10 Best Decentralized Crypto Exchanges (DEXs) in 2025

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We believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships. However, this potential compensation never influences our analysis, opinions, or reviews. Our editorial content is created independently of our marketing partnerships, and our ratings are based solely on our established evaluation criteria. Read More
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Tsvetomir is a Crypto Editor and Writer at Cryptonews, where he produces data-backed and impactful content focused on cryptocurrencies, exchanges, wallets, and blockchain technology.

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Based on our research, Best Wallet is the best decentralized exchange on the market in 2025. The provider offers a two-in-one non-custodial wallet with an integrated DEX, offering trading insights, low swap fees, and token analytics, all in one place. In addition, its aggregator connects you to multiple liquidity pools, enabling you to trade crypto at the best rates.

Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) have revolutionized how we trade cryptocurrencies. Instead of relying on order books and middlemen, DEXs use liquidity pools that let you swap tokens instantly and autonomously.

With dozens of DEXs competing for your attention, choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you by testing and analyzing over 40 decentralized exchanges to find the best ones. We based our ranking methodology on our prospects’ fee structures, token support, security measures, deep liquidity, and advanced DeFi capabilities. Read on to learn all about them!

Table of Contents

List of Top Decentralized Exchanges


Here’s a table of the best decentralized exchanges for 2025:

DEX Trading Volume (24h) Fees Supported Tokens Best For
Best Wallet ~1 to 3 million Network fees only 1,000+ tokens on 60+ networks Overall best DEX
MEXC DEX+ ~$1.14 million 1% fee per trade 10,000+ On-chain trading
OKX DEX Swap ~ $1,37 billion Fees are built into exchange rates 3 million+ Cross-chain trades
Changelly ~$182 million Up to 0.25% per trade 1,000+ Cross-chain swaps
Uniswap ~$1.814 billion 0.03% per trade Thousands of ERC-20 tokens Trading ERC-20 tokens
Hyperliquid ~$300 million 0.015% (maker) and 0.045% (taker) 1,300+ Trading perpetual contracts
Aster DEX ~185 million 0.01% (maker) and 0.05% (taker) 100+ High-leverage trading
Raydium ~$520.55 million Between 0.25% and 4%, based on the pool 1,500+ Solana ecosystem coins
PumpSwap ~$1,85 billion 0.25% per swap 1,000+ meme coins and partnered tokens like APT, TRON, and SEI Meme coins
dYdX ~$89.7 million 0.01% (maker) and 0.05% (taker) 200+ Multi-platform trading
PancakeSwap ~$1.94 billion 0.01% to 1%, based on the liquidity pool Thousands of BEP-20 tokens, along with cross-chain support Binance Smart Chain token swaps

11 Best Decentralized Exchanges: Full Reviews


Our research identified the best decentralized exchanges (DEXs) based on security, liquidity, user experience, fees, and innovation. Below, we provide concise reviews of the 10 Best Decentralized Exchanges, highlighting their key features and strengths to help you choose the right platform for your trading needs.

1. Best Wallet – Overall Best Decentralized Exchange for 2025

Best Wallet is a multi-chain, non-custodial wallet, and our overall choice as the best decentralized exchange. The Web3-powered wallet platform has a built-in decentralized exchange called Best DEX, which offers trading insights, low swap fees, and token analytics. With on-chain crypto storage, Best Wallet allows users to exchange their tokens easily while keeping complete control of their coins.

best wallet decentralized exchange

The DEX aggregator also connects investors to many liquidity pools, guaranteeing the best trading rates across different DEXs and contributing to competitive pricing within the network. Currently, the exchange supports the Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, and Polygon blockchains. As the platform grows, the developers plan to add support for all major active blockchains.

Regarding user security, Best Wallet stores private keys on the user’s device, offering two-factor authentication and biometric verification. The platform plans to introduce a debit card, bringing cryptocurrencies and everyday transactions even closer.

Best Wallet Key Takeaways

  • By storing private keys locally and implementing 2FA and biometric verification, Best Wallet reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
  • The DEX aggregator model connects to multiple liquidity providers so investors can execute trades efficiently.
  • Great for beginners and experienced traders since it offers a user-friendly interface and support for many tokens.
  • Doesn’t charge fees for storing or receiving cryptocurrencies. Users are only responsible for standard network fees when transferring assets.

