What is 1inch (1INCH) crypto coin? A simple guide to the top DEX aggregator token

1inch Trade Savings Calculator

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Based on article example: 1.2% slippage on single DEX vs 0.4% on 1inch (0.8% difference)

If you’ve ever tried swapping crypto on a decentralized exchange and ended up paying way more than expected, you’re not alone. That’s where 1inch comes in. It’s not just another crypto coin - it’s the behind-the-scenes tool that helps thousands of traders get the best possible price across dozens of decentralized exchanges. The 1INCH token is the fuel that powers this system, giving users voting rights and discounts while helping keep the whole network running.

What exactly is 1inch?

1inch is a decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator. That means it doesn’t trade crypto itself. Instead, it looks at dozens of other DEXs - like Uniswap, SushiSwap, and Balancer - all at once, finds the cheapest rate for your trade, and splits your order across multiple platforms to save you money. Think of it like a flight search engine, but for crypto swaps. You tell it what you want to trade (say, ETH for USDC), and it finds the best route, often saving you 0.5% to 1.5% in slippage compared to going to a single exchange.

It started as a project built in just 48 hours during an ETHGlobal hackathon in May 2019. The founders, Surjey Kunz and Anton Bukov, noticed that traders were losing money because liquidity was spread too thin across different DEXs. One exchange might have a great price for ETH/USDC, but another had better liquidity for the exact same pair. 1inch solved that by connecting them all.

What is the 1INCH token for?

The 1INCH token is the native cryptocurrency of the 1inch Network. It’s not a currency you use to pay for coffee - it’s a governance and utility token. Here’s what it actually does:

  • Vote on changes - Holders can propose and vote on upgrades, fee structures, and new features. In early 2023, over 14,700 wallet addresses participated in governance votes, up from just 3,200 the year before.
  • Get fee discounts - Using 1INCH to pay for gas or trading fees gives you up to 25% off on the 1inch platform.
  • Earn rewards - You can stake your 1INCH tokens to earn more, or provide liquidity to earn trading fees.

The total supply is capped at 1.5 billion tokens. About 39% of those were allocated to community rewards, meaning regular users like you can earn them by trading, staking, or participating in the network. Another 22.7% went to ecosystem development - funding new tools, integrations, and partnerships.

How does 1inch actually save you money?

Here’s a real example: Let’s say you want to swap $50,000 worth of USDC for DAI. On Uniswap alone, you might lose 1.2% due to slippage - that’s $600 gone before you even finish the trade. But 1inch’s Pathfinder algorithm scans over 200 liquidity sources in under a second. It might split your trade: $20,000 through SushiSwap, $15,000 through Curve, $10,000 through Balancer, and the rest through Kyber. The result? Slippage drops to just 0.4%. You save $400 on one trade.

This isn’t theoretical. In April 2023, one user saved $1,247 on a $150,000 ETH to USDC swap by using 1inch instead of going directly to a single DEX. That’s the kind of real-world savings that keeps traders coming back.

It also uses something called the CHI gas token to cut Ethereum transaction fees. When the network is busy, gas prices spike. CHI lets you store gas credits during low-traffic times and use them later, reducing fees by 20-40%. It’s like buying fuel when it’s cheap and using it when prices are high.

Is 1inch safe?

Yes - and here’s why. 1inch is non-custodial. That means your crypto never leaves your wallet. You sign the transaction yourself. No one holds your keys. The platform doesn’t have access to your funds. This is core to how DeFi works.

It also has one of the strongest anti-MEV (miner extractable value) protections in DeFi. MEV is when miners sneak in front of your trade to profit from your own order. 1inch’s Fusion mechanism hides your trade intent until the last possible moment, making it nearly impossible for miners to front-run you. Trail of Bits, a top blockchain security firm, called it “one of the most effective MEV mitigation strategies in production.”

Still, no system is perfect. Sometimes trades fail during Ethereum congestion - about 8.3% of transactions during peak times don’t go through. And if a token has almost no liquidity anywhere, 1inch can’t magically create it. But for most major tokens, it’s the most reliable way to trade.

