Best Crypto Exchanges & Apps in May 2025

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After reviewing over 50 crypto trading platforms, we’ve put together a list of the best crypto exchanges in 2025 based on their coin selection, trading fees, trading tools, user experience, security, and reputation. Our top picks are Best Wallet, Kraken, and eToro, as they excel in all the above factors.

In this guide, we’ll explain why these platforms stand out and give you 12 alternatives for specific use cases. In addition, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about crypto trading apps, including how they work, the differences between centralized and decentralized exchanges, and how to choose the best crypto trading platform for you.

What Is a Crypto Exchange?


Crypto exchanges are online platforms where you can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Essentially, they’re digital marketplaces that allow you to exchange one cryptocurrency for another or for fiat currency, like US dollars or euros.

However, the best providers go a step further. Besides exchange services, they usually offer additional tools like derivatives trading, trading bots, advanced charting features, and portfolio management tools.

In the list below, you’ll find all-in-one crypto exchanges, suitable for both traders and investors, and accommodating crypto pros and beginners alike:

The Best Crypto Exchanges & Apps for 2025


FEATURED
Best In-Wallet Crypto Exchange
9.8/10
  • Anonymous in-wallet crypto exchange with no KYC requirements
  • Trade thousands of coins across 60+ blockchains with low fees
  • Beginner-friendly interface with numerous payment options
Visit Now
Most Secure Crypto Exchange with 24/7 Support
9.3/10
Review
  • Trading fees as low as 0% on Kraken Pro
  • Set-up recurring orders and access custom order types
  • Global 24/7 support team and high-grade security
Visit Now
Best Exchange for Social Trading
9.1/10
  • Top social trading platform that lets you copy the trades of experienced traders
  • Funds are protected as eToro is regulated by multiple financial authorities
  • Trade 80+ cryptocurrencies and earn staking rewards
Visit Now
Best No KYC Exchange with Leverage Trading
8.9/10
Review
  • Low trading fees and lightning-fast order execution speed
  • Make big trades with leverage up to 100x
  • Deposit a single crypto and trade all coins with Margex's Multicollateral Wallet
Visit Now
Best For Low Trading Fees at 0%
8.6/10
Review
  • Only exchange with 0% fees for spot trading
  • Lowest withdrawal fees out of any exchange
  • Deepest liquidity in the crypto market
Visit Now

The Best Crypto Trading Platforms and Exchanges Compared


Below is a table comparing the 15 best crypto exchanges based on the number of tradable coins, minimum deposit, crypto trading fees, and what users they’re most suitable for in May 2025.

Exchange Tradable Coins Minimum Deposit Spot Trading Fee Best For
Best Wallet 1,000+ None Depends on third parties Best crypto exchange overall
Kraken 505+ $10 0.16% maker / 0.26% taker Experienced traders
eToro 125+ $10 1% flat fee Copy trading
Uphold 300+ $1 spread-based (0.8%-1.5%) Multi-asset trading
Margex 50+ None 0.019% maker / 0.06% taker No-KYC trading
MEXC 2,260+ $5 0% maker / 0.05% taker Spot trading
OKX 350+ $10 0.08% maker / 0.1% taker Wallet integration
PrimeXBT 50+ None 0.05% flat fee Leverage trading
Binance 490+ $15 0.1% maker / 0.1% taker Asset security
Bybit 720+ $10 0% maker / 0.1% taker Options trading
BingX 930+ Varies 0.1% maker / 0.1% taker Traditional markets support
Gate.io 2,340+ $1 0.2% maker / 0.2% taker Niche tokens
KuCoin 940+ $10 0.1% maker / 0.1% taker Staking
Coinbase 290+ $2 0.4% maker / 0.6% taker Beginners
WhiteBIT 340+ $5 0.1% maker / 0.1% taker Dollar-cost averaging

Top Crypto Exchanges and Trading Platforms Reviewed


To select the best crypto exchanges and trading platforms in 2025, we rated them based on the number of available coins, trading fees, trading tools, user experience, security, reputation, and more.

1. Best Wallet – Overall Best Decentralized Exchange

  • Tradable Coins: 1,000+
  • Minimum Deposit: None
  • Transaction Fees: Determined by specific liquidity pools
  • Trading Limits: No

Best Wallet is our top pick for the best crypto exchange, thanks to its seamless integration with Best DEX. This trading platform allows you to store and trade over 1,000 tokens across 60+ blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Binance Smart Chain, without completing a KYC process.

