunds or payments). This matters for sophisticated users and protocols looking to monetize their inevitable MEV, turning a cost into potential revenue.

Enables new applications: By providing a structured data layer between users and searchers, it powers new use cases like fair ordering services and intent-based auctions. This matters for protocol architects building novel MEV-aware systems and searchers seeking efficient order flow.

Guaranteed frontrunning protection: Transactions are sent directly to the Flashbots private relay, shielding them from the public mempool. This is critical for high-value DeFi arbitrage or NFT minting where visibility is a direct risk.

No MEV rebates for users: All extracted MEV value goes to block builders and searchers. Users get protection but forfeit potential refunds, a trade-off for absolute safety. Use when protection is the sole priority.

User-Shareable MEV Rewards: Users can opt to reveal transaction intent to a curated set of searchers via the MEV-Share protocol, enabling partial refunds (e.g., 90% back on sandwich attacks). Ideal for cost-conscious power users.

Increased complexity & trust assumptions: Requires managing intent preferences and trusting the Flashbots relay's curation of searchers. Not "set and forget" like Protect. Best for protocols like Cow Swap that integrate it natively.

Blocks frontrunning & sandwich attacks: Transactions are sent directly to block builders via a private mempool, shielding them from public exposure. This is critical for high-value DeFi trades (e.g., large Uniswap swaps) and NFT minting to prevent predictable profit extraction.

Fixed, transparent fee structure: Users pay a flat priority fee (e.g., 10-20 gwei) for protection, with no complex backrunning revenue sharing. This matters for protocols and wallets (like MetaMask) seeking a simple, reliable security add-on for their users without managing rebates.

No revenue sharing: Users forfeit potential value from backrun-able transactions (e.g., profitable DEX arbitrage opportunities triggered by their trade). This is a trade-off for pure protection, less ideal for sophisticated users who want to capture some MEV value.

Enables revenue sharing: Users can opt to reveal transaction hints to searchers, who compete to provide the best backrun, sharing profits via refunds. This is optimal for liquidators, arbitrageurs, and yield farmers whose actions create clear, monetizable opportunities.

Configurable data sharing: Users control what transaction data (hash, calldata, logs) is shared via a matchmaker, enabling tailored strategies. This matters for advanced DAOs and hedge funds running complex strategies that benefit from selective searcher collaboration.

Requires active searcher ecosystem: Value capture is not guaranteed and depends on searcher competition for the user's bundle. This adds operational complexity and is less suitable for retail users or simple transfers where predictable finality is the primary goal.