Best Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)

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As a trusted voice on crypto-related topics, CryptoManiaks.com presents a detailed analysis of the best decentralized exchanges.

These DEXs, at the forefront of the DeFi revolution, offer investors a secure and censorship-resistant platform for trading digital assets.

Our team has thoroughly evaluated the top DEX exchanges to help investors make informed decisions about what is best for their needs.

Dive into the guide to explore the top crypto exchanges in the best DeFi exchange category the best way to buy bitcoin and other tokens, and much more.

Best Exchanges Listed

Below, you’ll find the best selection of exchanges currently available. Check out these top options for quick access to various cryptocurrencies.

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General Information

Year Founded

  • 2015

Headquarters

  • United Kingdom

Licenses

  • United Kingdom

Cryptocurrencies

  • Bitcoin
  • Ethereum
  • Tether
  • +216

Available countries

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Brazil
  • +44

Languages

  • German
  • Norwegian
  • Swedish
  • +20

Support languages

  • English

Features

  • Stocks
  • Commodities
  • +6
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eToro US is available
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General Information

Year Founded

  • 2007

Headquarters

  • United States

Licenses

  • Malta Gaming Authority
  • United Kingdom
  • Gibraltar
  • +5

Cryptocurrencies

  • Bitcoin
  • Ethereum
  • Dogecoin
  • +85

Available countries

  • United States

Languages

  • English

Support languages

  • English

Features

  • Stocks
  • Currencies
  • +2

Cryptocurrency is offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk.

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Uphold is available
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General Information

Year Founded

  • 2015

Headquarters

  • Bahamas

Licenses

  • United Kingdom
  • United States

Cryptocurrencies

  • Bitcoin
  • Ethereum
  • Tether
  • +284

Available countries

  • Afghanistan
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • +237

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Support languages

  • English

Features

  • Metals
  • National Currencies (Forex)
  • +5

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EX.io was launched back in 2013 as a global crypto exchange that initially operated alongside its Bitcoin mining pool, GHash.io. 

Later, the exchange added its own (custodial) wallet, furthering its usability by creating an all-in-one platform for users to buy/sell/trade/store 100+ cryptocurrencies (including BTC, ETH, USDT, LTC, and more).

The CEX wallet is integrated into both the web and mobile apps, allowing users to participate in staking (hold PoS coins like SOL, XTZ, ADA for daily/weekly percentage-based rewards) and savings programs (deposit coins with no lock-up period for daily rewards).

Safety features include 2FA, cold storage, multi-signature architecture, TLS 1.3 encryption, biometric access, and regulatory compliance (AML/KYC policies, and PCI DSS Level 1 certification).

General Information

Year Founded

  • 2013

Headquarters

  • United Kingdom

Licenses

  • 40 global licenses and registrations (37 MLT licenses (the US), license in Spain, registration in Lithuania, FINCEN registration]

Cryptocurrencies

  • Bitcoin
  • Ethereum
  • Tether
  • +269

Available countries

  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • American Samoa
  • +218

Languages

  • English

Support languages

  • English

Features

  • Exchange Plus
  • API
  • +3
Available in United States
BigONE is available
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General Information

Year Founded

  • 2017

Headquarters

  • Seychelles

Cryptocurrencies

  • Bitcoin
  • Ethereum
  • Tether
  • +91

Available countries

  • Afghanistan
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • +246

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and high-risk in nature. Consult with a qualified financial advisor and/or tax professional before making any investment decisions. We are not responsible for any loss incurred due to the use of information on this website. Do your own research and exercise caution. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.

What is a Decentralized Exchange (DEX)?

A DEX crypto exchange is a peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace that allows users to buy cryptocurrencies without a centralized third party or intermediary.

DEXs operate on blockchain networks, enabling users to retain control over their assets and maintain anonymity.

These platforms use smart contracts to facilitate trades directly between crypto wallets, providing increased security and transparency compared to traditional centralized exchanges (CEXs).

Selecting Your Decentralized Exchanges – Factors To Consider

Factors to consider selecting your decentralized exchanges
Factors to consider selecting your decentralized exchanges

When choosing a DeFi exchange, investors and traders should consider various factors to ensure a secure and efficient experience. In the above image, you’ll see the six main factors we’ve taken into account when compiling our list of recommended decentralized exchanges. We’ll go into more detail on each of these below:

Restricted Countries

Many DEXs have limitations on the countries they can serve due to regulation and/or compliance with local laws.

