Comparison of THORChain vs Orca [ 2024 ]

The best cryptocurrency exchanges compared by their commissions, products offered, security and much more. Here is the THORChain vs Orca comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

THORChain

THORChain

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

orca

Orca

Main points

Fees

fluctuates
NFTs
No

Native token

Token RUNE
<0,10%

Fees

No
NFTs
Token ORCA
Native token

Recommended for

Beginners

No

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes
Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

4.0 – Fees are competitive for cross-chain swaps, but can vary depending on the asset and network conditions.
4.6 – Low transaction fees on the Solana blockchain, making it very cost-effective.

Level

fluctuates
<0,10%

Brief explanation

THORChain employs a distinctive fee structure intended to ensure network security and provide economic incentives to its participants. The platform charges several types of fees: a fixed exit fee, a dynamic liquidity fee, and a receipt-based fee. Larger transactions that significantly alter the pool balance incur higher fees. These fees are distributed to liquidity providers as compensation for the potential price impact of large transactions.

This multifaceted fee structure not only ensures the economic viability of the THORChain network, but also promotes fair business practices and rewards participants who contribute to the ecosystem’s liquidity.
Orca operates on the Solana blockchain, allowing it to offer exceptionally low trading fees. Typically, each transaction on Orca incurs a fee of approximately $0.00001, thanks to Solana’s efficient and cost-effective network. This is significantly lower than the fees seen on many Ethereum-based exchanges. Orca’s fee structure is transparent and straightforward, with no hidden charges, ensuring that users understand exactly what they are paying.

Additionally, users can provide liquidity to Orca’s pools, earning a portion of the trading fees as rewards, further enhancing the appeal of this decentralized exchange.

THORChain

Orca

Comparison sponsored by the best exchange

eToro

eToro Special Offer*

Earn up to 4.90% APY on uninvested cash with eToro USA.

Account Minimum

Get started with just $100.

And 1% fee on all cryptocurrency trades.

etoro logotipo

Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

Yes, the native token is RUNE.
Yes, the native token is ORCA.

Earns

Yes, THORChain offers EARN opportunities by providing liquidity in native assets to liquidity pools, and staking RUNE tokens for network participation and rewards.
Yes, Orca provides EARN opportunities through yield farming, staking ORCA tokens, and participating in double-dip pools for dual rewards.

NFT marketplace

No, THORChain does not have an NFT marketplace.
No, Orca does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

No, THORChain does not offer a debit card.
No, Orca does not offer a debit card.

Company information

Full name

THORChain
Orca

Regulation

No, THORChain is not regulated by any specific financial regulatory authority.
No, Orca is not regulated by any specific financial regulatory authority.

Year founded

2018
2021

Founder

The founding team is pseudonymous, known collectively as the THORChain team.
Grace “Ori” Kwan and Yutaro “Rawfal” Mori

Payment methods

Transfers

Deposits: Cryptocurrency transfers; Withdrawals: Cryptocurrency transfers.
Deposits: Cryptocurrency transfers; Withdrawals: Cryptocurrency transfers.

Mastercard

No, THORChain does not support direct deposits via Mastercard. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.
No, Orca does not support direct deposits via Mastercard. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.

Wire transfer

No, THORChain does not support direct deposits via wire transfer. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.
No, Orca does not support direct deposits via wire transfer. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.

Card

No, THORChain does not support direct deposits via credit card. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.
No, Orca does not support direct deposits via credit card. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.

