| FEATURE | PARADEX | ASTER |
|---|---|---|
| Type | HYBRID | DEX |
| Taker Fee | 0% | 0.0004% |
| Maker Fee | 0% | 0.00005% |
| Max Leverage | 50x | 1001x |
| Perp Pairs | 600 | 100 |
| Spot Trading | Yes | Yes |
| KYC Required | No | No |
| Rating | 4.5 | 4.2 |
Paradex
PROS
- + Zero trading fees for retail users — both maker and taker — on 100+ perpetual futures markets, with pro taker fees at just 0.02%
- + Privacy-preserving trading via zk-encryption hides positions, entries, exits, and PnL from public view, preventing MEV and liquidation sniping
- + 600+ markets spanning perpetual futures, perpetual options, and spot — roughly triple the next competitor's roster
CONS
- − USDC-only collateral — no multi-collateral support, limiting flexibility for traders holding other assets
- − Restricted for US persons, Canadian persons, and sanctioned jurisdictions — VPN usage explicitly prohibited in Terms of Service
- − Minimum order size of $500 on BTC, ETH, and SOL perpetuals ($200 on other markets), higher than many competitors
Aster
PROS
- + Industry-leading up to 1001x leverage in Simple Mode on select crypto pairs (BTC, ETH on BNB Chain and Arbitrum)
- + MEV-resistant hidden orders enable whale-size trades without front-running or price impact — unique among major perp DEXes
- + Yield-bearing collateral (asBNB, USDF) allows traders to earn yield while maintaining open margin positions
CONS
- − Maximum leverage of 1001x in Simple Mode is extremely risky — a 0.1% adverse move liquidates a 1001x position
- − Restricted in the US, UK, and Canada — three of the largest crypto markets — with no confirmed timeline for expansion
- − Founded team is pseudonymous with limited public disclosure of the full private cap table and upgrade key management
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paradex or Aster better?
Paradex has a higher rating (4.5 vs 4.2). Paradex offers lower fees (0% vs 0.0004%). Choose Paradex for lower fees, and Aster for higher leverage.
What are the fees on Paradex vs Aster?
Paradex charges 0% taker / 0% maker. Aster charges 0.0004% taker / 0.00005% maker for perpetuals.