The Best Crypto Exchanges of 2024
Below is a list of the top-rated crypto exchanges after reviewing dozens of them.
Coinbase
It was one of the earliest centralized crypto exchanges when it launched in 2012, and Coinbase continues to be a favorite among crypto traders and investors. From the beginning, the company has been a safe crypto exchange, all while improving the quality of its services.
Because of this consistent improvement for over a decade, there’s little you can’t do on Coinbase and regulators recognized this when the company went public on the Nasdaq. It’s not perfect and still has room for improvement, say, by including more altcoins and lowering trading costs, but on the whole, we would recommend this exchange to anyone.
| Pricing tier | Taker fee | Maker fee |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $10k | 0.60% | 0.40% |
| $10k – $50k | 0.40% | 0.25% |
| $50k – $100k | 0.25% | 0.15% |
| $100k – $1 million | 0.20% | 0.10% |
| $1 million – $15 million | 0.18% | 0.08% |
| $15 million – $75 million | 0.16% | 0.06% |
| $75 million – $250 million | 0.12% | 0.03% |
| $250 million – $400 million | 0.08% | 0.00% |
| $400 million + | 0.05% | 0.00% |
Coinbase Characteristics/features
- Regulated exchange and publicly listed company
- An easy-to-use platform for beginners
- Advanced trading tools for professional traders
- Insurance protection against losses from cyberattacks
- Available in over 100 countries
Coinbase Pros and Cons
- A publicly listed company, hence strongly regulated
- Proven security from attacks including a bug bounty program
- Large selection of cryptos and crypto pairs
- Higher trading fees compared to the industry average
- Prone to delays due to trade volume
Coinbase
- Regulated exchange
- An easy-to-use platform
- Free crypto training offered
Coinbase
Kraken
This is another pioneering crypto company, this was founded earlier than Coinbase in 2011 and still ranks among the world’s top crypto exchanges. What we like about Kraken is the platform’s dedication to security while providing access to a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including newer altcoins with a lower market cap.
These and other attributes have attracted over 10 million users from nearly all countries who get to enjoy a variety of premium services even with little capital, safe in the security of a well-regulated and reputable exchange.
| Pricing tier | Taker fee | Maker fee |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $10k | 0.40% | 0.25% |
| $10k – $50k | 0.35% | 0.20% |
| $50k – $100k | 0.24% | 0.14% |
| $100k – $250k | 0.22% | 0.12% |
| 250k – 500k | 0.20% | 0.10% |
| $500k – $1 million | 0.18% | 0.06% |
| $1 million – $2.5 million | 0.16% | 0.08% |
| $2.5 million – $5 million | 0.14% | 0.06% |
| $5 million – 10 million | 0.12% | 0.02% |
| 10 million + | 0.10% | 0.00% |
Kraken Characteristics/features
- A well-regulated and secure exchange
- Over 200 cryptocurrencies supported
- Low trading fees
- Advanced trading features on Kraken Pro
- Trade NFTs and perpetual futures using 5x leverage
Kraken Pros and Cons
- Competitive trading fees
- Great customer support
- Secure platform
- NFTs available
- Higher fees when not using Kraken Pro
- A quite complex platform for beginners
Kraken
- Great customer support
- Secure exchange
- Lower fees with Kraken Pro
Kraken
eToro
Unlike the rest of this list, eToro isn’t your typical crypto exchange because it facilitates trading other financial assets. That said, it offers good crypto trading services whether you’re interested in real cryptos or crypto CFDs, giving you access to 80+ cryptos.
Crypto-only traders may find the variety limited, but the platform’s other features make up for the deficit. Moreover, eToro has a long and storied reputation in online markets so you can be sure about the security of your capital and assets.
| Commission | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
| Real Crypto | 1% | None |
| Crypto CFDs | None | Floating spread |
eToro Characteristics/features
- Well-regulated online trading platform
- Offers multiple assets including stocks and ETFs
- Offers 80+ cryptos for trade
- Short selling and high leverage with crypto CFDs
eToro Pros and Cons
- Secure platform
- User-friendly interface for navigation
- Includes other financial assets
- Limited range of cryptos
- High cost for trading real crypto
eToro
- Number 1 copy trading platform
- Integrated social network for traders
- Trading cryptocurrency CFDs
eToro
Binance
Most crypto traders/users are familiar with Binance since it has been the top exchange by trading volume since 2017. Although it was launched relatively later in the industry, it has cemented its position by creating innovative features that other platforms simply can’t match.
