DEXs vs CEXs: How $1.43 Trillion in Trading Volume Flipped the Market

The decentralized exchange (DEX) market has reached a monumental turning point as DEXs surpass CEXs in spot trading volume in Q3 2025.

According to data from The Block, decentralized exchanges hit an unprecedented $1.43 trillion in the third quarter of 2025. This pivotal change in quarterly performance has potential implications for performance and may signal a structural shift in how the cryptocurrency market establishes price discovery.

The figure showing DEXs surpass CEXs represents a 43.6% quarter-on-quarter surge from the $1 trillion achieved during Q2 2025 and an earlier record of $1.2 trillion recorded in Q1 2025. The sharp increase highlights a monumental shift, showing how decentralized exchanges are becoming central players in price discovery and asset valuations.

Why DEXs surpass CEXs

According to analyst Ignas, the number of tokens listed on centralized exchanges such as Binance in January 2025 underperformed compared to their decentralized exchange counterparts. For example, records show that DEXs surpass CEXs for tokens like Simon’s Cat (CAT), Magic Eden’s ME, and Velodrome’s (VELO), all of which experienced severe price drops of up to 70% upon CEX listings.

Also read: DEX vs CEX: Which Crypto Exchange is Better in 2025?

The emerging pattern clearly shows DEXs surpass CEXs because price discovery was migrating to decentralized exchanges. It is also becoming obvious from automated market maker (AMM) curves and request for quotes auctions that centralized exchanges are quickly becoming exit liquidity venues. Commenting on the emerging issue, Ignas stated:

“Previously, price discovery occurred in private VC markets, with CEXs as exit liquidity. Now, DEXs are for price discovery and CEXs for exit liquidity.”

 

Emerging Two-Tiered Structure

Another development that may have seen DEXs surpass CEXs in spot trading volumes is the reconfiguration of market infrastructure for platforms like Uniswap.  This has led to issues such as liquidity, price discovery, and risk management being managed exclusively through solver networks and smart contracts.

Also read: What Are Crypto Exchanges? Centralized vs Decentralized Platforms Explained

It is now a fact that indexers and regulators are viewing onchain venues as primary data sources, even as centralized exchanges continue to serve as deep liquidity providers whenever large-scale positions are unwound.

The emerging two-tiered structure enables DEXs to focus on programmatic, transparent markets, handling custody and execution in a single wallet. At the same time, CEXS offers scalable liquidity to traders who need real-time exits.

Conclusion

Even as DEXs surpass CEXs in an evolving crypto landscape, the emergence of potent derivatives trading on DEXs is projected to exceed the spot market.

The introduction of permissionless market creation and advanced risk mitigation tools by platforms like Hyperliquid highlights a growing trend for decentralized exchanges catching up with and overtaking centralized exchanges. As the integration of RWAs and SI-focused liquidity optimization increases, DEXs could soon be a force to reckon with as far as price discovery goes.

Read more about DEXs on our Website.

Summary

• DEXs surpass CEXs in spot trading volume, surpassing previous records and signaling a structural price discovery shift.
• Price discovery is now seemingly dominated by DEXs through AMM curves and auctions.
• Centralized exchanges are now primarily serving as exit liquidity venues for most users.

Glossary to Key Terms

DEX: Decentralized Exchange, a peer-to-peer (P2P) platform that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies directly with each other without a central intermediary like a traditional exchange.

CEX: A centralized exchange (CEX) in cryptocurrency is a platform operated by a single company that acts as an intermediary to buy, sell, and trade digital assets for other cryptocurrencies or fiat money.

Price discovery: The process of a cryptocurrency’s market price being determined by the constant, instantaneous interaction of buyers and sellers.

Frequently asked questions about DEXs and CEXs

What are CEX and DEX in crypto?

A Centralized Exchange (CEX) is managed by a company that oversees transactions, while a Decentralized Exchange (DEX) operates without intermediaries using smart contracts.

Is Binance a DEX or CEX?

A CEX is a brokerage controlled by a company that mediates the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies. Popular examples include Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken.

Why do beginners prefer CEXs?

CEXs offer polished, user-friendly interfaces with features like advanced charting tools, making them suitable for beginners. ​ DEXs may have more complex interfaces requiring a higher level of technical understanding, which could be challenging for newcomers. ​

Which is better, Dex or CEX?

CEXs prioritize convenience, liquidity, and advanced trading features, while DEXs focus on privacy, self-custody, and permissionless access. Neither is inherently “better,” so the right choice depends on whether you value ease of use and fiat access (CEX) or control and decentralization (DEX).

 

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