Best DEX

This low-cost exchange determines trading fees based on the specific liquidity pools, which are competitive overall but can be further reduced if you hold $BEST, the platform’s native token. Staking is also available, so you can earn interest while keeping all your assets safe on the platform’s non-custodial wallet.

The platform is also Web3-enabled, allowing integration with a wide range of dApps for news, market analysis, and even gambling. Plus, it gives you access to the best crypto presales, so you can maximize your profit opportunities. Extra features, such as a highly secure wallet, DeFi integration, and low fees, make it a top option for anyone looking for a reliable crypto exchange in 2025.

To learn all about it, check out our in-depth Best Wallet review.

Pros

  • Excellent wallet and Dex combo
  • No-KYC requirements
  • Offers discounted fees to $BEST token holders
  • User-friendly iOS and Android apps
  • Gives you access to crypto presales
  • Two-factor authentication and biometrics for maximum security

Cons

  • Currently limited to mobile devices
Visit Best Wallet

2. Kraken — Best for Experienced Crypto Traders

  • Tradable Coins: 470+
  • Minimum Deposit: $10
  • Transaction Fees: 0.16% to 0.26%
  • Trading Limits: Yes

Established in 2011, Kraken was a pioneer in the industry. It allows you to purchase and trade over 470+ tokens using nine fiat currencies. Its main platform caters to users of all levels, but Kraken Pro is ideal for experienced and professional traders. The Pro dashboard provides you with high-speed execution, 13 order types, order books with detailed information, and customizable chart analysis tools.

kraken homepage

With Kraken, you can carry out crypto margin trading with up to 5x leverage and execute crypto derivatives trading strategies. It also offers 100+ multi-collateral futures contracts and API integration, allowing you to automate your trading strategies with custom bots.

Features like two-factor authentication, cold storage for the majority of user funds, and regular security audits make sure Kraken is tightly guarding your crypto assets. Thanks to its regulatory compliance efforts, Kraken is also among the few exchanges fully available in the US.

Pros

  • Advanced trading features
  • Professional-grade platform
  • Extensive cryptocurrency selection
  • Reliable and secure platform
  • API integration for automated trading

Cons

  • Comparatively high fees for fiat purchases
Visit Kraken

3. eToro — Best Crypto Exchange for Copy Trading

  • Tradable Coins: 80+
  • Minimum Deposit: From $10 (depending on your region)
  • Transaction Fees: 1% + spread
  • Trading Limits: Yes

Founded in 2007, eToro gives you access to over 80 cryptocurrencies (non-US traders only), as well as stocks and ETFs. In addition, this crypto trading platform has a well-designed interface that’s easy to navigate and ideal for beginners and experienced users alike.

etoro homepage

In total, eToro gives you access to over 5,000 financial products, including its famous CopyTrader tool. This award-winning technology allows you to copy the portfolios and trades of successful crypto traders in real time. You can also practice your trading skills with a $100,000 demo trading account.

eToro has a minimum deposit starting from $10 (depending on your region) and a flat fee of 1% for crypto spot trading, making it easy to start trading right away without having to grasp complex trading fee structures. And when it comes to security, privacy, compliance, and customer service, eToro maintains some of the highest standards in the industry.

Feel free to check out our detailed eToro review to learn all about its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros

  • Excellent copy trading tool
  • Beginner-friendly interface
  • Wide range of cryptocurrencies
  • Proprietary wallet included
  • Established and secure platform

Cons

  • Relatively high trading fees
  • Fairly limited in the US

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.

Cryptocurrency is offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk.

Visit eToro

4. Uphold — Best for Multi-Asset Trading

  • Tradable Coins: 300+
  • Minimum Deposit: $1
  • Transaction Fees: Spread-based (0.8%-1.5%)
  • Trading Limits: Yes

Uphold is a platform with over 10 million users in 150+ countries. It makes it easy to buy, trade, and hold more than 300 cryptos, as well as fiat currencies and metals, which is uncommon among crypto exchanges. Its standout feature is transparency – user funds are fully backed, and the company updates its assets and liabilities every 30 seconds to build trust.

Uphold homepage

The platform connects to over 30 exchanges to guarantee the best token prices and liquidity. It offers a UK-based debit card, and its spread-based fee structure ensures you’re not overpaying for your trades. Plus, the user-friendly mobile app for iOS and Android allows you to trade on the go.