Pros

  • Built-in decentralized exchange
  • Offers access to top crypto presales
  • On-chain crypto storage via a self-custody wallet
  • Integrated DEX aggregator that provides the best trading rates
  • Supports 1,000+ tokens on 60+ blockchains
  • Two-factor authentication and biometric verification

Cons

  • Available only as a mobile app
Visit Best Wallet

2. MEXC DEX+ – Best DEX for On-Chain Trading

MEXC is a centralized exchange with an integrated decentralized trading platform known as MEXC DEX+. It integrates multiple DEXs to provide the best trading rates and reduce slippage. You can trade more than 10,000 on-chain assets on networks like Solana, BNB Chain, Base, and TRON. Its developers plan to extend their support to more blockchain networks in the future, such as Ethereum, Arbitrum, Polygon, Avalanche, and zkSync.

mexc dex+

MEXC DEX+ lets you conduct on-chain trades without the need to perform complex wallet transfers or manage mnemonic phrases. What’s more, you’ll be able to make deposits directly from CEXs to DEX+, which makes it attractive for investors who want to dip their toes into decentralized trading. You can place orders using four order types – Quick Buy/Sell, Market Order, Limit Order, and TP/SL. MEXC DEX+ charges a 1% fee per trade, making it a very competitive option.

MEXC DEX+ utilizes an advanced automatic slippage algorithm, ensuring the platform remains responsive to rapid market changes and AI-driven analysis to adjust the slippage accordingly. On the downside, transferring assets between the MEXC Exchange (CEX) and DEX+ comes with fees.

MEXC DEX+ Key Takeaways

  • It uses an automatic slippage algorithm and AI-driven analysis to facilitate on-chain trading and reduce slippage.
  • You can filter tokens through lists like Trending, Alpha, Pump.fun, and Smart Money.
  • Sign up and log in to MEXC DEX+ using an external wallet, like MetaMask, Phantom, or Trust Wallet.
  • Supports four order types – Quick Buy/Sell, Market Order, Limit Order, and TP/SL, which facilitates on-chain trading.
Learn more

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • Supports 10,000 on-chain assets
  • Smart Money Tracking function
  • Partnered with a popular security provider GoPlus
  • Supports external wallet login

Cons

  • Transferring assets between the MEXC CEX and DEX+ comes with fees
Visit MEXC DEX+

3. OKX DEX Swap – Best Decentralized Crypto Exchange for Cross-Chain Functionality

OKX DEX Swap is a great DEX that offers cross-chain functionality and supports over 70 blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Solana, Polygon, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and over 3 million other tokens. The platform makes token swaps across different blockchain standards simple. Its main focus is on liquidity, security, and user experience, providing a great platform for trading and DeFi yield solutions.

OKX homepage

This DEX is built on advanced technology, using a bridge aggregator to connect liquidity pools from 100+ DEXs. This structure gives users access to the best trading rates while reducing slippage. It’s also integrated with Flash Bot to prevent high MEV.

Additionally, OKX DEX supports DeFi yield generation by offering staking, farming, and liquidity provision options. However, one potential disadvantage is that trading fees are built into the exchange rates, requiring users to check costs in real-time.

OKX DEX Swap Key Takeaways

  • Runs regular audits of its smart contracts and infrastructure, guaranteeing that users’ funds are safe. The platform also has risk management systems to protect against potential vulnerabilities.
  • With high daily trading volumes and connections to 100+ liquidity pools, OKX offers excellent liquidity across its assets, minimizing slippage.
  • Offers fast transaction speeds. Features like wallet integration and cross-chain token swaps make it more accessible.
  • Best for cross-chain functionality, staking, and DeFi yield opportunities, providing users with advanced tools and options.
Learn more

Pros

  • Ofers cross-chain functionality
  • Supports 70+ blockchain networks and 3,000,000 tokens
  • Pulls liquidity from 100+ DEXs
  • Integrated with Flash Bot
  • Supports DeFi yield generation

