StellaSwap Crypto Exchange Review: Best DEX for Polkadot and Cross-Chain Swaps?
David Wallace 28 October 2025 27

StellaSwap Staking Rewards Calculator

How Your Rewards Work

StellaSwap distributes 100% of trading fees to STELLA stakers. Your rewards depend on:

  • Your percentage of total STELLA staked
  • Total platform trading volume (daily)

StellaSwap isn’t another DeFi platform trying to be everything to everyone. It’s a focused, high-performance decentralized exchange built specifically for the Polkadot ecosystem - and it’s doing something most other DEXs can’t: letting you trade across blockchains with one click. If you’re tired of juggling wallets, complex bridging steps, or slippage that eats into your profits, StellaSwap might be the answer you didn’t know you needed.

What Is StellaSwap?

StellaSwap is a decentralized exchange (DEX) running on Moonbeam, an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible parachain in the Polkadot network. Unlike centralized exchanges like Binance or Coinbase, you never deposit your coins into a third-party account. Instead, you connect your wallet - usually MetaMask - and trade directly from your own funds. That means no KYC, no custody risk, and full control over your assets.

Launched in 2022, StellaSwap quickly became the largest DEX on Polkadot. Why? Because it solves real problems. Most Polkadot-based DEXs require you to use Polkadot.js, a wallet most Ethereum users find confusing. StellaSwap removes that barrier. If you’re used to MetaMask on Ethereum, you can use it here too. No new wallet setup. No learning curve. Just plug in and start trading.

How StellaSwap Works

StellaSwap uses an Automated Market Maker (AMM) model, like Uniswap or SushiSwap. That means there are no order books. Instead, liquidity pools - pools of paired tokens - determine prices based on supply and demand. But here’s where it gets interesting: StellaSwap is optimized for low slippage. That’s a big deal. On many DEXs, swapping large amounts of a token causes the price to move dramatically against you. StellaSwap’s design minimizes that, making it better for traders who want to move bigger positions without getting ripped off.

It also supports cross-chain swaps via integrations with Axelar and other protocols. Want to swap DOT from Polkadot to USDT on Ethereum? You don’t need to bridge manually. You don’t need to wait for confirmations on two chains. You pick your tokens, click ‘Swap’, and StellaSwap handles the rest. It’s like using a regular app - not a blockchain terminal.

And it’s not just trading. You can stake, farm yield, or use liquid staking - all from the same interface. The platform even lets you stake a single token (like STELLA) and automatically splits it into the right ratio for a liquidity pool. That’s huge for beginners. Most DeFi platforms make you manually balance two tokens. StellaSwap does it for you.

The STELLA Token: Governance and Rewards

StellaSwap’s native token, STELLA, isn’t just a utility token. It’s the backbone of the protocol’s governance and revenue sharing. Holders can vote on proposals - like fee structures, new token listings, or protocol upgrades. But here’s the kicker: staking STELLA gives you a share of 100% of the platform’s trading fees. That’s rare. Most DEXs give out only a portion of fees to liquidity providers. StellaSwap gives it all to token stakers.

As of October 2025, STELLA is listed on CoinGecko with a trading volume of over $717 million since launch. That’s not Binance-level, but for a niche DEX on Polkadot, it’s strong. The token has seen price predictions ranging from $0.033 to $0.043 by late 2025, according to aggregated models from 3Commas, Wallet Investor, and Coinbase. While these are just forecasts, they reflect confidence in the platform’s growth within its ecosystem.

What You Can Trade

StellaSwap doesn’t list hundreds of tokens. It lists 13 coins and 14 trading pairs - all carefully chosen from the Polkadot ecosystem. You’ll find DOT, GLMR, ASTAR, KSM, and other native tokens. You won’t find random memecoins or obscure tokens that vanish in a week. That’s intentional. By limiting the list, StellaSwap ensures deeper liquidity for each pair, which means tighter spreads and better prices.

Compare that to Uniswap, which lists over 10,000 tokens. Uniswap is a jungle. StellaSwap is a curated garden. If you’re trading Polkadot-native assets, you’ll find everything you need. If you’re looking for Solana or Avalanche tokens, you’ll need another platform.

A trader holding the STELLA token as trading fees rain down as golden coins into a stakers' vault.

Charts, Tools, and User Experience

StellaSwap integrates TradingView - the same charting engine used by professional traders on centralized exchanges. You get candlestick charts, indicators, drawing tools, and real-time data. That’s not common on DEXs. Most DeFi platforms offer basic price graphs. StellaSwap gives you the tools to analyze trends, set alerts, and plan trades like a pro.

The interface is clean. No clutter. No pop-ups. You can swap, add liquidity, stake, and view your portfolio without jumping between tabs. The platform is designed for users who want efficiency, not confusion. Even the fee structure is transparent: 0.3% per trade, with no hidden costs.

Who Is StellaSwap For?

StellaSwap isn’t for everyone. If you’re a casual trader who just wants to buy Bitcoin and hold it, skip it. But if you’re into DeFi, especially on Polkadot, this is one of the most powerful tools you can use.

  • Ethereum users exploring Polkadot? This is your on-ramp. MetaMask works. No new wallet needed.
  • Polkadot holders wanting better liquidity and lower slippage? You’re in the right place.
  • Yield farmers looking for high APRs with automatic rebalancing? The single-token staking feature is a game-changer.
  • Cross-chain traders who hate bridging? The one-click swaps save hours of manual work.

