Comparison of Pancakeswap vs Raydium [ 2024 ]

The best cryptocurrency exchanges compared by their commissions, products offered, security and much more. Here is the Pancakeswap vs Raydium comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

pancakeswap

Pancakeswap

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

raydium

Raydium

Main points

Fees

0,25%
NFTs
Yes

Native token

Token CAKE
0,25%

Fees

No
NFTs
Token RAY
Native token

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes
No

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

4.2 – Low fees on the Binance Smart Chain, affordable for most users, but some yield farming activities may incur higher costs.
4.5 – Low fees on the Solana blockchain, with dual yield farming options enhancing overall value.

Level

0,25%
0,25%

Brief explanation

PancakeSwap operates with a straightforward fee structure designed to benefit its users and liquidity providers while maintaining the platform’s economic sustainability. The main commission on PancakeSwap is a flat 0.25% trading fee applied to all spot transactions. This fee is divided as follows: 0.17% is returned to liquidity providers as a reward, 0.03% goes to the PancakeSwap Treasury, and 0.05% is used for CAKE token buyback and burn initiatives​​. For perpetual futures trading, PancakeSwap charges 0.02% for maker orders and 0.07% for taker orders. Users who pay trading fees with CAKE tokens receive a 5% discount on these fees, resulting in effective rates of 0.019% for makers and 0.0665% for takers​​.

PancakeSwap does not charge withdrawal fees beyond the mandatory network fees, which vary depending on network congestion. This fee structure is competitive within the decentralized exchange landscape, providing a cost-effective trading environment for users​​.
Raydium employs a straightforward fee structure, making it transparent for users. For each transaction executed in its liquidity pools, Raydium charges a 0.25% fee, which is split between liquidity providers and RAY token stakers. Specifically, 88% of this fee is redirected to the liquidity pool as a reward for liquidity providers, while the remaining 12% is used to buy RAY tokens and distribute them to stakers.

Additionally, trades executed via the Serum DEX incur an average transaction fee of 0.22%, which can decrease based on the number of SRM tokens staked. Besides these fees, users also need to consider network fees for transactions on the Solana blockchain, which are typically very low, ranging from 0.0001 to 0.001 SOL per transaction.

Pancakeswap

Raydium

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Product selection

Native token

Yes, the native token is CAKE.
Yes, the native token is RAY.

Earns

Yes, PancakeSwap offers various EARN methods including staking CAKE tokens, yield farming, and participating in Syrup Pools for additional token rewards.
Yes, Raydium provides EARN opportunities through liquidity mining, staking RAY tokens, and dual yield farming programs.

NFT marketplace

Yes, PancakeSwap has an NFT marketplace where users can trade NFTs and participate in NFT-related activities.
No, Raydium does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

No, PancakeSwap does not offer a debit card.
No, Raydium does not offer a debit card.

Company information

Full name

PancakeSwap
Raydium Protocol

Regulation

No, PancakeSwap is not regulated by any specific financial regulatory authority.
No, Raydium is not regulated by any specific financial regulatory authority.

Year founded

2020
2021

Founder

The founding team remains anonymous, typical of many decentralized projects on the Binance Smart Chain.
AlphaRay and XRay

Payment methods

Transfers

Deposits: Cryptocurrency transfers; Withdrawals: Cryptocurrency transfers.
Deposits: Cryptocurrency transfers; Withdrawals: Cryptocurrency transfers.

Mastercard

No, PancakeSwap does not support direct deposits via Mastercard. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.
No, Raydium does not support direct deposits via Mastercard. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.

Wire transfer

No, PancakeSwap does not support direct deposits via wire transfer. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.
No, Raydium does not support direct deposits via wire transfer. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.

Card

No, PancakeSwap does not support direct deposits via credit card. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.
No, Raydium does not support direct deposits via credit card. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.

