Best crypto apps of 2026: Compare the leading crypto exchanges

By Kraken Learn team
17 min
26 de fev. de 2026
Key takeaways 🔑
  1. The best crypto apps combine flexibility and functionality, allowing you to trade, track and manage crypto on the go without sacrificing security or advanced features.

  2. Different apps serve different traders; search for the one that matches your level of investing experience.

  3. Security and compliance are critical for all apps to protect investors' information and returns.

  4. Many apps offer staking, rewards programs, DeFi integrations and crypto debit cards, giving investors more ways to earn, spend and leverage their assets beyond simple buying and selling.

Intro to the best crypto apps📱

The type of crypto app you use can make a difference in how confidently and efficiently you invest. The best crypto apps let you access the platform's full functionality from anywhere. They are also fully equipped with helpful tools, resources and security features that help you make informed decisions.

As markets quickly evolve, it's important to do your own research to compare platforms. If you’re building a broad portfolio to diversify investments, look for apps from the best crypto exchanges that also offer access to traditional stock options.

We selected the nine apps below based on ease of use, security protections, resources, standout features and reviews. Learn more about each to find the best crypto app for your investment needs.

 

App

Experience level

Fees/commission

Security

Kraken

Beginner to advanced traders/multi-asset investors

~1% trading fee; additional payment fees may apply

Industry-leading security, extensive cold storage, proof-of-reserves audits, strong U.S. compliance

Robinhood

Beginner to intermediate traders

Zero-commission trading; spreads and tier-based fees may apply

Standard protections, account security tools, custodial model

Coinbase

Beginner to intermediate traders

Fees vary by spread, payment method and tier

Strong security, majority of assets in cold storage, 2FA and biometric login

Binance

Intermediate to advanced traders

Competitive, tiered trading fees

Standard exchange protections; U.S.-regulated platform

Gemini

Beginner to advanced traders

Fees vary; lower fees on ActiveTrader

Institutional-grade security, NYDFS regulation, cold storage

Crypto.com

Beginner to advanced traders

Variable fees; card and withdrawal fees may apply

Standard protections, cold storage, risk monitoring

Bybit

Advanced or active traders

Variable, volume-based trading fees

Multi-layer security, risk controls, cold storage

OKX

Advanced or professional traders

Variable trading, withdrawal and instant buy fees

Standard protections plus regular proof-of-reserves audits

Uniswap

Advanced traders or DeFi-native users

Swap fees (often ~0.3%) plus network gas fees

Non-custodial; security depends on wallet safety and smart contracts

1. Kraken app

  • Best for: Users who value strong security, a wide asset selection and advanced tools.
  • Fees: ~1% trading fee with a possible payment fee depending on your chosen payment method.
  • Security: Industry-leading comprehensive approach, extensive cold storage, proof-of-reserves audits, strong U.S. compliance, 2FA, email confirmations to add new withdrawal addresses, no phone/SMS account recovery, etc.
  • Notable features:
    • Multiple assets featuring 200+ cryptos and 700+ trading pairs
    • Advanced charting and API
    • Regular proof-of-reserves audits
    • Transparent fiat and crypto deposit/withdrawal options.
  • App reviews:

Kraken is one of the oldest operating and most well-established crypto platforms. We have a reputation for industry-leading security measures, regulatory compliance and diverse offerings that appeal to both beginner and expert traders.

Additional functions include:

  • Spot trading, along with margin and derivatives
  • Advanced charting tools
  • API access for automated or algorithmic trading
  • Support for a wide variety of coins

For investors who want flexibility or to build diversified portfolios, Kraken’s array of features makes it especially attractive. The ability to combine crypto and traditional stock investments on one mobile-friendly platform makes Kraken an appealing choice among crypto apps.

