In a bold move aimed at expanding its offerings, Coinbase has officially launched decentralized exchange (DEX) trading directly within its mobile app for users across the United States—although New Yorkers will have to sit this one out. This significant development signals Coinbase’s commitment to enhancing its on-chain capabilities and providing users with greater access to the evolving world of decentralized finance (DeFi).
With this latest rollout, Coinbase is shaking things up in the crypto space, allowing users to trade Base-native assets from a diverse range of projects, including Virtuals AI, Reserve Protocol, and SoSo Value, all before these tokens make their official debut on the platform. The initiative follows Coinbase’s integration with 1inch, a prominent decentralized exchange aggregator, which enables users to engage in non-custodial swaps directly within the app.
Initially teased to a select group of users back in August, the full functionality is now being made available, as announced via a recent blog post and on Coinbase’s social media channels. The company proudly asserts that this feature provides access to “millions of assets, moments after they launch,” making trading efficient and timely.
As this new feature comes alive, trading will be primarily focused on Base-native tokens, allowing users to explore a wealth of options from innovative projects like Virtuals AI Agents, and Reserve Protocol DTFs. This positions Coinbase’s DEX as a crucial bridge between the realms of centralized and decentralized finance, using the Base network to streamline token discovery and execution effortlessly. As Coinbase strives to adapt to shifting market conditions, this endeavor could be pivotal. The company revealed a trading volume of $237 billion for Q2 2025, a slight decline from $226 billion the previous year—indicating the need for innovative solutions to drive engagement.
Check your phone – the wait is over. Explore millions of assets, moments after they launch, right from the Coinbase app. DEX trading is live for all U.S. users (ex. NY). Coming soon: more assets, more networks, more countries. pic.twitter.com/XryNvDXkdL— Coinbase 🛡️ (@coinbase) October 8, 2025
The integration of 1inch’s Swap API into the Coinbase app marks a significant milestone, as 1inch emerges as a key player in the U.S. DEX landscape. Scott Shapiro, Coinbase’s head of trading, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “This integration with 1inch is a significant step forward in bringing on-chain trading to our users.” By enabling seamless access to DEXes, Coinbase is effectively lowering the barriers to entry into DeFi, enhancing liquidity and accessibility for its vast user base.
As the decentralized trading landscape evolves, perpetual DEXs are gaining notable traction. Recent data from DeFiLlama reveals that these platforms hit a remarkable $1.226 trillion in trading volume over the past month, marking an unprecedented first for the segment. This surge, which represents a staggering 48% increase from August’s trading volume of $707.6 billion, highlights a robust and accelerating demand for decentralized derivatives trading.
Leading this charge is Aster DEX, which accounted for nearly half of the overall market with $493.6 billion in volume, closely followed by Hyperliquid at over $280 billion. Other noteworthy platforms like Lighter DEX and Bybit’s Apex Protocol have also contributed significantly, showcasing the rapid growth of this sector. Furthermore, newcomer SunPerp—marking the first perpetual DEX on TRON—has quickly reached $30 million in total value locked after its launch, displaying the increasing popularity and diversity within the space.
What does this mean for the future? As more traders seek the transparency and self-custody capabilities offered by decentralized platforms, the move towards decentralized exchanges is clear. With features like Coinbase’s in-app DEX trading, the barrier to entry for engaging with on-chain assets is becoming increasingly fluid, opening doors for both seasoned investors and newcomers alike. The future is undeniably decentralized, and platforms like Coinbase are leading the charge into this uncharted territory.
In conclusion, as Coinbase steps deeper into the world of decentralized exchanges, the momentum it gains could reshape the trading landscape within the crypto industry. The integration of innovative DEX capabilities within a user-friendly application puts power back in the hands of the users. If you haven’t yet explored these new features, now is the perfect time to dive into the dynamic world of decentralized trading on Coinbase. Stay informed and ready for the next wave of opportunities!