Comparative table

Pancakeswap FEATURES Raydium
The minimum trade amount is quite low, allowing users to make small transactions, which is ideal for new traders starting with limited capital.
Minimum Trade
Raydium allows relatively low minimum trades, accommodating users who wish to start with small amounts.
PancakeSwap offers competitively low trading and transaction fees due to its operation on the Binance Smart Chain, which generally has lower costs than Ethereum.
Trading and Transaction Fees
Raydium offers extremely competitive fees, with low trading costs thanks to the efficiency of the Solana network.
While offering a variety of BEP-20 tokens, its selection is less diverse compared to multi-chain DEXs, limiting exposure to a broader range of assets.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
While Raydium supports a variety of SPL tokens, its selection is less diverse compared to larger exchanges.
Provides a solid range of crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, primarily focused on tokens within the Binance Smart Chain ecosystem.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
It provides a good range of trading pairs, focusing on quality and liquidity, especially within the Solana ecosystem.
The website provides essential information; however, the anonymity of the founders and specifics about operational strategies could be better detailed.
Website Transparency
The website offers clear information about trading processes and fees, though could improve on team transparency.
PancakeSwap is limited to the Binance Smart Chain, restricting access to other popular networks like Ethereum, which may alienate some users.
Credit/Debit Card
Limited to the Solana network, which, while fast and cheap, restricts users looking for multi-chain trading options.
As a DEX, it does not offer custody services, relying on users to manage their wallets and keys, which can be a double-edged sword regarding security and ease of use.
Storage Offering
As a DEX, Raydium does not offer custodial storage, relying on users to manage their wallets securely.
Offers excellent staking and reward options, including high-yield farming and pools, making it attractive for users looking to earn passive income.
Staking and Rewards
Offers robust staking options and rewards, making it an attractive platform for users looking to earn through DeFi activities.
The PancakeSwap website is user-friendly with a playful design, making navigation easy and trading enjoyable, though it could include more educational resources.
Mobile App and Desktop
Raydium’s website is user-friendly and well-designed, making navigation and trading simple and efficient for all user levels.
Customer service is primarily community-driven, accessible through social media and forums, which can vary in responsiveness and professionalism.
Customer Service
Limited customer support options with no live chat or 24/7 service, which can be a downside for users needing immediate help.
Deposits and withdrawals are executed directly through user-controlled wallets, offering high autonomy but requiring some technical knowledge for new users.
Deposit and Withdraw
Deposits and withdrawals are handled through users’ wallets with no intermediaries, enhancing security but requiring user diligence in transactions.

Key features

Analysis tools

Price charts, liquidity pool analytics, yield farming calculators, and basic token statistics.
Trading charts, order book, liquidity pool analytics, and price impact indicators.

Mobile APP

No, PancakeSwap does not have a dedicated mobile app, but it can be accessed via mobile browsers.
No, Raydium does not have a dedicated mobile app, but it can be accessed via mobile browsers.

Security

PancakeSwap relies on Binance Smart Chain’s security infrastructure and has undergone several audits by reputable firms. The platform also uses community governance to enhance security and trustworthiness.
Raydium benefits from the high security standards of the Solana blockchain. It has implemented multiple audits and employs advanced security practices to safeguard user assets and transactions.

Additional features

PancakeSwap includes features such as lottery tickets, prediction markets, and IFOs (Initial Farm Offerings) for new projects, along with a robust community governance model using the CAKE token.
Raydium offers AcceleRaytor for launching new projects, dual yield farming, integration with the Serum DEX for advanced trading, and staking opportunities for RAY tokens with additional rewards.

Anonymity

Yes, PancakeSwap supports anonymous trading through wallet connections on the Binance Smart Chain.
Yes, Raydium allows for anonymous account usage through wallet connections on the Solana blockchain.

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

Binance Coin (BNB), PancakeSwap (CAKE), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), and a wide range of BEP-20 tokens.
Solana (SOL), Raydium (RAY), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin (BTC), USD Coin (USDC), and multiple SPL tokens on the Solana network.

User-friendliness

PancakeSwap is beginner-friendly, offering a simple interface and a wide range of functionalities, including liquidity pools and farming. The gamified elements and the large community support make it welcoming for new users, though its many features might initially seem overwhelming.
Raydium provides a seamless user experience with its integration into the Solana ecosystem, offering fast and low-cost transactions. The platform is relatively easy to use, but new users might need some time to get accustomed to the Solana-based operations and features.

