The best crypto futures trading platforms for 2026
Selecting the best crypto futures exchange for you requires careful consideration of its features and capabilities — such as fees, ease of use, asset availability and security.
Trustworthiness and security often rank as the most important considerations, given that exchanges often double as storage platforms for users’ cryptocurrencies. Fittingly, traders often look out for protocols such as Proof-of-Reserves (PoR), 2-factor authentication, and the company’s track record.
Another critical consideration is geographical availability. Due to ever-changing global regulations, many futures trading platforms restrict their usage to certain jurisdictions, while others can only offer a limited selection of products or trading pairs.
A brief introduction to crypto futures trading 📈
Futures trading involves trading derivatives—which are instruments that derive their value from an underlying asset such as cryptocurrencies. Crucially, this practice doesn’t involve the direct trading of crypto (as it does in spot trading), but rather, the trading of contracts which promise to buy or sell a crypto at a future date.
Functionally, both spot and futures trading may seem identical, but the latter can unlock more advanced trading strategies (such as the use of leverage and short/long positions), thereby enabling traders to profit from the price movements of assets they don’t even own. Today, the trading volume of derivatives dwarfs that of spot.
Which crypto exchange offers the best futures trading? 🤔
Over the past 10+ years, the cryptocurrency exchange landscape has developed rapidly. What started with a handful of websites for buying and selling cryptocurrencies has now evolved into a mature industry offering a variety of sophisticated, feature-rich platforms.
This evolution can be seen in the quality of the products offered as well as the security of leading exchanges — which tend to act not only as trading venues for spot and derivatives markets, but as a bridge for users between the worlds of crypto and traditional finance.
It follows that your choice of futures exchanges is not one that should be taken lightly. The differences between venues can significantly affect your trading success, risk exposure and overall experience. Naturally, not all traders have the same priorities, so the best platform for you will likely differ from someone else’s.
In the next section, we’ll go over some of the most popular crypto futures exchanges and trading platforms — reviewing a range of factors to consider as you decide which is best for your trading strategy.
1. Kraken
Established in 2011, Kraken remains one of the crypto industry’s earliest pioneers. It stands out as the go-to venue for individual and institutional investors alike, thanks to its rich suite of products as well as its security-first ethos.
Complementing its lineup of mobile apps and professional trading interfaces, Kraken’s derivatives offerings span both traditional futures and perpetuals across 100+ markets.
Using Kraken Pro, traders can begin trading futures contracts across hundreds of cryptocurrencies within minutes. Across both web and mobile apps, Kraken Pro’s sleek interface makes it easy to place and monitor trades, with extensive analytics catering to even the most technically advanced users. With 24/7 multilingual support, crypto-native specialists are never more than a tap of a button away — to answer questions you may have about Kraken’s sophisticated features or security protocols.
Kraken ranks amongst the top exchanges by derivatives trading volume, meaning the platform offers deep liquidity and tight spreads for those executing sophisticated strategies.
All of these factors have helped Kraken earn its reputation as one of the industry’s most trusted and secure exchanges. It was the first platform to pass a Proof of Reserves audit in 2014, cryptographically proving that all user balances were indeed held by Kraken. Further exemplifying its commitment to transparency and security are features such as 2FA, PGP-encrypted communications and time locks — plus ongoing, real-time monitoring for suspicious activity.
Beyond derivatives trading, Kraken boasts a broad range of investment and trading opportunities. Though access can vary by geo, Kraken allows traders to invest in more than 450 digital assets as well as 11,000+ US listed stocks and ETFs. This has helped make Kraken Pro a reliable platform for traders seeking to build a diversified portfolio across crypto, stocks and ETFs.
From a robust suite of trading tools to a highly liquid futures exchange, Kraken Pro is the go to choice for many traders looking to take their crypto futures trading to the next level.
2. Binance
Launched in China in 2017 by Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao, Binance quickly rose to prominence among crypto investors, primarily thanks to its low fees and rapid altcoin listings. Today, it remains the largest crypto exchange by volume—and, according to the company, it caters to over 275m users worldwide as of 2026.
