Decentralized exchanges (DEX) are services where users can buy and sell tokens without mandatory registration and KYC identification. Unlike centralized exchanges (CEX), where identification is mandatory, and all token liquidity is owned by the service, DEX tools have liquidity pools, where each user can contribute with their tokens.
As TON network is a rapidly developing new chain, which experienced rapid growth in 2024, its dApps become increasingly relevant for blockchain users. So, let’s dive into TON decentralized exchanges, and see which ones are secure and efficient for trading.
Basics of TON decentralized exchanges (DEX)
The Open Network (TON) blockchain was originally designed by the Telegram messenger founders, Pavel and Nikolai Durov. Today, it’s managed by the TON Foundation and is rapidly developing.
New tokens, NFTs, and dApps emerge regularly, while the overall network security is improving. Its integration with Telegram means that messenger’s users can easily send tokens to each other and access dApps right from the messenger via its bots. It makes TON applications highly accessible to a global audience.
Moreover, it has low transaction costs, high-speed processing, and a thriving ecosystem of tokens and DeFi projects. As new tokens emerge on the TON blockchain, decentralized exchanges (DEX) play a crucial role, as that’s where users can exchange these tokens easily.
What is a TON DEX?
TON decentralized exchanges are platforms where users can trade TON tokens without relying on intermediaries. They use liquidity pools, which are specific smart contracts where users deposit their tokens by staking. They earn rewards with different APRs (Annual Percentage Rates), which mostly depend on the tokens’ price fluctuations and trading activities. The APR of 5–10% may be considered good.
Other users trade these tokens by swapping one for another, with the exchange rates determined algorithmically based on the pool's liquidity. Many exchanges also scan various offers from other services, determining the best rates and offering them to users.
One can see the quick comparison between CEX and DEX services below. Generally, DEX are more secure and protect user privacy better, but centralized exchanges provide more different features, so their user bases are still larger.
To summarize, DEX services offer liquidity pools, staking opportunities, trading instruments, and token swaps, while users retain full control over their funds which remain in their wallets. Unlike centralized exchanges, which often ban users from certain countries or areas, they can be used by anyone without restrictions.
Now, we’ll look at how to select the best DEX for one’s use case, but first, let’s focus on specific advantages of such services.
Why use a TON chain DEX?
TON DEX services offer several advantages for their users, as
- Token exchange: Users can swap tokens easily when needed, whether for utility purposes or portfolio adjustments, just by connecting their wallet.
- Trading opportunities: Experienced traders can capitalize on price fluctuations using tools like real-time analytics and charting platforms to make informed decisions, without the need to register or submit their data.
- Passive income: Those who don’t want to risk, can provide liquidity to DEX liquidity pools and earn stable income with APR from trading fees generated by the pool's activity.
For instance, platforms like DeDust offer features such as portfolio tracking and advanced analytics. Tools like Storm Trade offer complex trading instruments, like perpetuals and futures, so traders can earn on price predictions similarly as on centralized exchanges. With TON speed and Telegram integration, traders can use these tools right in the messenger, while participating in their communities.
How to choose the best DEX on TON
The TON ecosystem hosts a variety of decentralized exchanges. Each of them is better for a specific case, but there are specific indicators that show the platform’s trustworthiness and opportunities it may offer. Examples are transparency, reliability, transaction fees, and liquidity levels.
Specific user goals are also important when choosing the right DEX. They include token swapping, memecoins trading, using complex trading mechanisms, or liquidity contributing for passive income.
Key features of a reliable TON DEX
Let’s look closer at indicators crucial for a trustworthy DEX on TON.
- Transparency means clear user and tech documentation, open communication channels with developers, and a thriving community which is open to help.
- Active community includes a vibrant user base, and it indicates that the platform is actively maintained and supported.
- Low fees are always good for cost-effective trading, so compare transaction fees in different DEX tools and be aware that they may change.
- High liquidity means that there are enough tokens in DEX liquidity pools, which ensures smooth trading without significant price slippage.
- User-friendly interface makes it easier for users to navigate the platform, and it also includes that all support contacts can be easily found.
Let’s now focus on five examples of TON DEX tools, which correspond to these indicators and are good for different use cases.
Top TON decentralized exchanges
So, here are prominent decentralized exchanges on the TON blockchain.
- STON.fi: This largest TON DEX offers diverse liquidity pools and trading opportunities, and features unique tools like tokens’ Trust Scores to help users assess reliability.
- DeDust: Known for its wide range of trading tools and portfolio tracking features, it’s good for professional traders and liquidity providers with large portfolios of tokens.
- Storm Trade: A versatile Telegram-based trading platform that enables trading cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies, functioning like a decentralized Forex exchange.