Value for money

PancakeSwap provides great value with its low fees on the Binance Smart Chain and opportunities for earning through staking and yield farming. Its extensive range of features and community incentives make it a cost-effective choice for DeFi users.
Raydium is cost-effective due to its integration with the Solana ecosystem, offering low transaction fees and high-speed trades. Its dual liquidity provision (AMM and Serum DEX order book) maximizes value for users seeking efficiency and low costs.

Countries of operation

Available globally, primarily used in regions supporting Binance Smart Chain.
Available globally, focusing on regions supporting Solana.

Best for

Suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to experienced DeFi enthusiasts. Its low transaction costs, diverse earning opportunities through staking and farming, and user-friendly interface make it a versatile platform for all types of investors.
Ideal for both new and experienced traders who value fast and low-cost transactions on the Solana network. Its integration with the Serum DEX provides advanced trading capabilities, making it a good fit for those looking for both simplicity and depth.

Account

Trading

PancakeSwap is one of the leading DEXes on the Binance Smart Chain, known for its high liquidity and wide range of supported tokens. It offers features like yield farming and lottery, attracting a broad user base. Nevertheless, it still faces competition from Ethereum-based DEXes regarding token availability and security.
Raydium operates on the Solana blockchain, providing high-speed and low-cost transactions. It integrates with Serum, offering deep liquidity pools. Raydium is excellent for traders looking for fast transactions but still lacks the extensive token support found on Ethereum-based DEXes.

Deposit and withdrawal

PancakeSwap facilitates deposits and withdrawals through Binance Smart Chain-compatible wallets like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and Binance Chain Wallet. The low transaction fees on BSC make it cost-effective for users. The process is straightforward, but users must manage their private keys and ensure their wallets are secure.
Raydium utilizes the Solana blockchain, offering fast and low-cost deposits and withdrawals. Users can connect Solana-compatible wallets, such as Phantom or Sollet, to trade. The efficient transaction process is appealing, but users must handle wallet management and security themselves.

Account opening process

PancakeSwap operates on the Binance Smart Chain and allows users to trade by connecting wallets such as MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or Binance Chain Wallet. No account registration is needed, facilitating quick access. Users need to handle their own wallet security and ensure they have BNB for transaction fees.
Raydium utilizes Solana-compatible wallets like Phantom for users to start trading. The process involves connecting the wallet to the platform without any formal registration, ensuring user privacy and ease of access. This approach is efficient but requires users to be diligent about wallet management and security.

KYC required?

No, KYC is not mandatory for using the platform.
No, KYC is not mandatory for using the platform.

Customer Service

PancakeSwap’s customer service relies on its active community support via Telegram, Twitter, and other social media platforms. The platform also provides extensive documentation and FAQs. While the community is generally helpful, users seeking direct and immediate support may find this model insufficient.
Raydium offers customer support through community forums, social media, and its help center, which includes comprehensive documentation and FAQs. The community-driven support is robust, but users who prefer direct customer service may find this approach lacking in immediacy and personalization.

Security

PancakeSwap relies on Binance Smart Chain’s security infrastructure and has undergone several audits by reputable firms. The platform also uses community governance to enhance security and trustworthiness.
Raydium benefits from the high security standards of the Solana blockchain. It has implemented multiple audits and employs advanced security practices to safeguard user assets and transactions.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

As an expert on our website, I highly recommend PancakeSwap for those venturing into the world of decentralized finance. Its user-friendly interface, coupled with low transaction fees and robust reward systems, makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned traders. However, be mindful of its limitations to the Binance Smart Chain and prepare to manage your own security through secure wallet practices.
As an expert closely following the developments in decentralized exchanges, I highly recommend giving Raydium a try, especially for those intrigued by the DeFi space and looking for low transaction fees and fast trades. The platform’s unique integration with Serum DEX and its operations on the Solana blockchain offer a seamless trading experience. However, keep in mind the importance of staying informed about the blockchain’s performance and diversifying your DeFi activities to manage risks effectively. Happy trading!

How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

 

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).


For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong, any exchange can have problems.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

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Comparison of Pancakeswap vs Raydium [ 2024 ]