Bullish alternatives: Compare platforms similar to Bullish

Founded in 2021, Bullish is a Gibraltar-registered exchange that blends centralized trading services with blockchain-powered transparency. It uses an innovative liquidity pool model and regularly publishes on-chain proof-of-reserves to reinforce user trust.

Still, its relatively limited token selection and focus on institutional-style services may lead some traders to consider alternatives. Other platforms may provide wider retail coverage, more established ecosystems, or simpler interfaces.

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.

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

Founded in 2014, Gemini has emphasized trust, security, and regulatory oversight as its core strengths. Operating as a New York trust company, it provides spot trading, custody services, staking, and a wallet solution. Gemini has also expanded into international markets, though its footprint is smaller compared to some peers.

Gemini appeals to security-conscious retail and institutional users, particularly in the U.S. However, it has faced service disruptions and regulatory disputes in recent years, which have affected its reputation. While it remains a compliance-driven platform, its narrower asset listings and limited global presence make it less competitive for users seeking advanced tools or broader market access.

Benefits:

• Compliance-focused approach as a regulated U.S. exchange
• Strong emphasis on security and institutional custody services
• Clear interface with staking and trading available in one place
• Institutional-grade products designed for larger clients
• Reputation for transparency and trustworthiness

Limitations:

• Token listings narrower than competitors with broader asset coverage
• Limited international presence compared to global exchanges
• Fee structure less competitive for high-frequency trading

Bitstamp, founded in 2011, is one of the longest-running crypto exchanges, recognized for its regulatory alignment and emphasis on simplicity. The platform offers fiat on-ramps, spot trading, and staking, with approvals from regulators in the U.S. and Europe.

Bitstamp’s strength lies in its reputation for security and trustworthiness, supported by its longevity in the market. However, it has chosen to focus on core offerings rather than rapid expansion. As a result, its token listings are more limited compared to other global exchanges, and advanced features such as derivatives are absent. Bitstamp is particularly popular among European retail traders who value oversight and straightforward functionality, but it lacks the breadth of services found on more diversified platforms.

Benefits:

• One of the longest-operating exchanges in the industry
• Strong compliance posture with multiple regulatory approvals
• Simple and intuitive platform design for ease of use
• Fiat on-ramps and support for mainstream digital assets
• Reputation for reliability and transparency

Limitations:

• Narrower token coverage compared to larger global exchanges
• Limited advanced features such as derivatives or automation tools
• Smaller ecosystem beyond core spot and staking services

Founded in 2012, Bitfinex has established itself as a trading-focused exchange with deep liquidity, especially in Bitcoin and major altcoin markets. It offers spot, margin, lending, and derivatives trading, appealing to experienced traders who want advanced tools and order book depth.

Despite its strong liquidity, Bitfinex’s history includes significant controversies, including security breaches and its close ties to the Tether (USDT) stablecoin. These events have contributed to ongoing scrutiny from regulators and the crypto community. The platform remains widely used by professional traders, but its past challenges and regulatory exposure make it a more complex choice for risk-averse investors. Bitfinex is best suited for sophisticated users who prioritize liquidity and advanced features over simplicity or beginner accessibility.

Benefits:

• Long-established exchange with deep liquidity in multiple markets
• Advanced trading features including margin, derivatives, and lending
• Wide token selection with active markets
• Appeals to professional traders seeking sophisticated tools
• Global presence with multi-language support

Limitations:

• Not accessible in certain major jurisdictions due to regulatory restrictions
• Advanced interface and tools may be challenging for newcomers
• Past scrutiny has raised concerns for some cautious users

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.

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.

Kraken is one of the most established and widely trusted crypto platforms, known for its security-first model, Proof of Reserves audits, and decades-long track record of regulatory alignment. Its wide-ranging services span spot trading, staking, futures, margin, tokenized equities, OTC, and institutional-grade liquidity solutions. With Kraken+, clients can trade with zero fees up to monthly limits, all backed by 24/7 multilingual support.

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.

Bullish, in contrast, has positioned itself as a next-generation exchange emphasizing automated market making, liquidity pools, and hybrid order book technology. While innovative, its relatively limited adoption and narrower global reach lead many traders and institutions to prefer Kraken — a platform with proven depth, global regulatory coverage, and a long-standing track record of trust.

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

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.