- Tradoor: This is the first TON DEX with perpetuals and options trading, zero slippage (thanks to Price Lock mode), and SocialFi PvP trading mechanics.
- Snapster: A minimalistic DEX focused on memecoins, allowing users to explore new tokens and trade them as their value fluctuates.
As one can see, all of them have similar functionalities, but still are catered for specific purposes. It’s always recommended to check several of them, as their fees may change and in different moments of time, one or another DEX may be more beneficial.
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Now, let’s delve deeper into each platform.
STON.fi
Purpose: Trading, token swap, liquidity provision
This platform is ideal for users seeking diverse trading options, as it has large liquidity pools and active trader community. STON.fi supports numerous liquidity pools where users can stake their tokens and earn rewards based on transaction volumes. Its Trust Score system provides transparency by rating tokens based on community feedback and other metrics.
Source: STON.fi
DeDust
Purpose: Trading, token swap, liquidity provision, portfolio management
DeDust stands out with its sophisticated analytics tools and portfolio tracking features. It allows traders to monitor their holdings in real-time while accessing various liquidity pools with competitive APRs. It’s similar to STON.fi, but more oriented on traders with diverse portfolios, and it’s also wise to monitor both services regularly.
Source: DeDust
Storm Trade
Purpose: General trading of various assets and commodities
This app is good for those interested in broader markets. Storm Trade enables users to trade fiat currencies and commodities alongside different crypto assets without KYC. Traders need just to connect their TON wallet, and its balance will be used as a deposit for trading. It offers numerous trading instruments, such as leverage, limit orders, and various rewards.
Source: Storm Trade
Tradoor
Purpose: Advanced multi-feature cryptocurrency trading
This platform is unique in many ways.
It appeals to experienced traders with advanced tools for swaps, perps and options trading, futures contracts, and leveraged positions. It has zero slippage with its state-of-the-art Price Lock and Liquidity Shield mechanisms, while very fast transactions ensure efficient trading. Moreover, traders can perform thorough technical analysis with its graphs. Lastly, Tradoor has rich social features, such as copytrading and SocialFi PvP contests, where traders can earn tasty rewards.
To trade, users just need to connect their TON wallet, and all TON deposited here is used as a deposit for trading. No KYC or bank card payments are needed. Thus, Tradoor is among the first DEX tools that have CEX-like functionality without sacrificing privacy and decentralization.
Source: Tradoor
Snapster
Purpose: Memecoin exploration and trading
Focused on memecoins, Snapster is perfect for users looking to speculate on emerging tokens with high volatility potential. It operates as a Telegram mini-app and features the list of TON memecoins, sorting them on their potential to rise. In its trading window, it shows basic memecoin data, charts, and price changes during the last hours.
Source: Snapster Telegram mini-app
Security considerations for TON network DEX platforms
When using any blockchain-based platform, users need to be cautious.
The TON blockchain itself is secure due to its decentralized nature and transparent ledger system, and it’s not possible to steal your money without having access to your wallet. However, there is always a human factor. Scammers are always eager to get this access, while low-quality services can offer them such an opportunity and must be avoided.
So, there are specific considerations when choosing a DEX, based on the indicators we’ve discussed above.
- Community trust is an essential part. Projects with active communities are much less likely to engage in fraudulent activities as they operate under public scrutiny.
- Regular audits of DEX smart contracts are crucial. Vulnerabilities are inevitable, and only regular third-party and public audits can identify and fix them.
- Platform reputation matters a lot, too. Established platforms like STON.fi or DeDust are generally more reliable due to their track record.
By prioritizing these factors, users can minimize risks while enjoying the benefits of decentralized trading. But GetBlock also reminds you that trading is inherently risky. Prices are always fluctuating, trading volumes are changing, and it’s possible to buy a TON token on its high and be unable to sell it at a higher price, thereby losing money.
Liquidity provision is much less risky, but APR can be changed, too, and it’s essential to monitor these changes regularly.
The future of TON DEX solutions
The Open Network continues to evolve rapidly with new projects, tokens, NFTs, and dApps appearing regularly. As more developers build on TON's scalable infrastructure, we can expect further innovation in decentralized exchanges, offering even more opportunities for users to earn with fewer risks.
While TON prices and trading volume is lower in early 2025 compared to its peaks in mid-2024, it’s still much higher than before its 2024 growth. The ecosystem is developing, as Telegram communities become more secure and learn to ban spammers and scammers before they can harm anyone.
With its unique combination of low fees, fast transactions, and Telegram integration, TON is a robust blockchain for decentralized finance tools. As its ecosystem matures, TON-based DEX tools will likely play a significant role in fostering global financial inclusion.
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