Solana Needs More Than a Standard Audit
Auditing Solana smart contracts is not the same as auditing EVM code. The use of Rust, account-based architecture, and cross-program invocation logic introduces a new set of risks. For any project deploying on Solana, especially in production or at scale, working with an auditor that understands Solana’s architecture is essential.
In this article, we rank the top 5 smart contract auditors for solana protocols and compare their strengths and trade-offs. All of them bring different strengths. Some are highly specialized and pricey. Others are fast-moving, deeply experienced with Solana, and more accessible for serious teams without unlimited budgets.
1. Softstack
Best for serious teams building fast on Solana
Softstack has audited Solana-native protocols across multiple verticals. With a zero-exploit record and over 1,500 audits completed, Softstack combines the trust and reliability expected from an institutional-grade auditor with pricing and delivery speeds suited for fast-growing Solana projects.
Softstack understands the nuances of Solana’s architecture, including account models, Anchor framework, program upgrades, custody wrappers, and on-chain trading systems. While other auditors focus on high-level reports, Softstack works closely with founding teams and engineers to ensure audits are actionable, complete, and chain-specific.
Strengths
- Deep Solana experience
- Zero-exploit record
- Fast, accessible, and highly responsive
- Strong client base across DeFi, gaming, launchpads, and custodial logic
- Long history, since 2017
2. Trail of Bits
Best for high-budget, enterprise-scale audits
Trail of Bits is widely respected for its cryptographic and systems security background. It offers in-depth security reviews, formal verification, and one of the most rigorous audit methodologies in the industry. While primarily known for Ethereum and L2 audits, Trail of Bits has extended capabilities to Solana, particularly through deeper Rust analysis.
Strengths
Advanced formal verification and cryptographic analysis
Enterprise-grade audit processes trusted by governments and Fortune 500s
Strong Rust expertise applicable to Solana programs
Extremely thorough and academically rigorous audits
Trade-off: Engagements are expensive and often not tailored to fast-paced startups.
3. Halborn
Best for full-stack security including appsec and infrastructure
Halborn is a premium security firm that supports major Web3 protocols with smart contract audits, infrastructure security, phishing simulations, and training. Its Solana audits benefit from a strong internal Rust team and a broader organizational footprint. Known for working with large clients and chains directly, Halborn is often viewed as a complete security partner.
Strengths
Broad security coverage beyond smart contracts (infrastructure, threat modeling, appsec)
Strong presence with major exchanges, custodians, and public chains
Well-structured engagement and audit lifecycle
Multi-disciplinary security team suited for larger institutions
Trade-off: Long lead times and pricing reflect large enterprise focus.
4. Sec3
Best for teams building deeply within the Solana ecosystem
Sec3 was born out of the Solana ecosystem and continues to specialize in it. With tools like Soteria and runtime monitoring, Sec3 provides audit and post-deployment monitoring. Their team is deeply embedded in Solana governance and ecosystem initiatives. If you are building a protocol with long-term alignment to Solana infrastructure, Sec3 can be a strategic choice.
Strengths
Solana-native team deeply embedded in the ecosystem
Offers monitoring tools like Soteria alongside audits
Strong alignment with Solana Foundation and core contributors
Ideal for protocols looking for tight long-term Solana integration
Trade-off: Limited to Solana, less flexible for cross-chain or non-native teams.
5. OtterSec
Best for gamefi and high-throughput projects on Solana
OtterSec has made a name for itself auditing gamefi, NFT platforms, and high-performance projects on Solana. Known for its community presence and quick engagement with the ecosystem, OtterSec is often recommended by Solana-native founders.
Strengths
Deep community involvement and fast access to ecosystem feedback
Strong experience in gaming, NFT and high-throughput Solana apps
Highly responsive and founder-friendly audit team
Active in public disclosures and responsible vulnerability reporting
Trade-off: May lack broader institutional compliance processes for regulated projects.
Choosing the Right Solana Auditor
When selecting a smart contract auditor for Solana, projects should consider:
- Actual experience auditing Solana programs, not just EVM
- Responsiveness and flexibility for iterative engineering cycles
- Proven security record and follow-up process
Willingness to dive deep into the protocol’s architecture and logic
Conclusion
Solana is not just another EVM chain. It demands deeper technical expertise, Rust experience, and smart contract auditors who understand the nuances of program execution, account ownership, and system-level design.
If you want the most Solana-native auditors with deep protocol alignment, Sec3 and OtterSec are excellent choices. If you want an auditor with a long-standing reputation, zero exploit history, and proven success — Softstack is the best choice.
Launch your Solana protocol with confidence. Launch with Softstack.
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Softstack is a German Web3 development and auditing firm with over 1,200 zero exploit audits since 2017. We deliver transparent, hands-on support from scoping through verification. Whether you are a seed stage startup or an enterprise protocol, we help you launch with confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a smart contract audit?
2. What is Solana?
Solana is a high-performance blockchain designed for fast, low-cost, and scalable decentralized applications using a unique architecture that supports thousands of transactions per second without sacrificing security or decentralization.
3. Why does Solana expertise matter?
Solana expertise matters for an auditor because its architecture, programming language (Rust), and account model are fundamentally different from EVM chains, requiring chain-specific knowledge to identify vulnerabilities and ensure secure deployments.
