Celer IM vs LayerZero for Omnichain dApps

Optimistic verification model: Uses a single off-chain attestation, enabling sub-second finality for simple messages. This matters for high-frequency, low-value interactions like gaming states or social updates. Transaction fees are typically 50-80% lower than optimistic rollup bridges.

Unified SDK and liquidity layer: Offers cBridge for assets and IM for generic messages in one integration. Supports EVM, Cosmos, and Move-based chains (e.g., Sui, Aptos). This matters for teams building dApps that need both token transfers and arbitrary contract calls across a diverse chain set.

Configurable security stack: Developers choose their own Oracle (e.g., Chainlink, Supra) and Relayer (self-hosted or third-party). This matters for high-value DeFi protocols like Stargate Finance or Rage Trade, where customizable trust assumptions and censorship resistance are critical.

Largest integrated chain count: Supports 70+ blockchains, including non-EVM ecosystems like Solana and Bitcoin via SVMs. The STARGATE liquidity pool is a major DeFi primitive. This matters for protocols seeking maximum user reach and deep, canonical liquidity from day one.

Ultra-low transaction fees: Leverages a state guardian network and optimistic verification model, resulting in significantly lower gas costs for users. This matters for high-frequency, low-value transactions like gaming assets or social interactions where fee sensitivity is critical. Integrations with dApps like Multichain Wallet and Symbiosis highlight this advantage.

Optimistic confirmation: Provides sub-second optimistic finality for improved UX, with slower (~1 hour) but secure cryptographic finality. This matters for user-facing dApps where perceived speed (e.g., NFT bridges, quick swaps) is more important than instant cryptographic guarantees. The cBridge product exemplifies this speed-focused design.

End-to-end sovereignty: Relies on independent, permissionless Oracle and Relayer networks (like Chainlink, Google Cloud, and teams like Polyhedra) for message delivery and verification. This matters for high-value DeFi protocols (e.g., Stargate, Ripple) where security assumptions cannot include trusted parties and censorship resistance is paramount.

Largest TVL and chain support: Dominant market share with over $10B+ in omnichain TVL and support for 50+ chains including Solana and Bitcoin. This matters for protocols seeking maximum reach and deep liquidity pools from day one. The widespread integration of the OFT and ONFT standards is a key network effect.

Built-in bridging (cBridge): Offers a native liquidity network alongside messaging, simplifying architecture for projects that need both asset transfers and generic messaging. This matters for teams wanting a unified stack to avoid managing separate bridge and messaging contracts, reducing integration complexity and points of failure.

Configurable security stack: Developers can choose or run their own Oracle and Relayer, allowing customization of the trust model and potential fee capture. This matters for large protocols planning to build their own cross-chain ecosystem (e.g., lending markets across chains) who require control over infrastructure and economic incentives.

Optimized for fast finality: Uses optimistic verification for sub-second confirmation on destination chains after source chain finality. This matters for applications where user experience is paramount, such as cross-chain NFT minting or token swaps, minimizing wait times.

Extensive chain support: Native integration with 50+ blockchains including Bitcoin via Omnichain Fungible Tokens (OFT). The Ultra Light Node (ULN) design allows for lightweight on-chain clients. This matters for protocols targeting a maximally diverse user base or building novel omnichain primitives.