Best crypto exchanges in 2026: What to know before you trade
When choosing the best crypto exchange, many crypto investors consider factors like security standards, customer service, trading fees and platform transparency.
Robust security measures are a top priority for many users who are looking not just for a trading platform but also a way to protect their digital assets. This often involves looking for features like proof-of-reserves audits, cold storage, two-factor authentication and a strong security track record.
Experienced investors carefully compare platform fees along with access to different products and services. This includes maker-taker fees and deposit/withdrawal charges as well as exchange features such as staking, advanced order types, payment services and more.
Experienced crypto market traders tend to favor platforms that demonstrate lasting and transparent operations, not just access to different crypto services. This includes exchanges that have proven track record over several years, publish regular security audits and offer responsive customer support.
Intro to the best crypto exchanges 🔍
Cryptocurrency exchanges have evolved considerably over the years. What first began as simple platforms for buying and selling digital assets have grown into comprehensive ecosystems offering a full range of financial tools and services.
Many of today's leading crypto exchanges combine institutional-grade security with user-friendly interfaces, advanced trading features and access to new innovative services unique to the digital asset space. As such, you can think of modern crypto exchanges as part trading venue, part secure storage solution and part gateway into decentralized finance.
Finding the perfect crypto exchange for you will oftentimes depend on your investment goals and experience level. While beginners may prioritize simplicity and ease of use, more experienced traders might seek out lower fees, access to new tokens or advanced trading tools.
Whether you're making your first investment or looking to level up your crypto trading with advanced features, this guide is designed to help you identify the best crypto exchange for you.
1. Kraken
Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the longest-operating crypto exchanges in the industry.
From Kraken’s intuitive mobile apps to powerful trading interfaces like Kraken Pro—all backed by industry-leading security and customer support—Kraken offers several crypto products and services that are purpose built for every stage of your crypto journey.
While Kraken offers a full range of sophisticated products for all types of crypto investors, it stands out for its deep commitment to safeguarding user funds. Of all the exchanges on this list, Kraken is one of the very few major platforms that has never experienced a hack resulting in the loss of customer funds.[31] The platform maintains industry-leading security protocols, including:
- Proof-of-reserves audits
- Offline cold storage
- Secure, integrated Kraken Wallet functionality
- Granular user permission settings
- And more
Kraken has also secured licenses across the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, the European Union and several other regions around the world. This focus on compliance, security and transparency has allowed Kraken to earn the trust of both clients and regulators alike.
But at Kraken, security doesn’t mean complexity. The Kraken desktop and mobile platforms offer an intuitive experience for those just getting started in crypto. Meanwhile, Kraken Pro—our customizable platform for advanced traders—features enhanced technical analysis trading tools, powerful margin trading and access to futures markets.
Kraken also allows clients to access crypto staking for dozens of different types of cryptocurrencies directly from the platform. This allows clients to earn rewards on the crypto they already hold in return for helping to keep different blockchain networks secure.
With support for over 450 digital assets and over 800 trading pairs, as well as more than 11,0000 US listed stocks and ETFs, Kraken offers a truly all-in-one platform to develop a diversified portfolio.
For those looking to actually use, not just trade their cash and crypto, Kraken’s peer to peer payment app Krak makes it easy to send money to anyone, anywhere – instantly and for free.
All Kraken features are supported by responsive, 24/7 multilingual support as well as educational resources in our Learn Center that help you make the most of every Kraken product.
Reputable, independent industry reviewers, like Kaiko and CoinGecko, consistently rank Kraken among the best crypto exchanges worldwide. For investors who value an all-in-one suite of powerful features backed by industry leading security standards, Kraken stands in a category of its own compared to other crypto exchanges.
2. Coinbase
Coinbase is one of the most widely known crypto exchanges in the U.S., often serving as a starting point for those just starting in the digital assets space.
The Coinbase platform supports around 250 cryptocurrencies, with asset availability depending on region and account type. Like Kraken, Coinbase offers two primary interfaces, its standard version as well as Coinbase Advanced for more advanced trading tools and reduced fees.
Unique from other exchanges, Coinbase operates as a publicly traded company. This means the company follows U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations, including quarterly earnings reports (10-Q) and annual disclosures (10-K), which helps to provide a level of transparency not required of privately held platforms.[34]
Further, Coinbase offers important security features like two-factor authentication, cold storage for the majority of customer funds as well as account activity alerts.
While Coinbase has served as many peoples’ first introduction to the world of cryptocurrency and decentralized finance, their experience with the platform hasn’t always lived up to their expectations.
