Both have pool-based swap products, but the relevant version, network and pool can change the comparison. Compare the same asset pair and total received value. The table describes architecture and evidence; it does not declare a universally cheaper exchange.
| Compare the details | Uniswap ↗ | PancakeSwap ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | DEX / liquidity pools | DEX / liquidity pools |
| Network scope | Ethereum & supported networks | BNB Chain & supported networks |
| Mechanism | Liquidity pools; concentrated liquidity in v3/v4 | Liquidity pools, smart routing and Infinity hooks |
| Cost model | Pool-dependent | Pool / route-dependent |
| Evidence status | Source-backed | Source-backed |
| Assessment | A useful starting point for researching pool-based swaps. Compare the exact network, token pair and pool version: a single Uniswap fee does not describe every route. | Compare PancakeSwap by the selected pool and route. Its Infinity architecture makes an old, universal fee claim an unreliable shortcut. |
| Key question | Which pool version and network will execute this trade? | Does the displayed fee refer to V2, V3, Infinity or the full route? |
| Last updated | 2026-09-05 | 2026-09-05 |
| Reviewed | 5 Nov 2026 | 5 Nov 2026 |
| Custody / funds control | Published policy Smart-contract liquidity pools; designed for self-custody. Pool deposits and approvals introduce contract exposure. Scope: Uniswap protocolHow Uniswap works ↗Policy source checked | Not yet established in this profile. |
| Registration | Published policy Direct protocol access is permissionless. Requirements of particular interfaces and on-ramps are separate. Scope: Core protocol, not every interfaceHow Uniswap works ↗Policy source checked | Not yet established in this profile. |
| Identity checks / KYC | Not yet established in this profile. | Not yet established in this profile. |
| Refund / failed-transfer terms | Published policy Core contracts cannot reverse executed trades. Scope: Core protocolHow Uniswap works ↗Policy source checked | Not yet established in this profile. |
| Data retention | Not yet established in this profile. | Not yet established in this profile. |
| Access restrictions | Not yet established in this profile. | Not yet established in this profile. |
| Website & Tor | Official website / docs ↗Tor: no confirmed address | Official website / docs ↗Tor: no confirmed address |
Pool fees by version
| Version | Uniswap | PancakeSwap |
|---|---|---|
| v2 | 0.30% | 0.25% in the cited swap documentation |
| v3 | Standard tiers: 0.05%, 0.30%, 1%; additional tiers can be enabled | EVM tiers: 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.25%, 1%. Solana CLMM tiers differ. |
| Newer pool designs | v4 supports flexible and dynamic fees | Infinity supports static and dynamic fees |
These percentages do not include every route, interface or network cost. A protocol fee may be a share of a pool fee; do not count it twice. Compare the quoted output and separately charged costs for the same trade.
References: Fees across Uniswap versions ↗ · PancakeSwap swap fees ↗ · PancakeSwap pool and network details ↗ · PancakeSwap Infinity launch ↗.
See the worked example of total swap costs →
Which is cheaper for your trade?
Start with the category and mechanism. Then check the exact route and costs in each full review. Current conditions can change; these records are dated research, not live quotes or a transaction test.
Evidence behind the comparison
- Fees across Uniswap versions ↗Uniswap
- How Uniswap works ↗Uniswap
- PancakeSwap Infinity launch ↗PancakeSwap · Published 2025-04-28
- Fees and routes ↗PancakeSwap · Published 2026-04-24