The multi-chain era has accelerated the need for interoperability, and cross-chain bridges have become the key infrastructure connecting isolated blockchains. According to a report by Bitcoin.com in September 2021, eight major bridges collectively held over $7.6 billion in total value locked (TVL), with most bridges designed to link various networks to Ethereum (ETH) thanks to its widespread adoption of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This article examines five prominent cross-chain bridges: Tezos Wrap Protocol, Binance Smart Chain Bridge, Solana Wormhole, Avalanche Bridge, and Bitcoin Cash SmartBCH Bridge.
1. Tezos Wrap Protocol
Tezos (XTZ) is a proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain that uses the Wrap Protocol developed by Bender Labs to connect with Ethereum. The protocol allows users to wrap ERC20 and ERC721 tokens into equivalent assets on Tezos, enabling them to participate in Tezos-based DeFi applications. The bridge relies on a custodial multi-signature wallet managed by Bender Labs, meaning trust in a third party is required. Despite this centralization, Wrap has gained traction for its simplicity and support for popular Ethereum assets.
2. Binance Smart Chain (BSC) Bridge
Binance Smart Chain (BSC) offers EVM compatibility with significantly lower transaction fees than Ethereum. Users can move assets between the original Binance Chain (BNB) and BSC using the BEP20 token standard via the Binance Wallet extension or the official Binance Bridge. It’s important to note that users from the United States and several other jurisdictions may need to use a VPN to access Binance Bridge due to regulatory restrictions. BSC’s bridge is convenient and fast but is considered more centralized than many alternatives.
3. Solana Wormhole Bridge
The Wormhole Token Bridge launched on September 17, 2021, connecting Ethereum and Solana (SOL). According to Dune Analytics, Wormhole’s TVL stood at $382.47 million at that time. Wormhole employs a network of oracles to validate cross-chain transactions, allowing for high-speed, low-cost transfers. However, users should be aware that Wormhole suffered a major exploit in 2022; always ensure you are using the correct frontend and contract addresses.
4. Avalanche Bridge
Avalanche (AVAX) is another EVM-compatible PoS blockchain. Its native bridge, accessible via the Avalanche Wallet, enables users to swap AVAX and other assets between Avalanche and Ethereum for a small fee. After a cross-chain transfer, funds can be sent to a MetaMask wallet configured for the Avalanche network. The bridge originally used Intel SGX trusted execution environments to enhance security, though later upgrades shifted to a more decentralized model.
5. Bitcoin Cash SmartBCH Bridge
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) joined the cross-chain world through the SmartBCH network, which implements a sidechain compatible with EVM. The primary bridge is operated by Coinflex, a crypto exchange that allows users to swap BCH for SmartBCH (SEP20 tokens) directly via MetaMask without email registration. This bridge effectively wraps BCH so it can be used in DeFi applications on SmartBCH, opening new possibilities for the BCH ecosystem.
Other Bridges and Security Reminders
Beyond the five highlighted bridges, there are many others: Cosmos (via Keplr + Emeris), Fantom (SpookySwap/Multichain.xyz), Polygon (Polygon Bridge), Terra (bridge.terra.money), Near (Rainbow Bridge), and Harmony (Horizon Bridge). When using any cross-chain bridge, users should carefully follow official guides, test with small amounts first, verify contract addresses, and understand the bridge’s trust model (custodial vs. decentralized). Mistakes can lead to permanent loss of funds. Additionally, bridge TVL figures and available assets may change frequently; always consult the latest project documentation before making transactions.
This article is based on data published in September 2021. The cross-chain landscape has evolved, and some bridge operators or protocols may have changed. Readers should conduct their own research.