Top picks for the best crypto exchanges
Best overall crypto exchange - Coinbase
| Company |
Regulation (Safety) |
Trading Costs |
Features |
Ease of Use |
 Coinbase
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With over 260 crypto assets available for trading and custody support for over 420, Coinbase is my top pick for crypto traders in 2025. From Bitcoin to lesser-known altcoins, Coinbase offers a comprehensive selection of digital assets. The platform also issues its own stablecoin, USDC, which makes funding accounts and converting between crypto and fiat currencies seamless. Finally, Coinbase recently launched futures and derivatives trading to expand its multi-asset offering beyond physical spot cryptocurrency alone.
Regulation: As a publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ (COIN), Coinbase stands out for its transparency and regulatory compliance. It’s licensed as a Money Services Business (MSB) in the U.S. and holds state-level licenses across the country, including a BitLicense in New York. With over 100 million customers and more than 3,900 employees worldwide, Coinbase is one of the largest and most trusted crypto exchanges globally. Most client assets are secured in cold storage, and the company regularly publishes updates on its security and custodial practices.
Ease of use: I’ve been trading on Coinbase for over five years and have used both its basic platform and advanced trading interface (formerly Coinbase Pro). Today, both modes are accessible under the same login, with an easy toggle that lets you switch between them. The user experience has improved significantly, whether you’re a passive investor making occasional buys or an active trader seeking advanced features. That said, it’s worth noting that buying crypto on the basic interface comes with extra fees, while the advanced mode offers lower costs, even though it may feel more complex at first.
Trading costs: Trading fees on Coinbase depend on your order type and volume. Taker fees range from 0.6% down to 0.05%, while maker fees start at 0.4% and go as low as zero for high-volume traders. For example, in the last 30 days, I traded over $123,000 worth of crypto (mostly BTC/USD) and qualified for Advanced 2 pricing, with a 0.15% maker fee and a 0.25% taker fee. You can qualify up to Advanced 4 by holding at least $15 million in assets with Coinbase. Otherwise, the best fees are found at the highest tier of Advanced 8, which requires a trading volume of at least $250 million per month.
Active trader discounts: In addition to the tier-based discounts, active traders can also consider Coinbase One, a subscription plan for $29.99 per month. This plan unlocks discounted trading fees, rebates, free wire transfers, and perks like access to Messari Analytics, a popular research provider for crypto markets.
A screenshot of the different tier levels for active trader discounts.
Best for international investors and exotic tokens - Binance
| Company |
Regulation (Safety) |
Trading Costs |
Features |
Ease of Use |
 Binance
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For crypto traders outside the U.S., Binance is my top choice. With support for over 350 cryptocurrencies and thousands of trading pairs across spot, margin, and derivatives markets, Binance offers one of the most comprehensive ecosystems in the crypto industry. Whether you’re trading Bitcoin, Ethereum, emerging altcoins, or stablecoins, you’ll find deep liquidity and broad market access on Binance.
U.S.-based traders can access a scaled-down version, Binance US, which offers over 160 supported assets. including commission-free trading on BTC/USD and ETH/USD. I’ve been a Binance customer for over five years, and time after time, I’ve found tokens listed on Binance that were hard to find elsewhere
Regulation: Globally, Binance is the largest crypto exchange by trading volume and user base, boasting over 150 million customers and $100 trillion in trading volume during 2024 alone. The platform has more than $160 billion in assets under custody and has made significant strides in transparency by publishing proof-of-reserves, maintaining a $1 billion+ SAFU fund for emergencies, and expanding its regulatory footprint across the EU, Middle East, and Asia. Binance also holds regulatory status in Brazil, following its acquisition of a local securities investment platform, sim;paul. In the U.S., Binance.US operates independently and complies with state-level regulations, holding assets 1:1 in segregated custody accounts.
Binance Global supports margin, futures, and leveraged trading on margin, while Binance US focuses on spot trading and staking, due to U.S. regulatory limitations. Despite its shaky past with regulatory pressure and operating without licenses in certain jurisdictions as the crypto markets matured, the Binance of today has come a long way and is regulated in 21 jurisdictions, making it one of the most regulated crypto exchanges in the world.
Ease of use: Having tested Binance extensively on both web and mobile, I’ve found its platform adapts well to both beginners and advanced traders. You can toggle between the basic interface and Binance Pro, which delivers a feature-rich trading environment. In fact, Binance Pro has one of the most advanced web-based trading interfaces I’ve used, even comparable to some desktop platforms. While beginners may find the sheer number of features overwhelming, advanced traders and technical analysts will appreciate the extra functionality and attention to detail.