The platform is regulated by the FCA and uses industry-standard security measures, including encryption and multi-signature technology, so you can rest assured your funds are protected against hacks or mishandling.

To learn more about its high-quality features, check out our comprehensive Uphold review.

Pros

  • Unique “Anything to Anything” trading
  • Transparent, real-time reserve reports
  • Early access to new tokens
  • Advanced trading tools

Cons

  • 3.99% fee on card deposits
  • No options trading available
Visit Uphold

5. Margex — Best for No-KYC Sign-Up

  • Tradable Coins: 50+
  • Minimum Deposit: None
  • Transaction Fees: 0.019% to 0.06%
  • Trading Limits: Yes

Since its inception in 2020, Margex has facilitated derivatives trading, supporting various crypto-USD pairs for leveraged trading. Moreover, the platform’s no-KYC policy makes it one of the best anonymous crypto exchanges, and simplifies the onboarding process, appealing to anyone who values privacy. With support from twelve liquidity providers, Margex offers high liquidity and makes trading more efficient.

Margex Crypto Exchange

Offering leverage options from 5x to 100x, Margex lets you execute their strategies effectively and maximize your profit opportunities. Plus, it allows various account funding methods, such as depositing crypto and stablecoins or purchasing Bitcoin with Visa/Mastercard.

Despite its unregulated status, Margex has security measures such as 2FA and cold storage wallets in place. The platform’s MP Shield AI system protects you from price manipulation and ensures fair trading conditions. Customer support is robust and available 24/7 via live chat and email.

Read our unbiased Margex review to find out if it’s the right crypto trading platform for you.

Pros

  • No-KYC sign-up simplifies onboarding
  • Advanced margin trading options
  • High liquidity enhances trading efficiency
  • Intuitive interface for pro traders

Cons

  • Unregulated status
  • Comparatively few supported coins
Visit Margex

6. MEXC — Best for Spot Trading With 0% Fees

  • Tradable Coins: 2,260+
  • Minimum Deposit: $5
  • Transaction Fees: 0% maker/ 0.051 taker
  • Trading Limits: Yes

With its 0% spot trading fees, MEXC merges user-friendliness with unbeatable cost-efficiency. This crypto trading platform offers a selection of over 2,260 tokens while boasting a transaction capability of up to 1.4 million operations per second, making it a fast and versatile option.

MEXC Crypto Exchange

The platform also stands out in futures trading, supporting up to 400x leverage in USDT-M perpetual futures, with a highly capable trading engine underpinning its performance. For those new to trading or looking to practice, MEXC offers a demo trading feature alongside a variety of staking and DeFi services for passive income.

MEXC has comprehensive security measures in place to protect users’ funds and data while offering non-KYC accounts to those who prioritize anonymity. Moreover, the platform’s mobile app replicates the website’s functionality, ensuring a seamless trading experience on the go. However, while it excels in many areas, there’s room for improvement in educational resources for beginners and direct fiat currency swaps.

Pros

  • Zero spot trading fees
  • High-speed transaction capability
  • Extensive selection of tokens
  • User-friendly interface

Cons

  • Subpar educational resources
  • Limited support for direct fiat exchange
Visit MEXC

7. OKX — Best Crypto Exchange With a Built-In Wallet

  • Tradable Coins: 350+
  • Minimum Deposit: $10
  • Transaction Fees: 0.08% to 0.1%
  • Trading Limits: Yes

OKX is a leading crypto exchange renowned for its low fees, extensive selection of over 350 cryptocurrencies, deep liquidity, and low-cost spot trading fees. But where OKX truly shines is in its feature-packed crypto wallet, which supports 80 blockchains and provides easy access to DeFi apps.

OKX Crypto Exchange

OKX expands your trading experience by connecting you to over 1,000 dApps, including various options in the crypto DeFi, gambling, and gaming categories. While the range of options may feel overwhelming at first, the exchange does an excellent job of categorizing apps and platforms into easy-to-navigate categories.

OKX’s focus on advanced traders is evident in its offering of powerful tools such as futures trading, trading bots, and margin trading. Yet, the platform also caters to newer traders by providing a generously funded demo account and copy trading features.