Thanks to the large volume of transactions it executes across a variety of different cryptocurrencies, Binance appeals to sophisticated traders seeking tight spreads, deep liquidity and rapid execution. Though its interface may be geared towards power users, it offers a handful of services for beginners. Features such as copy-trading, mock copy-trading and paper trading can help new futures traders learn the basics in a risk-free environment.
Note that Binance access is restricted in certain jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada. While Binance.US operates in the USA, it does not offer derivatives trading.
Like Kraken, the Binance ecosystem spans far beyond futures, with a range of products and services targeting all areas of crypto — including spot trading, an NFT marketplace, a staking platform and a semi-custodial wallet app.
Por que os clientes escolhem a Kraken em vez da Binance
While Binance is the largest crypto exchange by volume, traders often choose Kraken over Binance for a variety of reasons. Kraken’s proven 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 make it a true all-in-one platform. Thanks to its robust feature set backed by a highly liquid order book, Kraken can be a compelling alternative over Binance.
While Binance offers extensive coverage across several different types of cryptocurrencies, it continues to face 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.
3. OKX
Another contender distinguishing itself on high trading volume, OKX (formerly OKEx) hit the scene in 2017 with an emphasis on advanced traders. Today, it serves over 20m users and 400+ tradable assets.
OKX offers many of the features traders expect from a futures trading platform, including high leverage, mobile and web applications, and API access.
OKX is credited with being the first exchange to implement the unified account concept in 2020, enabling its users to trade across various products (spot, margin, perps, etc.) from a single account. In doing so, it provided a streamlined user experience, as traders are no longer required to transfer funds between wallets.
Globally, OKX is very accessible, with a presence in 160+ countries at the time of this writing. As with many exchanges, availability of products and services (including futures markets) vary in certain jurisdictions. This has not prevented it from attaining the rank of third-largest crypto derivatives exchange by volume.
Though it has earned a reputation as a venue for advanced traders, it still caters to crypto users across the board. OKX Wallet bundles a wealth of Web3 products, including a DEX aggregator, a memecoin launch tracker and an NFT marketplace, as well as a wallet for storing, sending and receiving cryptocurrencies.
Por que os clientes escolhem a Kraken em vez da OKX
Os clientes geralmente escolhem a Kraken em vez da OKX porque a Kraken tem uma reputação comprovada de segurança robusta, confiabilidade regulatória e credibilidade geral construída desde 2011.
A Kraken, especialmente através do Kraken Pro, oferece os recursos avançados de negociação que os clientes precisam, como tipos de ordens de nível profissional, alta liquidez e serviços poderosos de margem, futuros e OTC. Isso ajuda a tornar a Kraken a plataforma preferida de investidores experientes e instituições.
Embora a OKX também ofereça ferramentas de negociação sofisticadas, os investidores podem se sentir mais confortáveis com a transparência consistente e a plataforma estável da Kraken, especialmente quando procuram um parceiro de negociação seguro e confiável a longo prazo.
4. Gemini
The US-based Gemini exchange, founded by twins Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss in 2014, is known for its focus on regulatory compliance and status as an institutional-grade custodian.
It offers myriad products and services—including a spot exchange, a credit card, staking and its own stablecoin, Gemini Dollar (GUSD).
Gemini’s derivatives trading is made available through its ActiveTrader™ platform, complete with gamified leaderboards which reward the highest-performing traders on a daily basis.
While its perpetuals offering is limited, with less than 30 markets at the time of writing, Gemini offers a novel pair of indices which enable users to invest in baskets of thematically linked assets (the KT5 tracks the top 5 cryptocurrencies, while the KSL2 tracks layer two protocol tokens). With these perpetual contracts, traders can broaden their exposure to the markets via a single investment with up to 100x leverage.
It should be noted that, while Gemini boasts global coverage spanning six continents, it is only available in just over 60 countries at the time of this writing.
Por que os clientes escolhem a Kraken em vez da Gemini
Embora a Gemini também opere uma exchange de criptomoedas que se concentra em aderir à política regulatória dos EUA, os clientes costumam escolher a Kraken para ter acesso a uma gama mais ampla de produtos e recursos, além de pagar taxas de negociação mais baixas.