Trading costs: Binance is one of the lowest-cost platforms for crypto trading. Spot trading fees start at 0.1% for makers on volumes up to $50,000, and 0.1% for takers on volumes up to $5 million. Beyond these thresholds, fees adjust based on your 30-day trading volume. Traders can further reduce costs by paying fees with Binance’s native BNB token, which typically offers an additional 25% discount on standard rates.
Active traders: Binance rewards high-volume traders with VIP fee tiers that unlock even lower costs. For example, if you trade over $250 million in a 30-day period, you qualify for VIP Level 5 pricing, where maker fees drop to 0.025% and taker fees to 0.031%. The deepest discounts are available at VIP Level 9, reserved for the most active clients trading over $4 billion per month, offering fees as low as 0.011% for makers and 0.023% for takers.
By comparison, Binance.US charges 0.0% maker and 0.0% taker fees on select Tier 0 pairs and tokens for monthly volumes under $10,000, making it one of the most cost-effective U.S.-regulated crypto exchanges. For other Tier 1 assets, Binance.US charges 0.38% maker and 0.57% taker fees, with fee reductions available as you reach higher trading volumes.
A screenshot showing the Binance platform, including a chart tracking the price of BTC/USDC.
Best for low fees and advanced trading features - Kraken
| Company |
Regulation (Safety) |
Trading Costs |
Features |
Ease of Use |
 Kraken
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Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the oldest and most trusted crypto exchanges in the world. For traders seeking a reliable platform with advanced tools and the ability to trade stocks and futures on top of crypto, Kraken is a top choice.
Regulation: Based in the U.S., Kraken holds licenses across the country, including a crypto bank charter in Wyoming. As of 2024, it is also one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world, managing over $42 billion in client assets. Kraken is transparent about customer assets, regularly publishing proof-of-reserve audits, and has built a strong track record of security in its crypto custody operations as a trusted broker. One standout feature is Kraken’s ability to offer not just crypto trading, but also U.S. stock trading and futures contracts, thanks to its acquisition of NinjaTrader, a regulated U.S. futures broker.
Ease of use: Kraken’s platform is designed for both beginners and advanced traders. While the basic web interface is simple and intuitive for passive investors, the Kraken Pro web platform and desktop app offer a more sophisticated experience. I’ve tested the web-based Kraken Pro app extensively and appreciate its modular layout, which lets you drag and drop widgets to customize your workspace, though building a layout from scratch can feel a bit clunky. For research and technical analysis, the platform includes helpful tools and pre-defined layouts that make it easy to get started.
Trading costs: Kraken is highly competitive, particularly on taker fees. For monthly trading volumes up to $500,000, taker fees are lower than those at Coinbase and Gemini, while maker fees are generally comparable across exchanges. At the highest volume tiers, above $5 million, Kraken’s maker fees are among the lowest in the industry. For low-volume traders (those under $10,000 per month), Kraken’s fees are nearly identical to Gemini’s, with Kraken holding a slight edge on taker fees at the $10,000 threshold. For most low-volume traders, these differences are minimal and won’t make a significant impact. It’s primarily high-volume traders who will benefit most from Kraken’s fee structure.
A screenshot of the Kraken platform, showing a current chart of the price of BTC/USD.
Highly secure and regulated - Gemini
| Company |
Regulation (Safety) |
Trading Costs |
Features |
Ease of Use |
 Gemini
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Founded by the Winklevoss twins, Gemini has earned a strong reputation for security, transparency, and regulatory compliance. The majority of customer assets are held in cold storage, and as of May 2025, Gemini manages more than $20 billion in assets under custody. The platform supports 87 cryptocurrencies, 7 fiat base currencies, and 496 trading pairs, and also issues its own stablecoin, the Gemini Dollar (GUSD).
Regulation: Headquartered in the U.S., Gemini operates as a New York trust company regulated by the NYDFS and holds money transmitter licenses across multiple U.S. states, making it one of the most regulated crypto exchanges in the country. As a qualified custodian and fiduciary, Gemini maintains 1:1 reserves (no fractional reserve banking), offers insurance coverage for digital assets, and holds multiple security certifications, including SOC 2.
Ease of use: Gemini’s web platform is designed for passive investors, while ActiveTrader caters to active traders, including day traders and those who hold positions overnight. The ActiveTrader platform is powered by TradingView charts and offers a robust order book, with transparent spreads and deep liquidity. Gemini recently launched crypto derivatives, similar to CFDs, on 20 crypto pairs through its Singapore entity, as well as perpetual contracts. However, these products are not available in the U.S., U.K., or EU.
Trading costs: Gemini’s fee structure is competitive across a wide range of trading volumes. Using the ActiveTrader platform, fees start at 0.2% maker and 0.4% taker. Discounts kick in quickly: trading over $10,000 per month drops the fees to 0.15% maker and 0.3% taker, with further reductions at higher volume tiers. For institutional and high-volume traders, maker fees can reach zero at the $50 million tier. At the $100 million tier, taker fees drop to 0.04%, undercutting Coinbase at the same level. For traders at $50,000 and $10 million monthly volumes, Gemini’s fees match Coinbase’s.
