Ethereum DeFi
Ethereum DeFi protocols: Uniswap, Curve, Hyperliquid, Aave, Morpho, Lido, GMX, Synthetix, dYdX, Aerodrome, Balancer, SushiSwap, Stargate, Across, Hop, Synapse, Orbiter, Sky/MakerDAO, Compound, Spark, Rocket Pool, Frax, Convex, Yearn, Beefy, EigenLayer, Renzo, Gains Network. Live TVL.

Smart contracts have transformed finance by enabling permissionless, transparent protocols that operate without intermediaries. Ethereum hosts the most mature DeFi ecosystem with billions in TVL across lending, trading, and yield generation.
Most protocols below are available on both Ethereum mainnet and Layer 2 networks (Arbitrum, Optimism, Base) for cheaper transactions, while some operate their own dedicated L2s for optimal performance. Always verify you're on the correct network for your tokens before interacting to avoid failed transactions.
π± Trading Protocols
Decentralized exchanges for spot and leveraged trading. From simple token swaps via AMM pools to advanced perpetual futures with high leverageβall without centralized intermediaries.
Protocol | Key Feature | TVL* |
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Uniswap | Spot AMM with concentrated liquidity pools | Loading... |
Curve Finance | Stablecoin-optimized spot AMM with low slippage | Loading... |
Hyperliquid | High-performance perpetuals orderbook with spot markets | Loading... |
Aerodrome | ve(3,3) spot DEX with optimized liquidity incentives | Loading... |
Balancer | Customizable spot AMM with multi-asset pools | Loading... |
GMX | Zero-slippage perpetuals with spot swaps via GLP pools | Loading... |
Synthetix | Synthetic assets and perpetuals with debt pool model | Loading... |
SushiSwap | Multi-chain spot AMM with governance rewards | Loading... |
dYdX | Orderbook perpetuals with high leverage on dedicated L1 | Loading... |
Gains Network | Leveraged trading with oracle-based synthetic perps | Loading... |
π¦ Lending & Borrowing
Overcollateralized lending protocols enabling users to earn yield on deposits or borrow against crypto collateral without credit checks.
Protocol | Key Feature | TVL* |
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Aave | Leading money market with flash loans | Loading... |
Sky (formerly MakerDAO) | USDS stablecoin minting through collateral vaults | Loading... |
Morpho | Optimized lending with peer-to-peer matching | Loading... |
Compound | Autonomous interest rate protocol | Loading... |
Spark Protocol | Sky's lending arm with USDS integration | Loading... |
π§ Liquid Staking
Stake ETH while maintaining liquidity through derivative tokens. These protocols unlock staked capital for use across DeFi.
Protocol | Key Feature | TVL* |
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Lido | Dominant liquid staking with stETH derivative | Loading... |
Rocket Pool | Decentralized node operator network | Loading... |
Frax Ether | Dual-token model with frxETH and sfrxETH | Loading... |
πΎ Yield Aggregators
Automated vault strategies that optimize yields across multiple DeFi protocols. These platforms handle complex rebalancing and compounding.
Protocol | Key Feature | TVL* |
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Convex Finance | Curve yield booster with locked CRV | Loading... |
Yearn Finance | Pioneer yield optimizer with battle-tested vaults | Loading... |
Beefy Finance | Multi-chain auto-compounding vaults | Loading... |
π Cross-Layer Bridges
Move assets seamlessly between Ethereum mainnet and Layer 2 networks, or directly between L2s. These protocols power the cross-chain swaps you see in wallets like Rainbow.
Protocol | Key Feature | TVL* |
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Stargate (LayerZero) | Unified liquidity pools across chains | Loading... |
Across Protocol | Optimistic bridge with fast transfers | Loading... |
Hop Protocol | Purpose-built for L2 to L2 transfers | Loading... |
Synapse | Cross-chain bridge with native liquidity | Loading... |
Orbiter Finance | Specialized for fast L2 bridging | Loading... |
π Restaking & Shared Security
Restake staked ETH to secure additional protocols and earn layered rewards. This emerging category extends Ethereum's security model.
Protocol | Key Feature | TVL* |
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EigenLayer | Pioneer restaking protocol for shared security | Loading... |
Renzo Protocol | Liquid restaking with ezETH derivative token | Loading... |
π΅ Stablecoins
π§ Comprehensive Stablecoin Analysis Coming Soon
We're building a dedicated page covering decentralized stablecoins including DAI, USDS, FRAX, LUSD, and more.
Explore More Ethereum Analysis:
β Ethereum Scorecard | Infrastructure Protocols β | Layer 2 Solutions β
*TVL Data: Total Value Locked figures are fetched live from DeFiLlama. Data updates automatically on page load.
Research Disclaimer: These protocol listings serve as educational starting points for DeFi research. Always conduct thorough due diligence, verify smart contract audits, and understand protocol risks before interacting with any DeFi application. Past performance does not guarantee future results.