Comparison of Uniswap vs Pancakeswap [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Uniswap

Uniswap

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

pancakeswap

Pancakeswap

Main points

Fees

0,30%
NFTs
No

Native token

Token UN
0,25%

Fees

Yes
NFTs
Token CAKE
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.
4.2 – Low fees on the Binance Smart Chain, affordable for most users, but some yield farming activities may incur higher costs.

Level

0,30%
0,25%

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​​​​ .
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​​.

Uniswap

Pancakeswap

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Product selection

Native token

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

Earns

Yes, Uniswap provides EARN opportunities through liquidity mining, where users can earn fees by providing liquidity to various pools.
Yes, PancakeSwap offers various EARN methods including staking CAKE tokens, yield farming, and participating in Syrup Pools for additional token rewards.

NFT marketplace

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

Cripto/debit card

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

Company information

Full name

Uniswap Labs
PancakeSwap

Regulation

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

Year founded

2018
2020

Founder

Hayden Adams
The founding team remains anonymous, typical of many decentralized projects on the Binance Smart Chain.

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

Comparative table

Uniswap FEATURES Pancakeswap
Uniswap allows for very small trades, accommodating users who wish to trade minimal amounts, enhancing accessibility for all types of investors.
Minimum Trade
The minimum trade amount is quite low, allowing users to make small transactions, which is ideal for new traders starting with limited capital.
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
PancakeSwap offers competitively low trading and transaction fees due to its operation on the Binance Smart Chain, which generally has lower costs than Ethereum.
Supports a wide array of ERC-20 tokens, providing extensive variety for traders seeking to explore different cryptocurrencies.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
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.
Offers numerous trading pairs exclusively for crypto-to-crypto transactions, utilizing an automated liquidity protocol.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Provides a solid range of crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, primarily focused on tokens within the Binance Smart Chain ecosystem.
The website provides clear information about its processes and liquidity pools; however, some users may seek more detailed data on token metrics.
Website Transparency
The website provides essential information; however, the anonymity of the founders and specifics about operational strategies could be better detailed.
Primarily operates on the Ethereum network, which may limit users exclusively looking for multi-chain interactions.
Credit/Debit Card
PancakeSwap is limited to the Binance Smart Chain, restricting access to other popular networks like Ethereum, which may alienate some users.
As a decentralized exchange, it does not offer custodial storage services, requiring users to manage their own wallets.
Storage Offering
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.
Offers liquidity providers the chance to earn fees from trades involving their liquidity pools, but lacks direct staking rewards.
Staking and Rewards
Offers excellent staking and reward options, including high-yield farming and pools, making it attractive for users looking to earn passive income.
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 PancakeSwap website is user-friendly with a playful design, making navigation easy and trading enjoyable, though it could include more educational resources.
Limited customer service options; support mainly available through community channels and documentation, not direct support lines.
Customer Service
Customer service is primarily community-driven, accessible through social media and forums, which can vary in responsiveness and professionalism.
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
Deposits and withdrawals are executed directly through user-controlled wallets, offering high autonomy but requiring some technical knowledge for new users.

Key features

Analysis tools

Trading charts, liquidity pool analytics, historical price data, and transaction volume statistics.
Price charts, liquidity pool analytics, yield farming calculators, and basic token statistics.

Mobile APP

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

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.
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.

Anonymity

Yes, Uniswap permits anonymous trading through wallet connections, without the need for personal information.
Yes, PancakeSwap supports anonymous trading through wallet connections on the Binance Smart Chain.

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.
Binance Coin (BNB), PancakeSwap (CAKE), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), and a wide range of BEP-20 tokens.

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.
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.

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.
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.

Countries of operation

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

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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 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.

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 Pancakeswap

Comparison of Uniswap vs Pancakeswap [ 2024 ]