List of DeFi Apps & Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) in USA

The rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) has transformed how U.S. investors trade and manage cryptocurrencies. DeFi apps and decentralized exchanges (DEXs) offer secure, transparent, and non-custodial platforms for swapping tokens, earning yields, and engaging in financial activities without intermediaries. Unlike centralized exchanges, decentralized crypto exchanges operate on blockchain networks, using smart contracts to facilitate peer-to-peer trading, ensuring privacy and control over funds. This guide provides a comprehensive list of decentralized exchanges and DeFi apps available to U.S. users in 2025, detailing their features, supported blockchains, and unique benefits. We’ll also address frequently asked questions to help you choose the best DEX exchange for your needs.

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Top DeFi Apps and Decentralized Exchanges in the USA

Uniswap

Uniswap is a leading decentralized exchange on Ethereum, pioneering the automated market maker (AMM) model since 2018. It supports thousands of ERC-20 tokens, enabling U.S. users to swap assets directly from wallets like MetaMask. With over $4 billion in total value locked (TVL), Uniswap offers high liquidity and low slippage. Its governance token, UNI, allows holders to vote on protocol changes. Available on Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, and BNB Chain, it’s beginner-friendly but may face high gas fees during network congestion. Uniswap is ideal for U.S. investors seeking a secure, versatile DEX decentralized exchange for token swaps and liquidity provision.

PancakeSwap

PancakeSwap, built on BNB Smart Chain, is a top decentralized crypto exchange known for low fees and fast transactions. Launched in 2020, it supports BNB Chain tokens and offers yield farming, staking, and Initial Farm Offerings (IFOs). Its native CAKE token enables governance and staking rewards. With billions in TVL, PancakeSwap is a favorite for U.S. users seeking cost-effective trading. Its user-friendly interface and NFT marketplace add versatility, though it’s primarily limited to BNB Chain. This DEX exchange app suits beginners and yield-focused investors.

Curve Finance

Curve Finance is a decentralized exchange specializing in stablecoin trading, earning it the nickname “Uniswap for stablecoins.” Launched in 2020, it supports stablecoins like USDT, USDC, and DAI across Ethereum, Polygon, and Avalanche. Its AMM model minimizes slippage, making it ideal for low-risk trading. The CRV token offers governance and staking rewards. U.S. users benefit from its high APYs (up to 10%) and audited smart contracts, though its complex interface suits experienced traders. Curve is a top choice for stablecoin-focused DeFi apps.

dYdX

dYdX is a decentralized crypto exchange focusing on derivatives, offering perpetual contracts, margin trading, and up to 20x leverage. Built on Ethereum’s Layer 2 (using StarkEx), it provides fast, low-cost transactions. While not available to U.S. persons due to regulatory restrictions, some U.S. users access it via VPNs or non-custodial wallets, though this carries risks. Its DYDX token supports governance and staking. dYdX is best for advanced U.S. traders seeking professional-grade tools, but verify accessibility before use.

1inch

1inch is a DEX decentralized exchange aggregator, sourcing the best swap rates across multiple DEXs like Uniswap and Curve. Supporting Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Polygon, it minimizes slippage and optimizes trades. The 1INCH token offers governance and fee discounts. Free to use on Android and iOS, 1inch is ideal for U.S. users seeking cost-efficient trades. Its complex interface may challenge beginners, but it’s a powerful tool for savvy traders looking for the best DEX exchange list.

Balancer

Balancer is a unique decentralized exchange that doubles as a portfolio management tool. Its liquidity pools support up to eight assets, reducing impermanent loss for U.S. liquidity providers. Built on Ethereum and Optimism, it offers customizable pool ratios and high APYs. The BAL token enables governance. Despite past security issues (e.g., a 2020 hack), recent audits enhance its reliability. Balancer suits U.S. investors seeking diversified exposure through DeFi apps.

SushiSwap

Forked from Uniswap, SushiSwap is a community-driven decentralized crypto exchange on Ethereum, Polygon, and Arbitrum. It offers token swaps, yield farming, and staking with its SUSHI token for governance and rewards. With a user-friendly interface, it’s accessible to U.S. beginners and advanced traders. SushiSwap’s community governance fosters decentralization, making it a top pick for U.S. users exploring list of decentralized exchanges.

Raydium

Raydium is a Solana-based DEX decentralized exchange leveraging Serum’s central order book for fast trades and shared liquidity. It supports SPL tokens and offers yield farming with competitive APYs. Its integration with Solana ensures low fees and high speed, appealing to U.S. users. The RAY token enables governance. Raydium is ideal for those seeking a decentralized exchange with Solana’s efficiency, though its token range is narrower than Ethereum-based DEXs.

Orca

Orca is another Solana-based decentralized exchange, known for its intuitive interface and non-custodial trading. It supports SPL token swaps and incentivized liquidity pools. Free on Android and iOS, Orca offers low-cost, fast transactions, making it a favorite for U.S. beginners. Its focus on Solana limits cross-chain options, but its simplicity makes it a strong DEX exchange app.

Jupiter

Jupiter is a Solana-based DEX decentralized exchange aggregator, optimizing trades by sourcing liquidity from multiple DEXs. It supports limit orders, dollar-cost averaging, and cross-chain swaps with Ethereum. Its user-friendly interface and wallet integrations (e.g., Phantom, Solflare) make it accessible to U.S. users. Jupiter is a top choice for those seeking efficient swaps on the best DEX exchange list.

KyberSwap

KyberSwap is a multi-chain decentralized crypto exchange aggregator, offering fast transactions across 12 chains, including Ethereum and Polygon. It sources liquidity from over 60 DEXs, ensuring low slippage. The KNC token provides governance and rewards. Free on Android and iOS, KyberSwap’s deep liquidity pools suit U.S. traders looking for a versatile decentralized exchange.

