Comparison of Pancakeswap vs Orca [ 2025 ]

The best cryptocurrency exchanges compared by their commissions, products offered, security and much more. Here is the Pancakeswap vs Orca comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Pancakeswap

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

orca

Orca

Main points

Fees

0,25%
NFTs
Yes

Native token

Token CAKE
<0,10%

Fees

No
NFTs
Token ORCA
Native token

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes
Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

4.2 – Low fees on the Binance Smart Chain, affordable for most users, but some yield farming activities may incur higher costs.
4.6 – Low transaction fees on the Solana blockchain, making it very cost-effective.

Level

0,25%
<0,10%

Brief explanation

PancakeSwap operates with a straightforward fee structure designed to benefit its users and liquidity providers while maintaining the platform’s economic sustainability. The main commission on PancakeSwap is a flat 0.25% trading fee applied to all spot transactions. This fee is divided as follows: 0.17% is returned to liquidity providers as a reward, 0.03% goes to the PancakeSwap Treasury, and 0.05% is used for CAKE token buyback and burn initiatives​​. For perpetual futures trading, PancakeSwap charges 0.02% for maker orders and 0.07% for taker orders. Users who pay trading fees with CAKE tokens receive a 5% discount on these fees, resulting in effective rates of 0.019% for makers and 0.0665% for takers​​. PancakeSwap does not charge withdrawal fees beyond the mandatory network fees, which vary depending on network congestion. This fee structure is competitive within the decentralized exchange landscape, providing a cost-effective trading environment for users​​.
Orca operates on the Solana blockchain, allowing it to offer exceptionally low trading fees. Typically, each transaction on Orca incurs a fee of approximately $0.00001, thanks to Solana’s efficient and cost-effective network. This is significantly lower than the fees seen on many Ethereum-based exchanges. Orca’s fee structure is transparent and straightforward, with no hidden charges, ensuring that users understand exactly what they are paying. Additionally, users can provide liquidity to Orca’s pools, earning a portion of the trading fees as rewards, further enhancing the appeal of this decentralized exchange.

Pancakeswap

Orca

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Product selection

Native token

Yes, the native token is CAKE.
Yes, the native token is ORCA.

Earns

Yes, PancakeSwap offers various EARN methods including staking CAKE tokens, yield farming, and participating in Syrup Pools for additional token rewards.
Yes, Orca provides EARN opportunities through yield farming, staking ORCA tokens, and participating in double-dip pools for dual rewards.

NFT marketplace

Yes, PancakeSwap has an NFT marketplace where users can trade NFTs and participate in NFT-related activities.
No, Orca does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

No, PancakeSwap does not offer a debit card.
No, Orca does not offer a debit card.

Company information

Full name

PancakeSwap
Orca

Regulation

No, PancakeSwap is not regulated by any specific financial regulatory authority.
No, Orca is not regulated by any specific financial regulatory authority.

Year founded

2020
2021

Founder

The founding team remains anonymous, typical of many decentralized projects on the Binance Smart Chain.
Grace “Ori” Kwan and Yutaro “Rawfal” Mori

Payment methods

Transfers

Deposits: Cryptocurrency transfers; Withdrawals: Cryptocurrency transfers.
Deposits: Cryptocurrency transfers; Withdrawals: Cryptocurrency transfers.

Mastercard

No, PancakeSwap does not support direct deposits via Mastercard. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.
No, Orca does not support direct deposits via Mastercard. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.

Wire transfer

No, PancakeSwap does not support direct deposits via wire transfer. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.
No, Orca does not support direct deposits via wire transfer. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.

Card

No, PancakeSwap does not support direct deposits via credit card. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.
No, Orca does not support direct deposits via credit card. It only allows transactions through wallet connections.

