DEX comparison · updated Oct 15, 2026
AstervsGMX
Multi-chain perps with extreme leverage and heavy rewards versus simple pool-based perps that pay real yield.
At a glance
Higher 24h volume
GMX
$2.79B
Lower taker fee
Aster
0.04%
Deeper liquidity (TVL)
Aster
$741.8M
Longer track record
GMX
since 2021
dexwatch score
GMX
86/100
Full comparison
Every figure is a dated snapshot from public sources (Oct 15, 2026); fields without a verifiable source show n/a. “Best” marks the stronger value in a row — higher volume or liquidity, lower fees, longer track record. Max leverage is shown as information, not a positive.
| Exchange | $ASTER ★★★★★★★★★★80/100Solid | $GMX ★★★★★★★★★★86/100Excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Perp DEX | Perp DEX |
| Chains | Aster ChainBNB ChainEthereumArbitrum+1 | ArbitrumAvalanche |
| 24h volume | $2.64B | $2.79BBest |
| 7d volume | $12.33BBest | $6.03B |
| Total value lockedLiquidity depth | $741.8MBest | $238.9M |
| Open interest | $1.29BBest | $160.7M |
| Token price | $0.694 | $8.17 |
| 24h change | 0.51% | 4.19% |
| Market cap | $1.88B | $85.5M |
| Maker feeNegative = rebate | 0%Best | 0.06% |
| Taker feeLower is cheaper | 0.04%Best | 0.06% |
| Max leverageHigher = riskier | 1001× | 50× |
| Trading pairs | 626Best | 225 |
| LaunchedLonger track record | 2025 | 2021Best |
| Security scoredexwatch estimate | 79/100 | 82/100Best |
| Audits | PeckShieldSalus SecurityHalborn | ABDKGuardian |
ℹ
Aster · status
Aster Chain, the venue's own privacy-focused L1, went live on 17 March 2026. In June 2026 Aster moved 99% of protocol fees into buybacks for veASTER holders and burns.
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The honest take
Aster
✓Deposits from BNB Chain, Ethereum, Arbitrum and Solana; trading on its own zero-gas Aster Chain since March 2026
✓'Simple' mode genuinely lowers the barrier for first-timers; maker fees are zero
✓Strong backing (YZi Labs) and a token model that routes almost all fees to buybacks
✕Up-to-1001× leverage on BTC is extremely risky, whatever the fee discount
✕Much of the volume is incentive-driven; team tokens are locked only until September 2027
GMX
✓Earn real yield by providing liquidity to the pools
✓No order book — simple market orders for retail
✓Strong, loyal community
✕Limited number of tradable markets
✕Fees higher than the order-book venues
Aster vs GMX FAQ
Which has higher trading volume, Aster or GMX?
GMX — about $2.79B in the last 24 hours versus $2.64B on Aster. Figures are a dated snapshot (Oct 15, 2026) and move constantly.
Is Aster or GMX cheaper to trade?
Aster lists the lower headline taker fee (0.04% versus 0.06%). Your real cost also depends on network gas, maker rebates, spreads and price impact on the size you trade.
Which has deeper liquidity, Aster or GMX?
Aster holds more total value locked ($741.8M versus $238.9M), a rough proxy for how much size a market can absorb.
Which offers higher leverage, Aster or GMX?
Aster allows up to 1001×, versus 50× on GMX. Higher leverage multiplies losses as fast as gains — it is information, not an advantage.
What's the main difference between Aster and GMX?
Aster is a perp dex on Aster Chain, BNB Chain, Ethereum, while GMX is a perp dex on Arbitrum, Avalanche. Match the venue to the chain and assets you actually use.
What are perpetuals & perp DEXes?Leverage risk & liquidationFunding rates: the hidden cost of holding a perpperpetualleveragefunding rate
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