SPL vs Token-2022: Understanding Solana’s Token Standards

When creating a token on Solana, one of the first decisions you’ll make is choosing between two standards: SPL Token and Token-2022.

At a surface level, both allow you to create and manage tokens on the Solana network. But under the surface at a smart-contract level, they differ in flexibility, features, and how much control you have over token behaviour.

This guide breaks down both standards so you can understand what sets them apart and which one is right for your project.

What is an SPL Token?

The SPL Token standard is the original and most widely adopted token framework on Solana. It defines the core rules for how tokens are created, transferred, and managed across the network.

One of Solana’s key design choices is that tokens don’t require separate smart contracts per project. Instead, they all interact with a shared token program. SPL tokens are built on this foundation, which makes them:

• Simple to create and integrate
• Compatible across wallets, exchanges, and dApps
• Proven through widespread use across the ecosystem

Because of this, SPL has become the default standard for most tokens on Solana.

In practice, SPL tokens are best suited for:

• Standard utility tokens
• Payments and transfers
• Community or memecoins
• Projects that prioritise broad compatibility and simplicity

Team Finance support: Token locks are currently supported for SPL tokens. 

What is Token-2022?

Token-2022 is an evolution of the SPL Token program, which has introduced additional functionality while maintaining compatibility with the existing ecosystem.

Rather than replacing SPL, Token-2022 extends it through a modular system of optional features, often referred to as extensions.

This allows token creators to enable specific capabilities without needing to build custom programs from scratch.

Key enhancements include:

• Mint and freeze permissions for greater control over token supply
• Metadata locking to protect token information
• Transfer fees and other built-in token mechanics
• Support for more advanced and custom token behaviours

Token-2022 is designed for projects that require more than a basic token structure, especially where token logic plays an active role in the product or protocol.

Team Finance support: Token locks for Token-2022 tokens are not yet supported, but are coming soon.

Key Differences at a Glance

While both standards operate on Solana, the main distinction comes down to flexibility versus simplicity.

SPL Token:

• Simple and widely supported
• Established and battle-tested
• Best for standard token use cases
• Minimal configuration required

Token-2022:

• More advanced and configurable
• Supports additional token-level features
• Designed for programmable or complex token models
• Requires ecosystem support for full compatibility

Ready to mint your token?

You can mint your SPL or Token-2022 token in the Team Finance dashboard.