Comparative table

Pancakeswap FEATURES Orca
The minimum trade amount is quite low, allowing users to make small transactions, which is ideal for new traders starting with limited capital.
Minimum Trade
Orca allows users to trade with relatively low minimums, suitable for beginners wanting to start with smaller amounts.
PancakeSwap offers competitively low trading and transaction fees due to its operation on the Binance Smart Chain, which generally has lower costs than Ethereum.
Trading and Transaction Fees
Orca offers competitive low fees on transactions, leveraging Solana’s low-cost structure to benefit users.
While offering a variety of BEP-20 tokens, its selection is less diverse compared to multi-chain DEXs, limiting exposure to a broader range of assets.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Limited primarily to SPL tokens, Orca’s selection is growing but still less extensive compared to multi-chain DEXs.
Provides a solid range of crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, primarily focused on tokens within the Binance Smart Chain ecosystem.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Offers a solid range of trading pairs within the Solana ecosystem, though limited outside of it.
The website provides essential information; however, the anonymity of the founders and specifics about operational strategies could be better detailed.
Website Transparency
High transparency with clear information on trading mechanics and fee structures directly on their website.
PancakeSwap is limited to the Binance Smart Chain, restricting access to other popular networks like Ethereum, which may alienate some users.
Credit/Debit Card
Currently operates solely on the Solana network, which may be restrictive for users seeking multi-chain options.
As a DEX, it does not offer custody services, relying on users to manage their wallets and keys, which can be a double-edged sword regarding security and ease of use.
Storage Offering
As a non-custodial DEX, Orca does not offer storage; users maintain control of their private keys.
Offers excellent staking and reward options, including high-yield farming and pools, making it attractive for users looking to earn passive income.
Staking and Rewards
Provides opportunities for staking and earning rewards, enhancing the profitability for liquidity providers.
The PancakeSwap website is user-friendly with a playful design, making navigation easy and trading enjoyable, though it could include more educational resources.
Mobile App and Desktop
The website is user-friendly, well-designed, and easy to navigate, making trading straightforward for all users.
Customer service is primarily community-driven, accessible through social media and forums, which can vary in responsiveness and professionalism.
Customer Service
Customer support is available, but as a decentralized platform, it may not be as robust as services offered by centralized exchanges.
Deposits and withdrawals are executed directly through user-controlled wallets, offering high autonomy but requiring some technical knowledge for new users.
Deposit and Withdraw
Instant and direct from user wallets, Orca facilitates seamless deposits and withdrawals without holding user funds.

Key features

Analysis tools

Price charts, liquidity pool analytics, yield farming calculators, and basic token statistics.
Basic trading charts, price tracking, liquidity pool analytics, and transaction history.

Mobile APP

No, PancakeSwap does not have a dedicated mobile app, but it can be accessed via mobile browsers.
No, Orca does not have a dedicated mobile app, but it can be accessed via mobile browsers.

Security

PancakeSwap relies on Binance Smart Chain’s security infrastructure and has undergone several audits by reputable firms. The platform also uses community governance to enhance security and trustworthiness.
Orca operates on the Solana blockchain, known for its high security and low transaction costs. The platform has undergone security audits and emphasizes transparency and community trust.

Additional features

PancakeSwap includes features such as lottery tickets, prediction markets, and IFOs (Initial Farm Offerings) for new projects, along with a robust community governance model using the CAKE token.
Orca features an innovative Fair Price Indicator to ensure users get the best rates, a user-friendly token swap interface, and double-dip pools where users can earn rewards in two tokens simultaneously.

Anonymity

Yes, PancakeSwap supports anonymous trading through wallet connections on the Binance Smart Chain.
Yes, Orca allows users to trade anonymously by connecting their wallets, without requiring personal information.

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

Binance Coin (BNB), PancakeSwap (CAKE), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), and a wide range of BEP-20 tokens.
Solana (SOL), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USD Coin (USDC), Tether (USDT), and various SPL tokens on the Solana network.

User-friendliness

PancakeSwap is beginner-friendly, offering a simple interface and a wide range of functionalities, including liquidity pools and farming. The gamified elements and the large community support make it welcoming for new users, though its many features might initially seem overwhelming.
Orca stands out for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a great choice for beginners. The platform’s intuitive interface and focus on user experience make trading straightforward and accessible, although its feature set is less comprehensive compared to more advanced platforms.