Cons

  • The trading fees are built into the exchange rates
  • Less intuitive than competitors
Visit OKX DEX Swap

4. Changelly – Best Decentralized Cryptocurrency Exchange for Trading Stablecoins

Changelly is a cryptocurrency exchange platform that offers centralized and decentralized services. Launched in 2015, it provides instant crypto-to-crypto and fiat-to-crypto exchanges, supporting over 1,000 cryptocurrencies and more than 100,000 trading pairs. Its DEX aggregator, DeFi Swap, allows you to exchange tokens across different blockchain networks in a non-custodial manner.

changelly

DeFi Swap connects with different exchanges to offer good swap rates with low fees. You can connect your favorite wallets, including MetaMask and the ones supported by WalletConnect, and start swapping tokens without the need for account creation.

Regarding security, Changelly uses a non-custodial platform, so it doesn’t hold any user’s funds, reducing counterparty risk. Also, the platform has reliable partnerships with one of the best cold storage crypto wallets, Trezor and Ledger, making it possible for users to swap directly from their hardware wallets, improving security.

Changelly Key Takeaways

  • Features non-custodial operations and integration with secure hardware wallets.
  • Offers access to liquidity across multiple DEXs and ensures efficient trading.
  • Has a transparent fee structure with a 0.25% service fee plus network fees.
  • Supports cross-chain swaps and connects to various DEXs for better rates.

Pros

  • Instant crypto-to-crypto and fiat-to-crypto exchanges
  • Suitable for Web3 wallets, DeFi trackers, and dApps
  • Partnered with Ledger and Trezor
  • Transparent fee structure
  • Supports cross-chain swaps

Cons

  • High fiat-to-crypto fees
  • Lacks advanced trading features
Visit Changelly

5. Uniswap – Best DEX for Trading ERC-20 Tokens

Uniswap is a well-known DEX built on the Ethereum blockchain. It is recognized for its strong support of ERC-20 tokens, including Aave, DAI, USD Coin, Tether, and Wrapped Bitcoin. Due to its decentralized structure, this is a popular choice for new token launches and ICO campaigns.

UniSwap homepage

This is the primary choice in the DeFi space due to its technological features and inclusive ecosystem. In addition to the support of thousands of ERC-20 tokens, you can also make cross-chain trading on networks such as Binance Smart Chain, Arbitrum, Base, and Celo on this platform.

Another key feature is Uniswap’s yield-generating opportunities. By staking tokens or providing liquidity, investors can earn great APYs. The platform also counts on a governance model fueled by the $UNI tokens, allowing holders to propose and vote on the network’s decisions. The trading fees are set at 0.03% per transaction, making the platform a great provider of ample liquidity, competitive prices, and low slippage.

Uniswap Key Takeaways

  • Third-party firms rigorously audit the platform’s smart contracts, maintaining a high level of decentralization to reduce vulnerabilities.
  • As a leading Ethereum-based DEX, Uniswap boasts substantial liquidity and consistently ranks among the top platforms by trading volume.
  • With a flat trading fee of 0.03%, Uniswap offers competitive pricing while ensuring transparency in fee structures.
  • Uniswap’s governance model, staking opportunities, and cross-chain capabilities set it apart as a versatile and forward-thinking DEX.
Learn more

Pros

  • Supports thousands of ERC-20 tokens
  • Provide liquidity to earn fees on swaps
  • Yield-generating opportunities
  • Uniswap wallet is available on Android and iOS devices

Cons

  • Primarily supports ERC-20 tokens
  • Permissionless nature makes it more vulnerable to scams and fraudulent tokens

6. Hyperliquid – Best Decentralized Exchange For Trading Perpetual Contracts

Hyperliquid is a unique DEX that operates on its own Layer 1 blockchain. It supports spot, margin, and perpetual trading. You can trade 100+ perps, such as SOPH-USD, NXPC-USD, and DOOD-USD, as well as spot assets with leverage that ranges from 3x to 40x. The fees are based on your 14-day trading volume, which makes Hyperliquid a solid option for active traders. On that note, the maker and taker fees start at 0.015% and 0.045% for perps, while for spots, the fees start at 0.040% (maker) and 0.070% (taker).

hyperliquid dex

Hyperliquid is an ideal platform for trading perpetual contracts because of its advanced features, like scale orders, low fees, and high leverage. In addition to standard perpetual contracts, you can trade Hyperps (Hyperliquid-only perps), which act like traditional perps, except they don’t require an underlying spot or index oracle price, which makes them less susceptible to price manipulation.