From long wait times to vague auto-generated messages, the support that many Coinbase clients receive when faced with a challenge has often caused them voice their frustrations publicly. In an industry as dynamic and fast paced as crypto, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when coming to terms with the endless terminology and nuances compared to the traditional financial system.
While Coinbase continues to serve as many peoples’ bridge between the limitations of traditional finance and the possibilities of decentralized finance, the support they receive along the way has fallen short at times.
Why clients choose Kraken over Coinbase
Kraken understands just how truly disorientating the first steps of your crypto journey can be. That is why we have crypto native support specialists that deeply understand our products who are available around the clock to help you in your local language.
Whether you are having an issue with a recent transaction or need more information about how a certain product feature works, Kraken’s crypto native support team is here to help you no matter where you are on your crypto journey.
3. Gemini
Gemini is a U.S.-based crypto exchange founded in 2014. The platform is available in over 60 countries and supports approximately 70 cryptocurrencies.
Gemini offers two primary trading experiences: a streamlined web and mobile app designed for everyday use and ActiveTrader™, which provides lower fees and advanced tools for higher-volume traders.
Fee structures vary significantly between the two, but with a 1.49% transaction fee as well as a 1.00% “convenience fee,” fees on Gemini are often higher than many other exchanges on the market today.
While Gemini offers volume-based discounts and advanced charting tools that aren’t available in the standard app, it may be a platform that appeals most to those managing larger portfolios or executing complex crypto trading strategies.
Additionally, Gemini offers the Gemini Credit Card, letting users earn crypto rewards on their spending.
Why clients choose Kraken over Gemini
Although Gemini also operates a cryptocurrency exchange that focuses on adhering to US regulatory policy, clients often choose Kraken in order to access a wider range of products and features while also paying lower trading fees along the way.
Kraken offers features such as advanced order types that are not available for Gemini clients. Kraken also allows clients in eligible regions to access staking, a feature that Gemini paused, as well as margin trading, which is not accessible to Gemini clients. Finally, Kraken clients enjoy being able to access hundreds of cryptocurrencies that are listed on Kraken but not accessible from Gemini.
Combined, these differences mean that Kraken clients are able to access a wider range of products and services across more parts of the crypto ecosystem compared to what is currently possible from Gemini.
4. Crypto.com
Crypto.com is a global crypto exchange founded in 2016 and headquartered in Singapore that offers a mobile-first crypto trading platform.
Crypto.com has built its reputation primarily through aggressive marketing and branding campaigns, investing heavily in high-profile sponsorships and advertising. This includes naming rights to the Crypto.com Arena and other partnerships with sports teams or events.
When it comes to the actual exchange, the platform's user base reportedly exceeds 100 million worldwide and also supports over 400 cryptocurrencies and trading pairs. Mobile accessibility is a key aspect of Crypto.com's interface design. Its mobile app provides an accessible entry point, while the Crypto.com exchange offers charting and trading options.
Beyond core trading, products such as the Crypto.com Visa Card facilitate crypto spending, and Crypto Earn enables users to generate yield on their assets.
Why clients choose Kraken over Crypto.com
Kraken distinguishes itself from Crypto.com thanks to its focus on delivering a professional-grade trading experience. While some competitors invest heavily in eye-catching marketing campaigns, Kraken has focused on delivering the powerful features that help you implement your crypto strategy.
This makes Kraken particularly appealing for experienced traders, institutional investors, and those looking to bring their investment strategy to a more advanced level. Crypto.com’s focus on retail customers means that their product reflects the ease of use, mobile convenience, and lifestyle-oriented features such as credit cards and earn programs that these investors expect.
As a result, users looking for a comprehensive, powerful trading experience with strong liquidity and precise execution may find Kraken to be the superior choice.
5. Binance
Originally founded in China, Binance is one of the world's most widely used cryptocurrency exchanges. The platform operates in more than 175 countries around the world and offers a variety of different crypto products and features.
Binance supports around 400 cryptocurrencies and offers a range of trading pairs, along with features like staking, yield products and an NFT marketplace.
Binance is also the highest-volume crypto exchange globally. This matters to some traders since high trading volume could mean deeper liquidity, which can lead to tighter spreads, reduced slippage and faster order execution. These conditions are often important for users engaged in high-frequency trading strategies or sophisticated arbitrage strategies.
Similar to other platforms, the Binance fee structure is tiered — with maker and taker fees starting at 0.10%. The platform provides a suite of tools for experienced traders, while Binance Academy aim to make crypto more accessible to beginners.