Value for money

PancakeSwap provides great value with its low fees on the Binance Smart Chain and opportunities for earning through staking and yield farming. Its extensive range of features and community incentives make it a cost-effective choice for DeFi users.
Orca offers excellent value for money with its low transaction fees on the Solana blockchain, ensuring fast and inexpensive trades. The platform’s emphasis on simplicity and cost-efficiency makes it highly attractive to budget-conscious users.

Countries of operation

Available globally, primarily used in regions supporting Binance Smart Chain.
Available globally, focusing on regions supporting Solana.

Best for

Suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to experienced DeFi enthusiasts. Its low transaction costs, diverse earning opportunities through staking and farming, and user-friendly interface make it a versatile platform for all types of investors.
Designed for beginners and intermediate traders who prioritize ease of use and low fees. Its straightforward interface and quick transaction times make it a great choice for those new to DeFi and the Solana ecosystem.

Account

Trading

PancakeSwap is one of the leading DEXes on the Binance Smart Chain, known for its high liquidity and wide range of supported tokens. It offers features like yield farming and lottery, attracting a broad user base. Nevertheless, it still faces competition from Ethereum-based DEXes regarding token availability and security.
Orca is a user-friendly DEX on the Solana blockchain, offering low transaction fees and fast trade execution. It provides a simple interface suitable for beginners and experienced traders alike. However, its trading pair selection is currently limited compared to more established DEXes.

Deposit and withdrawal

PancakeSwap facilitates deposits and withdrawals through Binance Smart Chain-compatible wallets like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and Binance Chain Wallet. The low transaction fees on BSC make it cost-effective for users. The process is straightforward, but users must manage their private keys and ensure their wallets are secure.
Orca, operating on the Solana blockchain, benefits from Solana’s low transaction fees and fast processing times. Users can connect Solana-compatible wallets such as Phantom for seamless deposits and withdrawals. This makes trading on Orca cost-effective and quick, though the selection of supported wallets is less diverse compared to Ethereum-based DEXes.

Account opening process

PancakeSwap operates on the Binance Smart Chain and allows users to trade by connecting wallets such as MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or Binance Chain Wallet. No account registration is needed, facilitating quick access. Users need to handle their own wallet security and ensure they have BNB for transaction fees.
Orca on the Solana blockchain requires users to connect Solana-compatible wallets like Phantom to begin trading. The account setup is instantaneous, with no registration required, making it highly accessible. The platform’s simplicity and low transaction fees are appealing, though users must manage their wallet security.

KYC required?

No, KYC is not mandatory for using the platform.
No, KYC is not mandatory for using the platform.

Customer Service

PancakeSwap’s customer service relies on its active community support via Telegram, Twitter, and other social media platforms. The platform also provides extensive documentation and FAQs. While the community is generally helpful, users seeking direct and immediate support may find this model insufficient.
Orca, operating on the Solana blockchain, offers support through its official documentation, FAQs, and community channels like Discord and Twitter. While these resources are useful for troubleshooting, users who prefer direct support may find the lack of dedicated customer service challenging.

Security

PancakeSwap relies on Binance Smart Chain’s security infrastructure and has undergone several audits by reputable firms. The platform also uses community governance to enhance security and trustworthiness.
Orca operates on the Solana blockchain, known for its high security and low transaction costs. The platform has undergone security audits and emphasizes transparency and community trust.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

As an expert on our website, I highly recommend PancakeSwap for those venturing into the world of decentralized finance. Its user-friendly interface, coupled with low transaction fees and robust reward systems, makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned traders. However, be mindful of its limitations to the Binance Smart Chain and prepare to manage your own security through secure wallet practices.
As an expert on our website, I highly recommend Orca for users looking to dive into decentralized trading on the Solana blockchain. Its user-friendly interface, coupled with low transaction fees and robust security measures, makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced traders. However, do bear in mind its limitation to Solana-based SPL tokens, which might restrict trading options compared to other multi-chain platforms.

How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

 

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).


For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong, any exchange can have problems.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

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