Overview
1inch is a non-custodial DEX aggregator that launched in 2019. It connects to your wallet and searches dozens of decentralized exchanges to find the best route for your trade. There’s no need to deposit funds or create an account. It’s built for users who want maximum control, low slippage, and deep liquidity across multiple chains.
Supported Chains and Liquidity
The protocol supports Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, and several others. It pulls liquidity from 60+ sources on Ethereum alone and slightly fewer on other chains. This allows trades to be split across pools for better pricing, even with large orders.
Fee Model and Token Utility
There are no trading fees charged directly by 1inch. Instead, the system focuses on optimizing gas costs and slippage. The 1INCH token plays a core role in governance, staking, and rewards. Users who stake the token can vote on key decisions and participate in liquidity mining campaigns. Fusion staking adds another layer of utility.
Smart Routing and Interface
The platform uses an algorithm called Pathfinder to calculate the most efficient trade route. It can split a single trade across multiple exchanges to reduce costs. The interface is clean and informative. Users can set slippage limits, choose networks, and even place limit orders. It's built for fast execution with clear visibility into every step.
Gas Optimization
To save on gas, 1inch introduced CHI, a native gas token. While no longer promoted as aggressively, it can still reduce fees during high network congestion. Users can also use the infinity-unlock feature to approve tokens once and trade without repeated confirmations - though this requires extra caution.
Security and Custody
Because 1inch is non-custodial, users maintain full control over their funds. No registration or login is required. There have been no major hacks associated with the protocol. Security depends primarily on the connected wallet and safe transaction habits.
Trading Volume and Liquidity Depth
Trade volume on 1inch reaches into the billions monthly. It’s one of the most used DEX aggregators in the space, particularly for Ethereum and BNB Chain. Thanks to its aggregation model, it offers low slippage even on sizable orders.
Governance and Ecosystem
The 1INCH token allows holders to participate in DAO voting. The team has introduced staking programs, liquidity rewards, and ecosystem expansions. In 2025, partnerships with major payment services and new chain integrations have further strengthened its role in DeFi.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Full wallet custody, no registration
- Deep liquidity via aggregation
- Smart routing with optimized pricing
- 1INCH token with multiple utilities
- Gas savings features
- Cons:
- No direct fiat on-ramps
- Some features may be complex for beginners
- Infinity-unlock carries potential risk if misused
Final Thoughts
1inch is ideal for advanced users looking to trade across multiple chains without compromising on price, speed, or control. It provides some of the best routing in DeFi and rewards active participants through staking and governance. For those who understand its tools, it delivers both power and precision.