ParaSwap

ParaSwap is a multi-chain DEX decentralized exchange aggregator, combining liquidity from Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana. It offers competitive swap rates and no transaction fees (only gas fees apply). Available for free, it’s ideal for U.S. users seeking cost-effective trades. Its interface may be complex for beginners, but it’s a powerful tool for advanced traders.

Osmosis

Osmosis is a Cosmos-based decentralized exchange supporting cross-chain trading between Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. Its AMM model enables customizable liquidity pools, and the OSMO token supports governance. Audited by SlowMist, it’s secure but less battle-tested than Uniswap. U.S. users benefit from its smooth interface and cross-chain capabilities, making it a unique DeFi app.

Matcha

Matcha, built by 0x, is a DEX decentralized exchange aggregator supporting over 6 million tokens across nine networks, including Ethereum and Polygon. It offers swaps and limit orders with minimal slippage. Free to use, Matcha’s intuitive interface appeals to U.S. beginners and pros. Its reliance on external liquidity may affect smaller tokens, but it’s a strong contender on the list of decentralized exchanges.

Milk Road Swap

Launched in 2025, Milk Road Swap is a Solana and Ethereum-based decentralized exchange powered by Radium Protocol and Cow Swap. It offers seamless trading with competitive rates and a beginner-friendly interface. Supporting perpetual futures and cross-chain swaps, it’s ideal for U.S. users seeking simplicity and innovation in a DEX exchange app.

Additional DeFi Apps and DEXs

• Aave: A leading DeFi app for lending and borrowing on Ethereum, offering high APYs and audited smart contracts.
• Compound: A DeFi app for lending and yield farming, supporting Ethereum-based tokens with COMP governance.
• MakerDAO: A DeFi app for stablecoin DAI creation and lending, ideal for U.S. users seeking stability.
• GMX: A decentralized exchange for spot and perpetual trading with up to 30x leverage, popular among U.S. traders.
• Hyperliquid: A DEX decentralized exchange offering high-speed perpetual trading with no wallet approvals.
• Verse DEX: Supports Ethereum and BNB Chain with up to 163% APY for liquidity providers.
• Dexilon: A decentralized crypto exchange for Bitcoin, Solana, and Polygon, with real-time analytics.
• SynFutures: A Solana-based DEX decentralized exchange for derivatives and spot trading.
• CowSwap: An Ethereum-based decentralized exchange matching supply and demand with low fees.
• Saros Finance: A multi-purpose Solana DeFi app for trading and liquidity provision.
• Penguin Finance: A Solana-based DeFi app offering liquidity-as-a-service.
• Rubicon: An Ethereum L2 decentralized exchange with order book trading.
• VoltSwap: A Meter-based DEX decentralized exchange with fast, low-cost trades.
• BakerySwap: A BNB Chain decentralized exchange with farming pools and aETH support.
• Demex: A Layer 2 decentralized exchange for derivatives with fast trades.
• Zerion: A DeFi app for portfolio management and trading across 10+ networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many DeFi Apps Are There?

The DeFi ecosystem is vast, with over 200 DeFi apps and decentralized exchanges operating across blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, and BNB Chain. Alchemy’s Dapp Store lists 139 DEXs alone, covering trading, lending, and yield farming. The number grows as new protocols emerge, with top decentralized exchanges by volume like Uniswap, PancakeSwap, and Curve leading the market. Exact counts vary due to the open-source nature of DeFi, but platforms like DeFiLlama track over $100 billion in TVL across thousands of protocols.

Is Binance a DEX or CEX?

Binance (Binance.US for U.S. users) is a centralized exchange (CEX), not a decentralized crypto exchange. It manages user funds, requires KYC, and operates on company servers, unlike DEXs, which use smart contracts for non-custodial trading. Binance.US offers limited coins due to U.S. regulations and faces state restrictions (e.g., New York). While Binance offers a DEX (Binance DEX), it’s separate and less relevant for U.S. users.

What Is an Example of a CEX and DEX?

• CEX Example: Coinbase is a centralized exchange, managing user funds, requiring KYC, and offering a user-friendly platform for U.S. users with trading fees of 0-0.60%.
• DEX Example: Uniswap is a decentralized exchange, allowing non-custodial token swaps via smart contracts on Ethereum, with no KYC and fees around 0.3%.

Which DEX Is Best for Crypto?

The best DEX exchange depends on your needs:

• Beginners: Uniswap or PancakeSwap for user-friendly interfaces and high liquidity.
• Stablecoin Traders: Curve Finance for low-slippage stablecoin swaps.
• Advanced Traders: dYdX for derivatives and leverage (if accessible).
• Cost-Conscious: 1inch or Jupiter for aggregated, low-cost swaps. Uniswap leads for its $4 billion TVL and broad token support, while PancakeSwap excels for low fees. Check top decentralized exchanges by volume on DeFiLlama for liquidity insights. Always verify U.S. accessibility and use secure wallets.

Conclusion

In 2025, U.S. investors have access to a robust list of decentralized exchanges and DeFi apps, from Uniswap’s Ethereum-based swaps to PancakeSwap’s low-cost BNB Chain trading. Decentralized crypto exchanges like Curve, dYdX, and 1inch cater to diverse needs, while DeFi apps like Aave and Compound offer lending and yield opportunities. Prioritize security (audited contracts, non-custodial wallets), liquidity, and U.S. compliance when choosing a DEX decentralized exchange. Use platforms like DeFiLlama to track top decentralized exchanges by volume and align your choice with your trading goals, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned DeFi enthusiast.