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CoW Protocol is an intent-based trading protocol where users sign what they want to trade, and professional solvers compete to find the best execution path. Instead of trading directly against a single AMM, your order enters a batch auction where solvers optimize across all available liquidity sources.

Why CoW Protocol?

MEV Protection

Batch auctions with uniform clearing prices eliminate frontrunning and sandwich attacks.

Better Prices

Solvers access on-chain DEXs, private market makers, and peer-to-peer matching (Coincidence of Wants).

Gasless Trading

No ETH needed for gas. Fees are taken from the sell token.

No Failed Transactions

You sign a message, not a transaction. If the order can’t execute, you pay nothing.

Key concepts

1

Intents

Users express what they want to trade, not how. You sign a message specifying tokens and amounts. Learn more
2

Solvers

Professional third parties compete in an auction to fill your order at the best price. Learn more
3

Batch Auctions

Orders are grouped into batches and settled together, enabling peer-to-peer matching and uniform pricing. Learn more

Start building

Explore the docs

SectionWhat you’ll find
How It WorksOrder flow, Coincidence of Wants, protocol vs swap
BenefitsMEV protection, price improvement, gasless trading
Order TypesMarket, limit, TWAP, programmatic, hooks, flash loans
TutorialsStep-by-step guides for CoW Swap and Explorer
ArchitectureOrderbook, Autopilot, Driver, Solver Engine
API ReferenceOrderbook, Solver, and Driver APIs
ContractsSettlement, VaultRelayer, AllowList addresses
Last modified on March 4, 2026