Side-by-side comparison of two perpetual futures exchanges — updated in real time.
Drift and Gains Network are both veteran perp DEXes launched in late 2021, but they serve different purposes. Drift is a complete Solana DeFi protocol, while Gains Network offers the widest asset coverage across three EVM chains.
Drift runs on Solana with a hybrid DLOB, offering 53 crypto markets, 20x leverage, maker rebates of 0.0025%, and a 0.035% taker fee. Gains Network operates on Arbitrum, Polygon, and Base with 290 markets spanning crypto (150x leverage), forex (1000x), stocks, commodities, and indices, charging 0.05% flat for both maker and taker. Gains Network offers dramatically more markets and leverage — 1000x on forex versus Drift's 20x cap. However, Drift's fees are lower for active crypto traders (0.035% taker vs 0.05%). Drift provides a complete DeFi experience with perps, spot, borrow-lend, and Insurance Fund, all on one protocol. Gains Network is more narrowly focused on leveraged trading but across far more asset types. Both accept multi-collateral: Drift takes USDC and SOL, Gains Network takes USDC and DAI. Both launched in late 2021 with proven track records. GNS is a fair-launch, no-VC token with deflationary mechanics; DRIFT has a 53% community allocation with ongoing rewards.
Choose Drift for lower crypto trading fees, maker rebates, and a complete Solana DeFi suite with spot and lending. Choose Gains Network for the widest asset coverage (forex, stocks, commodities), extreme leverage options, and multi-chain deployment.