Comparative table

THORChain FEATURES Orca
THORChain allows users to trade with relatively low minimums, accommodating small-scale traders but requiring enough to maintain liquidity integrity.
Minimum Trade
Orca allows users to trade with relatively low minimums, suitable for beginners wanting to start with smaller amounts.
Fees on THORChain are competitive within the DeFi space, ensuring affordability while supporting network and liquidity providers.
Trading and Transaction Fees
Orca offers competitive low fees on transactions, leveraging Solana’s low-cost structure to benefit users.
THORChain supports a moderate range of cryptocurrencies focused primarily on major assets, limiting variety but enhancing quality.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Limited primarily to SPL tokens, Orca’s selection is growing but still less extensive compared to multi-chain DEXs.
The platform excels in offering cross-chain trading pairs, enabling direct swaps between significant cryptocurrencies without intermediaries.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Offers a solid range of trading pairs within the Solana ecosystem, though limited outside of it.
THORChain provides detailed documentation and open-source code, fostering trust through transparency in operations and development.
Website Transparency
High transparency with clear information on trading mechanics and fee structures directly on their website.
Primarily operates on its own network with bridges to major chains like Bitcoin and Ethereum, somewhat limiting compared to multi-network DEXs.
Credit/Debit Card
Currently operates solely on the Solana network, which may be restrictive for users seeking multi-chain options.
As a decentralized platform, THORChain does not offer custodial storage, relying on users to manage their own wallet security.
Storage Offering
As a non-custodial DEX, Orca does not offer storage; users maintain control of their private keys.
Offers excellent staking rewards and incentives for liquidity providers, making it attractive for users looking to earn through participation.
Staking and Rewards
Provides opportunities for staking and earning rewards, enhancing the profitability for liquidity providers.
The THORChain website is user-friendly, providing essential information clearly but could improve in navigational aspects and user interface design.
Mobile App and Desktop
The website is user-friendly, well-designed, and easy to navigate, making trading straightforward for all users.
Customer support is available through community channels, providing adequate but not real-time support; could benefit from more direct customer service options.
Customer Service
Customer support is available, but as a decentralized platform, it may not be as robust as services offered by centralized exchanges.
THORChain supports straightforward deposit and withdrawal mechanisms that are inherently secure through decentralized operation, though subject to typical blockchain network delays.
Deposit and Withdraw
Instant and direct from user wallets, Orca facilitates seamless deposits and withdrawals without holding user funds.

Key features

Analysis tools

Cross-chain swap analytics, liquidity pool performance data, node metrics, and slippage calculators.
Basic trading charts, price tracking, liquidity pool analytics, and transaction history.

Mobile APP

No, THORChain does not have a dedicated mobile app, but it can be accessed via mobile browsers.
No, Orca does not have a dedicated mobile app, but it can be accessed via mobile browsers.

Security

THORChain focuses on cross-chain security, using a unique design that minimizes the need for wrapped assets. The platform employs rigorous security audits and has a robust bug bounty program to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Orca operates on the Solana blockchain, known for its high security and low transaction costs. The platform has undergone security audits and emphasizes transparency and community trust.

Additional features

THORChain supports non-custodial cross-chain swaps, node bonding for running network nodes, a strong focus on decentralization, and the ability to earn yield through providing liquidity in native assets.
Orca features an innovative Fair Price Indicator to ensure users get the best rates, a user-friendly token swap interface, and double-dip pools where users can earn rewards in two tokens simultaneously.

Anonymity

Yes, THORChain enables anonymous trading through the use of connected wallets without requiring personal information.
Yes, Orca allows users to trade anonymously by connecting their wallets, without requiring personal information.

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), Litecoin (LTC), THORChain (RUNE), and various cross-chain assets.
Solana (SOL), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USD Coin (USDC), Tether (USDT), and various SPL tokens on the Solana network.

User-friendliness

THORChain’s cross-chain liquidity protocol is powerful but can be complex for beginners. The interface is user-friendly, but the underlying technology and the concept of cross-chain swaps might require some learning for those new to the space.
Orca stands out for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a great choice for beginners. The platform’s intuitive interface and focus on user experience make trading straightforward and accessible, although its feature set is less comprehensive compared to more advanced platforms.