A Kraken oferece recursos como tipos avançados de ordens que não estão disponíveis para os clientes da Gemini. A Kraken também permite que clientes em regiões elegíveis tenham acesso ao stake, um recurso que a Gemini suspendeu, bem como à negociação com margem, que não está disponível para os clientes da Gemini. Por fim, os clientes da Kraken gostam de ter acesso a centenas de criptomoedas listadas na Kraken, mas não acessíveis na Gemini.
Combinadas, essas diferenças significam que os clientes da Kraken podem acessar uma gama mais ampla de produtos e serviços em mais partes do ecossistema de cripto em comparação com o que é possível atualmente na Gemini.
As mentioned previously, Gemini has wide appeal among both retail and institutional users—and not just for its derivatives. To top off its spot and derivatives exchange functionality, it offers a ‘crypto credit card’ in the US, allowing holders to earn Bitcoin rewards on their purchases, as well as a staking platform for crypto assets.
5. Bybit
Bybit was launched in 2018 in Singapore by entrepreneur (and current CEO) Ben Zhou. From the jump, it has been a derivatives-focused exchange, with spot trading only being added to its product lineup in 2021.
Today, Bybit ranks as one of the largest exchanges by trading volume, second only to Binance. Despite suffering a major security breach in early 2025 (the biggest in cryptocurrency history), it continues to serve a reported 70m+ users with a rich selection of products and over 100 cryptocurrencies.
Bybit’s emphasis on derivatives since its inception, paired with deep liquidity, positions it as a good option for futures traders seeking to execute advanced strategies. Its focus on delivering advanced order types and gamifying the trading experience makes it a favorite of users across the board, with tools catering to all levels of proficiency.
Note that Bybit access is currently restricted in the US, China, the UK and a number of other countries.
Beyond derivatives, Bybit offers various crypto services, including a card for users in select jurisdictions, a staking platform, crypto loans and a handful of earning products.
Por que os clientes escolhem a Kraken em vez da Bybit
Os clientes geralmente escolhem a Kraken em vez da Bybit porque a Kraken oferece uma posição regulatória e padrões de segurança mais sólidos, incluindo conformidade com as regulamentações dos EUA e transparência respaldada por auditorias. A Bybit não é regulamentada nos principais mercados e sofreu graves violações de segurança que resultaram em perdas significativas no passado.
A plataforma de negociação da Kraken oferece infraestrutura de nível institucional com ferramentas robustas de spot, margem, futuros e OTC, além de liquidez profunda e níveis de taxas transparentes e baseados no volume.
Enquanto a Bybit atrai investidores de alta alavancagem que buscam simplicidade e taxas nominais ultrabaixas, a ênfase da Kraken em confiança, confiabilidade e funcionalidade profissional tende a atrair investidores experientes e instituições que buscam um ambiente de negociação seguro e estável.
6. Bitget
Bitget joined the cryptocurrency scene in 2018 with a spot and derivatives exchange, complete with the copy-trading features for which it has become known.
Launching around the same time as Bybit in 2018, Bitget has developed a robust following in the crypto space, with a reported 120m users at the time of this writing. Currently, it ranks as the fourth-largest exchange by derivatives volume.
Bitget caters to beginner traders as well as advanced ones. Its heavy focus on copy-trading means that even newcomers to the space can get started by tracking established players. A range of trading pairs are available, and the exchange’s deep liquidity means that traders can better enter and exit positions to capitalize on their strategies.
Complementing its derivatives trading, Bitget boasts an array of trading bots and tools, as well as a Web3 wallet, payment card and various earning products.
Bitget is available in 150+ countries, though access is currently restricted in the US.
The platform prides itself on security, which is why, like many reputable exchanges, it conducts proof-of-reserves audits and implements measures like 2FA and address whitelisting.
Por que os clientes escolhem a Kraken em vez da Bitget
Os clientes geralmente escolhem a Kraken em vez da Bitget devido à reputação consolidada da Kraken em termos de segurança, credibilidade regulatória e confiança no mercado de criptomoedas.
