x402 and Skyfire both target the same problem — letting AI agents pay for things — but they sit at different layers. x402 is an open HTTP protocol that any server and client can implement, with no required platform. Skyfire is a hosted commerce platform: agents get API keys backed by pre-funded balances and Skyfire brokers the settlement.
Pick x402 when you want neutrality, on-chain auditability, and zero platform dependency. Pick Skyfire when you'd rather outsource wallet management and accept platform terms in exchange for less integration work.
x402 is governed by the open spec; any party can be a facilitator, a seller, or a buyer. Skyfire owns the rails between agents and merchants on its platform.
x402 binds payments to a wallet address — durable, portable, but not pre-vetted. Skyfire binds payments to an Agent ID it issues, which makes downstream KYC/B2B accountability simpler at the cost of being platform-bound.
x402 cost = on-chain gas + optional facilitator take rate. Skyfire cost = platform spread plus any merchant fees the platform negotiates.