While certain countries, such as the US and China, have strict regulations around cryptocurrency trading, DEXs have fewer restrictions and may accept users from a wider range of countries than some centralized exchanges.

It’s essential to thoroughly research each DEX’s policies and check the restricted county list to ensure that you are not violating any laws or regulations in your country by using a specific exchange.

Reputation and Trust

Since crypto DEXs operate in a largely unregulated space, it’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate the credibility and trustworthiness of your chosen exchange.

A poor reputation can indicate potential risks, such as security vulnerabilities, unfair practices, or even outright scams.

To assess a DEX’s reputation, we conduct extensive research by examining various sources, including user reviews, community forums, and online complaints.

We look for red flags such as accounts being closed without reason, poor investor experiences, deposit or withdrawal problems, ineffective ID verification processes, unhelpful or unresponsive support, and withdrawal delays.

Additionally, we investigate whether the decentralized crypto exchange holds any relevant licenses or certifications from reputable authorities, which can serve as a testament to their commitment to adhering to industry standards and best practices.

By thoroughly evaluating a DEX’s reputation and trust factors this way, we can mitigate potential risks associated with using an untrustworthy or unreliable platform, thereby safeguarding your investments and ensuring a secure trading experience.

Remember, we only recommend safe and trustworthy exchanges with clearly stated terms and conditions.

Deposit and Payout Speed & Terms

Deposit and withdrawal speed can directly impact user experience and the overall efficiency of trading operations.

When evaluating deposit options, we look for a wide range of accepted deposit methods, including various cryptocurrencies and, in some cases, fiat currencies.

We look into credit/debit cards as deposit methods as well as PayPal, Cash App, Venmo, and more at the top DEXs.

We also assess the minimum deposit requirements, both in terms of the amount and the accepted currencies, to ensure they align with user preference and trading goals.

Regarding payouts, we prioritize crypto exchanges that offer fast and reliable wallet deposits.

Additionally, we thoroughly review the withdrawal terms and conditions, including fees, limits, or processing times, to ensure transparency and fair practices.

By considering these factors, we can identify decentralized crypto exchanges that offer a seamless and user-friendly experience, enabling users to efficiently manage their funds and execute trades without unnecessary delays or complications.

Mobile User Experience

Mobile experience is vital when selecting the best decentralized exchange for your needs, as an increasing number of users prefer the convenience and accessibility of trading on the go.

A well-designed mobile interface can significantly enhance the overall trading experience, making it more user-friendly and efficient.

To rate the mobile user experience, we investigate various aspects, including the registration process, interface accessibility, and theme design. 

We also assess whether the DEX has a dedicated mobile app, as this can often provide a more streamlined and optimized experience compared to a mobile-friendly website.

The existence of an active community surrounding a mobile platform is also taken into consideration, as it can indicate both popularity and the availability of support resources.

Furthermore, we examine available security features implemented for mobile users, such as biometric authentication and secure storage of sensitive information, to ensure the utmost protection of user funds and personal data.

By thoroughly evaluating these factors, we can identify top DEXes that excel in providing a superior mobile user experience, catering to the needs of traders who value convenience and accessibility without compromising on functionality or security.

Security and Anonymity

Security and anonymity are crucial when selecting a crypto DEX exchange, as they directly impact the safety of users’ funds and personal information.

In the DEX market, robust security measures and anonymity features are essential to mitigate the risks of hacking, theft, and privacy breaches.

To rate the top DEXs in terms of security and anonymity, we evaluate several critical factors.

Firstly, we assess the exchange’s security protocols, including encryption methods, two-factor authentication (2FA), and other security measures.

We also examine the platform’s track record in handling security incidents and its responsiveness to addressing vulnerabilities.

Anonymity is another crucial aspect we consider. We evaluate the DEX’s privacy policies, data collection practices, and the level of personal information required during the registration and verification processes, if these exist.

Additionally, we investigate the availability of privacy-enhancing features.

Furthermore, we review the exchange’s adherence to industry standards and best practices, such as regular security audits by reputable third-party firms and the implementation of secure coding practices.

By thoroughly evaluating these security and anonymity factors, we can identify the top DEXs that prioritize the protection of user funds and personal information, providing traders with a secure and private trading environment.

Support

Reliable and responsive support is essential when selecting a decentralized exchange.

In the fast-paced and complex world of cryptocurrency trading, users may encounter various issues or have questions that require prompt assistance from knowledgeable support staff.

To rate the top DEXs in terms of support, we evaluate several key factors.

We assess the availability and accessibility of support channels, such as live chat, email, and community forums.