A friendly robot scanning a marketplace of crypto price tags, creating a golden trade route while a CHI gas token glows in its pocket.

Where can you use 1inch?

Originally built on Ethereum, 1inch now works on seven major blockchains: BNB Chain, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, Avalanche, Gnosis Chain, and of course, Ethereum. That means you can swap tokens on cheaper, faster networks without leaving the same interface.

You can access it through the web app at app.1inch.io or through any wallet that supports WalletConnect - like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or Coinbase Wallet. The interface shows you exactly how your trade is being routed, how much you’ll save, and what the gas cost will be before you confirm.

There’s also the 1inch Wallet, a standalone app launched in late 2022 with over 1.2 million monthly users. It includes a portfolio tracker that pulls in your holdings across 15 blockchains - no more juggling 10 different dashboards.

How does 1inch compare to other DEX aggregators?

As of mid-2023, 1inch handled about 22.7% of the total DEX aggregator market volume, putting it second behind Matcha (28.1%) but ahead of Paraswap (18.9%) and CowSwap (12.4%).

DEX Aggregator Comparison (Q2 2023)
Platform Market Share Supported Chains Key Advantage
Matcha 28.1% Ethereum, Polygon Simple UI, strong retail focus
1inch 22.7% 7+ chains Best routing, MEV protection, multi-chain
Paraswap 18.9% Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum Low fees, good for small trades
CowSwap 12.4% Ethereum Batch auctions, no slippage

1inch wins on depth - it supports more chains and has more advanced routing logic. Matcha is easier for beginners. CowSwap avoids slippage entirely but only works on Ethereum. 1inch gives you the most control and the most options.

What’s next for 1inch?

The team is moving toward full decentralization. In 2023, they announced a roadmap to transition into a DAO where the 1INCH token holders run the platform - no company, no central team. Governance participation has tripled in a year.

They’re also rolling out Liquidity Protocol V4, which will cut gas costs by another 30-50% by batching multiple trades into one transaction. That’s huge for small traders.

On the compliance side, 1inch works with TRM Labs to screen wallets for sanctions and money laundering risks. They’ve flagged hundreds of high-risk addresses - something most DeFi platforms don’t even try to do. That’s a sign they’re preparing for stricter global regulations.

A diverse group of users at a glowing table with a holographic 1inch interface and a blockchain tree above, with 1INCH tokens floating like fruit.

Who uses 1inch?

Mostly retail traders - 82% of trades come from individual users. But institutional use is growing fast. In Q2 2023, institutions made up 18% of volume, up from just 9% the year before. Hedge funds and crypto funds use it because it’s reliable, secure, and gives them better prices than centralized exchanges.

On Reddit, users praise it for “consistently better rates on large swaps.” On Trustpilot, it has a 4.3/5 rating based on nearly 200 reviews. The main complaints? Occasional failed transactions during network spikes and a UI that feels overwhelming if you’re new to DeFi.

But if you’re doing anything beyond small, simple swaps - and you care about saving money - 1inch is the tool most serious DeFi users turn to.

How to get started with 1inch

It’s easier than it sounds:

  1. Get a crypto wallet like MetaMask or Trust Wallet.
  2. Deposit some ETH or another supported token.
  3. Go to app.1inch.io and connect your wallet.
  4. Select the tokens you want to swap.
  5. Look at the route breakdown - it shows you exactly which exchanges it’s using.
  6. Adjust slippage tolerance (5% is safe for most trades).
  7. Click Swap and confirm the transaction.

First-time users usually take 15-20 minutes to complete their first trade. The platform walks you through each step. No need to be a coder.

If you’re holding 1INCH tokens, you’ll see a discount applied automatically when you trade. That’s your reward for being part of the network.

Is 1inch a good investment?

1INCH isn’t designed to be a speculative asset like Bitcoin. Its value comes from utility - the more people trade on 1inch, the more demand there is for the token. If you’re active in DeFi, holding 1INCH gives you discounts, voting rights, and staking rewards. But if you’re just buying crypto hoping it’ll pump, it’s not the best bet. Its price moves with DeFi usage, not hype.

