What is a cross-chain swap aggregator?

A cross-chain swap aggregator is a service that gathers quotes from several exchanges or market makers and shows them in one place, so you can swap one asset for another on a different blockchain without checking each provider yourself.

It is not itself an exchange. The aggregator compares and routes; the partners execute and settle the trade.

How an aggregator works

When you choose the asset you send, the asset you receive and an amount, the aggregator asks its partners for quotes and presents an estimate. You then receive a deposit address from the partner handling the swap, send your funds there, and the partner delivers the assets you asked for to your receiving address.

HorseRouter works this way. It is non-custodial: it never holds, receives or transmits your funds and generates no wallets. There is no account and no wallet connection; you paste a receiving address and send to the deposit address provided.

How it differs from an exchange or a DEX

• A single exchange offers its own rate and usually asks you to hold a balance on its platform. An aggregator compares several partners instead.
• A decentralized exchange (DEX) typically runs on one blockchain and usually requires connecting a wallet and signing transactions. An aggregator like HorseRouter works across chains and does not ask for a wallet connection.
• A custodial service takes your funds into its own control. A non-custodial aggregator does not hold them at any point.

What to keep in mind

Comparing partners can help you see a more favourable estimate, but a quote is only an estimate. The amount you receive can move within your slippage setting, network fees are separate, and blockchain transfers are irreversible. Check the assets, networks and addresses before you send anything.