Hyperliquid executes trades much faster than most DEXs due to its consensus algorithm called Hyper BFT, which can confirm 200,000 transactions per second. On the downside, the platform only supports USDC withdrawals.

Hyperliquid Key Takeaways

  • Operates on its own Layer 1 blockchain and uses a unique consensus mechanism that can confirm 200,000 transactions per second.
  • Trade 100+ perps and spot assets with leverage that goes up to 40x.
  • Supports multiple order types, including scale orders, TP and SL orders, and TWAP.
  • You can trade Hyperliquid-only perps, aka Hyperps. These contracts don’t require an underlying spot or index oracle price.

Pros

  • Supports spot, margin, and perpetual trading
  • Leverage up to 40x
  • Competitive maker/taker fees for perps
  • Fast transactions

Cons

  • Supports only USDC withdrawals
  • No fiat deposits

7. Ater DEX – Best Decentralized Exchange for High Leverage

Aster is a relatively new player, having launched in September 2025. However, while other DEXs might need a long time to prove they’re legitimate, Aster has strong ties to Binance and is backed by Changpeng Zhao (CZ), who serves as an advisor and investor in the project.

aster official website

Aster DEX is the best option for traders who need extreme leverage, letting you amplify your positions by up to 1,001x. Apart from crypto, the DEX also supports several forex pairs and even tokenized stocks for companies like Apple, Google, Meta, and Tesla.

Unlike Hyperliquid, where all positions are publicly visible, Aster hides all orders, which is beneficial to high-volume traders who worry about frontrunning, market manipulation, and liquidity hunting. Regarding security, Aster is entirely non-custodial, so you’re always in full control over your assets.

Aster DEX Key Takeaways

  • Supports 90+ coins as well as forex pairs and tokenized stocks
  • Backed by Binance, YZi Labs, and Changpeng Zhao, which boosts credibility
  • The Aster Shield feature provides anonymous trading, particularly useful for high-volume traders
  • Supports both spot and futures trading

Pros

  • Rocket Launch feature for trading new coins
  • Earning, airdrop, and referral bonus opportunities
  • TradingView-integrated charts for maximum clarity and ease of use
  • Trading fees start at 0.01%

Cons

  • Doesn’t support fiat deposits
  • Lacks the volume and liquidity of mroe established competitors

8. Raydium – Best For DEX for Solana Ecosystem Coins

Raydium is a DEX built on Solana, letting you trade 1,300 tokens and perpetuals, and earn yield through farming. This AMM platform provides on-chain liquidity to OpenBook’s central limit order book, which means you’ll gain access to the entire OpenBook ecosystem. Raydium also supports the new Token-2022 Solana token program, which allows token creators to use multiple extensions when minting tokens on Solana.

raydium best dex for solana

A feature that sets Raydium apart from the competition is its Best Price Swaps. This feature enables you to get the best rates, either through swapping within a liquidity pool or through the OpenBook order book. Its other stand-out feature is AcceleRaytor, an open-source frontend software that serves as a launchpad for new Solana projects.

The fees range between 0.25% and 4%, depending on the pool, while most trades cost between 0.0001 and 0.001 SOL. In addition to being able to trade and swap any two tokens within liquidity pools, you’ll also be able to create your own pool and earn tokens by providing liquidity. Since Raydium is built on Solana, it can handle up to 65,000 transactions per second, which makes it suitable for active traders.