In this way, it has stayed ahead of the competition despite several headwinds in its history and continues to be a favorite among most people, particularly as the crypto exchange with the lowest fees.
| 30-day Trading Volume | Taker Fees | Maker Fees |
|---|---|---|
| < $1 million | 0.10% | 0.10% |
| $1 – $5 million | 0.10% | 0.09% |
| $5 – $20 million | 0.10% | 0.08% |
| $20 – $100 million | 0.06% | 0.042% |
| $100 – $150 million | 0.054% | 0.042% |
| $150 – $400 million | 0.048% | 0.036% |
| $400 – $800 million | 0.042% | 0.03% |
| $800 million – $2 billion | 0.036% | 0.024% |
| $2 – $4 billion | 0.03% | 0.018% |
| $4 billion + | 0.024% | 0.012% |
Binance Characteristics/features
- Biggest crypto exchange by trading volume
- Low trading fees
- Fee discounts for holders of BNB token
- Over 400 cryptocurrencies supported
- Supports safe P2P transactions
Binance Pros and Cons
- A large number of cryptos
- Reputable exchange
- Very low trading fees
- High leverage on futures trades
- Fiat currency supported
- Not available in certain countries
- Tarnished reputation
Binance
- Low fees
- One of the largest crypto exchanges
- Fee discount for using native BNB
Binance
HTX
HTX was founded in 2013 and provides trading and investment services, handling more than $4 billion in daily trading volume. It offers an extensive list of cryptos with over 400 assets and 300 trading pairs, including provision for spot trading, margin trading, futures trading, derivatives trading, staking, crypto loans, and more.
| Maker Fee Rate | |
|---|---|
| User level | Spot fee |
| Tier S | 0.01% |
| Tier 1 | 0.005% |
| Tier 2 | 0.0025% |
| Taker Fee Rate | |
|---|---|
| User level | Spot fee |
| Prime 0 | 0.20% |
| Prime 1 | 0.16% |
| Prime 2 | 0.14% |
| Prime 3 | 0.10% |
| Prime 4 | 0.09% |
| Prime 5 | 0.09% |
| Prime 6 | 0.07% |
| Prime 7 | 0.055% |
| Prime 8 | 0.0388% |
| Prime 9 | 0.0318% |
| Prime 10 | 0.0268% |
| Prime 11 | 0.0218% |
HTX Characteristics/features
- Supports over 700 cryptos for trading
- Trade crypto futures with up to 200x leverage
- Earn passive income and high interest through DeFi
- Chosen by over 45 million users
- Earn rewards for participating in promotions and giveaways
HTX Pros and Cons
- Competitive trading fees
- Ability to earn free crypto in promotions
- High leverage on derivatives
- Trade over 700 cryptos
- Not strongly regulated
- Based in Seychelles
HTX
- Competitive fees
- Large number of cryptocurrencies
- Abundance of trading features
HTX
Gemini
Gemini was co-founded in 2014 by the brothers Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss. It offers over 80 assets for trading which is quite limited among the top crypto exchanges but it does so as the safest crypto exchange. This has attracted beginners and professional traders who are keen on security although that comes at a higher cost.
Indeed, trading fees on Gemini are higher than the industry average and the platform does not have as many features. On the other hand, what it does offer is done really well to ensure the best possible experience.
| 30-day Trading Volume | Taker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $10k | 0.40% | 0.20% |
| $10 – $50k | 0.30% | 0.10% |
| $50 – $100k | 0.25% | 0.10% |
| $100k – $1 million | 0.20% | 0.08% |
| $1 – $5 million | 0.15% | 0.05% |
| $5 – $10 million | 0.10% | 0.03% |
| $10 – $50 million | 0.08% | 0.02% |
| $50 – $100 million | 0.05% | 0.00% |
| $100 – $500 million | 0.04% | 0.00% |
| $500 million + | 0.03% | 0.00% |
Gemini Characteristics/features
- One of the most reputable crypto exchanges in the world
- Licensed in the US as an exchange and custodian
- Frequently audited for crypto reserves to ensure security
- Also licensed in the UK, Italy, Ireland, and Greece
- Crypto derivatives available for trade
- Sophisticated trading tools for professionals
Gemini Pros and Cons
- Highly secure exchange
- Derivatives available with up to 100x leverage
- Earn interest through staking
- Relatively higher fees
- Not available in all countries
Gemini
- Over 100 cryptocurrencies
- Over 20 trading pairs
- Highly reputable app
Gemini
KuCoin
Commonly referred to as ‘The People’s Exchange’, KuCoin has plenty of features for any crypto enthusiast. Most importantly, it accepts new altcoins with potential despite limited market cap or media attention, allowing it to support over 700 cryptos which is remarkable. Moreover, it’s not shy to introduce new features that can increase a trader’s performance.
These make KuCoin an ideal exchange for the active trader willing to take on a bit more risk and try something new. And yet it doesn’t risk your capital or crypto because security is still very good and the exchange has not suffered a cyberattack since its founding while vying for a place as the cheapest crypto exchange.