A Kraken, particularmente através da Kraken Pro, oferece recursos de negociação de nível profissional, incluindo serviços confiáveis de negociação spot, com margem, de futuros e OTC, com alta liquidez e preços transparentes.
Embora a Bitget se concentre fortemente em derivativos e negociação social, os investidores que procuram uma plataforma segura, regulamentada e estável a longo prazo podem considerar a Kraken a opção mais adequada.
7. KuCoin
With the bold claim that it serves one in four crypto holders, KuCoin has been renowned in the crypto space for its extensive altcoin support since its launch in 2017. The exchange appointed BC Wong as its new CEO in early 2025, renewing its commitment to global growth and regulatory compliance.
On the derivatives front, KuCoin offers over 450 tradable contracts, margined in USDC, USDT and various cryptocurrencies. It offers a cross-margin mode, too, which can reduce liquidation risk and saves users from having to manually transfer funds between wallets.
KuCoin has a noteworthy trading bot ecosystem with an active Telegram community and over 18m deployed bots according to its website. Though this may appeal more to pro traders, the exchange remains accessible to newcomers, with various sign-up incentives, 24/7 customer support and copy-trading functionality.
In 2025, KuCoin closed all US-based user accounts. New accounts cannot be created at this time.
Like most major exchanges, KuCoin boasts products and services that span far beyond trading. These include staking and earning platforms, a token launchpad, a payment card and various rewards programs.
Why clients choose Kraken over KuCoin
Clients often choose Kraken over KuCoin for Kraken’s long-standing reputation for security, regulatory compliance, and operational transparency since its founding in 2011. Kraken has consistently met high standards for safety and oversight, making it a trusted choice for both individual and institutional traders.
Through Kraken Pro, clients gain access to professional-grade spot, margin, and futures trading, deep liquidity, and powerful OTC services—supported by a stable platform and predictable fee structure. These features cater to traders who value reliability and execution quality.
While KuCoin offers a wide variety of listed cryptocurrencies and innovative features, it operates without the same level of regulatory licensing in many jurisdictions. For traders seeking a platform with a proven track record, clear compliance framework, and institutional-grade infrastructure, Kraken is often the preferred choice for long-term and secure cryptocurrency trading.
Which crypto futures exchange is right for me? 🏆
With hundreds of crypto futures exchanges to choose from, identifying your best option can be difficult. Ultimately, your trading proficiency, country of residence and risk tolerance will all play a major part in informing your decision, which will naturally differ from another trader’s.
Trading proficiency
Different venues cater to different trader niches — though most are accessible to all skill levels, some offer unique products or features that are purpose built for beginners or pro traders.
Related is the user experience the exchange provides. The ease with which you can navigate the platform is critical in capitalizing on trades. Traders just getting familiar with how to integrate futures trading into their crypto strategy will likely have a different workflow than a seasoned high frequency trader capturing arbitrage opportunities.
Choosing the best crypto futures exchange for you may depend on your overall proficiency and familiarity with crypto trading to begin with, before you find the platforms that has the right features that match your needs.
País de residência
With ever-changing global regulations, platforms can rarely offer true global coverage without running afoul of legislation. The same exchange may often need to provide a completely different experience from one country to the next to remain compliant.
It’s worth considering exchanges that are proactive and transparent on this front — namely, those that actively strive to obtain the required licenses and comply with regulations.
Tolerância ao risco
Trusting a third-party with your funds comes with an inherent risk that they could be lost. It’s impossible to engage with a custodial exchange fully trustlessly, though you should familiarize yourself with prospective platforms’ security commitments and the measures they take to reduce your risk.
Look for exchanges that implement measures such as Proof-of-Reserves (POR) audits, SOC compliance and 2FA. Consider their track record, and any major security breaches they may have sustained historically.
Trade with confidence 🤝
Time and again, beginners and experienced futures traders alike choose Kraken for its premium user experience, industry-leading security and rich product offering.
Join the millions of users trading futures and exploring the latest innovations of the crypto market on Kraken today.