Comparison of Uniswap vs Orca [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Uniswap

Uniswap

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

orca

Orca

Main points

Fees

0,30%
NFTs
No

Native token

Token UN
<0,10%

Fees

No
NFTs
Token ORCA
Native token

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes
Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

3.8 – High Ethereum gas fees can make transactions costly, despite the efficient AMM model.
4.6 – Low transaction fees on the Solana blockchain, making it very cost-effective.

Level

0,30%
<0,10%

Brief explanation

Uniswap charges a 0.3% fee for all swaps on the platform, which is distributed to liquidity providers as their incentive for supplying assets. Additionally, Uniswap offers four fee tiers depending on the stability of the trading pairs: 0.01% for very stable pairs, 0.05% for stable pairs, 0.3% for most pairs, and 1% for exotic pairs. These fees are set by liquidity providers and can vary based on market conditions and the risk associated with the pairs. It’s important to note that Uniswap itself does not collect these fees; they are entirely distributed to the liquidity providers. Users also need to pay Ethereum gas fees, which can be high during periods of network congestion, adding to the overall cost of transactions on Uniswap​​​​ .
Orca operates on the Solana blockchain, allowing it to offer exceptionally low trading fees. Typically, each transaction on Orca incurs a fee of approximately $0.00001, thanks to Solana’s efficient and cost-effective network. This is significantly lower than the fees seen on many Ethereum-based exchanges. Orca’s fee structure is transparent and straightforward, with no hidden charges, ensuring that users understand exactly what they are paying. Additionally, users can provide liquidity to Orca’s pools, earning a portion of the trading fees as rewards, further enhancing the appeal of this decentralized exchange.

Uniswap

Orca

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Product selection

Native token

Yes, the native token is UNI.
Yes, the native token is ORCA.

Earns

Yes, Uniswap provides EARN opportunities through liquidity mining, where users can earn fees by providing liquidity to various pools.
Yes, Orca provides EARN opportunities through yield farming, staking ORCA tokens, and participating in double-dip pools for dual rewards.

NFT marketplace

No, Uniswap does not have an NFT marketplace.
No, Orca does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

No, Uniswap does not offer a debit card.
No, Orca does not offer a debit card.

Company information

Full name

Uniswap Labs
Orca

Regulation

No, Uniswap is not regulated by any specific financial regulatory authority.
No, Orca is not regulated by any specific financial regulatory authority.

Year founded

2018
2021

Founder

Hayden Adams
Grace “Ori” Kwan and Yutaro “Rawfal” Mori

Payment methods

Transfers

Deposits: Credit card, wire transfer (via MoonPay or Transak), cryptocurrency transfers; Withdrawals: Cryptocurrency transfers.
Deposits: Cryptocurrency transfers; Withdrawals: Cryptocurrency transfers.

Mastercard

Yes, Uniswap supports deposits via Mastercard through third-party services like MoonPay or Transak.
No, Orca does not support direct deposits via Mastercard. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.

Wire transfer

Yes, Uniswap supports deposits via wire transfer through third-party services like MoonPay or Transak.
No, Orca does not support direct deposits via wire transfer. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.

Card

Yes, Uniswap supports deposits via credit card through third-party services like MoonPay or Transak.
No, Orca does not support direct deposits via credit card. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.

Comparative table

Uniswap FEATURES Orca
Uniswap allows for very small trades, accommodating users who wish to trade minimal amounts, enhancing accessibility for all types of investors.
Minimum Trade
Orca allows users to trade with relatively low minimums, suitable for beginners wanting to start with smaller amounts.
Uniswap charges a flat 0.3% per trade, which is competitive within the decentralized exchange landscape but can be higher compared to some centralized exchanges.
Trading and Transaction Fees
Orca offers competitive low fees on transactions, leveraging Solana’s low-cost structure to benefit users.
Supports a wide array of ERC-20 tokens, providing extensive variety for traders seeking to explore different cryptocurrencies.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Limited primarily to SPL tokens, Orca’s selection is growing but still less extensive compared to multi-chain DEXs.
Offers numerous trading pairs exclusively for crypto-to-crypto transactions, utilizing an automated liquidity protocol.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Offers a solid range of trading pairs within the Solana ecosystem, though limited outside of it.
The website provides clear information about its processes and liquidity pools; however, some users may seek more detailed data on token metrics.
Website Transparency
High transparency with clear information on trading mechanics and fee structures directly on their website.
Primarily operates on the Ethereum network, which may limit users exclusively looking for multi-chain interactions.
Credit/Debit Card
Currently operates solely on the Solana network, which may be restrictive for users seeking multi-chain options.
As a decentralized exchange, it does not offer custodial storage services, requiring users to manage their own wallets.
Storage Offering
As a non-custodial DEX, Orca does not offer storage; users maintain control of their private keys.
Offers liquidity providers the chance to earn fees from trades involving their liquidity pools, but lacks direct staking rewards.
Staking and Rewards
Provides opportunities for staking and earning rewards, enhancing the profitability for liquidity providers.
The website is user-friendly and well-designed for trading with ample educational resources but could use enhancements in navigational aspects.
Mobile App and Desktop
The website is user-friendly, well-designed, and easy to navigate, making trading straightforward for all users.
Limited customer service options; support mainly available through community channels and documentation, not direct support lines.
Customer Service
Customer support is available, but as a decentralized platform, it may not be as robust as services offered by centralized exchanges.
As a DEX, deposit and withdrawal processes are handled through user wallets without direct interaction with the platform, offering high flexibility but less guidance for new users.
Deposit and Withdraw
Instant and direct from user wallets, Orca facilitates seamless deposits and withdrawals without holding user funds.

