DEX comparison
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
$1.20B
Lower taker fee
Roughly even
0.05% vs 0.05%
Deeper liquidity (TVL)
dYdX
$350.0M
Longer track record
dYdX
since 2017
dexwatch score
dYdX
86/100
Full comparison
Every figure is an approximate snapshot from public trackers. “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 ★★★★★★★★★★86/100Excellent | $APEX ★★★★★★★★★★82/100Solid |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Perp DEX | Perp DEX |
| Chains | dYdX Chain | ArbitrumBNB ChainBase |
| 24h volume | $900.0M | $1.20BBest |
| 7d volume | $6.20B | $8.30BBest |
| Total value lockedLiquidity depth | $350.0MBest | $38.0M |
| Token price | $0.920 | $0.780 |
| 24h change | 0.80% | 1.10% |
| Market cap | $690.0M | $180.0M |
| Maker feeNegative = rebate | −0.005%Best | 0.02% |
| Taker feeLower is cheaper | 0.05% | 0.05% |
| Max leverageHigher = riskier | 50× | 50× |
| Trading pairs | 142Best | 58 |
| LaunchedLonger track record | 2017Best | 2022 |
| Security scoredexwatch estimate | 86/100Best | 76/100 |
| Audits | Informal SystemsTrail of Bits | BlockSec |
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dYdX vs ApeX Protocol FAQ
Which has higher trading volume, dYdX or ApeX Protocol?
ApeX Protocol — about $1.20B in the last 24 hours versus $900.0M on dYdX. Figures are an approximate snapshot 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 the 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 ($350.0M versus $38.0M), a rough proxy for how much size a market can absorb.
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 & liquidationDEX trading fees: maker/taker & pool feeperpetualleveragefunding rate
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