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Puffer vs Swell

How Puffer and Swell differ on token, backend, TVL and approach.

PufferSwell
TypeAnti-slashing LRTDual-restake LRT
LRT tokenpufETHrswETH
How it worksNative liquid restaking: pufETH is yield-bearing (mirrors wstETH) with Puffer’s anti-slashing tech to cut validator penalties; it accrues Puffer + EigenLayer points. Puffer also builds a based rollup.Swell issues swETH (LST) and rswETH (LRT). "Proof of Restake" uses restaked assets to secure both EigenLayer AVSs and Symbiotic networks, and Swell runs its own L2 (Swellchain).
Restakes onEigenLayerEigenLayer + Symbiotic
TVL*~$106M~$200M
Best forSlashing-conscious restakersDual EigenLayer + Symbiotic exposure

Puffer

  • Anti-slashing tech (reduces penalties)
  • Native restaking, not just an LST wrapper
  • Puffer + EigenLayer points
  • Smaller TVL than ether.fi/Renzo
  • Anti-slashing adds complexity

Swell

  • Dual restaking (EigenLayer + Symbiotic)
  • Own LST (swETH) + LRT (rswETH)
  • Swellchain L2 ecosystem
  • Smaller than top LRTs
  • Dual-backend complexity

Bottom line

Pick Puffer for slashing-conscious restakers; pick Swell for dual eigenlayer + symbiotic exposure.

* TVL = dated snapshot (DefiLlama + provider reports, 2026).