2. Robinhood app

  • Best for: Casual traders and investors who want a multi-asset platform.
  • Fees: Fees vary based on tiers.
  • Security: Standard protections, mixture of old and hot storage, 2FA, crime insurance for asset theft, encrypts sensitive data.
  • Notable features:
    • Multi-asset trading, including crypto, stocks, ETFs and options
    • Real-time market data
    • Recurring investments
    • Customizable watchlists.
  • App reviews:

The Robinhood app is known for being a multi-asset platform combining crypto trading and traditional investing in a single interface. This makes it appealing to beginner or casual investors seeking a simple, all-in-one experience.

For traders looking for a crypto-exclusive experience, the company offers Robinhood Wallet. This additional app extends Robinhood’s mobile presence, supporting the following assets:

  • Ethereum
  • Bitcoin
  • Dogecoin
  • Arbitrum
  • Polygon
  • Optimism

Together, the Robinhood app and Robinhood Wallet form a mobile ecosystem appealing to different users based on their investment priorities.

Robinhood vs. Kraken

TLDR: Robinhood is best for simple, multi-asset mobile investing; Kraken is best for users who want advanced crypto tools, stronger security and greater long-term trading depth.

Robinhood is built for casual, app-first users who want a simple way to trade both crypto and traditional assets like stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in one place. Its clean interface and beginner-friendly design make it ideal for investors who prioritize ease of use and prefer a single, streamlined dashboard for all their trading activity.

Kraken is better suited for users who want deeper functionality and more control over their crypto experience. The platform offers advanced order types, robust charting tools, margin and futures trading and a reputation for industry-leading security.

Kraken vs Robinhood
Learn more about how Kraken and Robinhood stack up against each other.

3. Coinbase app

  • Best for: Beginner investors who want easy fiat on/off-ramps and a simple mobile experience.
  • Fees: Fees vary based on spreads, tiers and payment method.
  • Security: Strong security, includes most assets in cold storage, 2FA, biometric login.
  • Notable features:
    • Easy bank or fiat deposits and withdrawals
    • Simple interface displaying real-time prices
    • Education modules
    • Base App available for crypto and onchain management.
  • App reviews:

The Coinbase app is known for its beginner-friendly interface and seamless fiat on and off-ramps. These key features make it easy for new investors to buy and sell crypto directly on their mobile devices. Coinbase app users can also link outside accounts to fund investments or transfer earnings.

Key app features include:

  • Real-time prices
  • Simple charting
  • Recurring buys
  • Staking options
  • Educational resources
  • Security, including cold storage, two-factor authentication, biometric logins and encryption

Coinbase also offers a separate app called Base App, formerly known as Coinbase Wallet. It allows users to store, manage and interact directly with crypto and onchain assets in their own self-custody wallet. Base App is a tool for investors looking for more advanced trading options.

Kraken vs Coinbase
Learn more about how Kraken and Coinbase stack up against each other.

Coinbase vs. Kraken

TLDR: Coinbase is ideal for beginners who want simplicity and easy fiat access; Kraken is best for traders who need advanced tools, deeper crypto features and strong security.

Coinbase is known for its beginner-friendly interface, simple fiat on/off-ramps and mobile-first design. This makes it ideal for investors just entering the crypto space. Its integration with Base App (formerly Coinbase Wallet) allows exploration of self-custody with the convenience of an app.

Kraken is built for traders who want advanced features and greater control over their crypto experience. As a strong Coinbase competitor, Kraken stands out as a platform that scales trading sophistication and long-term growth strategies.

4. Binance app

  • Best for: Traders who want a large selection of crypto assets and advanced trading tools on a U.S.-regulated platform.
  • Fees: Tiered competitive fees.
  • Security: Standard protections on a U.S.-regulated platform.
  • Notable features:
    • 100+ crypto options
    • Advanced order types
    • Crypto-to-crypto swaps
    • Staking rewards.
  • App reviews:

The Binance app delivers the power of the global Binance brand to U.S. mobile users. It offers a large selection of over 100 cryptocurrencies and advanced trading tools. Its focus on active trading tools, detailed market data and a broad asset selection makes it one of the best apps to buy crypto.

Additional tools, like detailed charts powered by TradingView and limit and stop-limit orders, make the app helpful for both spot traders and experienced crypto investors. It offers more control over their portfolios than basic interfaces.