Key features

Analysis tools

Trading charts, liquidity pool analytics, historical price data, and transaction volume statistics.
Basic trading charts, price tracking, liquidity pool analytics, and transaction history.

Mobile APP

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

Security

Uniswap is renowned for its security, having undergone multiple high-profile audits and boasting a long track record of safe operation. Its decentralized nature and robust smart contracts provide a secure trading environment.
Orca operates on the Solana blockchain, known for its high security and low transaction costs. The platform has undergone security audits and emphasizes transparency and community trust.

Additional features

Uniswap V3 introduces concentrated liquidity, allowing liquidity providers to earn more fees with less capital. It also supports NFT positions and has an automated market maker (AMM) model for efficient trading.
Orca features an innovative Fair Price Indicator to ensure users get the best rates, a user-friendly token swap interface, and double-dip pools where users can earn rewards in two tokens simultaneously.

Anonymity

Yes, Uniswap permits anonymous trading through wallet connections, without the need for personal information.
Yes, Orca allows users to trade anonymously by connecting their wallets, without requiring personal information.

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin (BTC) through wrapped tokens (WBTC), Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), Uniswap (UNI), and a vast range of ERC-20 tokens.
Solana (SOL), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USD Coin (USDC), Tether (USDT), and various SPL tokens on the Solana network.

User-friendliness

Uniswap is one of the most popular DEXs and is known for its simplicity and ease of use. The platform’s clean interface and straightforward swapping mechanism make it ideal for beginners, although high Ethereum gas fees can be a drawback.
Orca stands out for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a great choice for beginners. The platform’s intuitive interface and focus on user experience make trading straightforward and accessible, although its feature set is less comprehensive compared to more advanced platforms.

Value for money

Uniswap offers great value, particularly due to its user-friendly interface and extensive liquidity. However, high Ethereum gas fees can detract from its cost-effectiveness for smaller trades. Despite this, its efficient swapping and liquidity provisions are valuable.
Orca offers excellent value for money with its low transaction fees on the Solana blockchain, ensuring fast and inexpensive trades. The platform’s emphasis on simplicity and cost-efficiency makes it highly attractive to budget-conscious users.

Countries of operation

Available globally, no specific country restrictions.
Available globally, focusing on regions supporting Solana.

Best for

Ideal for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and vast liquidity. It’s also a great choice for experienced traders who appreciate its pioneering role in the DeFi space and the broad range of tokens available for trading.
Designed for beginners and intermediate traders who prioritize ease of use and low fees. Its straightforward interface and quick transaction times make it a great choice for those new to DeFi and the Solana ecosystem.

Account

Trading

Uniswap is the largest and most well-known DEX on the Ethereum network, offering high liquidity and a vast selection of tokens. It pioneered the automated market maker model and continues to lead in innovation. However, high gas fees on Ethereum can be a barrier for smaller trades.
Orca is a user-friendly DEX on the Solana blockchain, offering low transaction fees and fast trade execution. It provides a simple interface suitable for beginners and experienced traders alike. However, its trading pair selection is currently limited compared to more established DEXes.

Deposit and withdrawal

Uniswap operates on the Ethereum network, requiring users to connect Ethereum wallets such as MetaMask for deposits and withdrawals. While it offers a high level of security and control, Ethereum’s high gas fees can make transactions costly, especially for smaller trades. Users must manage their wallets and stay aware of fee fluctuations.
Orca, operating on the Solana blockchain, benefits from Solana’s low transaction fees and fast processing times. Users can connect Solana-compatible wallets such as Phantom for seamless deposits and withdrawals. This makes trading on Orca cost-effective and quick, though the selection of supported wallets is less diverse compared to Ethereum-based DEXes.

Account opening process

Uniswap, built on the Ethereum network, allows users to trade by connecting their Ethereum wallets like MetaMask. There is no need for account registration, ensuring user privacy and control. While the process is simple, users must handle their own wallet security and be aware of Ethereum’s potentially high transaction fees.
Orca on the Solana blockchain requires users to connect Solana-compatible wallets like Phantom to begin trading. The account setup is instantaneous, with no registration required, making it highly accessible. The platform’s simplicity and low transaction fees are appealing, though users must manage their wallet security.

KYC required?

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

Customer Service

Uniswap relies on community support through forums, Discord, and social media, supplemented by comprehensive documentation and FAQs. This decentralized support model encourages user self-reliance but may not meet the needs of those seeking direct and personalized customer service.
Orca, operating on the Solana blockchain, offers support through its official documentation, FAQs, and community channels like Discord and Twitter. While these resources are useful for troubleshooting, users who prefer direct support may find the lack of dedicated customer service challenging.

Security

Uniswap is renowned for its security, having undergone multiple high-profile audits and boasting a long track record of safe operation. Its decentralized nature and robust smart contracts provide a secure trading environment.
Orca operates on the Solana blockchain, known for its high security and low transaction costs. The platform has undergone security audits and emphasizes transparency and community trust.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

As an expert on our platform, I must point out Uniswap as an exemplary decentralized exchange for anyone looking to engage deeply with the crypto market. Its automated liquidity protocol is revolutionary, simplifying the trading process without needing traditional order books. For those interested in a vast array of ERC-20 tokens and providing liquidity to earn passive income, Uniswap is a platform that consistently leads in innovation and user empowerment in the DeFi space.
As an expert on our website, I highly recommend Orca for users looking to dive into decentralized trading on the Solana blockchain. Its user-friendly interface, coupled with low transaction fees and robust security measures, makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced traders. However, do bear in mind its limitation to Solana-based SPL tokens, which might restrict trading options compared to other multi-chain platforms.

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.

More comparatives Uniswap and Orca

Comparison of Uniswap vs Orca [ 2024 ]