While the company continues to operate in most global markets, availability and functionality can vary depending on a user’s location. For example, U.S.-based users are directed to Binance.US, which offers fewer coins and features than the global platform.
Why clients choose Kraken over Binance
While Binance is the largest crypto exchange by volume, traders often choose Kraken over Binance for a variety of reasons. Kraken’s strong reputation for security, transparency, and regulatory compliance is a strong differentiating factor for both individual and institutional investors alike.
Particularly for advanced traders, Kraken Pro’s professional-grade trading tools, institutional features such as OTC and futures trading, as well as its predictable fee structures and customizable interface makes it a compelling alternative over Binance.
While Binance offers extensive coverage across several different types of cryptocurrencies, it continues to face regulatory challenges around the world that can undermine user confidence. Ultimately, Kraken may appeal to investors seeking a stable, secure, and reliable platform for serious and long-term cryptocurrency trading.
6. OKX
OKX is a global crypto trading platform known for its advanced trading features and robust derivatives offerings.
Its international headquarters is located in Victoria, Seychelles, though the company is in the process of setting up a new regional office in San Jose, California, as of 2026.
The platform itself supports over 350 digital assets across spot and derivatives markets, complemented by decentralized finance features through a Web3 wallet.
OKX's fee structure is tiered, with maker fees starting at 0.08% and taker fees at 0.10%, with further discounts available for high-volume traders or OKB token holders. A built-in DEX aggregator, NFT marketplace and DeFi tools are accessible through the crypto wallet.
When it comes to security, the company publishes proof-of-reserves reports and has implemented basic identity verification, transaction monitoring and geo-blocking protocols.
Like Kraken Pro, OKX’s trading interface includes features such as customizable charting, multi-leg derivatives strategies and access to perpetual swaps and options. These products may appeal to users familiar with leveraged trading and advanced order types.
Additionally, automated trading bots, API connectivity and tiered fee incentives based on volume further reinforce its positioning as a platform targeting experienced crypto traders looking to execute advanced trading strategies.
While OKX has rapidly grown around the world, their expansion into the US market was followed a settlement with U.S. authorities in which the company pleaded guilty to violating anti-money laundering regulations and agreed to pay over $500 million in penalties.[38]
Why clients choose Kraken over OKX
Clients often choose Kraken over OKX because Kraken has a proven reputation for strong security, regulatory reliability, and overall trustworthiness built since 2011.
Kraken, especially through Kraken Pro, offers the advanced trading features clients need, like professional-grade order types, deep liquidity, and powerful margin, futures, and OTC services. This helps to make Kraken the go-to platform for experienced traders and institutions.
While OKX also provides sophisticated trading tools, traders may feel more comfortable with Kraken's consistent transparency and stable platform, especially when looking for a secure and reliable long-term trading partner.
7. Bitget
Bitget was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Seychelles. The platform is known for its copy trading functionality, which allows users to mirror the strategies of other traders.
This emphasis on copy trading as a standalone product sets Bitget apart for those who are interested in following trading strategies set by traders they trust.
Bitget is available in over 150 countries, though it is not licensed to operate in the U.S., and access may vary by region.[35] With support for over 800 cryptocurrencies, Bitget offers one of the largest selections of digital assets among major exchanges.
It provides both spot and futures markets, with maker-taker fees starting at 0.1% for spot and 0.02%/0.06% for futures. Users can access Bitget through a web platform and a mobile app.
Like the other exchanges on this list, Bitget publishes proof-of-reserves data and offers multiple layers of security, including two-factor authentication, cold wallet storage and an insurance fund designed to cover certain types of user losses.
The exchange also maintains an educational portal, Bitget Academy, and it provides help center documentation, ticket support and live chat, though support quality may vary by region.
Why clients choose Kraken over Bitget
Clients often choose Kraken over Bitget because of Kraken's established reputation for security, regulatory credibility, and a trust in the cryptocurrency market.
Kraken, particularly via Kraken Pro, provides professional-grade trading features—including reliable spot, margin, futures, and OTC trading services—with deep liquidity and transparent pricing.
While Bitget focuses heavily on derivatives and social trading, traders looking for a secure, regulated, and stable long-term platform may find Kraken to be the better fit.
8. Bybit
With a focus on derivatives, Bybit has grown into one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges by trading volume, just behind Binance. For some traders, that status signals high liquidity, which is a key factor when entering or exiting positions quickly.
However, despite operating in approximately 160 countries, the platform is currently restricted in the U.S. and other jurisdictions, limiting access for some users.
Bybit is known for derivatives trading because it launched in 2018 as a derivatives-first exchange, offering perpetual contracts for assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana with leverage.