Pros

  • Feature-packed crypto wallet
  • Comparatively low trading fees
  • Powerful tools for experienced traders
  • Extensive cryptocurrency selection

Cons

  • Moderate learning curve
  • Limited fiat deposit and withdrawal options
Visit OKX

8. PrimeXBT — Best Exchange For Leverage Trading

  • Tradable Coins: 50+
  • Minimum Deposit: No minimum
  • Transaction Fees: 0.05%
  • Trading Limits: Yes

PrimeXBT offers an extensive selection of financial instruments, including crypto CFDs, commodities, indices, and forex. The platform’s high liquidity ensures that trades are executed quickly and efficiently, minimizing slippage, while the integration with Amazon AWS servers and numerous liquidity providers contributes to this efficiency.

PrimeXBT Crypto Exchange

PrimeXBT is particularly notable for its high-leverage options. You can access up to 200x leverage on Bitcoin and Ethereum CFDs and up to 100x on altcoins and indices, which is high even when compared to industry leaders like Binance and OKX.

The platform also offers advanced trading tools that cater to both novice and expert traders. The proprietary copy trading solution is especially beneficial for beginners, enabling you to replicate the trades of experienced investors. Despite being unregulated and offering limited fiat support, PrimeXBT’s comprehensive features and robust performance set it apart from competitors.

Pros

  • Fast order execution speeds (7.12 milliseconds)
  • High leverage up to 200x
  • Customizable trading platform interface
  • Wide range of financial instruments

Cons

  • Lack of regulation
  • Limited fiat support
Visit PrimeXBT

9. Binance — Best Exchange for Asset Security

  • Tradable Coins: 460+
  • Minimum Deposit: $15
  • Transaction Fees: 0.1%
  • Trading Limits: Yes

Binance is the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange and has an excellent reputation for providing tight security for user accounts and funds. It also supports over 460 coins, offers up to 125x leverage for futures, and boasts the highest volume and liquidity in the industry.

Binance Crypto Exchange

Binance offers various ways of securing your trading account, including setting up passkeys, an anti-phishing code, and two-factor authentication. In addition, it has established a Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU) to protect user assets from hacks and theft, and it has proof of reserves that shows the exchange’s on-chain holdings, guaranteeing that it has sufficient funds to cover withdrawals.

Binance’s low fees, global accessibility, and abundance of features appeal to experienced and beginner investors alike. However, despite its prominence, the exchange faces regulatory challenges, particularly in the US, where it’s under investigation.

Pros

  • Wide range of order types
  • Versatile trading options
  • Relatively low trading fees
  • Extensive crypto selection

Cons

  • Complex interface for beginners
  • Regulatory issues in some countries
Visit Binance

10. Bybit — Best for Options Trading

  • Tradable Coins: 750+
  • Minimum Deposit: $10
  • Transaction Fees: 0% to 0.1%
  • Trading Limits: Yes

Headquartered in the UAE, Bybit is a major player in the crypto and derivatives trading world and is renowned for its instant trade execution and options trading support. It offers European-style, cash-settled options trading, margined and settled in USDC or USDT, and provides various tools to hedge risk, diversify strategies, and maximize profits with no funding fees or liquidation risks for buyers.

Bybit crypto exchange

Security-wise, Bybit has a dual wallet mechanism that segregates funds into cold and hot wallets. This ensures that the majority of user assets remain offline, safeguarding against online threats. Its recent introduction of passkeys for user accounts, on the other hand, makes logging in as secure and convenient as possible.

On the downside, the exchange has fairly limited global availability. It’s restricted in countries such as the US, the UK, and parts of Canada. Furthermore, many of its supported coins are only available for futures trading.

Pros

  • Supports options trading
  • Instant trade execution
  • TradingView charting integration
  • Secure dual wallet mechanism

Cons

  • Complex interface for beginners
  • Not available in the US, the UK, and Canada
Visit Bybit

11. BingX — Best Crypto Exchange for Financial Markets Support

  • Tradable Coins: 1,000+
  • Minimum Deposit: Varies across assets
  • Transaction Fees: 0.1%
  • Trading Limits: Yes

BingX, established in 2018, is a significant player in the cryptocurrency exchange market, with over 10 million global customers. A standout feature is its support for stocks, forex, and indices trading, making it an attractive option if you’re looking to diversify your investments across various financial instruments.

bingx homepage

The platform offers robust security features, including two-factor authentication (2FA) with Google Authenticator or biometrics, cold storage for the majority of user funds, and a self-insurance fund to cover unexpected losses.

Setting up an account on BingX is straightforward and doesn’t require a KYC process. However, unverified accounts are limited to basic trading functionalities and have capped trading volumes. So, unless you value anonymity above all else, you might not get enough out of the exchange without providing personal information.

