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Best DeFi Exchanges September 2023

Zac McClure
ByZac McClure, MBAReviewed byArthur Teller, CPAUpdated on September 20, 2023 · minute read
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TokenTax content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. We do not accept money from third party sites, so we can give you the most unbiased and accurate information possible.

  • Our crypto tax professionals have researched and identified our top three picks of decentralized exchanges: OKX, Nomiswap, and Uniswap. These platforms offer innovative features, competitive fee structures, and user-friendly interfaces, making them suitable for a diverse range of cryptocurrency traders and investors.

  • DeFi exchanges such as Uniswap have a track record of successful operation, thorough audits, active community participation, and a commitment to user privacy, empowering savvy crypto users to maintain control over their assets while engaged in crypto trading and staking.

Our top picks for the best DeFi exchanges and apps of 2023

Our team of crypto tax professionals has selected and recommended the best DeFi crypto exchanges and apps available to crypto users today, catering to a wide range of trading preferences and priorities in DeFi.

Whether you're a seasoned DeFi user seeking outstanding trading features, looking for a balance between low fees and advanced features, or new to the world of DeFi and need a simple place to begin, our recommendations will guide you toward some of the best options.

Best decentralized crypto exchanges

Here are our top three decentralized crypto exchanges. Below, you can go over our comprehensive list with expert reviews to find out the best DeFi exchange for crypto based on your goals and experience level.

OKX

OKX

Best DeFi exchange for crypto overall

Nomiswap

Nomiswap

Best DeFi exchange for low fees

Uniswap

Uniswap

Best DeFi exchange for beginners

What is the best exchange for DeFi?

These decentralized exchanges we've reviewed below cater to various needs, from trading specific tokens to engaging in advanced DeFi features and more advanced leverage trading. Your choice of the best DeFi exchange for your purposes should align with your experience preferences and experience level, and these reviews will point you in the right direction.

dYdX

Best DeFi exchange for derivatives

dYdX emerges as the preferred destination for traders immersed in the world of crypto derivatives. The platform specializes in perpetual contracts that extend leverage of up to 20x, catering to those inclined towards high-risk trading strategies.

Halo

Best DeFi wallet for portfolio management

Kucoin's Halo wallet application connects users to DeFi while accommodating seven blockchain standards. It grants access to a diverse array of digital assets and incorporates functionalities like portfolio tracking and a "smart wallet tracker." 

iToken

DeFi wallet with a wide range of crypto

Huobi's iToken application stands out as an adaptable platform that serves as a conduit for decentralized services spanning various blockchain networks. Its expansive catalog exceeds one million digital assets across chains including Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Solana, Tron, and more. 

Kine

Best DeFi exchange for leverage

Kine distinguishes itself as a peer-to-peer crypto exchange that excels in providing leverage of up to an impressive 200x, catering to traders who desire significant exposure. It lends support to a variety of blockchain networks for seamless cross-chain swaps.

Nomiswap

Best DeFi exchange for low fees

Nomiswap, introduced in early 2022, establishes itself as a decentralized exchange (DEX) renowned for its innovative approach to trading fees. Users benefit from just 0.1% trading fees.

OKX

Best DeFi exchange for crypto overall

OKX’s innovative aggregator protocol systematically sources the most favorable prices from over 200 third-party DEXs. Supporting a diverse assembly of 15 blockchain networks for cross-chain trading, OKX offers a range of DeFi services, encompassing savings accounts, staking, yield farming, vaults, and more.

PancakeSwap

Best DeFi exchange for BSC

PancakeSwap assumes its role as the preeminent decentralized exchange designed for trading Binance Smart Chain (BSC) tokens. It frequently earns the distinction of being the initial exchange listing for freshly launched BSC tokens. 

SushiSwap

Best DeFi exchange for yield farming

SushiSwap is a major decentralized exchange, supporting support for over 400 tokens. Users can quickly swap tokens without divulging personal information, and they have the option to partake in yield farming pools.

Uniswap

Best DeFi exchange for beginners

Uniswap stakes its claim as one of the foremost decentralized exchanges, with substantial trading volume, particularly for ERC-20 tokens. It integrates multiple blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, Celo, Optimism, and Arbitrum.

Which decentralized cryptocurrency exchange has the lowest fees?

Nomiswap stands out for comparatively low fees, specifically 0% in swap fees. This platform allows users to trade and swap crypto assets without incurring transaction costs.

Nomiswap is also recognized as a top DEX regarding total value locked (TVL) on the BNB Chain, making it a favorable choice for traders looking for cost-effective trading options. While Nomiswap primarily supports tokens built on the BNB Chain, it has plans to expand its integration to other blockchains in the future, aiming to become a multi-chain DEX with low fees across various networks.

What are the best DeFi exchanges for beginners?

For those wondering what is the best DeFi exchange for beginners, Uniswap and SushiSwap stand out as top picks.

