1inch: The DEX Aggregator & MEV Protection
Learn how 1inch routes swaps across 300+ DEXes to guarantee the best prices, and how 1inch Fusion+ eliminates MEV and front-running with professional resolvers.
What is 1inch?
1inch is the leading DEX aggregator, routing swaps intelligently across 300+ decentralized exchanges and liquidity sources to guarantee users get the best price and lowest slippage. A single swap might split across Uniswap, Curve, Balancer, and 50+ other sources simultaneously.
In 2026, 1inch Fusion+ is live in production. This revolutionary mode uses professional "resolvers" who compete in real-time to fill swaps with MEV protection. Users submit intents (swap requests) without specifying the exact execution, and resolvers execute them at the best possible price without front-running or sandwich attacks.
With support for 20+ blockchains (Ethereum, Arbitrum, Polygon, Optimism, Base, Blast, etc.), 1inch has become the go-to swap interface for serious traders. On average, 1inch saves users 3-5% compared to direct swaps on single DEXes.
How 1inch Works
Pathfinder Algorithm Analyzes Liquidity
1inch's Pathfinder algorithm scans all liquidity sources, building a graph of possible swap routes. It identifies the path that minimizes price impact and gas costs.
Route Optimization
1inch may split your order across multiple DEXes. E.g., swap 30% via Uniswap V3, 40% via Curve, 30% via Balancer—whatever gets the best overall price.
Fusion+ Intent-Based Execution
With Fusion+, you submit an intent (swap amount + slippage), and professional resolvers compete to execute it. No front-running, no sandwich attacks—pure price competition.
Settlement & Execution
Your swap is executed atomically on-chain. You receive output tokens in your wallet. With Fusion+, the resolver covers MEV costs—you get the best execution guaranteed.
How to Use 1inch
Go to app.1inch.io
Navigate to the 1inch app. Choose your blockchain (Ethereum, Arbitrum, Polygon, etc.) from the network dropdown.
Connect Your Wallet
Click 'Connect Wallet' and sign with MetaMask, WalletConnect, or your preferred wallet. Approve necessary contract interactions.
Select Swap Pair
Enter the token you're swapping FROM and TO. 1inch automatically shows the best route and estimated output.
Enable Fusion+ Mode
Toggle 'Fusion+ Mode' in settings to enable MEV protection and intent-based execution. This gives you the best price with no risk of front-running.
Review & Confirm Swap
Check the route breakdown, slippage tolerance, and gas estimate. Click 'Swap' to execute. Your trade is routed optimally across multiple DEXes.
Key Risks to Understand
- Smart Contract Risk: While 1inch has been audited extensively, routing through 300+ DEXes means exposure to each contract's risks. One vulnerable DEX could drain the route. Always audit before using novel routes.
- Slippage: In volatile markets, prices can change between quote and execution. Set your slippage tolerance carefully—too low will fail, too high costs you money.
- Gas Costs: Multi-hop routes incur higher gas. Sometimes direct swaps are cheaper. Compare gas cost vs. price savings.
- Resolver Risk (Fusion+): Fusion+ relies on professional resolvers competing to fill intents. A resolver could potentially fail to execute or delay settlement. Use time limits to protect yourself.
- Token Risk: When swapping via multiple DEXes, each intermediate token carries risk. Scams can hide in small liquidity sources. Use only reputable tokens.
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