yes, always send in home currency. I verify regularly and the gap has indeed narrowed. But at no point in the last 7 years has Swift not been more expensive than Wise.
swift, like Wise is 100% reliable. But yes, that 1% can really screw it up.
The low costs and better exchange rates with Wise are the difference maker. Next time you consider a Swift transaction, get the exact amount that will arrive at your destination account and then run a quick comparable with Wise. It will likely be your last ever Swift transaction