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CEX vs DEX vs wallet apps — Lesson overview
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1/6 — CEX vs DEX vs wallet apps — Lesson overview
Lesson outline
- Define CEX, DEX, and:Wallet roles in plain language.
- Show how funds move:In each model (deposit vs on-chain trade).
- Compare fees, speed, and:Support/recourse.
- Decide when each option:Fits (on-ramp, swap, hold, cash-out).
- Safety checks before using:Either path.
Plain-English storyCEXs are like banks: you log in with an email, they hold the keys, and you ask them to move your funds. DEXs and wallet apps are self-serve: you hold the keys, you sign every move, and you see fees up front. We’ll compare them in normal-language scenarios.
What you’ll learnWho holds the keys in each model, how funds actually move (database entry vs on-chain transaction), where the fees appear, and when to pick each tool (on-ramp, swap, cash out, long-term hold).
Your goalPick the right path on purpose. Know when you’re trusting a company (CEX) versus when you are fully in charge (DEX/wallet). MetaMask will be our wallet example, but the principles match Rabby, Coinbase Wallet, and others.