As the cryptocurrency world continues to evolve, so too do the ways in which digital assets can be traded. In the early days of Bitcoin and other digital currencies, there were only a handful of exchanges available, all of which were centralized. These days, however, there is a growing number of decentralized exchanges (DEXes), which many believe offer a number of advantages over their centralized counterparts. So, what exactly is the difference between a CEX and a DEX?
A centralized exchange is an online platform that allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. Centralized exchanges are similar to traditional stock exchanges, in that they act as a middleman between buyers and sellers. That means that when you want to buy or sell Bitcoin or another digital currency on a CEX, you’re actually dealing with the exchange itself, rather than with another user. Also, with a CEX, users place their assets in their (CEX) custody before trading.
Decentralized exchanges (DEX) are less popular than CEXes, but they are much more secure. DEXes don’t store user funds in a central location, so they can’t be hacked or stolen. However, they can be more difficult to use and have a smaller selection of coins available. Also, users hold their assets themselves and have full control over them (but that comes with a risk if their private keys get lost or destroyed, rendering the associated assets irretrievable). So, which is better? It depends on your needs. If you are largely interested in ease of use but are wary of having complete authority over your wallet, then a CEX may be an excellent option for you. If you prefer to pay smaller fees and have greater control over your assets, then a DEX may be the solution.