Raydium Key Takeaways

  • Supports the new Token-2022 Solana token program, which provides additional functionality for fungible and non-fungible tokens via extensions.
  • The Best Price Swaps feature allows you to swap your tokens at the best rates.
  • Raydium’s AcceleRaytor, an open-source frontend software, serves as a launchpad for new Solana projects.
  • You can trade perpetuals with up to 50x leverage.
Learn more

Pros

  • Fast transaction confirmations
  • Integration with OpenBook
  • Supports the new Token-2022 Solana token program
  • Serves as a launchpad for new Solana projects

Cons

  • Raydium perps only accepts USDC as collateral
  • The exchange experienced a notable security incident in 2022

9. PumpSwap – Best Decentralized Exchange For Meme Coins

PumpSwap is a new DEX on Solana, launched by Pump.fun, a popular Solana-based memecoin launchpad. The DEX functions like Raydium and Uniswap. However, it offers features that make it especially attractive for meme coin enthusiasts, such as instant token listings and migrations. Namely, new tokens on Pump.fun previously had to migrate to Raydium to become available for trading, which incurred a fee (6 SOL). New tokens on Pump.fun will now be immediately listed on PumpSwap for zero fees.

pumpswap decentralized meme exchange

PumpSwap uses an AMM model that lets you trade meme coins via liquidity pools. You can also create your own liquidity pool. When it comes to fees, PumpSwap charges a 0.25% base fee per swap, with 0.2% allocated to liquidity providers and 0.05% going towards the protocol. PumpSwap also uses a revenue-sharing model, which means that a portion of its revenue goes to coin creators.

This DEX is audited by nine independent companies, such as OSEC, Pashov Group, Sec3, and BlockPain. MEXC DEX+ is the first exchange to integrate its DEX aggregator with PumpSwap, which indicates that PumpSwap could replace Raydium in the future.

PumpSwap Key Takeaways

  • Built on an Automated Market Maker (AMM) model, which enables swaps through liquidity pools rather than order books.
  • Supports instant token listings and migrations for zero fees. PumpSwap allows you to create your own liquidity pool for free, while token creators share revenue.
  • Offers 1,000+ meme coins and partnered tokens like PENGU, APT, TRON, and SEI.

Pros

  • Zero-cost token migrations
  • Revenue-sharing model
  • Competitive fee structure
  • Audited by nine independent companies

Cons

  • Relatively new DEX
  • Lack of native token

10. dYdX – Best DEX for Multi-Platform Trading

dYdX is a DEX specializing in cryptocurrency derivatives trading, available on desktop, mobile, and even via Telegram. It enables users to trade contracts tied to currency prices without holding the assets directly. The platform has a leverage rate of up to 50x, making it the best choice for traders who want to be exposed to more popular tokens, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Cardano, and Litecoin.

dydx homepage

dYdX offers advanced tools for trading, adding an extra layer of precision and flexibility. It provides charting tools, different technical indicators, and many order types, including limit, stop-loss, and take-profit orders. The platform can be accessed through web browsers, mobile platforms, and a native app.

This DEX employs a tiered fee structure, meaning that maker and taker fees are based on your 30-day trading volume. The maker and taker fees start at 0.01% and 0.05%, respectively. However, you can reduce them by increasing your 30-day trading volume to over $1 million. To maintain security, dYdX facilitates transactions using smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. It also uses StarkWare’s layer-2 scaling technology to guarantee high transaction speed and lower fees than traditional Ethereum-based exchanges.

dYdX Key Takeaways

  • Built on Ethereum, with smart contracts audited by top security firms. Its use of decentralized infrastructure minimizes counterparty risk.
  • Offers advanced trading tools and accessibility across web and mobile platforms.
  • Competitive fee structure, starting at 0.01% (maker) and 0.05% (taker) with fee reductions for high-volume trading and minimal costs due to layer-2 scaling technology.
  • Specializes in cryptocurrency derivatives with leverage up to 50x, supporting many advanced trading tools and real-time market analytics.

Pros

  • Operates on StarkWare
  • Advanced trading tools
  • 200+ tradable markets
  • Mobile app with two tailored interfaces

Cons

  • Lack of spot trading
  • No fiat on-ramp
  • Comparatively slow to list new tokens

11. PancakeSwap – Best Decentralized Crypto Exchange for BSC-Based Tokens

PancakeSwap is a DEX built on the BNB Smart Chain, known for its high liquidity, low fees, and great support for BEP-20 tokens. This platform uses an Automated Market Maker (AMM) model, allowing users to trade tokens directly from their wallets by connecting them to liquidity pools.