The Binance app provides investors with deep functionality typically only found in desktop-oriented exchanges — allowing them to execute sophisticated trades and manage a diverse crypto portfolio from their phones with speed and flexibility.

Binance vs. Kraken

TLDR: Binance is best for traders seeking many crypto options and low fees; Kraken is ideal for investors who prioritize security, compliance and advanced trading tools.

Binance is known for its wide selection of crypto assets, advanced order types and low crypto exchange fees. Its staking options and crypto-to-crypto swaps add extra versatility for investors looking to diversify their holdings.

While Kraken may not offer as many assets as Binance, it has comprehensive features, including:

  • Margin and futures trading
  • Advanced charting
  • Regular proof-of-reserves audits
  • Robust security

These features make Kraken appealing to users who prioritize safety and long-term trading strategies.

Kraken vs Binance
Learn more about how Kraken and Binance stack up against each other.

5. Gemini app

  • Best for: Investors who prioritize regulatory compliance, institutional-grade security and a clean, trustworthy mobile experience.
  • Fees: Fees vary based on product and usage level.
  • Security: Strong protections, institutional-grade security, NYDFS regulation, cold storage.
  • Notable features:
    • Regulated by NYDFS with high compliance
    • Clean user experience
    • Gemini Pay and credit card perks
    • ActiveTrader interface for experienced traders.
  • App reviews:

The Gemini app is designed for investors who value regulatory compliance and strong security with a clean, user-friendly mobile experience. Gemini was one of the first U.S. exchanges to secure a New York BitLicense and is regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), meaning users benefit from strict oversight similar to traditional financial institutions.

Fees, including convenience and spread fees, can be higher for casual traders. However, active investors benefit from the ActiveTrader tier, which offers competitive maker/taker pricing and advanced tools.

Additionally, Gemini Pay allows users to spend crypto at retailers through the app — giving users versatility, whether they’re beginners or seasoned investors.

Gemini vs. Kraken

TLDR: Gemini emphasizes regulatory compliance and beginner-friendly usability; Kraken excels at advanced trading, security and flexible crypto features.

Gemini is known for high regulatory compliance and security, making it particularly appealing to users who prioritize peace of mind. Its clean, beginner-friendly mobile app interface makes it convenient for casual investors.

Kraken stands out among Gemini alternatives as a platform that balances industry-leading security with deeper functionality. The multi-asset availability appeals to users who want to scale their trading sophistication and diversify their portfolio over time.

Kraken vs Gemini
Learn more about how Kraken and Gemini stack up against each other.

6. Crypto.com app

  • Best for: Mainstream investors and active traders who want a feature-rich, mobile-first platform with broad asset support.
  • Fees: Fees vary but can include charges for credit card purchases and withdrawals.
  • Security: Standard protections, cold storage, risk monitoring.
  • Notable features:
    • Over 400 cryptocurrencies
    • Advanced trading tools
    • NFT marketplace
    • Integrated Visa card options
  • App reviews:

The Crypto.com app is known as a mainstream choice with an expansive feature set. This makes it one of the best crypto trading apps for users who want more than basic trading on their mobile device.

Crypto.com supports over 400 cryptocurrencies, offering investors a large selection to build their portfolio. Additional app features include:

  • FIat on- and off-ramps
  • Advanced trading capabilities
  • Staking and rewards programs
  • A non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace
  • DeFi integrations

Account holders can also apply for a Crypto.com Visa card. This prepaid card converts your digital assets into fiat so you can spend crypto anywhere Visa is accepted.

Crypto.com vs. Kraken

TLDR: Crypto.com offers a crypto-centric ecosystem; Kraken offers multi-asset trading that appeals to both new and advanced traders.

Crypto.com is a popular choice for users who want an all-in-one mobile platform with additional earning features beyond straightforward trading. However, its fee structure can be complex, and some advanced trading tools live outside the core app experience, which may matter to users who value transparency and depth.

