Raydium Explained: A Beginner-Friendly Overview of Solana’s Hybrid DEX

Raydium Overview

(Image source: Raydium)

Raydium (RAY) is a decentralized trading platform operating on the Solana blockchain. By combining an automated market maker (AMM) model with a central limit order book (CLOB), it allows users to benefit from rapid transaction execution, minimal gas fees, and the flexibility of more advanced trading functions.

Within the Solana ecosystem, Raydium serves multiple purposes. Users can swap tokens directly on the platform, contribute liquidity, and join yield-generating pools. The RAY token can also be staked for additional rewards. Beyond AMM functionality, Raydium integrates with the OpenBook order book system, offering improved pricing and deeper liquidity.

Connecting Phantom Wallet to Raydium

Phantom is one of the most commonly used Solana-native wallets, and it integrates seamlessly with Raydium. Here’s how to connect:

1.Visit the official Raydium website, ensuring the URL is verified.

2.Select “Connect Wallet” at the upper-right corner of the page.

3.Phantom will display a permission request—review the details and approve the connection.

4.Once connected, you can immediately begin swapping tokens, providing liquidity, or exploring other DeFi tools offered by the platform.

Security Tip: Always store your seed phrase and private keys securely, and never share them with any individual or suspicious website.

Using MetaMask on Raydium

Because Solana is not EVM-compatible, MetaMask does not directly support Raydium. However, with the release of MetaMask Snaps, users can enable Solana-related functionality through an extension module.

If you prefer MetaMask, the process generally involves:

1.Installing a trusted MetaMask Snap that supports Solana.

2.Adding Solana network configurations inside the Snap interface.

3.Allowing the Snap to communicate with Raydium’s Solana integration.

4.After setup, accessing Solana dApps — including Raydium — through MetaMask becomes possible.

It is worth noting that this experience may not be as smooth or stable as using Phantom, which is specifically built for Solana’s architecture.

Conclusion

Raydium offers a powerful yet user-friendly gateway into Solana’s rapidly expanding DeFi landscape. Whether you are new to the ecosystem or an experienced trader, the platform provides fast transactions, low fees, and a hybrid trading structure that enhances flexibility. Phantom delivers the most seamless connection experience, while MetaMask Snap offers an alternative route for EVM users seeking cross-ecosystem accessibility.