It’s not ideal for users who want massive token variety, high-volume trading on major pairs like BTC/ETH, or fiat on-ramps. But for its niche - Polkadot DeFi - it’s unmatched.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Low slippage trading optimized for Polkadot assets
  • One-click cross-chain swaps via Axelar
  • EVM compatibility = use MetaMask, no Polkadot.js required
  • TradingView charts for advanced analysis
  • Single-token staking auto-balances liquidity positions
  • 100% of trading fees go to STELLA stakers
  • Integrated with top DeFi protocols like Beefy Finance and Algebra

Cons

  • Only 13 tokens listed - too limited for broad crypto traders
  • No fiat on-ramp - you need crypto already to use it
  • Dependent on Moonbeam’s performance and adoption
  • Low public discussion on Reddit or Trustpilot - hard to gauge user sentiment
  • Tax tracking required: transactions are on-chain and traceable
A beginner staking STELLA token that auto-balances into DOT and GLMR pools, surrounded by clean digital controls.

StellaSwap vs. Other DEXs

Here’s how StellaSwap stacks up against two key alternatives:

StellaSwap vs. Polkadex vs. Uniswap
Feature StellaSwap Polkadex Uniswap
Network Moonbeam (Polkadot) Polkadot (non-EVM) Ethereum
Wallet Support MetaMask, WalletConnect Polkadot.js only MetaMask, WalletConnect
Cross-Chain Swaps Yes (1-click) No Yes (via third-party bridges)
Trading Pairs 14 20+ 10,000+
Charting Tools TradingView Basic Basic
Single-Token Staking Yes No No
Fee Distribution 100% to STELLA stakers 100% to LPs 0% to governance token

StellaSwap wins on user experience and cross-chain ease. Polkadex has more pairs but is harder to use. Uniswap has more tokens but no Polkadot integration. If you’re in the Polkadot space, StellaSwap is the smartest choice.

Is StellaSwap Safe?

Yes - with caveats. It’s built on Moonbeam, which is a secured parachain on Polkadot. That means it inherits the security of Polkadot’s relay chain, which is one of the most robust in crypto. Smart contracts have been audited by reputable firms, and the code is open-source.

But safety in DeFi isn’t just about audits. It’s about you. If you send funds to the wrong address, or approve a malicious contract, there’s no customer service to help you. Always double-check token addresses. Never click random links. Use a hardware wallet for large amounts.

Also, remember: your transactions are public. Tax agencies can track them. If you’re trading frequently, use a crypto tax tool like Koinly or TokenTax to stay compliant.

How to Get Started

  1. Install MetaMask (or any EVM wallet).
  2. Add the Moonbeam network manually (RPC: https://rpc.api.moonbeam.network, Chain ID: 1284).
  3. Buy GLMR (Moonbeam’s native token) on a centralized exchange and send it to your wallet.
  4. Go to app.stellaswap.com and connect your wallet.
  5. Swap, stake, or add liquidity - all with one click.

That’s it. No forms. No waiting. No approval delays.

Final Verdict

StellaSwap isn’t trying to beat Binance. It’s trying to be the best DEX for Polkadot users - and it’s winning. If you’re already in the Polkadot ecosystem, or you’re an Ethereum user looking to explore it, this is the most seamless, powerful, and efficient gateway available.

Its combination of low slippage, cross-chain swaps, TradingView charts, and single-token staking makes it stand out. The limited token list isn’t a flaw - it’s a feature. It means better liquidity, better prices, and less noise.

STELLA token holders have a real stake in the platform’s success. That alignment of incentives is rare. And with Moonbeam continuing to grow, StellaSwap’s future looks solid.

Just don’t expect to trade Solana or Cardano here. Stick to Polkadot-native assets, and you’ll find one of the cleanest, most powerful DeFi tools on the market.

Is StellaSwap a centralized exchange?

No, StellaSwap is a decentralized exchange (DEX). You trade directly from your wallet using smart contracts. There’s no central authority holding your funds, no KYC, and no withdrawal delays.

Can I use MetaMask with StellaSwap?

Yes. StellaSwap runs on Moonbeam, which is EVM-compatible. You can connect MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or any other EVM wallet without needing Polkadot.js.

How do I get STELLA tokens?

You can buy STELLA directly on StellaSwap by swapping other tokens like GLMR or DOT. It’s also listed on a few smaller exchanges, but the DEX itself is the most reliable source.

Is StellaSwap good for beginners?

Yes - if you’re new to Polkadot DeFi. The interface is clean, and features like single-token staking remove complexity. But you still need to understand basic crypto safety: never share your seed phrase, always verify contract addresses, and start with small amounts.

Does StellaSwap have a mobile app?

No, there’s no official mobile app. But you can access StellaSwap through the MetaMask mobile browser. Just open the app, go to the website, and connect your wallet.

What are the fees on StellaSwap?

StellaSwap charges a 0.3% trading fee on every swap. There are no hidden fees. You also pay network gas fees (in GLMR) to execute transactions on Moonbeam.

Can I stake STELLA without providing liquidity?

Yes. You can stake STELLA alone and earn a share of protocol fees without adding liquidity. The platform automatically handles the balance for you, so you don’t need to pair it with another token.

Is StellaSwap profitable for liquidity providers?

It can be. LPs earn 0.25% of each trade in their pool, plus rewards from staking STELLA. The platform’s low slippage and focused token list help maintain stable liquidity. However, impermanent loss still applies - especially with volatile pairs.

StellaSwap is a precision tool for a specific job: making Polkadot DeFi simple, efficient, and profitable. It doesn’t try to be the biggest. It just tries to be the best - and for its niche, it succeeds.