Kraken provides clarity on fees, access to deep liquidity and a clean, high-functioning mobile trading workflow that makes it a popular Crypto.com alternative.

Kraken vs Crypto.com
Learn more about how Kraken and Crypto.com stack up against each other.

7. Bybit app

  • Best for: Active and experienced crypto traders focused on derivatives and advanced trading with added spending utility.
  • Fees: Fees vary.
  • Security: Standard multi-layer protections, risk controls, cold storage.
  • Notable features:
    • Strong derivatives platform
    • Advanced order types
    • Customizable dashboard
    • Bybit Card for spending and rewards
  • App reviews:

The Bybit app has gained popularity in recent years, especially among advanced crypto traders. This is due to its strong derivatives platform and comprehensive suite of trading tools, which are fully functional on mobile devices.

Users can execute spot, margin and perpetual futures trades with tiered fees that reward higher volume and VIP levels. The app’s advanced order types, deep liquidity and professional-grade charting make it one of the best crypto trading platforms for users seeking precision and flexibility in their trading strategy.

Bybit also offers a Bybit Card, backed by Mastercard, allowing holders to spend their crypto in everyday life without extra conversion steps. The card is also manageable directly in the Bybit app.

Bybit vs. Kraken

TLDR: Bybit shines for active derivatives traders and advanced strategies; Kraken stands out for security, compliance and balanced features that serve both beginners and serious traders.

Bybit is known for its robust derivatives offerings, deep liquidity and competitive fee structure. This makes it attractive to active and experienced traders who want to execute complex strategies. The Bybit mobile app delivers high-end trading tools on the go, along with features like copy trading and the Bybit Card for everyday crypto spending.

Kraken is often preferred by traders who value security, regulatory adherence and a balanced suite of features that work well for both beginners and seasoned users. Comprehensive security positions the Kraken app as a reliable choice for those who prioritize safety and long-term trust in their trading platform.

Kraken vs ByBit
Learn more about how Kraken and ByBit stack up against each other.

8. OKX app

  • Best for: Traders who want a large global exchange with margin, derivatives and deep liquidity.
  • Fees: Fees vary, but include charges for trading, withdrawals and instant buys.
  • Security: Standard protections, including monthly proof-of-reserves audits for transparency.
  • Notable features:
    • Supports over 350 cryptocurrencies
    • Margin and derivatives up to 125x
    • Advanced charting and automated trading options
    • Deep liquidity on mobile.
  • App reviews:

The OKX app meets the needs of both active, professional traders who require precision and flexibility on the go. It provides the depth and scale of one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges to mobile devices, with support for over 350 cryptocurrencies.

Its mobile experience provides users with much of the same functionality as the OKX desktop. This includes access to TradingView charts, real-time execution and customizable dashboards.

OKX takes basic security a step further than most other offerings by sharing monthly proof-of-reserves audits, giving users transparency into their funds. Its level of detail and complex features mostly appeal to seasoned crypto and derivatives traders.

OKX vs. Kraken

TLDR: OKX excels with a broader, advanced feature set and very competitive fees; Kraken stands out for its security, regulatory credibility and balanced mobile experience for a range of traders.

OKX is known as a large global exchange with deep liquidity, margin and derivatives options. Its mobile app brings a lot of this functionality into a single interface that caters to active traders who want a broad ecosystem of tools at their fingertips.

Kraken has maintained a spotless security record since its launch, emphasizing industry-leading protections such as extensive cold storage, proof-of-reserves transparency and strong compliance practices. This appeals to traders who value security, regulatory compliance and long-standing market trust above all else.

Kraken vs OKX
Learn more about how Kraken and OKX stack up against each other.

9. Uniswap app

  • Best for: Users who want access to a top DEX and permissionless token swaps.
  • Fees: Fees vary, but typically include a swap fee that’s tiered or 0.3%.
  • Security: Depends on wallet safety and smart contract integrity.
  • Notable features:
    • Permissionless token swaps
    • Multi-chain support
    • Concentrated liquidity
    • Advanced DeFi tools.
  • App reviews:

The Uniswap app puts the power of one of the leading decentralized exchanges (DEX) directly into mobile devices. Users can execute onchain token swaps without intermediaries or custodial accounts.