Pancake Swap homepage

PancakeSwap also counts on a secure infrastructure that goes through regular audits from reliable firms like Certik. It receives support for yield farming and staking through Syrup Pools, allowing investors to earn passive income by offering liquidity or staking $CAKE, the DEX’s native token. The platform just added cross-chain trading, enabling swaps between BNB Snart Chain tokens and those on different networks, like Ethereum or Polygon.

Through its AMM model, PancakeSwap offers reduced slippage and good prices, making perpetual trading possible with leverage for more experienced investors. With a flexible structure that goes from 0.01% to 1%, every investor will find a way where this platform will match their needs.

PancakeSwap Key Takeaways

  • Features non-custodial operations and integration with secure hardware wallets.
  • Access to liquidity across multiple DEXs ensures efficient trading.
  • Transparent fee structure with a 0.25% service fee plus network fees.
  • Supports cross-chain swaps and connects to various DEXs for better rates, with a heavy focus on the Binance Smart Chain.

Pros

  • High liquidity
  • Diverse DeFi features
  • Uses an AMM model
  • Supports staking and cross-chain trading

Cons

  • Reliance on BNB chain
  • Lack of customer support
  • Doesn’t support Bitcoin

What is a Decentralized Exchange? (DEX)


Decentralized exchanges enable buyers and sellers to trade cryptocurrencies. However, there are some clear differences between decentralized exchanges and traditional cryptocurrency exchanges.

To start with, decentralized exchanges operate without a centralized order book. This means traders can sell or buy cryptocurrencies without needing another market participant, using ‘liquidity pools’ to facilitate trades.

Second, decentralized crypto exchanges use an automated market maker (AMM) model to determine pricing. AMM is an advanced algorithm based on liquidity, trading volume, market capitalization, and other metrics.

Finally, unlike centralized exchanges, such as Binance and Coinbase, decentralized exchanges support anonymous trading. There is no requirement to open an account. Traders can connect their private wallets to the exchange and choose which tokens to swap. The swapped tokens will be deposited into the connected wallet within seconds.

Anonymity is supported because decentralized exchanges do not directly handle traders, let alone fiat money purchases. Instead, all buy and sell orders are executed by smart contracts, which connect to liquidity pools. Another feature of decentralized exchanges is that they support decentralized finance (DeFi) tools. For example, anyone can add cryptocurrencies to a liquidity pool and earn a share of trading fees. Staking and lending are also available at decentralized exchanges.

What Are The Advantages of Using a DEX?


This section covers some of the key advantages of decentralized exchanges. This includes having full control of your cryptocurrencies, increased security, global accessibility, and the ability to trade anonymously.

Full User Control and Security

Decentralized exchanges ensure you always keep full control of your cryptocurrencies. This is because you won’t be required to make a deposit, let alone keep your cryptocurrencies on an exchange. Instead, you’ll be buying and selling cryptocurrencies via smart contracts.

All you need to do is connect a wallet and choose which cryptocurrencies to trade. The smart contract will then complete the exchange without ever touching your funds.

Now, compare this to a traditional cryptocurrency exchange. You’d need to deposit funds into the exchange’s wallet, which you don’t have the private keys for. This means you need to trust that your cryptocurrencies are safe. Just remember, many cryptocurrency exchanges have been hacked, resulting in billions of dollars in stolen funds.

Global Accessibility

Decentralized exchanges are accessible globally. This means that, unlike centralized exchanges, there are no country-specific restrictions. Anyone can log onto a decentralized exchange, connect a wallet, and swap tokens.

No KYC Requirements

Most tier-one cryptocurrency exchanges have implemented KYC processes. This means you’d need to provide personal information and contact details when registering. KYC also involves unloading ID verification documents, such as a passport or driver’s license. This ensures that centralized exchanges comply with global money laundering laws.

