Drift vs Save (Solend): Quick Compare (2026)
Drift is a dex platform rated 8.3/10 with $342M TVL, best for Perps trading + margin lending. Save (Solend) is a lending platform rated 8.4/10 with $81M TVL, best for Stablecoin lending and isolated pools.
Need a deeper breakdown? Use editorial comparison pages and full platform reviews before you decide.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Drift | Save (Solend) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| TVL | $342M | $81M |
| APY | Variable (lending rates) | 3-7% on USDC |
| Best for | Perps trading + margin lending | Stablecoin lending and isolated pools |
| Not best for | Not ideal for beginners or small-portfolio traders — Drift's cross-margin system and perps interface have a steep learning curve. Users seeking simple swaps should use Jupiter. | Not ideal for users who prioritize protocol stability history — Save (formerly Solend) experienced a controversial governance incident in 2022 where a single whale's position threatened the protocol. While resolved and rebranded, risk-averse users may prefer Kamino. |
| Founded | 2021 | 2021 |
Fees Comparison
Drift Fees
| Fee | Value |
|---|---|
| Perp taker fee | 0.1% |
| Perp maker fee | 0.02% rebate |
| Spot swap fee | 0.1% |
| Lending interest | Variable |
Save (Solend) Fees
| Fee | Value |
|---|---|
| Lending spread | ~0.5-1% |
| No deposit/withdrawal fee | 0% |
| Liquidation penalty | 5% |
Pros & Cons
Drift
Pros
- Unified margin account (perps + lending)
- Deep SOL perp liquidity
Cons
- Complex for beginners
- Liquidation risk on leveraged positions
Save (Solend)
Pros
- OG Solana lending — live since 2021
- Isolated pools reduce systemic risk
Cons
- Lower TVL than Kamino/Jupiter Lend after rebrand
When to Choose Drift
Best for: Perps trading + margin lending
Honest limitation: Drift's perps can result in rapid liquidation at high leverage. The lending rates are competitive but the platform has a smaller user base than Kamino or Jupiter Lend, resulting in lower liquidity on some markets.
When to Choose Save (Solend)
Best for: Stablecoin lending and isolated pools
Honest limitation: Save's $124M TVL is significantly smaller than Kamino ($2.19B) or Jupiter Lend ($1.02B), which means lower liquidity on some lending markets and potentially wider rate spreads.