Unlike centralized apps, Uniswap doesn’t hold user funds or require account sign-ups — traders connect with self-custody wallets and maintain full control of their assets.

The Uniswap app and wallet support seamless swaps, liquidity provision, token transfers and governance participation through the UNI token. This gives holders a voice in protocol upgrades.

Uniswap vs. Kraken

TLDR: Uniswap is a decentralized, self-custody trading platform; Kraken offers centralized trading with strong support and a streamlined app.

Uniswap is powered by smart contracts. Users connect their own wallets and swap tokens directly onchain without intermediaries or custody. This is ideal for traders who want access to a wide array of tokens, permissionless markets and decentralized finance (DeFi) features.

Kraken is a traditional, centralized exchange with a focus on security, regulatory compliance and a polished user experience. Traders who choose Kraken benefit from features like robust spot and derivatives trading, regulatory safeguards, extensive cold storage protections and transparent proof-of-reserves practices.

How to choose the best crypto app for you 🤔

Finding the best crypto app for your trading style can make a big difference in how efficiently and confidently you manage your investments. With so many options available, it’s important to evaluate apps based on your trading style, security needs and long-term goals.

Here are some tips for choosing the right crypto app for your needs:

  • Discover your trading strategy: There are many different crypto trading strategies. Find the version that meets your experience level and goals.
  • Check security measures: Key features to look for include two-factor authentication, cold storage, withdrawal allow lists and proof-of-reserves audits.
  • Evaluate fees and costs: Compare trading fees, deposit/withdrawal costs and any potential hidden fees that can take away from your earnings.
  • Consider asset variety: Ensure the app supports the cryptocurrencies and tokens you want to trade or invest in.
  • Test mobile usability: Make sure the app provides a smooth, fully functional mobile experience if you plan to trade on the go.
  • Review regulatory compliance: Opt for apps that follow local regulations and maintain a proven track record for user safety.
  • Explore extra features: Check for staking, rewards programs, cards, NFTs or DeFi integrations to see if they align with your investment goals.

Start buying crypto with Kraken 🔥

Choosing the best crypto app can simplify your trading experience and help you confidently grow your portfolio. Kraken stands out with its robust security, advanced trading tools and mobile-friendly functionality, making it a top choice for both beginners and experienced investors.

Explore all Kraken crypto apps to see which platform can meet your trading and investment needs.

Ready to start trading? Sign up for Kraken today to buy, sell and manage crypto with confidence. Whether you’re exploring your first purchase or expanding a diversified portfolio, Kraken’s mobile app and full suite of tools make it easy to take the next step in your crypto journey.

Best crypto app FAQs

Look for strong security measures, transparent fees, a wide range of supported assets and a smooth mobile experience. Advanced traders may also want features like margin or derivatives trading, advanced charting tools and API access for automated strategies.

Look for strong security measures, transparent fees, a wide range of supported assets and a smooth mobile experience. Advanced traders may also want features like margin or derivatives trading, advanced charting tools and API access for automated strategies.

The best crypto app for beginners is one that offers a simple interface, easy fiat deposits and strong security features. Apps like Kraken are designed to support new investors while also offering room to grow as your trading experience expands.

Yes, with Kraken you can trade both crypto and traditional assets like stocks, xStocks and ETFs (depending on your location), all within the same platform.

Currently available in the U.S. only; may not be available in all states. Brokerage services are provided by Kraken Securities LLC (“Kraken Securities”), member FINRA/SIPC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Payward, Inc. (“Kraken”). Technology is offered by Payward, Inc. 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 (Kraken Securities is registered only in the United States). Please view the firm’s profile and registered reps on https://brokercheck.finra.org/ where you can also see the states in which the firm is approved to operate. View Kraken Securities’ disclosures at https://www.kraken.com/legal/equities