Uniswap is known for its user-friendly interface and straightforward approach to decentralized trading. Its simple design and intuitive swapping process make it a great starting point for beginners. Additionally, Uniswap offers a wide range of supported tokens, ensuring users can access various assets for trading and liquidity provision. Its popularity and robust community support also mean that beginners can find plenty of resources and guides to help them navigate the platform effectively.

SushiSwap also caters to beginners. Similar to Uniswap, SushiSwap offers a straightforward swapping mechanism. However, what sets SushiSwap apart are additional features like yield farming and staking, which allow beginners to earn passive income on their crypto holdings. The platform also has a user-friendly interface and a strong community, making it an attractive option for those new to DeFi.

As with any DeFi platform, newcomers should conduct thorough research and exercise caution, as DeFi involves risks. Starting with small amounts and gradually gaining familiarity with these platforms is recommended.

What is the safest decentralized exchange?

Uniswap stands out as one of the safer options in DeFi, with several features contributing to its security reputation. First, it is one of the most established and widely used DEXs, with a large user base and a history of successful operation since its launch. This longevity and popularity indicate a level of trust within the DeFi community. 

Additionally, Uniswap's smart contract code has been audited multiple times by reputable security firms, which helps ensure vulnerabilities are minimized. Uniswap's open-source nature allows the community to scrutinize and improve the platform's code and contribute to its overall security.

Final verdict about the best DeFi exchange in 2023

Finally, what is the best DeFi exchange? Ultimately, it depends on your goals. These recommendations cater to a wide range of trading preferences and priorities within DeFi. Here’s a quick look at our top picks to help point you in the right direction. Always research and understand the risks involved before jumping into any DeFi activity.

OKX: Best DeFi exchange overall
OKX stands out as the best overall DeFi exchange in 2023 due to its innovative aggregator protocol, which sources optimal prices from over 200 third-party DEXs. Supporting 15 blockchain networks for cross-chain trading, OKX offers a comprehensive range of DeFi services, including savings accounts, staking, yield farming, vaults, and more.

Nomiswap: Best DeFi exchange for low fees
Nomiswap, introduced in early 2022, is renowned for its innovative approach to trading fees, offering users just 0.1% trading fees. With a CeDeFi ecosystem, a robust referral program, and competitive APYs on staking and farming, Nomiswap is a cost-effective and feature-rich choice.

Uniswap: Best DeFi exchange for beginners
Uniswap is an excellent option for beginners, offering a user-friendly interface and a straightforward swapping process. It supports a wide range of tokens, making it accessible to users looking to start their DeFi journey. Uniswap's liquidity and adaptability across various blockchain networks make it an optimal choice for trading ERC-20 tokens and participating in the DeFi ecosystem.

Best DeFi exchanges FAQs

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the best DeFi exchange for crypto and what is the best DeFi exchange. DeFi users will also find our comprehensive DeFi tax guide helpful when strategizing and preparing their crypto taxes.

What crypto exchanges are decentralized?

Decentralized crypto exchanges (DEXs) operate without a centralized authority or intermediary. Some well-known decentralized exchanges include Uniswap, SushiSwap, Curve, PancakeSwap, and dYdX.

What are the benefits of decentralized cryptocurrency exchanges?

Decentralized cryptocurrency exchanges offer several advantages. Firstly, they provide greater user control and privacy because users trade directly from their wallets, reducing the risk of hacks or data breaches associated with centralized platforms. Secondly, DEXs often have lower fees since they eliminate intermediaries, making them cost-effective for traders. 

Additionally, decentralized exchanges are accessible to a global user base. They also contribute to the overall decentralization and security of the cryptocurrency ecosystem by reducing single points of failure. Finally, DEXs support a wide range of tokens, promoting innovation and diversity within the crypto space.

Is Coinbase decentralized?

Coinbase’s retail trading platform at Coinbase.com is a centralized exchange. Coinbase Wallet, however, is a decentralized self-custody platform that allows users to engage directly with the blockchain and retain complete control over their private keys and digital assets.

What is a P2P crypto exchange?

A Peer-to-Peer (P2P) cryptocurrency exchange operates as a platform where users can directly engage in digital currency trading with one another. Through these platforms, users can browse listings created by sellers and choose the one offering the most suitable payment method, all while retaining complete control over their assets.

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Zac McClure
Zac McClureCo-Founder & CEO at TokenTax
Zac co-founded TokenTax after his career in international finance and accounting at JPMorgan, Imprint Capital and Bain. He has worked in more than half-dozen countries and received his MBA from the UPenn Wharton School.
Arthur Teller
Reviewed byArthur TellerCOO at TokenTax
Arthur came to TokenTax after 12 years at KPMG. A specialist in partnership taxation and enterprise tax software, he is a licensed CPA in both California and Illinois and a member of the AICPA.

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