SPL vs Token-2022: Key Differences Explained

What is SPL?

The SPL (Solana Program Library) Token Program is the original and most widely adopted token standard on Solana. Launched in 2020, it powers major tokens including USDC, USDT, and the vast majority of meme coins. SPL tokens are supported by every wallet, DEX, and explorer in the Solana ecosystem, making them the safe default choice for any new token project.

The SPL program is simple and battle-tested. It handles minting, transferring, burning, and approving delegated spending. However, it lacks built-in features like transfer fees, non-transferable tokens, or on-chain metadata. To add these, developers historically had to build custom programs or rely on separate metadata standards like Metaplex.

What is Token-2022?

Token-2022 (also called the Token Extensions program) is Solana's next-generation token standard. It introduces a modular extension system that lets developers enable features like transfer fees, permanent delegates, non-transferable tokens, confidential transfers, and on-chain metadata — all without writing a custom program.

Token-2022 is live on mainnet and supported by Phantom, Solflare, Jupiter, and major DEXs. However, adoption is still growing: some smaller explorers and tools may not display Token-2022 metadata correctly, and liquidity pool support can vary. For projects that need advanced features, it is the right choice; for simple tokens, SPL remains the pragmatic pick.

Feature Comparison

When to Use SPL

Choose SPL if your goal is maximum compatibility and simplicity. Meme coins, community tokens, stablecoins, and any project that prioritizes listing on every DEX and being recognized by every wallet should use SPL. It is the standard that DEXs, aggregators, and block explorers support flawlessly.

SPL is also the better choice if you are new to Solana token creation. The tooling is mature, guides are plentiful, and you will not run into edge cases with unsupported features. For a full walkthrough, see our How to Create an SPL Token guide.

When to Use Token-2022

Choose Token-2022 when you need features that SPL cannot provide. Common use cases include:

• Transfer fees: Automatically charge a fee on every transfer, useful for protocol-owned revenue tokens.
• Non-transferable tokens: Soulbound tokens for identity, reputation, or achievement badges that cannot be traded.
• On-chain metadata: Store token metadata directly in the mint account instead of relying on a separate Metaplex account.
• Confidential transfers: Encrypt transfer amounts for privacy-preserving tokens.

Be aware that some DEXs and smaller explorers may not fully display Token-2022 tokens. Test your token on a small scale before committing to a large liquidity deployment.

How to Create Each

Both SPL and Token-2022 tokens can be created with the Token Creator. Select the token standard in the tool, fill in your details, and approve the transaction in your wallet. The process is identical from the user's perspective — the tool handles the underlying program differences. For a deeper look at the tool, see the Solana Token Creator tool guide.

Frequently Asked Questions