Pros

  • Supports stocks, forex, and indices
  • 1,000+ coins available
  • No KYC process (initially)
  • Solid account security features

Cons

  • Beginners may find it complex
  • Limited functionality without KYC

Visit BingX

12. Gate.io — Best for Niche Tokens

  • Tradable Coins: 2,340+
  • Minimum Deposit: $1
  • Transaction Fees: 0.2%
  • Trading Limits: Yes

Launched in 2013, Gate.io has a reputation for reliability and safety, with over 10 million registered users worldwide. The trading platform stood out during our research thanks to its support of a whopping 2,340 coins, from big players like Bitcoin and Ethereum to niche projects such as Plume, Iota, and HiveAI.

Gate.io crypto exchange

Additionally, the platform prides itself on industry-leading security measures, including audits demonstrating 100% proof of reserves and compliance with regulatory standards across 224+ countries. Gate.io’s commitment to security extends to its innovative GateChain, a next-generation public chain focusing on asset security and decentralized transactions.

This crypto trading platform caters to both newbies and experienced traders with its user-friendly interface and advanced trading features, including leveraged trading, futures contracts, and copy trading.

Pros

  • Large selection of cryptocurrencies
  • Often among the first exchanges to list new coins
  • High-security measures and proof of reserves
  • Comprehensive platform for pro traders

Cons

  • Limited access in certain regions
  • Relatively high fees
Visit Gate.io

13. KuCoin — Best for Crypto Staking

  • Tradable Coins: 930+
  • Minimum Deposit: $10
  • Transaction Fees: 0.1%
  • Trading Limits: Yes

KuCoin is the best crypto exchange for staking. With over 930 cryptocurrencies available for trading and a global presence spanning over 200 countries, the platform offers traders ample opportunities to stake assets and earn passive income on idle assets.

KuCoin Crypto Exchange

Its extensive selection of staking options, including both flexible and locked staking with varying APYs, caters to a wide range of risk preferences. For instance, the platform’s high-yield staking products, such as the Shark Fin structured investment, offer the potential for higher returns, albeit with increased risk.

On the flip side, KuCoin’s low-risk staking options offer a straightforward way to earn rewards on a diverse range of cryptocurrencies. Compared to other exchanges, KuCoin’s staking offerings stand out for their flexibility and variety. However, the exchange still lacks beginner-friendly features, like demo accounts and copy trading.

Pros

  • Extensive crypto staking options
  • Wide range of tradable cryptocurrencies
  • Advanced trading tools for pro users
  • Global presence and accessibility

Cons

  • Limited beginner-friendly features
  • Limited liquidity for low-cap coins
Visit KuCoin

14. Coinbase — Best for Beginners

  • Tradable Coins: 290+
  • Minimum Deposit: $2
  • Transaction Fees: 0% to 0.6%
  • Trading Limits: Yes

Founded in 2012, Coinbase has evolved into a publicly traded, decentralized exchange serving over 100 countries and facilitating access to over 200 cryptocurrencies. Its platform mirrors the intuitive navigation of online banking apps, making it easy for new users to get into crypto trading.

Coinbase Crypto Exchange

Coinbase also comes with robust security measures, including FDIC insurance for U.S. dollar balances and digital fund insurance. Trading fees, though competitive, can be steep for small-scale traders, ranging up to 0.60% depending on your trading volume.

Beyond trading, Coinbase offers an NFT marketplace and opportunities for passive earning on over 100 assets. However, due to its compliance with regulations, it supports a relatively small pool of ~290 coins and doesn’t list new coins as frequently as exchanges like Bybit and Gate.io.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface for beginners
  • Strong security measures in place
  • Extensive educational resources available

Cons

  • Comparatively high fees
  • Doesn’t list new coins often
Visit Coinbase

15. WhiteBIT — Best Crypto Exchange for Dollar-Cost Averaging

  • Tradable Coins: 340+
  • Minimum Deposit: Varies
  • Transaction Fees: 0.1%
  • Trading Limits: Yes

Leading European crypto platform WhiteBIT supports over 340 crypto assets and more than 600 trading pairs. Established in 2018, the centralized exchange already has exceeded 5 million users and averages $2.5 billion in daily trading volume. WhiteBIT caught our attention with its Auto-Invest tool that facilitates dollar-cost averaging with features like tailored purchase frequencies, minimal investment amounts, and versatile asset support for flexibility.

