Hyperliquid Explained: How to Trade Perpetuals on the Next-Gen DEX

Your step-by-step guide to Hyperliquid and the HYPE token, the next-generation decentralized exchange for perpetual futures trading.

This guide is not affiliated with Hyperliquid, HYPE or Hyper Foundation. Educational use only.

Data provided by CoinGecko

What is HyperLiquid?

Hyperliquid is a next-generation perpetual futures decentralized exchange (Perp DEX) designed for traders who value speed, transparency, and full control over their assets. Operating natively on its own Layer 1 blockchain, Hyperliquid allows users to trade directly on-chain with self-custody — eliminating the need for centralized intermediaries and providing true DeFi trading.

Built from the ground up for performance, Hyperliquid offers up to 40x leverage on major cryptocurrencies, ultra-low trading fees starting from 0.01%, and deep liquidity to minimize slippage. The platform features an on-chain order book that ensures transparent price discovery and fair execution for all users, regardless of size.

What sets Hyperliquid apart is its gas-free trading experience — users don't pay gas fees for individual trades, making it cost-effective for active traders. The platform supports both perpetual futures and spot trading across 50+ assets, including major cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, SOL, and emerging tokens with up to 40x leverage.

Hyperliquid's smart contract-driven architecture ensures transparent funding rates, automated liquidation protection, and instant settlement. The platform maintains professional-grade infrastructure with sub-second execution times and institutional-level security, making it a preferred choice for both retail and professional traders seeking the benefits of DeFi without compromising on performance.

What is HyperLiquid Coin (HYPE)?

Hyperliquid's native token (HYPE) is the utility token powering the Hyperliquid ecosystem, deployed on the Hyperliquid Layer 1 blockchain. HYPE serves multiple critical functions within the platform, including governance participation, trading fee discounts, and staking rewards for network security.

HYPE token holders can participate in decentralized governance by voting on protocol upgrades, new asset listings, and platform parameters. The token also provides trading fee discounts for users who hold and stake HYPE, making it economically beneficial for active traders on the platform.

With a maximum supply and deflationary mechanisms, HYPE is designed to appreciate in value as the Hyperliquid ecosystem grows. The token benefits from the platform's increasing trading volume, user adoption, and expanding asset offerings, making it an attractive investment for those bullish on the future of decentralized derivatives trading.

You can view the live HYPE price, market cap, and trading pairs below — or learn more about how to buy HYPE securely and start participating in the Hyperliquid ecosystem.

How to Start Trading on Hyperliquid

Getting started with Hyperliquid is simple. You'll need a compatible wallet, some USDT or USDC for margin, and a funded account. Here's how to begin trading perpetual futures on Hyperliquid in minutes.

  1. 1.

    Connect your wallet

    MetaMask, Rabby Wallet, WalletConnect, Brave Wallet, OKX Wallet or any other ETH-chain compatible wallet

  2. 2.

    Deposit or bridge funds

    USDT, USDC, or HYPE

  3. 3.

    Choose a trading pair

    e.g. BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT

  4. 4.

    Set leverage and position type

    Long or short with up to 40x

  5. 5.

    Monitor, close, or adjust your position

    Track PnL and liquidation price

Risk Warning: Perpetual futures trading involves significant risk of loss. Always monitor your liquidation price and use stop-loss orders. Never trade with funds you cannot afford to lose.

How to Buy Hype

You can acquire HYPE via centralized exchanges (CEXs) or decentralized swaps (DEXs).

  • On CEX

    Deposit USDT or fiat, find the HYPE/USDT trading pair, complete your purchase, then withdraw your HYPE tokens to your own wallet.

  • On DEX

    Connect your ETH-chain wallet (e.g. MetaMask, Rabby Wallet, WalletConnect, Brave Wallet, OKX Wallet), ensure you have USDT or ETH for gas, then swap directly for HYPE using a trusted ETH-chain trading pool.

HYPE Price & Market Cap

HYPE Token Price
0
0.00% 24h
Market Capitalization
$0
Rank #0
Updated recently
Data provided by CoinGecko

Hyperliquid vs Aster

See how the leading perp DEXs compare

Feature
Hyperliquid logoHyperliquid
Aster logoAster
Apex logoApeX Omni
Launch Year202320242024
Native TokenHYPEASTERAPEX
Token Price000
Market Cap$0$0$0
LeverageUp to 40xUp to 300x
Token Trading Volume (24h)$0$0$0
Fee Structure0.015%-0.045%0.01%-0.035%0.02%-0.05%
Native ChainHyperliquid ChainBNB Smart ChainArbitrum

Perp DEX vs. Perp CEX

What really sets them apart

Perpetual DEX

Trade directly on-chain from your own wallet. You keep custody at all times, and core mechanics—funding, margin, and liquidations—are executed transparently on the blockchain (e.g., platforms like Hyperliquid, Aster, etc.).

  • You hold the keys; assets stay in your wallet
  • On-chain execution and verifiable funding/liquidation logic
  • Typically no KYC to start trading
  • Liquidity sourced from decentralized pools/market makers
Perpetual CEX

Centralized exchanges run matching engines off-chain. They're known for deep books, fast fills, and easy fiat ramps—but you must trust the platform to safeguard your funds.

  • Exchange controls custody of deposited assets
  • Often deeper liquidity and faster order matching
  • KYC/identity checks are standard
  • Direct support for fiat deposits and withdrawals

Risk & Fit

Self-custody on a DEX removes custodial counterparty risk but puts wallet security and transaction hygiene on you. CEXs streamline onboarding and fiat access yet introduce platform risk. Both amplify market exposure via leverage—liquidations can occur quickly in volatile conditions. Choose based on your security comfort, liquidity needs, and preferred user experience.

What can I trade on Hyperliquid?

  • Trade 2Z/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade AAVE0/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade ADHD/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade ANON/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade ANSEM/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade ANT/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade ANZ/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade APU/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade ARI/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade ASI/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade ATEHUN/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade AUTIST/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade AVAX0/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade BAGS/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade BAYC/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade BEATS/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade BERA/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade BID/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade BIGBEN/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade WAGMI/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade WAR/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade WASH/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade WHYPI/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade WOULD/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade WOW/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade XAUT/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade XAUT/USDT on Hyperliquid
  • Trade XION/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade XPL/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade XPL/USDH on Hyperliquid
  • Trade XULIAN/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade YAP/USDC on Hyperliquid
  • Trade YEETI/USDC on Hyperliquid

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclosure & Disclaimer

No affiliation

whatishyperliquid.com is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Hyperliquid, HYPE or Hyper Foundation, or any other centralized or decentralized exchange, protocol, or company. Hyperliquid is an independent decentralized exchange protocol.

Educational use only

All content on this website is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here constitutes financial, investment, trading, accounting, tax, or legal advice.

High-risk warning

Perpetual futures are highly speculative and may result in substantial or total loss of capital. Leverage amplifies gains and losses. Trade only with money you can afford to lose. Always do your own research and consider seeking advice from a qualified professional.

Affiliate disclosure

whatishyperliquid.com may earn a commission if you click a referral link and open or use an account on a third-party platform. This does not change your price and does not influence our educational content or recommendations.

User responsibility

By using this website and any linked platforms, you acknowledge these risks and agree that you trade at your own discretion and responsibility.