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Why many de xs feel stuck in 2021 for users in 2025

DEXs Lagging in Speed and Experience | Users Demand Modern Solutions

By

Carlos Mรฉndez

Jun 25, 2025, 04:34 AM

Edited By

Emma Thompson

3 minutes reading time

A person looking frustrated at a computer screen displaying a decentralized exchange with slow loading times and complex design.
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A growing frustration among people using decentralized exchanges (DEXs) highlights a significant issue: many platforms still feel like they belong to 2021. Complaints surged over execution speed and user experience as traders want solutions that reflect technological advancements in 2025.

Slow Execution Gathers Criticism

Many users report that completing trades often drags on, with some noting that it feels like a project to finalize even simple swaps. A user commented, "Trading takes forever to finalize it's like a mini project." This sentiment echoes across forums.

A review of the leading DEX platforms reveals slow confirmation times alongside clunky interfaces, prompting calls for improvement. Some people express uncertainty about security as they fear MEV bots might disrupt their transactions and diminish profits.

Emerging Innovations

Despite complaints about major players in the DEX arena, lesser-known platforms such as Enclave Markets and MinSwap are emerging as innovative alternatives. One user noted, "Enclave has been a major improvement." Meanwhile, MinSwap's performance on the Cardano network has drawn praise for its speed and user experience. It raises the question: can these new players set the standard moving forward?

Block Time Realities

Some users argue that the speed of transactions is inherently tied to the blockchain being used, stating, "A proper DEX does transactions at the speed of the chain block rate." For Bitcoin, that means transactions take about ten minutes. However, with advancements in technology, platforms like Polygon have claimed lightning-fast block times of 2.5 seconds, leading to skepticism about why the user experience feels outdated.

"Why does it feel like we are stuck in 2021 if the block time is seconds?" - User on forums

This contrast highlights the divide between technological capabilities and practical user experiences, emphasizing a demand for modernization.

Key Insights

  • โŒ Many leading DEXs have not improved significantly in execution speed or UX since 2021.

  • โœ… Lesser-known DEXs like Enclave Markets and MinSwap are gaining traction by providing smoother experiences.

  • โณ Speed limitations may be linked to the underlying blockchain technology.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Concerns over transaction integrity and MEV bots are prevalent among traders.

As people continue to express dissatisfaction with existing DEXs, the focus shifts to emerging solutions that promise more efficient trading experiences. The call for modern, user-friendly DEXs has never been louder. Will the next big breakthrough come from established players or innovative newcomers?

Insights on Future Shifts in DEX Landscape

As dissatisfaction with slow DEXs continues, thereโ€™s a strong chance that established players will feel increased pressure to innovate or risk losing their user base. If the trend of users flocking to faster platforms like Enclave Markets and MinSwap persists, we could see major DEXs accelerating their upgrades by as much as 60% within the next year. Experts estimate that improved user experience features will become a prerequisite for success in this space, prompting many platforms to adapt quickly or face obsolescence. The cryptocurrency marketโ€™s competitive spirit may fuel an unexpected race, yielding dramatic breakthroughs that could redefine how trading occurs.

Bridging the Past with the Present

The current situation mirrors the early days of online banking in the late '90s, where many traditional banks lagged in offering user-friendly digital services. As more agile startups entered the space, they introduced features that transformed user expectations overnight. Just as those early online innovators drove their larger counterparts to rapidly enhance their offerings, todayโ€™s nimble DEXs could force the industry giants to elevate their game. This historical parallel serves to remind us that periods of stagnation often precede disruptive innovations, paving the way for vibrant new solutions in the tech landscape.