When it comes to choosing a cryptocurrency exchange, two names often come up: 1inch Exchange and Binance. But which one is better for your needs in 2025? This in-depth comparison explores key aspects like trading features, fees, security, usability, and overall performance to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, understanding the differences between decentralized and centralized platforms is crucial. Let’s dive into the details.
Overview: 1inch vs Binance
1inch Exchange is not a traditional exchange—it’s a decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator. This means it pulls liquidity from multiple decentralized exchanges like Uniswap and SushiSwap to find the best possible trading rates. By splitting large trades across several platforms, 1inch aims to minimize slippage and maximize returns.
In contrast, Binance is one of the world’s largest centralized cryptocurrency exchanges. Founded in 2017, it offers a vast array of trading pairs, advanced tools, fiat on-ramps, margin trading, and a globally accessible mobile app.
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Key Features Compared
Founding & Company Background
- 1inch: Launched in 2020 by Sergej Kunz and Anton Bukov, 1inch operates as a decentralized protocol with no central headquarters. It runs entirely on blockchain infrastructure.
- Binance: Founded in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao (CZ), originally based in China but now operates internationally with key offices in Malta and other jurisdictions.
While Binance has a longer track record and corporate structure, 1inch represents the growing trend toward non-custodial, user-controlled finance.
Exchange Type
- 1inch: Decentralized (DEX Aggregator)
- Binance: Centralized (CEX)
This fundamental difference impacts everything from security to user experience. With Binance, you trust the platform with your funds. With 1inch, you retain full control via your wallet.
Mobile Accessibility
- 1inch: No native mobile app. Users access the platform through web browsers using connected wallets like MetaMask.
- Binance: Offers fully featured iOS and Android apps with real-time trading, price alerts, staking, and more.
For traders on the go, Binance clearly wins in terms of convenience and functionality.
Language Support
- 1inch: Interface primarily in English.
- Binance: Supports 19 languages, including Spanish, French, German, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Turkish.
Binance’s multilingual support makes it accessible to a global audience, especially in emerging markets.
Trading Capabilities
Trading Volume & Market Activity
- 1inch: Near-zero reported volume due to its aggregator model; actual trade volume is distributed across underlying DEXs.
- Binance: Massive daily volume exceeding $1 billion, indicating high liquidity and market depth.
High liquidity means tighter spreads and faster order execution—critical for active traders.
Available Trading Pairs & Coins
- 1inch: Automatically accesses hundreds of tokens across blockchains but doesn’t list fixed pairs.
- Binance: Offers over 600 trading pairs and supports 173+ cryptocurrencies, including major coins and numerous altcoins.
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Fiat On-Ramps & Deposit Options
- 1inch: No direct fiat deposits. You must first buy crypto on another platform and transfer it to your wallet.
- Binance: Supports direct fiat purchases via credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and third-party payment gateways in multiple currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.).
If you're new to crypto or prefer buying digital assets with traditional money, Binance offers a much smoother entry point.
Margin & Advanced Trading
- 1inch: Does not support margin, futures, or leverage trading.
Binance: Offers robust advanced trading options including:
- Margin trading (up to 10x leverage)
- Futures contracts
- Options and staking products
Traders seeking sophisticated financial instruments will find Binance far more capable.
Fees & Cost Efficiency
1inch Fees
As a DEX aggregator, 1inch charges minimal protocol fees (often 0.3% or less), which go to liquidity providers. Gas fees depend on network congestion (e.g., Ethereum).
Pros:
- Transparent fee structure
- No hidden costs
- Potential savings through optimized routing
Cons:
- High Ethereum gas fees during peak times
- Less predictable total cost
Binance Fees
Binance uses a tiered fee model based on:
- 30-day trading volume
- BNB holdings
- Referral status
| VIP Level | Maker Fee | Taker Fee | With BNB Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIP 0 | 0.100% | 0.100% | 0.075% |
| VIP 9 | 0.020% | 0.040% | As low as 0.012% |
Users can further reduce fees using BNB for payments—a powerful incentive for long-term users.
While Binance’s fees are competitive, they require active trading to unlock the best rates.
Security & Trustworthiness
Custody Model
- 1inch: Non-custodial — users keep control of private keys. Funds never leave your wallet.
- Binance: Custodial — users deposit funds into exchange-controlled wallets.
Decentralized platforms like 1inch eliminate counterparty risk but shift responsibility to the user for safekeeping.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- 1inch: Not applicable — login is via wallet signature.
- Binance: Full 2FA support (Google Authenticator, SMS, hardware keys).
Binance also undergoes regular security audits and maintains a SAFU (Secure Asset Fund for Users) insurance pool.
Social Presence & Community Trust
- 1inch: Limited social media presence; community mainly active on Discord and GitHub.
- Binance: Over 1 million Twitter followers, strong presence on YouTube, Telegram, and regional forums.
A strong community presence often correlates with reliability and customer support responsiveness.
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These keywords naturally appear throughout the content to align with common search queries while maintaining readability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 1inch safer than Binance?
Yes, in terms of custody—1inch is non-custodial, meaning only you control your funds. However, Binance offers institutional-grade security measures and insurance coverage for user assets. Both have strong safety profiles but serve different risk preferences.
Can I trade fiat on 1inch?
No. 1inch does not support fiat deposits or conversions. You need to purchase cryptocurrency elsewhere (like Binance or Coinbase) and then connect your wallet to trade on 1inch.
Does Binance have lower fees than 1inch?
It depends. Binance offers lower percentage-based fees, especially for high-volume traders using BNB. However, 1inch may offer better effective prices through route optimization—even if gas fees are higher on Ethereum.
Which is better for beginners?
Binance is better for beginners due to its intuitive interface, educational resources, fiat onboarding, mobile app, and customer support. 1inch requires prior knowledge of wallets, gas fees, and DeFi risks.
Can I use both platforms together?
Absolutely! Many traders use Binance to buy crypto with fiat, then transfer funds to a wallet to trade on 1inch for better rates or access to niche tokens. Combining both gives you flexibility and control.
Is Binance legal everywhere?
No. Binance faces regulatory restrictions in several countries including the U.S. (where it operates Binance.US separately), the UK, Canada, and Japan. Always check local regulations before signing up.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
| Criteria | Winner |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Binance |
| Security (Non-Custodial) | 1inch |
| Trading Features | Binance |
| Fiat Access | Binance |
| Global Availability | Binance |
| Price Optimization | 1inch |
| Mobile Experience | Binance |
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Choose Binance if:
- You're new to crypto
- Want to buy crypto with fiat
- Need advanced trading tools
- Prefer mobile access
Choose 1inch if:
- You value full fund control
- Want optimal trade execution
- Are comfortable with DeFi
- Prioritize decentralization
Both platforms play important roles in today’s crypto ecosystem—one offers ease and power; the other delivers autonomy and transparency.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your goals, experience level, and trust preferences. Many savvy investors use both in tandem to get the best of both worlds.