MEV-Boost is an open-source middleware software developed by Flashbots for Proof-of-Stake (PoS) Ethereum. It implements an out-of-protocol Proposer-Builder Separation (PBS), allowing validators to outsource block construction to a competitive market of specialized builders. This enables validators to capture more Maximal Extractable Value (MEV)—profits from reordering, including, or excluding transactions—without needing sophisticated infrastructure themselves.
Introduced shortly after The Merge in 2022, MEV-Boost democratizes MEV access, especially for solo stakers, and serves as a bridge to future enshrined PBS (ePBS) in the protocol (planned for Glamsterdam in 2026).
Key Components
• Proposer
The Ethereum validator selected to propose a block in a slot. Runs MEV-Boost as a sidecar alongside their consensus client.
• Builder
Specialized entities (often sophisticated teams) that assemble optimized blocks to maximize MEV (e.g., via arbitrage, liquidations, NFT mints).
• Relay
Trusted intermediaries that connect builders and proposers. They run blind auctions, validate blocks, and ensure fairness.
How MEV-Boost Works (Step-by-Step Flow)
• Validator Registration
The proposer registers with relays via MEV-Boost, specifying preferences (e.g., minimum bid, censorship rules).
• Bid Request
When a slot approaches, MEV-Boost queries connected relays for block headers (getHeader).
• Builder Competition
Builders construct full execution payloads, bid on them (promising ETH payment to the proposer), and submit blinded (header-only) versions to relays.
• Relay Auction
Relays select the highest valid bid, sign it, and send the header (with bid value) to the proposer via MEV-Boost.
• Proposer Commitment
MEV-Boost selects the best header across relays. The proposer blindly signs it (without seeing full contents) and includes it in the beacon block.
• Payload Reveal
After commitment, MEV-Boost requests the full payload (getPayload) from the winning relay.
• Broadcast
The proposer broadcasts the full block. If valid and timely, the builder pays the proposer (via priority fees/tips); otherwise, fallback to local block.
This commit-reveal scheme ensures trustless payment
The proposer commits first, but relays enforce delivery.
Benefits
• Higher Rewards
Validators using MEV-Boost typically earn significantly more (historically 2-3x execution rewards vs. vanilla blocks).
• Democratization
Solo/home stakers can compete with large pools for MEV without building complex systems.
• Client Diversity
Compatible with all consensus/execution clients; falls back to local building if issues arise.
• Mitigates Centralization
Spreads MEV opportunities, reducing need for vertical integration.
Risks and Limitations
• Trusted Relays
Relays are centralized points (a few dominate); they could censor, withhold data, or misbehave.
• Censorship Risks
Some relays/builders comply with regulations (e.g., OFAC), potentially censoring transactions.
• Builder Centralization
A handful of builders capture most blocks.
• Liveness Risks
If relays fail, proposers fall back to lower-reward local blocks.
These issues are why ePBS aims to enshrine PBS directly in the protocol, eliminating relays.
Current Status (as of December 2025)
MEV-Boost remains widely used post-Merge, with adoption historically peaking at 90%+ of blocks. Recent data indicates stabilization or slight decline as the ecosystem awaits ePBS, with reports of 35-90% block coverage depending on sources. Multiple relays exist (including non-censoring ones), and validators often connect to several for redundancy.
MEV-Boost has been crucial for Ethereum's PoS economy but highlights the need for fully enshrined solutions.
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