What Is a DEX Aggregator?
A DEX aggregator is a router. You ask to swap token A for token B. It looks at many AMMs and pools, sometimes splits the order, and tries to give you more B after fees than any single venue would. Jupiter is that job on Solana. 1inch and Uniswap's own router do versions of it on Ethereum.
How It Actually Works
- The aggregator does not hold your coins. Your wallet signs a transaction that hits the router contract, which hits the pools. If the final number is worse than your slippage limit, it should revert.
- Good routing is a real edge on mid-size trades. It cannot invent liquidity that is not there. Junk in, junk out.
- Some aggregators add MEV protection or private relays. That is a bonus, not a reason to loosen slippage. See private mempools.
Risks and Common Mistakes
- Approving the aggregator for unlimited token spend and never revoking. Same approval hygiene as any dapp. Revoke.cash.
- Using a fake aggregator site. Bookmark the real one. The reviews hub is a safer door than a search ad.
When It Matters
Any swap large enough that 0.3% matters, and any time you were about to pick a pool by vibes. For Solana, Jupiter is the default. For Ethereum, compare, then keep slippage tight.
Related Terms
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