Additionally, we examine the depth and quality of the support resources provided by the DEX, including comprehensive FAQs, user guides, and educational materials, if they’re listed on the platform.

These resources can help users troubleshoot common issues and gain a better understanding of the platform’s features and functionalities.

Furthermore, we consider the level of community engagement and the presence of active developer teams.

A vibrant and supportive community can often provide valuable insights, troubleshooting assistance, and a sense of collaboration among users.

By thoroughly evaluating these support factors, we can identify the top DEXs that prioritize user satisfaction and possibly offer reliable, knowledgeable, and responsive support, ensuring that traders have access to the assistance they need to navigate the complexities of decentralized trading successfully.

New to Decentralized Exchanges? Here’s How to Use One

How to use a decentralized exchange
How to use a decentralized exchange

To register on a decentralized exchange, there are typically four steps:

  1. Visit the DEX’s website or download its app
  2. Prepare the wallet you’ll connect to the app
  3. Decide which coin you want to exchange
  4. If depositing fiat – use the best available third-party app, possibly pass KYC
  5. Swap the coins
  6. Wait for the cryptos to reach your wallet

    Why Trust Us?

    CryptoManiaks.com has established itself as a reliable source in the cryptocurrency community.

    Our team consists of experienced analysts who have an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of the DeFi exchanges and the ecosystem as a whole.

    We prioritize objectivity and transparency in our evaluations, providing unbiased insights based on extensive research and hands-on testing.

    Our commitment to staying ahead of the curve ensures that our readers have access to the most up-to-date and accurate information about the best decentralized crypto exchanges and DeFi products available in the market.

CryptoManiaks` Conclusion: Top Decentralized Exchanges

CryptoManiaks.com has extensively evaluated the DEX market, taking into account various factors that can impact the overall user experience and security. After considering these elements, we recommend you check our list of the best decentralized exchange.

However, we will continually review our rankings to ensure that we recommend the most reliable and efficient decentralized crypto exchanges to our readers in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. 01.

    What are the benefits of using a decentralized exchange?

    Decentralized exchanges  operate on blockchain technology, so they provide enhanced security, ensuring transparency and immutability of transactions. This eliminates the risk of hacks or manipulation by centralized entities. DEXs promote financial inclusivity by allowing users to trade directly with each other without the need for intermediaries or third parties.

  2. 02.

    Are decentralized exchanges more secure than centralized ones?

    There are several factors that contribute to the perception of increased security in DEXs, although it may be difficult to give a definitive answer. Firstly, DEXs operate on blockchain technology, which inherently provides transparency and immutability to transactions. This eliminates the risk of manipulation or fraud by any central authority.

  3. 03.

    How does liquidity work on decentralized exchanges?

    On DEXs, liquidity is facilitated through a combination of automated market makers (AMMs) and liquidity pools. AMMs are smart contracts that algorithmically determine the price of assets based on the available liquidity in the pool. Liquidity providers deposit their assets into these pools, which are then used to facilitate trades.

  4. 04.

    What are the risks associated with using decentralized exchanges?

    One of the primary concerns with using a DEX is the potential for smart contract vulnerabilities, which can be exploited by hackers to manipulate transactions or steal funds. Since DEXs operate on a P2P basis without a central authority overseeing transactions, there is a higher risk of encountering fraudulent or malicious actors. Finally, the lack of regulatory oversight and investor protection mechanisms may expose users to market manipulation and scams.

  5. 05.

    How to connect my wallet to a decentralized exchange?

    To connect your wallet to a DEX, first, confirm compatibility with popular wallets like MetaMask or Trust Wallet. Then, open your wallet, navigate to settings, and find the option to connect to a DEX. Generate a unique cryptographic key and paste it into the designated field on the DEX platform. After confirming, your wallet will be securely linked, allowing you to trade assets directly.

  6. 06.

    How to protect my funds on a decentralized exchange?

    To protect funds on a DEX, carefully research and use reputable platforms with a proven track record of robust security measures. Regularly update passwords and never share sensitive information online. Stay informed about the latest security best practices, and be cautious of potential phishing attempts or suspicious links.

Rica Dela Peña @ CryptoManiaks
Rica Dela Peña

Rica was a local news writer in the Philippines from 2011 to 2019. During the 2020 COVID pandemic, she fell in love with cryptocurrency and expanded her writing expertise to blockchain, NFTs, Web3, and FinTech. She is also well-versed in the financial markets, specializing in daily market news and price predictions. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her singing and dancing to K-Pop music!