Spot trading fees don’t exceed 0.1%, and WhiteBIT doesn’t charge any fees for crypto deposits via blockchain. Users can also purchase and hold WhiteBIT Coin (WBT), the WhiteBIT ecosystem’s native token, for fee discounts and other exclusive benefits. In addition, users can easily onramp cryptocurrencies on 9 fiat assets, including USD, EUR, and GBP.

Regarding security, WhiteBIT holds 96% of its crypto holdings on secure cold wallets, and financial specialist Hacken.io audits the entire platform. Moreover, WhiteBIT passed the highest certification for PCI DSS, ensuring users’ credit and debit card information is well protected.

Pros

  • Easy conversions for 9 fiats and 300+ crypto
  • Competitive trading fees
  • Earn passive income for 40+ assets

Cons

  • KYC verification is required
  • Mixed customer service ratings

Visit WhiteBIT

Methodology: How We Rated the Best Crypto Exchanges and Trading Platforms


To rate the best crypto trading platforms and exchanges, we evaluated eight key factors, scoring them on a scale of 1-10. We then weighted the categories to determine an overall score for each exchange, and tallied the final scores to rank the top crypto exchanges.

Instruments and Tradable Coins (20%)

We considered the cryptocurrencies and spot trading pairs available at each crypto exchange. This evaluation included whether an exchange has a launchpad for new tokens and discovery tools to help you find new coins to trade.

In addition, we examined other instruments offered by each trading platform, such as crypto futures and options contracts. We also considered whether margin trading and OTC trading are available.

Trading Fees (20%)

We looked into each crypto exchange’s fee structure in detail to determine what an average user would pay to instantly buy or sell crypto, spot trade popular cryptocurrencies, and trade crypto futures.

We also weighed in other fees, such as withdrawal and wallet fees. Many crypto trading platforms offer fee discounts for volume or holding the exchange’s native token; we also factored these discounts into our evaluation.

Trading Tools (15%)

Trading tools include an exchange’s charting and analysis platform, risk management features, and trade planning tools. We looked into whether crypto exchanges offer:

  • Trading bots
  • Copy trading
  • Level 2 order book data
  • The option to create custom technical indicators
  • Third-party software, like MetaTrader

User Experience (15%)

We based our user experience evaluation on how easy or difficult it is to use a given crypto trading platform. For example, exchanges offering streamlined product menus and responsive trading platforms ranked highly in this category. Crypto exchanges with confusing fee structures, glitchy interfaces, or difficult registration procedures ranked lower.

We also considered an exchange’s mobile app as part of its user experience. We assessed whether all online features were available in the app, including instant buy tools and charts.

Regulation and Security (10%)

Some crypto exchanges are lightly regulated, while others do business in highly regulated jurisdictions like the US. We considered the authorities an exchange answers to and whether it makes financial information public. We also looked into each exchange’s cryptocurrency security measures, such as cold storage and multi-factor authentication.

Additional Services (10%)

Many exchanges offer additional crypto services such as P2P trading, NFT marketplaces, Web3 wallets, and staking. We considered the additional services available at each crypto trading platform since they allow you to branch further into the crypto world without having to move funds across platforms.

Reputation (5%)

Because many crypto exchanges are private and lightly regulated, the best indicator of their trustworthiness is often their reputation. We looked into customer reviews to see what users say about the exchanges we evaluated and whether these platforms have been hacked or landed in legal trouble.

Customer Support (5%)

Lastly, we considered the channels each crypto exchange offers for customer support, the time availability of their support team, and the level of user satisfaction with their support services.

Are Crypto Exchanges Worth It?


Crypto exchanges are one of the simplest and most affordable ways to buy cryptocurrency with fiat and vice versa. By using a crypto exchange or trading platform, you’ll be able to:

  • Access a wide range of cryptocurrencies for trading or holding
  • Buy and sell crypto securely
  • Utilize real-time market data and analysis tools
  • Diversify your investment portfolio

Alternative methods of buying crypto – through a traditional stockbroker, using P2P trading platforms, or through Bitcoin ATMs – are significantly more expensive than exchanges and don’t offer you the same flexibility in terms of what you can do with your tokens.

The one drawback to using crypto exchanges is that, in most cases, you can’t buy crypto anonymously, as they usually require you to go through a Know Your Customer (KYC) process. In addition, fees can be high in centralized exchanges, leading some users to switch to decentralized exchanges.

Different Types of Crypto Exchanges


Centralized and decentralized exchanges are the two main types of crypto exchanges. Here, we’ll go over their differences and benefits.

