#CEXvsDEX101 Centralized Exchanges (CEX) like Binance or Coinbase act as intermediaries, managing your assets and trades. They’re user-friendly, offer high liquidity, and support fiat transactions—but you must trust the platform with your funds. Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) like Uniswap or PancakeSwap let you trade directly from your wallet. You stay in control of your crypto, boosting privacy and security. However, DEXs may have lower liquidity, higher slippage, and a steeper learning curve for beginners. CEXs are often regulated, while DEXs operate on smart contracts without a central authority. Each has pros and cons—CEXs offer convenience, DEXs offer freedom. Understanding both helps you trade smarter and safer in the evolving crypto landscape. Choose based on your goals and risk tolerance.