Edited By
Rajiv Patel
A growing number of people are raising eyebrows over the stark price differences when swapping cryptocurrency on exchanges like Metamask and 1inch. While one user reported nearly $38 in fees using Metamask, 1inch offered a $7 bonus, sparking questions on fees and efficiency in decentralized exchanges (DEX).
The issue surfaced when a user detailed their experience swapping USDT for ETH. They confirmed that additional charges from Metamask, likely due to fees and gas costs, were hefty compared to 1inch. This price gap is prompting many to wonder why they should stick with Metamask for swaps.
Curiously, it appears that while Metamask acts as a wallet and an exchange, its fees can be significantly higher than those from dedicated aggregators like 1inch. One comment captured the sentiment:
"Stop using native swaps tied to wallets, they overcharge you."
Some are questioning if Metamask is merely acting as an intermediary, which leads to these inflated fees. Notably, this is particularly relevant for people linked to hardware wallets like Ledger. A user pointed out that they could save around $40-50 depending on the time spent with each platform.
1inch has gained attention for its arbitrage opportunities, enabling users to get better rates. As it stands, many commenters are looking to specific aggregators:
1inch
Cowswap
Jumperexchange
"Metamask is stealing money with those fees," noted a concerned user.
Feedback from forums reveals a mixed sentiment. Several people are openly questioning the reliability of native wallet swaps.
Joe Lubin from Consensys hinted at upcoming developments by announcing that $MASK may arrive sooner than expected.
Users express frustration about not fully understanding how DEX platforms can offer better deals than wallet-based swaps.
38% higher fees were reported with Metamask compared to 1inch.
1inch shows potential savings of $40-50, making it a preferred choice.
โMetaMask is simply too costly for swaps,โ said a community member.
Itโs clear that individuals are weighing the benefits of each platform as they navigate the complexities of cryptocurrency transactions in 2025. As the debate grows, how will these strategies impact future trades?
There's a strong chance that price discrepancies between Metamask and 1inch could lead to a shift in user preferences. Recent feedback suggests dissatisfaction with Metamask's high fees, and experts estimate that as more people become aware of cheaper alternatives, we might see a significant decrease in traffic on wallet-based swaps. This can push Metamask to reevaluate its fee model to retain users. Additionally, if aggregators like 1inch continue offering better rates, they may attract a larger segment of crypto traders. In the next few months, it's plausible that some DEX platforms will further improve their algorithms, resulting in even more competitive pricing in an effort to dominate the market.
Consider the transition from film to digital photography back in the early 2000s. At first, traditional film companies struggled to adapt as prices for digital cameras fell, and more consumers chose the affordable and efficient alternative. Some brands clung to their old models and eventually faded, while others learned to pivot and innovate. Similarly, as decentralized exchanges gain traction, those that do not adapt their fee structures may face a similar fate as individuals seek out better deals. In both cases, the willingness to evolve in response to competition is essential for survival in a rapidly changing landscape.