In contrast, decentralized exchanges do not implement KYC checks. Users aren’t required to open an account or provide any personal data. The decentralized trading process is completely anonymous.

OKX DEX swap tokens

However, there is one exception to this rule. Some decentralized exchanges have partnered with ‘fiat gateways’. This enables their customers to buy cryptocurrencies with a debit/credit card. The fiat gateway will be required to KYC the buyer. Therefore, those wanting to trade anonymously should avoid fiat payments and stick to swap-only sites.

What Are The Risks of Using a DEX?


We also identified some risks when researching decentralized exchanges. This includes a more complicated trading process, transaction delays, limited liquidity, and smart contract risks.

Complexity and Transaction Delays

Decentralized exchanges can be more complex to use when compared to traditional cryptocurrency exchanges. You’ll need to have at least a basic understanding of some key cryptocurrency principles, such as liquidity levels, trading volumes, market prices, and potential slippage risks. Any mistakes can result in a hugely unfavorable price.

In contrast, the best cryptocurrency exchanges offer a smooth and hassle-free investment process. It’s normally just a case of choosing which cryptocurrency to buy and entering your debit/credit card details.

Additionally, we found that transactions are often delayed when using a decentralized exchange. This is because platforms rely on smart contracts and the blockchain network. If the network is in high demand, delays can occur. Centralized exchanges execute trades internally via order books, making transactions almost instant.

Limited Liquidity and Trading Volume

Decentralized exchanges have a small fraction of liquidity when compared to traditional exchanges like Binance.

Largest decentralized exchanges

When you also factor in Coinbase, Bybit, OKX, KuCoin, Kraken, Gate.io, and other leading platforms, you’ll see that decentralized trading volumes are a drop in the ocean. This results in weakened liquidity levels, meaning inefficient trading conditions. Traders might need to settle for an unfavorable price to buy or sell.

For example, in 2024, DEXs had a significant increase in trading activity, with a 15.7% quarter-on-quarter rise in spot trading volume, reaching $370.7 billion in Q2. However, this value is still significantly lower than that of CEXs. For comparison, in December 2024, Binance alone reported a spot trading volume of $1 trillion, 34.7% of the market share among CEXs.

Smart Contract Risks

In general, decentralized exchanges are considered safer than centralized platforms. However, you also need to consider smart contract risks. After all, smart contracts are never 100% secure. Should a hacker find a vulnerability, this could result in a loss of funds.

In December 2024, the DEX Feed Every Gorilla (FEG) was hacked for $1.3 million because of a breach in its SmartBridge contract. The invasion created bridge messages from other blockchains, which the system failed to validate correctly. This made unauthorized cross-chain withdrawals possible, including in networks like Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and Base. This is why you should only use a decentralized exchange if its smart contract has been audited. This should be a thorough and transparent audit from a reputable third party.

How to Trade Cryptocurrency Using a DEX: 3 Steps


Trading on a decentralized exchange for the first time can be intimidating. Read on, we explain how to place a decentralized cryptocurrency trade in three simple steps, using Best Wallet as an example.

Step 1: Download and Set up Best Wallet

While most DEXes require you to connect a third-party wallet, Best Wallet has a built-in decentralized exchange, which spares you the hassle. Just download the app on iOS or Android, add your email address, set up your passcode or biometrics, and you’re good to go.

best wallet on playstore

Step 2: Select a Trading Pair and Amount

Next, hit the Trade button at the bottom of the screen, followed by the Swap option. The next screen will allow you to choose the trading pair and the amount you wish to trade.

how to receive crypto on best wallet

Step 3: Place Your Trade

You can now place your trade. The token swap should go through within seconds. Behind the scenes, a smart contract will deduct tokens from your wallet and deposit them into the liquidity pool.

how to swap eth for doge on best wallet

The smart contract will then deposit the new cryptocurrency tokens into your wallet, which will be immediately reflected in your Best Wallet balance.

Methodology: How We Rated the Best Decentralized Crypto Exchanges (DEXs)


To find the best decentralized crypto exchanges, our team dedicated more than 300 hours to thorough research. We evaluated factors such as security, liquidity, user experience, fees, and technology. Here’s how we conducted the research and how much each factor weighed in the exchange’s final review.

