DEX comparison · updated Oct 18, 2026
dYdXvsApeX Protocol
Two order-book perp venues head to head — a proven veteran since 2017 against a low-friction, no-KYC challenger across several L2s.
At a glance
Higher 24h volume
ApeX Protocol
$373.8M
Lower taker fee
Roughly even
0.05% vs 0.05%
Deeper liquidity (TVL)
dYdX
$101.1M
Longer track record
dYdX
since 2017
dexwatch score
Roughly even
80 vs 80
Full comparison
Every figure is a dated snapshot from public sources (Oct 18, 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 | $DYDX ★★★★★★★★★★80/100Solid | $APEX ★★★★★★★★★★80/100Solid |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Perp DEX | Perp DEX |
| Chains | dYdX Chain | ArbitrumBNB ChainBase |
| 24h volume | $6.6M | $373.8MBest |
| 7d volume | $288.2M | $2.62BBest |
| Total value lockedLiquidity depth | $101.1MBest | $32.1M |
| Open interest | $41.6M | $77.1MBest |
| Token price | $0.113 | $0.0000 |
| 24h change | 6.27% | — |
| Market cap | $95.2M | n/a |
| Maker feeNegative = rebate | −0.005%Best | 0.02% |
| Taker feeLower is cheaper | 0.05% | 0.05% |
| Max leverageHigher = riskier | 50× | 50× |
| Trading pairs | 73 | 135Best |
| LaunchedLonger track record | 2017Best | 2022 |
| Security scoredexwatch estimate | 86/100Best | 76/100 |
| Audits | Informal SystemsTrail of Bits | BlockSec |
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The honest take
dYdX
✓Long track record (since 2017) and battle-tested
✓Fully on-chain order book with pro order types
✓Stake the token to earn a share of protocol fees
✕Separate appchain adds a bridging step
✕Interface leans technical
ApeX Protocol
✓No sign-up friction to start trading
✓Available on several L2s
✓Healthy weekly volume for its size
✕Very small active-user base
✕Thin TVL relative to its volume
dYdX vs ApeX Protocol FAQ
Which has higher trading volume, dYdX or ApeX Protocol?
ApeX Protocol — about $373.8M in the last 24 hours versus $6.6M on dYdX. Figures are a dated snapshot (Oct 18, 2026) and move constantly.
Is dYdX or ApeX Protocol cheaper to trade?
Both list the same headline taker fee of 0.05%. Your real cost also depends on network gas, maker rebates and price impact on the size you trade.
Which has deeper liquidity, dYdX or ApeX Protocol?
dYdX holds more total value locked ($101.1M versus $32.1M), a rough proxy for how much size a market can absorb.
Which offers higher leverage, dYdX or ApeX Protocol?
dYdX allows up to 50×, versus 50× on ApeX Protocol. Higher leverage multiplies losses as fast as gains — it is information, not an advantage.
What's the main difference between dYdX and ApeX Protocol?
dYdX is a perp dex on dYdX Chain, while ApeX Protocol is a perp dex on Arbitrum, BNB Chain, Base. 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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