Comparison of Pancakeswap vs THORChain [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

pancakeswap

Pancakeswap

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

THORChain

THORChain

Main points

Fees

0,25%
NFTs
Yes

Native token

Token CAKE
fluctuates

Fees

No
NFTs
Token RUNE
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.
4.0 – Fees are competitive for cross-chain swaps, but can vary depending on the asset and network conditions.

Level

0,25%
fluctuates

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​​.
THORChain employs a distinct fee structure aimed at ensuring network security and providing economic incentives for its participants. The platform charges several types of fees: a fixed outbound fee, a dynamic liquidity fee, and a slip-based fee. Outbound Fee: This is a fixed fee applied to transactions leaving the THORChain network. It covers the cost of sending assets from the network to an external blockchain, ensuring the network remains sustainable. Liquidity Fee: This dynamic fee varies based on the liquidity of the pool involved in the transaction. It serves to reward liquidity providers, who are essential for the functioning of the protocol. This fee is crucial in maintaining the balance and availability of assets across the network. Slip-Based Fee: Designed to mitigate the risk of market manipulation by large traders (whales), this fee is calculated based on the impact of the trade on the pool’s price. Larger trades that significantly alter the pool’s balance incur higher fees. These fees are distributed to liquidity providers as compensation for the potential price impact of large trades . This multi-faceted fee structure not only ensures the economic viability of the THORChain network but also promotes fair trading practices and rewards participants who contribute to the ecosystem’s liquidity.

Pancakeswap

THORChain

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Product selection

Native token

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

Earns

Yes, PancakeSwap offers various EARN methods including staking CAKE tokens, yield farming, and participating in Syrup Pools for additional token rewards.
Yes, THORChain offers EARN opportunities by providing liquidity in native assets to liquidity pools, and staking RUNE tokens for network participation and rewards.

NFT marketplace

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

Cripto/debit card

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

Company information

Full name

PancakeSwap
THORChain

Regulation

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

Year founded

2020
2018

Founder

The founding team remains anonymous, typical of many decentralized projects on the Binance Smart Chain.
The founding team is pseudonymous, known collectively as the THORChain team.

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, THORChain 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, THORChain 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, THORChain does not support direct deposits via credit card. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.

Comparative table

Pancakeswap FEATURES THORChain
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
THORChain allows users to trade with relatively low minimums, accommodating small-scale traders but requiring enough to maintain liquidity integrity.
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
Fees on THORChain are competitive within the DeFi space, ensuring affordability while supporting network and liquidity providers.
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
THORChain supports a moderate range of cryptocurrencies focused primarily on major assets, limiting variety but enhancing quality.
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
The platform excels in offering cross-chain trading pairs, enabling direct swaps between significant cryptocurrencies without intermediaries.
The website provides essential information; however, the anonymity of the founders and specifics about operational strategies could be better detailed.
Website Transparency
THORChain provides detailed documentation and open-source code, fostering trust through transparency in operations and development.
PancakeSwap is limited to the Binance Smart Chain, restricting access to other popular networks like Ethereum, which may alienate some users.
Credit/Debit Card
Primarily operates on its own network with bridges to major chains like Bitcoin and Ethereum, somewhat limiting compared to multi-network DEXs.
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 decentralized platform, THORChain does not offer custodial storage, relying on users to manage their own wallet security.
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 excellent staking rewards and incentives for liquidity providers, making it attractive for users looking to earn through participation.
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
The THORChain website is user-friendly, providing essential information clearly but could improve in navigational aspects and user interface design.
Customer service is primarily community-driven, accessible through social media and forums, which can vary in responsiveness and professionalism.
Customer Service
Customer support is available through community channels, providing adequate but not real-time support; could benefit from more direct customer service options.
Deposits and withdrawals are executed directly through user-controlled wallets, offering high autonomy but requiring some technical knowledge for new users.
Deposit and Withdraw
THORChain supports straightforward deposit and withdrawal mechanisms that are inherently secure through decentralized operation, though subject to typical blockchain network delays.

Key features

Analysis tools

Price charts, liquidity pool analytics, yield farming calculators, and basic token statistics.
Cross-chain swap analytics, liquidity pool performance data, node metrics, and slippage calculators.

Mobile APP

No, PancakeSwap does not have a dedicated mobile app, but it can be accessed via mobile browsers.
No, THORChain 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.
THORChain focuses on cross-chain security, using a unique design that minimizes the need for wrapped assets. The platform employs rigorous security audits and has a robust bug bounty program to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.

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.
THORChain supports non-custodial cross-chain swaps, node bonding for running network nodes, a strong focus on decentralization, and the ability to earn yield through providing liquidity in native assets.

Anonymity

Yes, PancakeSwap supports anonymous trading through wallet connections on the Binance Smart Chain.
Yes, THORChain enables anonymous trading through the use of connected wallets without requiring personal information.

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

Binance Coin (BNB), PancakeSwap (CAKE), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), and a wide range of BEP-20 tokens.
Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), Litecoin (LTC), THORChain (RUNE), and various cross-chain assets.

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.
THORChain’s cross-chain liquidity protocol is powerful but can be complex for beginners. The interface is user-friendly, but the underlying technology and the concept of cross-chain swaps might require some learning for those new to the space.

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.
THORChain offers good value for money by enabling cross-chain swaps without the need for wrapped tokens, which can save users on additional fees. Its native token, RUNE, also provides various incentives and liquidity rewards, adding to its overall value.

Countries of operation

Available globally, primarily used in regions supporting Binance Smart Chain.
Available globally, no specific country restrictions.

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.
Best for investors who need cross-chain liquidity and want to trade assets across different blockchains without using wrapped tokens. It’s particularly useful for those who value decentralized, trustless trading environments.

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.
THORChain enables cross-chain trading, allowing users to swap tokens from different blockchains without wrapping. This functionality is unique and highly beneficial for diversified portfolios. However, the platform’s complexity and security incidents in the past may concern new users.

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.
THORChain allows cross-chain deposits and withdrawals, enabling users to trade assets across different blockchains without wrapping tokens. This feature provides flexibility and security, as users control their funds via compatible wallets. However, the complexity of cross-chain transactions can be daunting for beginners, and users must pay attention to network fees and security.

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.
THORChain enables cross-chain trading by connecting users’ wallets from various blockchains. There is no traditional account setup, as users manage their funds through wallets compatible with THORChain. This decentralized model offers flexibility and security but can be complex for those unfamiliar with managing multiple blockchain wallets.

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.
THORChain provides support through its active community on Discord and Twitter, along with detailed documentation and FAQs on their website. While these resources are beneficial for self-help, the lack of direct customer service may pose challenges for users who need immediate assistance or personalized support.

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.
THORChain focuses on cross-chain security, using a unique design that minimizes the need for wrapped assets. The platform employs rigorous security audits and has a robust bug bounty program to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.

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 a seasoned observer of the DeFi landscape, I highly recommend THORChain for users seeking a robust platform for cross-chain trading. Its innovative approach to enabling direct swaps between disparate cryptocurrencies sets it apart. However, prospective users should acquaint themselves with its security history and the inherent complexities of operating within a multi-chain environment to fully leverage its offerings.

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 THORChain [ 2024 ]