
What is Alcor?
Alcor is a decentralized exchange from 2020 built around WAX, EOS, Telos and Proton chains. It's a hybrid that mixes true on-chain order books with standard AMM pools. While volume is tiny by global standards, its full transparency and unusual fee setups give it a distinct place in the crypto world.
Quick snapshot overview
- Started: 2020, rooted in WAX/EOS
- Type: Order book + AMM hybrid
- Chains: WAX, EOS, Telos, Proton
- Assets: ~8 base coins, ~30 pairs
- Volume: ~$7K daily
- AMM TVL: ~$390K locked
- AMM fees: 0.05%, 0.30%, 1% user choice
- Order book fees: Maker 0%, Taker 0%
- Extras: OTC desk, NFT links, bridges
- Transparency: Fully on-chain, bug bounty live
Why use something like Alcor?
If you’re active in WAX NFTs or EOS projects, you’ll likely run into Alcor - it’s basically their default DEX. It’s also rare in letting you place proper limit orders on-chain with no fees, not just dump trades into pools. That means more control over spreads and fills. All contracts and liquidity moves live on-chain for max transparency.
Fees, volume, the money reality
Volumes hover around $7K a day. Not for big trades. AMM pools let LPs pick fee tiers, deciding if they want tighter spreads or higher rewards. The order book is totally free - 0% for makers and takers. That’s almost unheard of and makes it perfect for squeezing max value on small trades.
Farming, NFTs, cross-chain pieces
- Works closely with NFT ecosystems like AtomicHub.
- Lets you stake liquidity in ranges (like Uniswap V3) for concentrated returns.
- Bridges assets across WAX, EOS, Telos, Proton.
- Anyone can self-list new tokens, adding experimental options.
Trust and transparency angles
Everything on Alcor is on-chain and open source. You can audit trades, pools, fees in real time. They also run a bug bounty. But - no major audit house has signed off yet. If you’re okay with peer review vs formal checks, it’s transparent by design.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Zero fee order books, ultra transparent, bridges across Antelope chains, custom LP ranges, easy for small projects to list.
- Cons: Tiny volume, no outside audits, focused on WAX/EOS world, fewer coins than global giants.
Final verdict
Alcor is the local DEX backbone for WAX and EOS ecosystems. If you’re into NFTs, launching odd tokens or just want total on-chain clarity, it’s one of the best tools out there. For big liquidity or blue-chip coins? Not even close. Try it small, see how the order books work, then decide if this ultra-niche, transparent approach suits your style.