Security and Trustworthiness (30%)

Security is the most important piece of any DEX, as users depend on its smart contracts and infrastructure to keep their investments safe. Regarding security, we evaluated the following characteristics:

  • Smart Contract Audits: We checked if reliable third-party companies have audited DEX’s smart contracts.
  • Incident History: We studied past security breaches or vulnerabilities and how the team solved them.
  • Decentralization Level: We evaluated the degree of decentralization, as a more decentralized platform decreases single failure points.
  • Insurance Funds: We checked if the DEX has any insurance mechanism to safeguard its users in case of any hacks.

Liquidity and Volume (25%)

Liquidity is an important characteristic of a good trading experience and keeping the DEX’s overall competitiveness. Regarding it, we evaluated:

  • Total Value Locked (TVL): We examined the number of assets locked in the DEX’s smart contracts. This helps us measure its trust and activity.
  • Trading Volume: We kept a record of its daily and monthly trading volume to understand its popularity and efficiency.
  • Depth of Liquidity: We evaluated the availability of liquidity in several trading pairs to guarantee minimal slippage.

User Experience (15%)

A user-friendly interface helps keep the already-existing user base while attracting new ones to the platform. It can also help cater to the needs of new and more experienced investors. We analyzed:

  • Interface Design and Usability: We tested all the pages on the platform to measure intuitiveness and ease of navigation.
  • Transaction Speed: We checked how fast the transactions were, including order execution and settlement times.
  • Customization and Tools: We analyzed the advanced trading tools, charting options, and customization features.

Fees and Costs (15%)

Competitive fees are a part of why a DEX may be appealing. In this case, we analyzed:

  • Fee Structure: We compared the platform’s fees with those of other DEXs to determine how competitive they are.
  • Gas Efficiency: We considered whether the DEX operates on a gas-efficient blockchain or uses strategies like batch processing to reduce costs.
  • Hidden Costs: We searched for additional or hidden fees that might surprise investors.

Innovation and Features (15%)

New and technological features can make a DEX stand out among similar platforms, so we assessed:

  • Advanced Trading Options: We analyzed whether the platform offers features such as perpetual, options, or margin trading.
  • Unique Features: We evaluated whether the DEX offers any offerings that are different from those of other platforms, like multi-chain swaps, staking, or yield farming.
  • Cross-Chain Capabilities: We analyzed whether the DEX can facilitate cross-chain trading and the safety and efficiency of these mechanisms.

By scoring each criterion when researching each DEX, we could assign an overall rating to each platform. This broader approach allowed us to identify the best decentralized crypto exchanges based on their overall strength, reliability, and potential to meet user needs.

Conclusion: What is the Best DEX?


Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) give users higher levels of control over their funds and improved privacy, allowing them to trade directly from their wallets without intermediaries. They also give access to different tokens, including new projects, usually before they are listed on centralized exchanges. However, DEXs come with risks, like the lack of centralized support for recovering lost funds or fixing errors, requiring users to be extra careful when managing their wallets and private keys.

Best Wallet is an example of a good approach to DEX functions, offering support for thousands of currencies and several blockchain networks. Its native token, $BEST, adds utility through governance and exclusive platform benefits. Although Best Wallet provides reliable features, users must continue to be careful and conduct due diligence while trading in the decentralized space securely.

Visit Best Wallet

FAQs


What is the best decentralized exchange?

Should you trade cryptocurrency on DEXs?

Are decentralized exchanges safe?

References

  1. Top cryptocurrency decentralized exchanges (CoinMarketCap)
  2. The Biggest Crypto Exchange Hacks: How to Make Sure You Protect Your Crypto Against Hacks (Kaspersky)
  3. Cryptocurrency regulations are changing across the globe. Here’s what you need to know (World Economic Forum)
  4. Explained: The Feed Every Gorilla (FEG) Hack (December 2024) (Halborn)
  5. Market Share of Centralized Crypto Exchanges, by Trading Volume (CoinGecko)
  6. MEXC DEX+ Becomes the First to Integrate with PumpSwap (Global Newswire)

Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.

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