A screenshot of the Gemini platform, showing a chart of the current price of BTC/USD as well as an order ticket.
Longest running exchange and great for non-US customers - Bitstamp
| Company |
Regulation (Safety) |
Trading Costs |
Features |
Ease of Use |
 Bitstamp
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Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Luxembourg, Bitstamp is one of the longest-running and most trusted crypto exchanges in the industry. I’ve been a Bitstamp customer since mid-2017 and have always found it to be a reliable platform for trading crypto, as well as for depositing and withdrawing both fiat currencies and crypto assets for cold storage. In 2025, Bitstamp was acquired by Robinhood, bringing the exchange under the umbrella of a publicly traded company. This development further strengthens Bitstamp’s trust profile and highlights how far the cryptocurrency industry has come.
Regulation: Bitstamp holds over 50 licenses globally, covering jurisdictions in the EU, U.K., Canada, and select U.S. states, including New York through its BitLicense. It employs over 500 people and serves more than 4 million clients worldwide. While the exchange does not publicly disclose total assets under custody, it undergoes regular audits and certifications to validate its high security standards.
Ease of use: From my experience, Bitstamp has always provided a straightforward and well-designed platform, catering especially to longer-term investors who buy and hold crypto over time. For more advanced users, Bitstamp Pro offers a more sophisticated interface, accessible from the same login as the basic web version. While Bitstamp Pro provides charting via TradingView, an order book, and a depth chart, it lacks some of the advanced features found on platforms like Gemini, Coinbase, or Kraken. That said, I appreciate the Market Map feature on the dashboard. It is a bubble chart in heatmap style that helps you visualize and explore different sectors, from DeFi to Metaverse and Layer 2 tokens.
Trading costs: Bitstamp’s pricing structure is straightforward and competitive. Maker and taker fees vary based on your 30-day trading volume. For trades under $10,000, the maker fee is 0.3% and the taker fee is 0.4%, comparable to Gemini and Kraken. Bitstamp stands out at specific volume thresholds: at $50,000, fees drop to 0.14% maker and 0.24% taker; at $500,000, they’re 0.08% maker and 0.18% taker. For the highest volumes, above $5 million, taker fees are as low as 0.02%, placing Bitstamp among the most competitive crypto exchanges for pricing.
A screenshot of the Bitstamp Pro platform, showing a chart of BTC/USD, order book, and trade history.
Comparison of fees between crypto exchanges
When choosing the best crypto exchange for trading, fees can make a big difference, especially for active traders. To help you make an informed decision, I’ve compiled two tables below that compare maker and taker fees across different trading volume tiers for the top exchanges covered in this guide. Each table is color-coded for clarity: green highlights the lowest fee in each category, while red indicates a higher fee relative to competitors.
price_changeWhat are maker and taker fees?
Maker fees apply when you add liquidity to the market by placing limit orders that aren’t immediately filled, while taker fees apply when you remove liquidity by placing market orders or limit orders that fill instantly. In short: makers help the market flow, and takers trade at the market price.
Maker Fees
| 30-Day Volume (USD) |
Coinbase |
Gemini |
Kraken |
Bitstamp |
Binance |
| $0 |
0.60% |
0.20% |
0.25% |
0.30% |
0.10% |
| $1K |
0.35% |
0.20% |
0.25% |
0.30% |
0.10% |
| $10K |
0.25% |
0.20% |
0.20% |
0.20% |
0.10% |
| $50K |
0.15% |
0.15% |
0.14% |
0.20% |
0.10% |
| $100K |
0.15% |
0.08% |
0.12% |
0.10% |
0.10% |
| $500K |
0.10% |
0.08% |
0.08% |
0.08% |
0.10% |
| $1M |
0.07% |
0.05% |
0.06% |
0.08% |
0.09% |
| $2.5M |
0.07% |
0.03% |
0.04% |
0.06% |
0.09% |
| $5M |
0.07% |
0.03% |
0.02% |
0.03% |
0.08% |
| $10M |
0.02% |
0.02% |
0.00% |
0.03% |
0.04% |
| $100M |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.04% |
| $250M+ |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.00% |
0.04% |
Taker Fees
| 30-Day Volume (USD) |
Coinbase |
Gemini |
Kraken |
Bitstamp |
Binance |
| $0 |
1.20% |
0.40% |
0.40% |
0.40% |
0.10% |
| $1K |
0.75% |
0.40% |
0.40% |
0.40% |
0.10% |
| $10K |
0.40% |
0.40% |
0.35% |
0.30% |
0.10% |
| $50K |
0.25% |
0.25% |
0.24% |
0.30% |
0.10% |
| $100K |
0.25% |
0.20% |
0.22% |
0.20% |
0.10% |
| $500K |
0.20% |
0.20% |
0.18% |
0.18% |
0.10% |
| $1M |
0.16% |
0.15% |
0.16% |
0.18% |
0.10% |
| $2.5M |
0.16% |
0.10% |
0.14% |
0.16% |
0.10% |
| $5M |
0.16% |
0.10% |
0.12% |
0.12% |
0.10% |
| $10M |
0.08% |
0.08% |
0.10% |
0.12% |
0.10% |
| $100M |
0.08% |
0.04% |
0.08% |
0.06% |
0.052% |
| $250M+ |
0.05% |
0.03% |
0.08% |
0.05% |
0.031% |
FAQs
What is the best crypto exchange for day trading?