Can I earn interest on 1INCH?

Yes. You can stake 1INCH tokens on the 1inch platform to earn a portion of trading fees. Rates vary depending on market conditions, but historically they’ve ranged between 5% and 12% APY. You can also provide liquidity to 1inch’s pools on Uniswap or other DEXs to earn additional rewards.

Is 1inch regulated?

1inch operates as a decentralized protocol, so it doesn’t answer to any single government. But it’s one of the few DeFi platforms actively working with blockchain analytics firms like TRM Labs to comply with AML and sanctions rules. This could help it avoid regulatory crackdowns that have hit other DeFi projects.

Why does 1inch have so many tokens?

The 1.5 billion token supply was designed to reward the community over time. Only 9.9% was sold at launch. The rest is being distributed gradually through trading rewards, staking, and ecosystem grants. This prevents early investors from dumping and gives everyday users a fair shot.

Does 1inch work on mobile?

Yes. You can use the 1inch app on iOS and Android, or connect your mobile wallet (like Trust Wallet or MetaMask Mobile) to the web version via WalletConnect. The mobile experience is smooth and mirrors the desktop interface.

Final thoughts

1inch isn’t flashy. It doesn’t have a celebrity mascot or a viral meme. But it solves a real, expensive problem in DeFi: fragmented liquidity. If you trade crypto regularly, especially in amounts over $1,000, using 1inch can save you hundreds - even thousands - of dollars a year. The 1INCH token isn’t just a coin; it’s your ticket to better prices, lower fees, and a say in how the platform evolves. For anyone serious about decentralized trading, it’s not optional - it’s essential.

20 Comments

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    jack leon

    November 21, 2025 AT 08:10

    1inch is the real MVP of DeFi. I did a $200k swap last week and saved $3,100 in slippage alone. The Pathfinder algorithm is like having a hedge fund quant in your pocket. No other aggregator even comes close. CHI gas token? Genius. This isn’t crypto, it’s financial warfare and 1inch is the stealth bomber.

    Stop using Uniswap like it’s 2020. You’re leaving money on the table.

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    Chris G

    November 23, 2025 AT 03:56

    1inch is just a wrapper around other DEXs. The token is useless. You’re not owning anything you’re just paying gas to get a slightly better rate. The whole thing is a glorified API call.

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    Dexter Guarujá

    November 24, 2025 AT 19:08

    Look at the market share numbers. 22.7%? That’s pathetic. Matcha’s got better UI, CowSwap’s got batch auctions, and Paraswap’s cheaper. 1inch is just the default choice because people are lazy. It’s not better, it’s just the one everyone remembers from 2021.

    And don’t get me started on that 1.5B supply. That’s inflationary garbage. Real crypto has a cap.

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    vinay kumar

    November 25, 2025 AT 00:23

    why do people care so much about saving 0.5% when you can just use binance and pay 0.1%
    decentralized is just a buzzword for slower and more expensive

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    Chris Popovec

    November 26, 2025 AT 18:58

    They say it’s non-custodial but have you seen how many MEV bots are front-running 1inch trades? The Fusion mechanism is a joke. It’s just obfuscation. The real reason it’s popular is because the team has cozy ties with a few big liquidity providers.

    And don’t believe the ‘community governance’ crap. The top 10 wallets hold 42% of the token. The votes are rigged. You think you’re participating? You’re just a puppet.

    The CHI gas token? That’s just a way to centralize gas optimization under their control. It’s a backdoor. I’ve seen the contracts. It’s not open. It’s controlled. They’re building a walled garden and calling it decentralized.

    And now they’re working with TRM Labs? That’s not compliance, that’s surrender. You’re letting the government monitor your trades through a ‘DeFi’ platform. What’s next? KYC on the wallet connect screen?

    They’re not saving you money. They’re selling you a fantasy wrapped in a whitepaper and a slick UI. Wake up. This isn’t finance. It’s a cult with a token.

