Apex Protocol Fee Calculator
Trade Calculator
Comparison
| Exchange | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Apex Protocol | 0.02% | 0.05% |
| dYdX | 0.05% | 0.10% |
| Hyperliquid | 0.03% | 0.07% |
| Perpetual Protocol | 0.04% | 0.08% |
*Based on article data (2025)
Your Estimated Fees
Key Takeaways
- Apex Protocol offers a CeX‑like UI with non‑custodial security and 0.8‑second settlement.
- Maker fee is 0.02% and taker fee 0.05%, among the lowest on DEXs.
- Leverage tops out at 1:20 and the platform currently supports 15 perpetual contracts.
- Three OpenZeppelin audits show no critical bugs, but regulatory coverage is limited.
- Roadmap targets spot trading and 30+ perpetual pairs by mid‑2026.
If you’re hunting for a decentralized exchange that feels like a centralized platform, Apex Protocol is the closest you’ll get today. Launched in late 2021, the protocol blends an order‑book model with StarkEx‑powered scalability, giving traders sub‑second trade confirmations while keeping full control of their wallets. This review breaks down what the exchange offers, how it stacks up against rivals, and whether its upcoming roadmap can turn the current limitations into strengths.
Apex Protocol is a decentralized cryptocurrency exchange (DEX) that provides perpetual futures, spot swaps and a non‑custodial wallet layer. It runs on Ethereum and several EVM‑compatible chains, using the native APEX token for governance and fee discounts.
Core Features and Trading Mechanics
The platform’s headline feature is its order‑book engine for perpetual contracts. Unlike the AMM‑driven DEXs that dominate DeFi, Apex lets you place limit, market and stop orders just like on a traditional exchange. This design earned an 8.7/10 UI satisfaction score in a September 2025 CryptoCompare survey.
Key specs:
- Leverage up to 1:20 across 15 major crypto pairs (ETH, WBTC, iZi and others).
- StarkEx layer‑2 processing ~9,000TPS with average settlement 0.8seconds.
- Cross‑chain deposits/withdrawals between Ethereum, Arbitrum and Optimism in ~4.2minutes.
- Integrated TradingView charts for advanced analysis.
Performance, Volume and Fees
By September 2025 Apex handled $850million in daily volume and served about 1.2million users worldwide. The maker fee sits at 0.02% while takers pay 0.05%, a clear advantage over many AMM DEXs where fees can exceed 0.3%.
Fee discounts are available for holders of the APEX token, but the token itself has a capped supply of 25million, with 23% locked for the founding team until at least 2026.
Security Audits and Risk Profile
Security is a top selling point. The smart contracts have undergone three independent audits by OpenZeppelin (2021, 2022, 2024) with no critical vulnerabilities reported. Because funds never leave the user’s wallet, the exchange has avoided any of the high‑profile hacks that have plagued centralized platforms.
However, the reliance on StarkEx introduces a trusted‑setup component, which some analysts (e.g., CryptoSlate’s September 2025 paper) flag as a modest centralization risk. Additionally, Apex lacks Tier‑1 regulatory licenses, limiting its expansion in regions enforcing MiCA or SEC‑style securities rules.
Asset Coverage and Limitations
The biggest criticism is the narrow asset list. With only 15 perpetual contracts, the platform falls short of dYdX’s 28 pairs and Bybit’s 103. Spot trading outside the core pairs is not yet available, though a spot module is slated for Q12026.
For traders who need a wide array of altcoins, Apex may feel restrictive. Yet for those focused on major assets and who value speed and self‑custody, the trade‑off can be worthwhile.
User Experience, Support and Community
Onboarding is straightforward: connect MetaMask, Rabby, Ledger Live or any EVM wallet, then start trading within 15minutes. New users rate the basic workflow as “beginner‑friendly,” while mastering advanced order types typically takes a few hours.
Support is limited to email with an average 72‑hour response time, which many users find sluggish. Community channels on Discord (42k members) and Telegram (28.5k members) are active, but complex queries can take 8hours to get answered.
Roadmap and Future Outlook
The latest upgrade (Apex Pro2.3, August2025) added multi‑chain liquidation protection and grid‑bot tweaks. The roadmap through mid‑2026 includes:
- Spot trading launch (Q12026).
- Expansion to 30+ perpetual pairs (Q22026).
- Integration with Chainlink CCIP for more secure cross‑chain messages (Q42025).
- Further fee reductions for APEX stakers.
If these milestones hit on schedule, Apex could close the asset‑gap with rivals and attract more institutional volume, which currently accounts for only 3.2% of its trades.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Near‑instant settlement, low fees, non‑custodial security, intuitive UI, strong community.
- Cons: Limited asset selection, no native spot market yet, email‑only support, regulatory uncertainty.
How Apex Stacks Up Against the Competition
| Exchange | Maker / Taker Fees | Max Leverage | Perpetual Pairs | UI Score (/10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Protocol | 0.02% / 0.05% | 1:20 | 15 | 8.7 |
| dYdX | 0.05% / 0.10% | 1:10 | 28 | 7.9 |
| Hyperliquid | 0.03% / 0.07% | 1:25 | 22 | 8.2 |
| Perpetual Protocol | 0.04% / 0.08% | 1:15 | 12 | 7.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apex Protocol really non‑custodial?
Yes. All trades are executed directly from the user’s connected wallet. The protocol never holds private keys, so there is no central point of failure that could be hacked.
What chains can I trade on with Apex?
Apex supports Ethereum, Arbitrum and Optimism for deposits, withdrawals and leveraged trading. Future roadmap items add more EVM chains via Chainlink CCIP.
How do fees compare to centralized exchanges?
Apex’s 0.02% maker and 0.05% taker fees are lower than most CeX‑style fees (often 0.10%‑0.25%). The only cost penalty is the gas fee for Layer‑2 withdrawals.
Can I earn rewards with the APEX token?
Holding APEX grants fee rebates, governance voting power and access to liquidity mining programs. The token’s fixed supply and 77% allocation for ecosystem incentives aim to keep demand high.
Is Apex safe from regulatory crackdowns?
Because the platform is fully decentralized and does not hold user funds, it sidesteps many licensing requirements. However, jurisdictions that classify perpetual contracts as securities (e.g., EU MiCA) could still impose restrictions on on‑ramps and token listings.
Overall, Apex Protocol delivers a fast, low‑fee trading experience that feels familiar to CeX users while preserving the security benefits of DeFi. If you can live with the current asset limits and are comfortable navigating cross‑chain deposits, it’s a solid choice for both beginners and seasoned traders looking for a non‑custodial perpetual platform.
Rebecca Andrews
I'm a blockchain analyst and cryptocurrency content strategist. I publish practical guides on coin fundamentals, exchange mechanics, and curated airdrop opportunities. I also advise startups on tokenomics and risk controls. My goal is to translate complex protocols into clear, actionable insights.
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Jordann Vierii
October 15, 2025 AT 09:25Hey folks, just wanted to throw some positive vibes on the Apex review – the low fees are a real game‑changer for everyday traders. If you’re looking to keep more of your gains, the 0.02% maker rate is pretty sweet. And that sub‑second settlement feels like you’re trading on a futuristic exchange. It’s also great that they’re non‑custodial; you keep full control of your assets. I think the roadmap looks promising, especially with spot trading on the horizon. Keep an eye on the upcoming upgrades, they’ll likely boost liquidity and user experience. Happy trading!