Centralized Exchanges (CEXs)

Centralized crypto exchanges, also known as CEXs, are intermediaries that facilitate trades between buyers and sellers. When you enter an order, the CEX serves as the counterparty for the trade and provides liquidity to fulfill the order.

In other words, if you buy Bitcoin, it’ll come directly from the CEX rather than another user who’s selling Bitcoin at that moment. By doing this, CEXs take on some risk, so they charge higher fees to account for this risk.

Advantages of Centralized Exchanges

  • CEXs typically have higher liquidity, allowing for faster and more efficient trading.
  • They employ robust security measures to protect against fraud and hacking.
  • They adhere to regulatory requirements, assuring that your activities are legal.
  • Most CEXs securely hold your assets through custodial services.
  • They often provide more features than decentralized exchanges, including customer support.

Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)

Decentralized exchanges, also known as DEXs, work without a central authority. Instead, transactions occur directly between users through smart contracts on blockchain networks. This means that if you buy Bitcoin, it comes directly from another user who’s selling Bitcoin at that moment.

While some DEXs offer direct fiat-to-crypto or crypto-to-fiat trading pairs, many don’t support these conversions directly. Still, some have integrated with third-party services or decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols that enable these transactions.

Examples of decentralized exchanges include Best DEX, Uniswap, and SushiSwap.

Advantages of Decentralized Exchanges

  • DEXs offer a wider range of crypto tokens than centralized exchanges.
  • They charge lower trading fees compared to CEXs.
  • They allow you to convert cryptocurrencies anonymously.
  • With DEXs, you maintain custody over your cryptocurrency.

Global Crypto Exchanges

Global crypto exchanges are CEXs that operate in most jurisdictions around the world rather than a single country or region. All the crypto trading platforms we reviewed above are global crypto exchanges since they’re available in 170+ countries.

How Do Cryptocurrency Exchanges Work?


Crypto exchanges allow you to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin and Ethereum. To get started, simply create an account and deposit funds. When you place an order to buy or sell a cryptocurrency:

  • A DEX matches you with an opposite order from another user and carries out the order by transferring cryptocurrency from the seller’s account to the buyer’s account.
  • A CEX does the same; but if there isn’t a matching order, it facilitates the transaction through other mechanisms.

This process usually happens instantly, especially on centralized exchanges. In addition, crypto exchanges typically provide you with a wallet to store your cryptocurrencies.

These platforms employ security measures like encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and cold storage of assets to protect your funds from hacking and unauthorized access. In exchange for these services, crypto trading platforms may charge fees for executing trades, depositing or withdrawing funds, or accessing certain features.

Crypto Exchange Fees


Cryptocurrency exchanges charge various fees for their services, including trading fees, withdrawal fees, and other account fees. Let’s break them down.

Trading Fees

Crypto exchanges charge trading fees when you buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrencies. These fees vary between exchanges and can be calculated in different ways, such as a percentage of the transaction amount or a fixed amount per transaction. For example:

  • If an exchange charges a 0.1% buy fee, and you purchase $100 worth of Bitcoin, you’d pay a fee of $0.10 for that transaction. But if you buy $1,000, you’d pay $1.
  • If a platform charges a fixed fee of $0.99, you’d pay that same fee, no matter whether you bought $100 or $1,000 worth of BTC.

Fixed fees are rare, though. Most crypto trading platforms charge tiered percentage fees based on whether you’re adding liquidity to the market (i.e., when you sell) or reducing liquidity (i.e., when you buy), as well as your trading volume. For instance, OKX categorizes its users into tiers by their 30-day trading volume and total asset balance:

Crypto exchange trading fees at OKX

Crypto futures trading and margin trading fees are typically lower than spot trading fees but similarly tiered. They vary based on additional factors, such as the level of leverage used in a trade.

Withdrawal Fees

Some crypto exchanges charge withdrawal fees when you withdraw fiat or cryptocurrency from your account. Fees vary based on the withdrawal method; fiat bank transfers are often free, but wire transfers or payments to a credit/debit card are not. Expect a $10-$25 fee per withdrawal using these methods.

For crypto, withdrawal fees vary based on the coin being withdrawn. In addition to the exchange’s withdrawal fee, you need to pay blockchain gas fees for transferring tokens to another wallet. These fees are typically small but vary by blockchain.

Other Fees

Most crypto exchanges don’t charge any additional fees. However, some platforms charge custody fees for holding your crypto assets or deposit fees for payment methods like wire transfers.