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    Rob Sutherland

    November 27, 2025 AT 03:32

    There’s something poetic about 1inch. It doesn’t scream. It doesn’t have a dog mascot or a meme coin. It just quietly solves a problem that most people didn’t even know they had.

    It’s like the librarian of DeFi - no fanfare, just shelves of liquidity, organized, silent, efficient.

    We don’t need more hype. We need more tools that don’t try to be everything. 1inch is the quiet hero. It doesn’t need to be a moonshot. It just needs to work.

    And for those who say it’s not ‘real’ crypto - tell that to the guy who saved $1,247 on a swap. He didn’t need a manifesto. He just needed a better route.

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    Tim Lynch

    November 28, 2025 AT 03:18

    Every time I see someone praise 1inch, I think about how much of DeFi is just optimization.

    We’re not building a new economy. We’re just trying to shave milliseconds and basis points off a broken system.

    1inch is the ultimate expression of that - a machine that stitches together the fragments of a fractured market. It doesn’t change the rules. It just plays them better.

    But here’s the real question - if you need a tool this complex just to swap two tokens… is the system working?

    Or are we all just gluing duct tape to a sinking ship and calling it innovation?

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    Khalil Nooh

    November 28, 2025 AT 23:49

    Let me tell you something - if you’re not using 1inch, you’re literally throwing money into the Ethereum void. Every single trade you make on a single DEX is a tax you didn’t have to pay.

    Think of it like this: You’re at a flea market. You want to buy a vintage watch. One vendor says $100. Another says $95. Another says $92. But you can only talk to one. Now imagine you had a magic app that scanned ALL the vendors at once, negotiated for you, and split the purchase across three stalls to get you the best deal - AND you got a discount for using the app.

    That’s 1inch. And if you’re not using it, you’re not a trader. You’re a donor.

    Stop being cheap. Use the tool. Save money. Be smart. Your future self will thank you.

    Also - stake your 1INCH. It’s free money. Don’t be lazy.

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    Leisa Mason

    November 29, 2025 AT 00:06

    Oh please. Another 1inch apologist. The ‘best routing’ is a myth. The algorithm is opaque, the gas savings are negligible after fees, and the governance is a theater. The token is overvalued because it’s the only one with a decent UI.

    And the ‘anti-MEV’ claims? That’s PR. MEV is still rampant. I’ve seen the blockchain. The front-running bots are still winning. You’re just being sold a lie wrapped in a whitepaper.

    Also - why do people think saving 0.4% on a $50k trade is ‘life-changing’? You’re trading crypto, not negotiating a house. Get real.

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    Frank Verhelst

    November 30, 2025 AT 21:32

    1inch? Bro I use it every day 🤝💸

    Just did a $12k USDC to DAI swap - saved $87 in slippage AND got 15% off gas with my 1INCH stake. Life is good.

    Also the mobile app is fire. No more juggling 5 wallets. One tap and I’m done. 🚀

    Stop overthinking it. Just use it. You’ll thank me later.

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    diljit singh

    December 2, 2025 AT 03:00

    1inch is for people who don’t understand liquidity
    if you need an aggregator you’re doing crypto wrong
    just buy on binance and move on
    why waste time on this overcomplicated mess
    decentralized is just a buzzword for slow and expensive
    you’re not saving money you’re paying for complexity

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    Jennifer Corley

    December 2, 2025 AT 09:10

    Did anyone else notice how the ‘community rewards’ are mostly going to whales who traded during the first 3 months of launch? The 39% allocation sounds generous until you realize most of it was claimed by 200 addresses.

    And now they’re adding compliance? That’s not decentralization. That’s a pre-emptive surrender to the SEC.

    This isn’t a protocol. It’s a startup with a token.

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    Melina Lane

    December 2, 2025 AT 09:22

    Hey newbies - if you’re reading this and thinking ‘this sounds complicated’ - I get it. I was there.

    But here’s the truth: 1inch is the easiest way to not get ripped off. I started with $500 swaps. Now I do $20k. The interface walks you through it. The numbers are right there. You don’t need to be a coder.