The platform operates in approximately 160 countries, offering both spot and derivatives trading, plus additional features like copy trading and passive yield products. Beyond regulatory limitations in the U.S., the platform is also restricted in other major countries such as Canada, France and the United Kingdom.
For regions not on their excluded lists, Bybit supports over 100 cryptocurrencies and offers a tiered fee structure. This starts at 0.10% for spot trades, 0.02% for maker fees and 0.055% for taker fees on derivatives.
While ByBit has rapidly risen to become a prominent exchange within the crypto ecosystem thanks to its low fees and powerful functionality, it has faced issues in the past from sophisticated crypto attacks. While ByBit ensured that customer funds were returned to their accounts, the lasting impact may have shaken their confidence in the long term security of the platform.
Why clients choose Kraken over Bybit
Clients often choose Kraken over Bybit because Kraken offers stronger regulatory standing and security standards, including compliance with U.S. regulations and audit-backed transparency. Bybit is unregulated in key markets and has suffered major security breaches resulting in significant losses in the past.
Kraken's trading platform provides institutional-grade infrastructure with robust spot, margin, futures, and OTC tools, alongside deep liquidity and transparent, volume-based fee tiers.
While Bybit appeals to high-leverage traders seeking simplicity and ultra-low nominal fees, Kraken's emphasis on trust, reliability, and professional functionality tends to attract experienced traders and institutions looking for a secure and stable trading environment.
How to choose the best crypto exchange for your strategy 🧩
Choosing the best crypto exchange isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision.
The "right" platform differs for each person and depends on their unique trading goals, risk tolerance and familiarity with the space.
After you review our list of the top crypto exchange platforms, you’ll realize that there are several important factors that influence your choice in the best cryptocurrency exchange for you.
Some of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best crypto exchange include:
- Fee structure: Look beyond just trading fees. Compare maker/taker fees, deposit and withdrawal charges. Are there different tiers for different volumes?
- Supported cryptocurrencies: Does the platform offer the specific assets you want to trade, and a sufficient variety to diversify your portfolio?
- Jurisdictional availability and licensing: Has the exchange secured the regulatory licenses needed to legally operate in your specific country, state or region? Different platforms have varying licenses and restrictions, which directly impact whether traders can use their services where they live.
- Liquidity and trading volume: High liquidity often means tighter spreads and faster order execution, especially important for larger trades.
- User experience: Is the platform intuitive for your experience level? Are there advanced tools if you need them?
- Customer support: What support channels are available? Is it responsive and helpful?
- Additional features: Does the exchange offer staking, margin trading, NFTs or other services that appeal to you?
- Security features and track record: Does the exchange have a history of hacks? What security measures do they implement (e.g., cold storage, 2FA, Proof-of-Reserves audits, etc.)?
Choose the best place to buy crypto 🔐
If you're looking for a crypto exchange for every step of your crypto journey, Kraken's focus on security, transparency and customer support speaks volumes.
Sign up today to access over hundreds digital assets and see why millions of users trust Kraken to keep their investments safe.
Resources
- Kraken website
- Kraken fee schedule
- BitDegree website
- Kraken support page
- Coinbase blog article
- Coinbase about page
- Coinbase support article
- Coinbase support article
- Millberg article
- Coinbase blog article
- Gemini about page
- Gemini areas of availability
- Gemini fees
- Gemini support article
- Crypto.com support article
- Crypto.com support article
- Crypto.com fees
- Crypto.com US website
- Binance fee schedule
- World Population Review article
- CoinGecko's Binance review
- OKX about page
- OKX fees
- CoinMarketCap's OKX review
- Bitget about page
- Bitget fees
- CoinMarketCap's Bitget review
- Bybit support article
- Bybit fee structure
- CoinMarketCap's Bybit review
- Kraken security features
- Kraken support article
- Kraken support article
- Coinbase SEC filing
- FinTech Magazine article
- Kraken support article
- Kraken support article
- Justice.gov article
- NCC Group article
Kraken Equities is currently available in the U.S. only; may not be available in all states. Brokerage services are provided by Kraken Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Please view the firm’s profile, registration and background of our registered reps on https://brokercheck.finra.org/. Digital asset services offered by Payward Interactive Inc., not a member of FINRA/SIPC and not FDIC insured. This is not an offer, solicitation, inducement or advice to buy or sell securities, or open a brokerage account in any jurisdiction where Kraken Securities is not registered. All trading involves risk, including loss of your investments. View full disclosures at: Equities Disclosures and Crypto Risk Disclosures.