How to Choose a Crypto Exchange


In this section, we’ll delve into the five most important factors to consider when choosing the best crypto exchange for you.

Accessibility

Not all crypto trading platforms are available in all countries. In fact, many exchanges don’t accept US customers. While US users may be able to access these platforms with a VPN for crypto, exchanges are increasingly cracking down on this practice to avoid trouble with US regulators. Out of our list of the best cryptocurrency exchanges, the following are available in the US:

  • Best Wallet
  • Kraken
  • eToro
  • Coinbase
  • MEXC
  • Binance (through Binance US)
  • KuCoin (with limited features)

Security

Security is crucial to protect your funds from hacking or theft. When choosing a crypto exchange, assess the following factors:

  • Regulation: Look for exchanges regulated by reputable authorities, as they are required to adhere to strict security standards.
  • Encryption: Ensure the exchange uses strong encryption protocols to safeguard sensitive data and transactions.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Opt for exchanges that offer 2FA to add an extra layer of security to your account.
  • Cold Storage: Check if the exchange stores the majority of funds in cold storage wallets, which are offline and less vulnerable to hacking.
  • Track Record: Research the exchange’s history of security incidents and how they were handled to gauge their reliability.

Available Coins

A wide selection of coins allows you to diversify your investment portfolio, spreading risk across different assets. This is why the number of coins available in a crypto exchange is essential.

In addition, more coins means more trading pairs, giving you more flexibility to execute trading strategies and capitalize on market opportunities. Besides, some crypto trading platforms list newer or lesser-known coins with potential for growth, giving you more investment options.

Finally, you should assess whether an exchange offers specific cryptocurrencies you want to trade or invest in.

Trading Volume

An exchange’s trading volume impacts liquidity for trading. The more trading volume a crypto exchange has, the easier it’ll be to buy and sell tokens at the current market price without slippage.

Additionally, more active trading pairs on high-volume exchanges typically result in more accurate and competitive pricing, benefiting you with better execution prices.

Lastly, crypto trading platforms with consistently high trading volumes are often more stable and reliable, with robust infrastructure to handle peak trading periods and minimize downtime.

Trading volume of the best crypto exchanges

Educational Resources

Cryptocurrency trading can be complex, especially for beginners. High-quality educational resources can shorten the learning curve and empower you to make informed decisions. Many platforms offer detailed guides on:

  • Different tokens – explaining what they do and what causes their prices to move
  • Trading strategies, including both basic and advanced techniques
  • Features of the crypto trading platform, such as order types, charting tools, and risk management options

For instance, Kraken has a 12-article series for beginners, covering crypto basics and the most well-known coins, as well as how to buy and use cryptocurrency.

Crypto trading educational resources at Kraken

In addition to the exchange’s educational resources, you can learn by engaging with the platform’s community, being active on forums, and attending webinars.

How to Create a Crypto Exchange Account


Opening a crypto exchange account is similar to signing up for an online brokerage — you’ll need to provide personal and financial information. To create an account, follow these steps:

  1. Create an account: Enter an email address and password. Prove you own that email address by following the instructions on the confirmation email you’ll receive.
  2. Upload personal information: Input your full name, address, and phone number. Upload a government-issued photo ID, such as your driver’s license or passport.
  3. Complete identity verification: Some exchanges may require additional steps, like taking a selfie with your ID to prove the documents you submitted are yours.
  4. Fund your account: Choose a deposit method, fund your account, and start trading.

Exchanges often offer tiered verification for different levels of access and limits. User verification times vary, ranging from minutes to days.

Conclusion: What Is the Best Cryptocurrency Exchange?


Cryptocurrency exchanges act as gateways to the world of digital assets, so choosing the right one will have an outsize effect on your crypto experience. When selecting a cryptocurrency exchange, start with its security measures, consider the variety of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs it offers, and check that it caters to your needs. Pay attention to fees, too; seemingly small percentages can add up quickly. Finally, an intuitive interface and responsive customer support can turn a complex trading journey into an easy and enjoyable one.

In our opinion, Best Wallet is the best crypto exchange in 2025 due to its low trading costs, huge range of tradable assets, and unique trading features. It’s a decentralized exchange that allows you to trade more than 1,000 tokens from over 60 blockchains without KYC requirements while keeping your funds secure in a self-custody wallet.

Visit Best Wallet

FAQs


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References

Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.
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