    Just try one trade. See the route. See the savings. It’s like turning on headlights in the dark.

    You don’t have to love it. Just give it a shot. You might be surprised.

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    Abhishek Anand

    December 3, 2025 AT 09:12

    1inch is not a tool. It is a symptom.

    It exists because liquidity is fragmented, because Ethereum is congested, because decentralized finance is still in its infancy and bleeding capital through inefficiency.

    It does not solve the problem. It mitigates it.

    And the token? It is a governance placebo. A digital placebo for people who want to believe they control something they do not.

    We are not building a new financial system. We are optimizing the ruins of the old one.

    1inch is the finest scalpel in a surgeon’s toolkit - but the patient is still dying.

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    andrew casey

    December 4, 2025 AT 11:39

    While it is undeniable that 1inch provides a technically sophisticated aggregation mechanism, one must critically assess the epistemological underpinnings of its purported decentralization. The integration of centralized compliance infrastructure via TRM Labs fundamentally undermines the ontological integrity of the protocol as a truly decentralized autonomous entity.

    Furthermore, the economic incentives embedded within the tokenomics structure exhibit a clear hierarchical concentration of utility, thereby reifying centralized control under the guise of participatory governance.

    One is compelled to ask: Is this innovation - or merely a more elegant form of rent extraction?

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    Lani Manalansan

    December 5, 2025 AT 07:24

    As someone who’s used 1inch across 7 chains - from Ethereum to Gnosis - I can say it’s the only aggregator that feels truly cross-chain.

    I used to jump between 4 different apps. Now I use one. It’s like having one key for five doors.

    And the portfolio tracker? Game changer. I can see all my tokens, staking rewards, even my LP positions across chains - no more spreadsheet hell.

    Also, the UI is actually nice. Not flashy, but clean. Like a Swiss watch.

    It’s not perfect, but it’s the most reliable thing in DeFi right now. I trust it more than most exchanges.

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    Charan Kumar

    December 6, 2025 AT 06:30

    in india we use 1inch for swapping usdt to dai because binance is blocked
    and gas is cheaper on polygon
    so we just use 1inch on polygon and save money
    no drama no hype
    just work
    and yes we use 1inch token for discount
    it helps
    simple

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    Roshan Varghese

    December 6, 2025 AT 11:11

    1inch is a fed shill. They work with TRM Labs? That’s not compliance - that’s a backdoor for the feds to track your swaps. You think you’re free? You’re being watched. The CHI token? It’s a trap. They control the gas. They control the route. They control your money. This isn’t crypto. It’s surveillance capitalism with a blockchain logo.

    And don’t tell me about ‘community governance’ - the top 10 wallets own half the supply. You’re just a puppet. Wake up.

    Use a direct swap. Use a private wallet. Don’t trust the algorithm. It’s not helping you. It’s harvesting you.

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    Lara Ross

    December 7, 2025 AT 16:13

    For anyone thinking 1inch is too complex - you’re not trying hard enough. It’s not about being a coder. It’s about being smart.

    Look at the numbers before you click. See the route. See the savings. See the discount. It’s all right there.

    And if you’re holding 1INCH? Stake it. You’re not losing anything. You’re gaining. You’re part of the network.

    This isn’t hype. It’s efficiency. And efficiency is power.

    Stop waiting for someone to hand you a perfect system. Build your own advantage. Use 1inch. It’s not magic. It’s math. And math doesn’t lie.

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    Phil Taylor

    December 9, 2025 AT 06:59

    1inch? That’s just an American tool. Why does it support 7 chains? Because Americans think they can dominate everything. In Europe, we use better tools. More transparent. Less bloated. Less corporate.

    And the tokenomics? A joke. 1.5 billion tokens? That’s American inflation. Real crypto doesn’t inflate like that.

    Also - ‘anti-MEV’? Please. The only reason it’s not worse is because the MEV bots are too busy chasing American traders.

    It’s not the best. It’s just the loudest.

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