mySwap is a decentralized exchange built specifically for Starknet, a Layer 2 blockchain solution for Ethereum. Launched in 2023, it's designed to tackle liquidity issues in DeFi by using concentrated liquidity-similar to Uniswap v3 but optimized for Starknet's technology. Unlike centralized exchanges, mySwap doesn't hold your funds. Instead, it connects your wallet directly to liquidity pools, keeping full control in your hands. As of early 2026, it supports over 50 trading pairs across 6 major cryptocurrencies, making it a key player in Starknet's growing DeFi ecosystem.
Starknet itself was created by StarkWare Industries, a company founded in 2018. It uses zero-knowledge proofs (zk-Rollups) to process transactions securely and efficiently. This means faster trades and lower fees compared to Ethereum's main network. mySwap leverages this tech to give users a smooth experience without sacrificing security.
How mySwap Works on Starknet
At its core, mySwap uses Starknet's zk-Rollup technology. This allows the platform to batch transactions off-chain and submit a single proof to Ethereum for validation. The result? Lower gas fees and quicker processing times. For example, a typical trade on mySwap takes under 3 seconds-much faster than many other DEXs.
The platform runs on Cairo, Starknet's custom programming language. This lets developers build smart contracts that scale without compromising security. One standout feature is the 'one-click rebalance' tool. Liquidity providers can adjust their positions easily without multiple complex transactions. This is a big help for users who want to maximize returns without getting bogged down in technical details.
Gas optimization is another major perk. mySwap's architecture slashes transaction costs by 15-20% compared to competitors like JediSwap, according to user reports on Reddit. This makes it ideal for frequent traders who want to keep costs down.
Key Features That Stand Out
- Lowest gas prices: Starknet's efficiency means users pay less in fees per trade.
- Concentrated liquidity: Liquidity providers can set specific price ranges, increasing capital efficiency.
- Wallet compatibility: Works seamlessly with Argent and Braavos wallets-both popular choices for Starknet users.
- Chainlink integration: Reliable price data from trusted oracles ensures accurate trades.
- Non-custodial: Your funds stay in your wallet; mySwap never holds them.
These features combine to create a user-friendly experience that's especially appealing for retail traders. Whether you're swapping tokens or providing liquidity, mySwap streamlines the process without hidden complexities.
mySwap vs Competitors: A Quick Comparison
Let's compare mySwap with other popular DEXs on Starknet and beyond. Here's a breakdown of key metrics:
| Feature | mySwap | JediSwap | Uniswap (Ethereum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Pairs | 50+ | 40 | Thousands |
| Avg. Gas Fee (per trade) | $0.05 | $0.07 | $15+ (Ethereum mainnet) |
| Liquidity Pool Efficiency | High (concentrated) | Medium (standard AMM) | Medium (constant product) |
| User Rating (Slashdot) | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 | N/A (Ethereum) |
| Best For | Small-to-medium trades on Starknet | General Starknet trading | Large institutional trades |
As the table shows, mySwap shines in gas efficiency and liquidity management on Starknet. While Uniswap has more tokens, it's not built for Starknet's ecosystem and has much higher fees. JediSwap is a close competitor, but mySwap's optimizations give it a slight edge in cost savings.
Pros and Cons: The Real Talk
Pros:
- Extremely low transaction fees-ideal for frequent trading.
- Concentrated liquidity model maximizes returns for providers.
- Simple interface with helpful tools like one-click rebalance.
- Strong community support and responsive customer service (avg. 17-minute response time).
Cons:
- Only 50+ trading pairs-limited compared to Ethereum-based DEXs.
- Concentrated liquidity can be confusing for beginners.
- Not suitable for large institutional trades due to shallower pools.
- Requires familiarity with Starknet wallets like Argent or Braavos.
These trade-offs make mySwap perfect for retail users who trade regularly on Starknet but less ideal for those needing a wide token selection or large-volume trades.
Who Should Use mySwap?
mySwap is a solid choice for:
- Active retail traders who want low fees and quick execution.
- Liquidity providers looking to optimize capital usage with concentrated positions.
- Starknet ecosystem users who want a dedicated DEX with strong integration.
It's less suited for:
- Beginners unfamiliar with DeFi concepts like liquidity pools.
- Traders needing hundreds of tokens or high-volume swaps.
- Users on Ethereum mainnet (since it's Starknet-only).
For example, if you're swapping ETH for USDC on Starknet multiple times a week, mySwap's gas savings add up fast. But if you're trying to trade obscure tokens or move large sums, you might need another solution.
What's Next for mySwap?
mySwap has ambitious plans for 2026. The platform is set to integrate Starknet's 'Protostar' upgrade for better cross-chain functionality. This will allow smoother interactions between Starknet and other Layer 2 networks. The team also aims to expand trading pairs to over 100 by mid-2026, addressing past complaints about limited options.
With Starknet's ecosystem growing rapidly-total value locked now exceeds $1 billion-mySwap is well-positioned to grow alongside it. Industry analysts predict a 200-300% increase in Starknet-based trading activity by year-end 2026, which could mean even more users for mySwap.
However, challenges remain. Competition from other DEXs and potential regulatory shifts could impact its growth. But with StarkWare's $282 million in funding and a strong technical foundation, mySwap is built to last.
Is mySwap safe to use?
Yes, mySwap is non-custodial, meaning your funds stay in your wallet at all times. It uses Starknet's zk-Rollup technology for secure transaction validation. However, like all DeFi platforms, it's important to use trusted wallets like Argent or Braavos and double-check contract addresses before interacting.
How does mySwap compare to Uniswap?
mySwap is built specifically for Starknet, while Uniswap runs on Ethereum mainnet. mySwap offers much lower fees (around $0.05 per trade vs. $15+ on Ethereum) and better liquidity efficiency through concentrated pools. However, Uniswap supports thousands of tokens, whereas mySwap has around 50. They serve different needs: mySwap is ideal for Starknet users, Uniswap for Ethereum traders.
What wallets work with mySwap?
mySwap currently supports Argent and Braavos wallets-both designed for Starknet. These wallets handle Starknet transactions securely and integrate smoothly with mySwap's interface. Other wallets like MetaMask don't support Starknet natively, so they won't work with mySwap.
Can I provide liquidity on mySwap?
Yes, mySwap allows liquidity providers to set custom price ranges for their assets. This concentrated liquidity model lets you earn more fees per token compared to traditional DEXs. Just be aware that you'll need to manage price ranges manually or use the one-click rebalance tool to optimize positions.
What are the fees on mySwap?
mySwap charges a 0.3% trading fee per swap, which is standard for DEXs. However, transaction costs (gas fees) are significantly lower due to Starknet's Layer 2 technology-typically under $0.10 per trade. This makes it much cheaper than Ethereum-based DEXs where gas fees can exceed $10 per transaction.
