Compare dYdX vs Hyperliquid for perpetual trading. Detailed analysis of fees, speed, security & features. Find which DEX is best for you in 2026.
dYdX vs Hyperliquid 2026: Which DEX is Better? Complete Comparison
January 2026 Comparison
dYdX vs Hyperliquid 2026: Which DEX is Better for Perpetual Trading?
Complete comparison of the two leading decentralized perpetual exchanges
Quick Comparison
| Feature | dYdX | Hyperliquid |
|---|---|---|
| Type | DEX (Cosmos SDK) | DEX (Native L1) |
| Blockchain | dYdX Chain | HyperBFT L1 |
| Max Leverage | 50x | 50x |
| Trading Pairs | 220+ | 100+ |
| Maker Fee | 0.02% | 0.015% |
| Taker Fee | 0.05% | 0.045% |
| Speed | ~1s blocks | 0.2s blocks, 200K TPS |
| KYC Required | No | No |
| Native Token | DYDX | HYPE |
| Our Rating | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
Overview
dYdX
dYdX is a leading decentralized perpetual exchange built on the Cosmos SDK. It offers 220+ trading pairs with up to 50x leverage, backed by multiple security audits and a $5 million bug bounty program. The platform features an Insurance Fund for trader protection and rate-limited withdrawals for enhanced security.
Hyperliquid
Hyperliquid is a high-performance DEX running on its own Layer 1 blockchain with the HyperBFT consensus algorithm. It delivers 200,000 transactions per second with 0.2-second block times, making it one of the fastest perpetual trading platforms available. The platform supports up to 50x leverage with industry-low fees.
🚀 Try dYdX / Try Hyperliquid
Detailed Comparison
💰 Trading Fees
dYdX: dYdX uses a volume-based maker-taker fee model. Fees start at 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker and decrease with higher trading volumes. Fee tiers are based on 30-day trading volume.
Hyperliquid: Hyperliquid offers some of the lowest fees in the DEX space: 0.015% maker / 0.045% taker. Fees decrease further for high-volume traders. Zero gas fees for trading.
Winner: Hyperliquid
⚡ Performance & Speed
dYdX: dYdX operates on the Cosmos SDK with ~1 second block times. The chain can process thousands of transactions per second with instant trade execution on the order book.
Hyperliquid: Hyperliquid leads in raw performance with 200,000 TPS and 0.2-second block times. Near-instant trade confirmations make it ideal for high-frequency traders.
Winner: Hyperliquid
🔒 Security & Trust
dYdX: dYdX has undergone multiple audits by Informal Systems, maintains a $5M bug bounty program, and operates an Insurance Fund to protect traders from liquidation shortfalls. Fully decentralized governance via DYDX token.
Hyperliquid: Hyperliquid has been audited by Dedaub and Zellic. The Assistance Fund (AF) buys back and burns HYPE tokens from trading fees. Non-custodial design with full on-chain transparency.
Winner: dYdX
🛠️ Features & Trading Options
dYdX: 220+ perpetual markets, up to 50x leverage, advanced order types (limit, market, stop-loss, take-profit), API trading, mobile-friendly interface, governance participation via DYDX token.
Hyperliquid: 100+ perpetual markets, up to 50x leverage (varies by asset), TWAP orders, liquidity vaults for passive income, spot trading (limited), copy trading vaults, HyperEVM integration coming in 2026.
Winner: Tie
🏆 Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Fees | Hyperliquid |
| Speed | Hyperliquid |
| Security | dYdX |
| Features | Tie |
| Overall | Hyperliquid (8.4) |
Conclusion
Both dYdX and Hyperliquid are excellent choices for decentralized perpetual trading. Hyperliquid wins on fees and speed, while dYdX offers stronger security guarantees and more trading pairs.
- Choose dYdX if: You prioritize security, want access to 220+ markets, or prefer a battle-tested platform with proven track record.
- Choose Hyperliquid if: You’re a high-frequency trader who needs maximum speed, want the lowest possible fees, or want to participate in liquidity vaults.
🎯 Try dYdX / Try Hyperliquid
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dYdX or Hyperliquid better for beginners?
dYdX is slightly more beginner-friendly with more documentation and a simpler interface. Hyperliquid is geared towards experienced traders.
Do I need KYC to trade on dYdX or Hyperliquid?
No, both platforms are fully decentralized and do not require KYC verification.
Which platform has lower fees?
Hyperliquid has lower base fees (0.015% maker vs dYdX’s 0.02%), but actual fees depend on your trading volume.
Can I trade on mobile?
dYdX has a mobile-optimized web interface. Hyperliquid works via mobile browser but has no dedicated app.
Which is safer for large withdrawals?
dYdX has rate-limited withdrawals (1% of TVL or $1M/hour max) for security. Hyperliquid has no withdrawal limits.
Disclaimer: Trading perpetual futures involves significant risk of loss. This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Trade responsibly.