Value for money

THORChain offers good value for money by enabling cross-chain swaps without the need for wrapped tokens, which can save users on additional fees. Its native token, RUNE, also provides various incentives and liquidity rewards, adding to its overall value.
Orca offers excellent value for money with its low transaction fees on the Solana blockchain, ensuring fast and inexpensive trades. The platform’s emphasis on simplicity and cost-efficiency makes it highly attractive to budget-conscious users.

Countries of operation

Available globally, no specific country restrictions.
Available globally, focusing on regions supporting Solana.

Best for

Best for investors who need cross-chain liquidity and want to trade assets across different blockchains without using wrapped tokens. It’s particularly useful for those who value decentralized, trustless trading environments.
Designed for beginners and intermediate traders who prioritize ease of use and low fees. Its straightforward interface and quick transaction times make it a great choice for those new to DeFi and the Solana ecosystem.

Account

Trading

THORChain enables cross-chain trading, allowing users to swap tokens from different blockchains without wrapping. This functionality is unique and highly beneficial for diversified portfolios. However, the platform’s complexity and security incidents in the past may concern new users.
Orca is a user-friendly DEX on the Solana blockchain, offering low transaction fees and fast trade execution. It provides a simple interface suitable for beginners and experienced traders alike. However, its trading pair selection is currently limited compared to more established DEXes.

Deposit and withdrawal

THORChain allows cross-chain deposits and withdrawals, enabling users to trade assets across different blockchains without wrapping tokens. This feature provides flexibility and security, as users control their funds via compatible wallets. However, the complexity of cross-chain transactions can be daunting for beginners, and users must pay attention to network fees and security.
Orca, operating on the Solana blockchain, benefits from Solana’s low transaction fees and fast processing times. Users can connect Solana-compatible wallets such as Phantom for seamless deposits and withdrawals. This makes trading on Orca cost-effective and quick, though the selection of supported wallets is less diverse compared to Ethereum-based DEXes.

Account opening process

THORChain enables cross-chain trading by connecting users’ wallets from various blockchains. There is no traditional account setup, as users manage their funds through wallets compatible with THORChain. This decentralized model offers flexibility and security but can be complex for those unfamiliar with managing multiple blockchain wallets.
Orca on the Solana blockchain requires users to connect Solana-compatible wallets like Phantom to begin trading. The account setup is instantaneous, with no registration required, making it highly accessible. The platform’s simplicity and low transaction fees are appealing, though users must manage their wallet security.

KYC required?

No, KYC is not mandatory for using the platform.
No, KYC is not mandatory for using the platform.

Customer Service

THORChain provides support through its active community on Discord and Twitter, along with detailed documentation and FAQs on their website. While these resources are beneficial for self-help, the lack of direct customer service may pose challenges for users who need immediate assistance or personalized support.
Orca, operating on the Solana blockchain, offers support through its official documentation, FAQs, and community channels like Discord and Twitter. While these resources are useful for troubleshooting, users who prefer direct support may find the lack of dedicated customer service challenging.

Security

THORChain focuses on cross-chain security, using a unique design that minimizes the need for wrapped assets. The platform employs rigorous security audits and has a robust bug bounty program to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Orca operates on the Solana blockchain, known for its high security and low transaction costs. The platform has undergone security audits and emphasizes transparency and community trust.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

As a seasoned observer of the DeFi landscape, I highly recommend THORChain for users seeking a robust platform for cross-chain trading. Its innovative approach to enabling direct swaps between disparate cryptocurrencies sets it apart. However, prospective users should acquaint themselves with its security history and the inherent complexities of operating within a multi-chain environment to fully leverage its offerings.
As an expert on our website, I highly recommend Orca for users looking to dive into decentralized trading on the Solana blockchain. Its user-friendly interface, coupled with low transaction fees and robust security measures, makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced traders. However, do bear in mind its limitation to Solana-based SPL tokens, which might restrict trading options compared to other multi-chain platforms.

How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

 

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).


For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong, any exchange can have problems.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

More comparatives THORChain and Orca

Comparison of THORChain vs Orca [ 2024 ]