DefiLlama vs DEX Screener: DeFi analytics vs DEX trading
DefiLlama is an open-source DeFi analytics platform covering more than 7,000 protocols across over 500 blockchain networks. DEX Screener tracks live decentralized-exchange pairs, liquidity, volume, and prices across more than 60 chains.
Scope forms the main difference. Covering TVL, protocol fees, revenue, stablecoins, yields, token unlocks, and exploit history, DefiLlama contrasts with DEX Screener, which focuses on pair discovery, TradingView charts, order flow tickers, and price alerts. Both offer free core access without account registration or wallet connection. Basic API access on DefiLlama is free, while high-volume access costs $250 per month. DEX Screener provides a free public API alongside native iOS and Android apps.
Quick verdict
The deciding difference is the type of market data each platform organizes. DefiLlama is built for protocol-level research across more than 500 chains, including TVL, fees, revenue, stablecoin supplies, yields, and a database covering more than 1,200 DeFi hacks. Built instead for live DEX activity, DEX Screener delivers pair screening, raw transaction indexing, TradingView charts, liquidity figures, and alerts across more than 60 chains. Core access on both sites requires neither an account nor a wallet connection, so users never hand custody to either platform for those features.
Choose DefiLlama if coverage across 500-plus networks, yield pools, stablecoin flows, or exploit history matters more than mobile access. Standard dashboards and its basic API are free, while high-volume API access costs $250 per month. LlamaSwap adds zero platform-level routing fees.
Choose DEX Screener if live token-pair charts, newly created liquidity pools, price alerts, or native mobile access are the priority. Its charting terminal is free and available globally through web browsers and mobile apps. Paid token boosts and profile placements can appear in discovery products.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Data quality | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Features | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Pricing | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Coverage | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Specs | ||
| Tool type | Market data, Dashboards | Market data, Dashboards |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Paid plans from (per month) | Not disclosed | Free |
| Chains covered | 500 | 60 |
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Alerts | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Mobile app | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2020 | 2021 |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Investors | Not disclosed | Buckley Ventures, DGF Investimentos |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Best for | DeFi researchers tracking protocol revenue, Yield farmers comparing pool APYs, Developers needing free on-chain data APIs | On-chain decentralized exchange traders, Tracking newly launched liquidity pools, Multi-chain token price screening |
Highlighted cells show the stronger value in each row. Data comes from each provider's site and public sources; check details before you sign up.
FAQ
Is DefiLlama cheaper than DEX Screener?
Both offer free core access, but DefiLlama charges $250 per month for dedicated high-volume API access. DEX Screener's charting terminal and mobile apps are free, while token projects pay for boosts and profile placements.
Which platform covers more blockchains?
DefiLlama covers more than 500 blockchain networks, compared with more than 60 chains for DEX Screener. DefiLlama also tracks more than 7,000 protocols and over 50,000 liquidity and lending pools.
Do DefiLlama or DEX Screener require a wallet?
Neither requires an account or wallet connection for core access. DEX Screener also supports in-panel trading, while DefiLlama includes the LlamaSwap routing aggregator.
Which is better for live token charts?
DEX Screener is the more focused option for live token charts and DEX pair discovery. It has TradingView charts, liquidity and volume data, pair screening, and price alerts across more than 60 chains.
Which platform has mobile apps?
DEX Screener has native iOS and Android apps with pair monitoring, watchlists, and multichain alerts. DefiLlama's listed core products are web dashboards, APIs, LlamaSwap, and LlamaAI.