For day trading crypto in 2025, my top pick is Coinbase. Its institutional-grade infrastructure, regulatory transparency, and status as a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: COIN) make it the most trustworthy platform for active traders. While Coinbase's fees are slightly higher than some competitors, its reliability, deep liquidity, and robust security make it my go-to choice for day trading crypto. That said, support can sometimes be slow to reach, but once connected, their team typically provides outstanding service.
For traders focused on lower fees and advanced features, Binance, Kraken Pro, and Gemini ActiveTrader are strong alternatives. Kraken's modular layout is well-suited for experienced traders, while Binance offers some of the lowest fees in the industry, especially for makers trading up to $100,000 and takers up to $5 million. Gemini’s ActiveTrader platform also provides competitive pricing and a solid feature set for active traders.
Which exchange is good for crypto trading?
The best crypto exchange for trading depends on your location, the assets you want to trade, the payment methods you need, and your trading volume. Most importantly, you should prioritize an exchange’s reliability because none of the other factors matter if the exchange is hacked or goes bankrupt.
In my experience, the most trusted and reliable exchanges for crypto trading in 2025 are Coinbase, Gemini, Kraken, Bitstamp, and Binance. These platforms have strong regulatory oversight, secure custody practices, and transparent operations. They’ve earned their reputations through years of consistent performance.
I learned this the hard way. Back in 2013, I was a customer of Mt. Gox, once the world’s largest crypto exchange. When Mt. Gox collapsed after a massive hack, many customers, myself included, lost access to funds. This is why security and trust are paramount when choosing a crypto exchange. The most regulated exchanges, with the most licenses and the strictest compliance measures, are typically the safest and most reliable for crypto trading.
phishingA word of caution on crypto scams
With the explosive growth of the cryptocurrency market, scams have become increasingly common. Since blockchain transactions are irreversible once recorded on the ledger, recovering lost funds is nearly impossible. That’s why it’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant. For practical tips and strategies, check out our in-depth guides on how to avoid crypto scams and the most common types of crypto scams to watch out for.
As an added benefit, these top-tier exchanges also tend to offer competitive pricing and advanced trading platforms, making them a solid choice for a wide range of traders.
What are the safest crypto exchanges?
The safest crypto exchanges are those with strong regulatory oversight, solid custody practices, comprehensive insurance coverage, and a proven track record of security. In 2025, the most secure crypto trading platforms are Coinbase, Binance, Gemini, Kraken, and Bitstamp, the same exchanges I recommend for most traders.
- Coinbase is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: COIN) in the U.S. that regularly discloses its financials. It secures most client crypto in cold storage, holds USD balances in FDIC-insured accounts (up to legal limits), and operates with bank-grade security standards.
- Binance has grown into one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world, with over 150 million clients and more than $100 trillion in annual trading volume. It holds over 20 regulatory licenses globally, publishes proof-of-reserves, and maintains a $1 billion+ SAFU fund to protect users.
- Gemini operates as a New York trust company, regulated by the NYDFS, with 1:1 reserves, custodial insurance, and multiple security certifications, including SOC 2. It has never suffered a major hack and is a gold standard for security in the industry.
- Kraken has one of the longest uninterrupted security records in the crypto space. It was among the first exchanges to implement proof-of-reserve audits, demonstrating that customer funds are fully backed.
- Bitstamp has been in operation since 2011 and is regulated across the EU, U.K., Canada, and select U.S. states. It undergoes regular audits and maintains transparent custodial practices to ensure customer assets are secure. It was recently acquired by Robinhood, a publicly listed company on NASDAQ.
Of course, no exchange is immune to risk. That’s why security-conscious traders should also follow best practices: use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), whitelist withdrawal addresses, and consider cold storage for large holdings. But when it comes to choosing a crypto exchange with a strong foundation, these five platforms are my top recommendations for safety and reliability.
IG
CMC Markets
FOREX.com
XTB
eToro
AvaTrade
Plus500
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill
