Crypto.com alternatives: Compare platforms similar to Crypto.com

By Kraken Learn team
3 min.
2025. okt. 3.
Key takeaways 🔑
  1. Crypto.com has evolved into a global crypto exchange and financial services platform, offering trading, staking, payments, and card products under one brand. Its focus on both retail users and crypto payments has helped it grow internationally.

  2. Why traders consider switching: While versatile, Crypto.com has faced scrutiny around fees, product changes, and regional restrictions. Many users choose to maintain multiple accounts across exchanges for flexibility, coverage, and pricing preferences.

  3. How Kraken compares: Kraken resonates with security-first traders who value transparent practices and regulatory clarity — priorities where some competitors have faced ongoing questions.

  4. Other alternatives: Other exchanges are recognized for strengths in social trading, automation, broad token listings, or niche liquidity — each appealing to different types of users.


Intro to Crypto.com alternatives 🔍

Founded in 2016, Crypto.com has expanded rapidly from a mobile-first trading app into a full ecosystem that includes a crypto exchange, staking, DeFi wallet, and one of the most widely known crypto debit card programs.

Still, higher effective costs for some trades, evolving product terms, and regional availability may encourage traders to explore alternatives. Competing platforms may offer simpler pricing, broader trading pairs, or features tailored to advanced strategies.

1. Kraken

Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the world’s largest and most trusted names in crypto. Headquartered in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Kraken serves tens of millions of clients across more than 190 countries.

Kraken offers a complete platform for different crypto products and services. Whether you are looking to buy bitcoin, check Solana (SOL) price or convert USD to ETH, Kraken makes it easy to access hundreds of cryptocurrencies from its core Kraken app designed for everyday investors as well as  Kraken Pro for advanced traders.  Kraken Institutional also offers a full suite of crypto products for investors requiring premium services. 

 

Across features such as staking, margin, futures, and OTC trading, Kraken offers different ways to gain exposure to world’s largest crypto categories. Kraken also allows clients in certain regions to access up to 11,000 US listed stock and xStock, as well as the ability to send and earn on your portfolio using Krak.

All backed by its globally recognized security standards, Kraken was the first to pioneer Proof of Reserves and continues to uphold a new standard for transparency and accountability. Since launching more than 10 years ago, Kraken-managed custodial wallets have never been breached.

Kraken’s reviews show that it appeals to security-conscious investors and advanced traders who value regulatory compliance, accessible customer support and powerful security features backing their trading experience. As one of the oldest, most trusted and best crypto exchanges, Kraken has the tools and features you need to execute your crypto strategy on your own terms.

A bar chart showing the availability of cryptocurrency exchanges by country, with source and availability disclaimers.

2. Binance

Founded in 2017, Binance has become one of the largest global crypto exchanges by trading volume and user base. The platform offers a wide range of services, including spot, margin, and futures trading, staking, lending, and an NFT marketplace. It also operates its own blockchains — BNB Chain and Binance Smart Chain — which support decentralized applications and ecosystem growth. Its native BNB token is central to platform discounts and utilities.

Binance is known for its deep liquidity and broad asset coverage, making it a hub for active traders worldwide. However, the exchange has faced significant regulatory challenges in multiple jurisdictions, leading to changes in product availability and compliance efforts. While its scale and product breadth remain unmatched, Binance’s complexity and evolving regulatory standing can create uncertainty for users who prioritize stability and oversight.


Benefits:

  • Extensive range of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs.
  • Competitive fee structure with token-based incentives.
  • Advanced trading features including margin and derivatives.
  • Additional services such as staking, lending, and NFTs.
  • Proprietary blockchain ecosystem (BNB Chain).

Limitations:

  • Regulatory scrutiny and restrictions in several major markets.
  • Complex interface and wide toolset can challenge beginners.
  • Deposit and withdrawal options vary by jurisdiction.

3. Coinbase

Founded in 2012, Coinbase is one of the largest and most recognized U.S.-based crypto exchanges. It offers a beginner-friendly platform alongside advanced features for professional and institutional clients. Its ecosystem includes spot trading, custody services, staking, a standalone wallet, and Base, its Ethereum Layer-2 network.

As a publicly listed company, Coinbase publishes audited financials, which supports its reputation for transparency. It has become a gateway for many first-time investors in the United States and abroad. However, trading fees are higher than some global competitors, token listings are relatively limited, and access to certain features can vary by region. Coinbase remains a widely trusted option, though its focus on regulatory compliance and cautious product rollouts sometimes leaves active traders looking elsewhere for broader asset coverage or more advanced tools.


Benefits:

  • Strong regulatory alignment and public-company transparency
  • Simple onboarding with a clear path to advanced trading features
  • Integrated ecosystem with exchange, custody, wallet, and Layer-2 solutions
  • Well-established brand trusted by a broad base of retail and institutional users

Limitations:

  • Trading fees can be higher than off-shore trading platforms for certain activity
  • Token listings narrower than exchanges with wider asset coverage
  • Some products and features are limited by regional availability

4. OKX

OKX, founded in 2017 and originally branded as OKEx, has evolved into a global trading and Web3 services platform. The exchange offers spot, margin, and futures trading, along with staking, structured products, an NFT marketplace, and access to decentralized applications through its integrated wallet.

OKX has prioritized proof-of-reserves reporting to bolster transparency and has gained licenses in select jurisdictions, though it remains headquartered offshore. Its user base spans both professional traders seeking derivatives liquidity and individuals interested in Web3 tools such as DeFi participation. While the breadth of services is notable, regulatory clarity varies across markets, and some users find the platform complex compared to exchanges with a narrower focus.


Benefits:

  • Broad product coverage across trading, staking, and Web3 access
  • Integrated wallet connecting users to decentralized applications
  • Regular proof-of-reserves reporting for transparency
  • Expanding presence with regulatory recognition in select markets
  • Feature-rich platform for active traders seeking diverse tools

Limitations:

  • Not available in some major jurisdictions, limiting user access and global consistency.
  • Experienced a significant security breach in early 2025, impacting trust and operational reputation.
  • Product complexity and feature richness may present a steep learning curve for newcomers.

5. ByBit

Launched in 2018, Bybit is best known for its derivatives and futures markets, which remain its core offering. The platform has expanded into spot trading, staking, NFTs, and DeFi access, aiming to serve both professional and retail audiences. Its copy-trading and automation tools distinguish it from other exchanges, enabling users to follow strategies of experienced traders.

Bybit has introduced proof-of-reserves reporting and is pursuing regulatory recognition in select jurisdictions. However, it still operates largely offshore, and availability of services may differ by region. The exchange is popular with derivatives-focused traders who value liquidity and diverse contract types, but it is less oriented toward beginners seeking simplicity or users who prioritize a compliance-first framework.


Benefits:

  • Strong derivatives and futures offering with high market depth
  • Copy trading and automation tools for social and strategic trading
  • Integrated spot markets, staking, and DeFi access
  • Emphasis on transparency through proof-of-reserves reporting

Limitations:

  • Not available in all jurisdictions, including some major markets
  • Regulatory landscape around certain services continues to evolve
  • Wide toolset and social features may feel complex for new users

6. KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin has positioned itself as an exchange for altcoin enthusiasts, offering a large catalog of listed assets. Beyond spot markets, it provides margin and futures trading, staking, lending, and trading bots, attracting users who want exposure to emerging projects and automated strategies.

The platform’s broad asset coverage has made it a destination for speculative traders. However, KuCoin operates primarily offshore and has faced regulatory inquiries in multiple regions, creating uncertainty for some users. The exchange has also experienced security incidents, though it has continued to expand features and community-driven services. KuCoin remains widely used, particularly by traders seeking early access to tokens not found on larger, compliance-focused exchanges.


Benefits:

  • Wide range of altcoin listings and trading pairs
  • Margin, futures, staking, and lending in one platform
  • Trading bots and automation tools for active traders
  • Incentives through its native token and loyalty programs
  • Recognized globally with a broad user community

Limitations:

  • Not licensed in all major jurisdictions
  • Past security incidents have raised caution among some users
  • Complex interface and product suite may be less approachable for beginners

7. Bitget

Founded in 2018, Bitget has grown into a derivatives-focused exchange, particularly known for its futures markets and emphasis on copy trading. Its social trading tools allow users to mirror strategies from experienced traders, a feature that has fueled adoption among retail users. In addition to derivatives, it offers spot trading, staking, and launchpad participation.

Bitget has expanded internationally and has obtained regulatory registration in certain jurisdictions, but its operations are still largely offshore. While appealing to those interested in automated or community-driven trading, its focus on derivatives and promotional campaigns may not suit all users. For traders prioritizing established regulatory clarity or a broader institutional presence, Bitget may feel more niche compared to older, more established exchanges.


Benefits:

  • Strong derivatives and futures trading platform with low fees
  • Copy-trading tools that enable social engagement and automated trading strategies
  • Offers spot trading, staking, and launchpad products
  • Competitive fee structure designed for active traders
  • Expanding presence with sponsorships and brand visibility

Limitations:

  • Not available in all jurisdictions due to regulatory restrictions
  • Emphasis on derivatives may not match the needs of all traders
  • Educational and support resources less extensive than those of larger exchanges

8. MEXC

MEXC, founded in 2018, has positioned itself as an exchange with broad token listings and competitive trading fees. Its offerings include spot and futures markets, staking services, and frequent new listings, making it popular with traders seeking exposure to emerging projects.

The platform’s strength lies in accessibility and asset variety, which appeals to speculative users. However, MEXC operates offshore and has limited regulatory oversight, leading some investors to view it as higher risk than regulated platforms. While it provides breadth and fast-moving markets, users focused on stability and long-term compliance may find its model less aligned with their needs.


Benefits:

  • Wide range of token listings, including emerging projects
  • Spot, futures, and staking products on one platform
  • Competitive trading fees compared to some peers
  • Rapid listing of new assets for early-market access
  • Growing international presence with multi-language support

Limitations:

  • Not available in all regions due to regulatory restrictions
  • Focus on new token listings may feel higher-risk for some users
  • Educational and support resources less extensive than larger global exchanges

Crypto.com alternatives: What’s the bottom line? 🧩

Kraken has earned its position as one of the world’s most secure and reputable crypto platforms, trusted for its pioneering Proof of Reserves audits, strong regulatory alignment, and client-first approach. Beyond spot and derivatives trading, Kraken offers staking, margin, OTC services, tokenized equities, and premium institutional solutions. With Kraken+, clients can trade with zero fees up to monthly limits, supported by a 24/7 crypto-native support team.

Whether you want to buy Ethereum, convert BTC to USD, check Bitcoin live price, or explore advanced tools like trading API, you can sign up to Kraken and get started in minutes.

Crypto.com, by comparison, is best known for its crypto debit card and mobile-first app experience. While it emphasizes retail accessibility and payments, its history of service interruptions and narrower focus on consumer features lead many traders to choose Kraken for broader product depth, institutional-grade reliability, and a stronger track record of transparency.

For traders looking for their next exchange, Kraken may be the best alternative for those looking to switch from Crypto.com.

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