| 30-day Trading Volume | Taker Fee | Maker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $3 million | 0.10% | 0.10% |
| $3 – $6 million | 0.10% | 0.09% |
| $6 – $13 million | 0.09% | 0.075% |
| $13 – $35 million | 0.085% | 0.065% |
| $35 – $55 million | 0.065% | 0.045% |
| $55 – $100 million | 0.055% | 0.035% |
| $100 – $180 million | 0.045% | 0.025% |
| $180 – $250 million | 0.042% | 0.015% |
| $250 – $350 million | 0.040% | 0.010% |
| $350 – $550 million | 0.040% | 0.000% |
| $550 – $750 million | 0.030% | 0.000% |
| $750 – $950 million | 0.025% | -0.003% |
| $950 million + | 0.025% | -0.005% |
KuCoin Characteristics/features
- Offers over 700 cryptos and hundreds of crypto pairs for trade
- Provides advanced trading tools for experienced users
- 24/7 excellent customer support
- Explore NFTs and DeFi
- Earn discounts when staking KCS
KuCoin Pros and Cons
- Competitive trading fees
- Many cryptocurrencies supported
- Advanced trading features
- Available in 200+ countries
- Bonuses, promotions, and giveaways
- Restricted in some countries
- Not fully regulated
KuCoin
- Wide range of cryptos
- Advanced Trading Options
- Competitive fees
KuCoin
ByBit
Bybit was established in 2018 by Ben Zhou as a crypto centralized exchange (CEX) that serves more than 27 million users, offering access to 1,000+ assets and contracts across spot and crypto derivatives like Futures and Options, earn products, an NFT marketplace, etc.
It has quickly risen to be ranked #3 on CoinMarketCap by trading volume at the time of writing, proving that the exchange has made a mark in the crypto-verse. And since it hasn’t been resting on its laurels, ByBit has some of the most innovative features, which should be an advantage for all traders.
| 30-day Trading Volume | Taker Fee | Maker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – $100k | 0.20% | 0.15% |
| $100k – $275k | 0.20% | 0.10% |
| $275 – $550k | 0.15% | 0.10% |
| $550k – $1 million | 0.12% | 0.10% |
| $1 – $1.1 million | 0.12% | 0.0675% |
| $1.1 – $2.5 million | 0.08% | 0.0675% |
| $2.5 – $5 million | 0.0775% | 0.065% |
| $5 – $10 million | 0.075% | 0.0625% |
| $10 – $25 million | 0.06% | 0.05% |
| $25 – $50 million | 0.05% | 0.04% |
| $50 – $75 million | 0.045% | 0.03% |
| $75 – $100 million | 0.045% | 0.03% |
| $100 million + | 0.015% | 0.005% |
ByBit Characteristics/features
- Copy trading to improve your performance
- ByBit debit card for shopping directly using crypto
- Over 1,000 supported cryptocurrencies
- VIP and institutional facilities for professional traders
- Explore DeFi to earn interest and increase profits
ByBit Pros and Cons
- Supports many cryptos
- Accepted in 160 countries
- Favored by millions of traders
- Many investment features
- Transparent and secure platform
- Not available in several countries
- Not strongly regulated
ByBit
- Wide range of investment products
- Transparent platform
- Free demo account
ByBit
PancakeSwap
It’s important to first highlight that PancakeSwap is a decentralized exchange (DEX), hence different from the aforementioned exchanges. Basically, this means there is no centralized location for the crypto, and trading occurs through trading pools funded by individuals.
The advantage is that traders are not required to keep up with KYC and can thus remain anonymous. Not to mention the available opportunities to earn interest by contributing to the liquidity pools and other forms of DeFi.
| Taker Fee | Maker Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Perpetuals trading | 0.07% | 0.02% |
| Token swap | 0.25% | 0.25% |
PancakeSwap Characteristics/features
- Completely decentralized exchange with no institutional backing
- DeFi opportunities with high interest rates
- Access to minor altcoins not listed on centralized exchanges
- No identification requirements allow for anonymity
- Access to niche crypto services like gaming
PancakeSwap Pros and Cons
- Guaranteed anonymity
- Quick access with no ID verification requirements
- High APY when staking in liquidity pools
- Trade minor altcoins and memecoins
- Slightly complex for beginners
- Fiat only accepted through 3rd party payments
PancakeSwap
Sign up now at this decentralized exchange, which supports tokens on the Binance Smart Chain.
PancakeSwap
Uniswap
This too is a decentralized exchange (DEX) where users can swap cryptos directly from a liquidity pool (LP). However, it does support a lot more tokens since it’s built on Ethereum and therefore allows traders to access a lot more tokens they wouldn’t otherwise find on a centralized exchange.
But the real beauty is that Uniswap won’t ask to verify your address so you can quickly buy and sell crypto. This is also why the platform handles so much trading volume ranking it as one of the best crypto exchange sites.
| Taker Fee | Maker Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Token swap | 0.30% | 0.30% |
Uniswap Characteristics/features
- Decentralized exchange (DEX) governed by community
- Users remain anonymous
- Low, fixed trading fees for all tokens
- Wide range of unique and newly launched altcoins
Uniswap Pros and Cons
- No ID verification necessary
- Access to low-cap altcoins/meme coins
- Low swap fees
- Requires some crypto knowledge/skill
Uniswap
- A top decentralized exchang
- Integrates the BNB Chain
- High liquidity
Uniswap
The best platform to choose in our opinion
With so many exchanges to choose from (>700 according to CMC), we are spoiled for choice. However, from our in-depth review and experience with the top 10 crypto exchanges, we would pick Coinbase as the best overall platform. While it doesn’t score in all categories, we found that it has the perfect balance of what any crypto trader requires.
For starters, security is and has always been a priority in crypto and Coinbase has weathered numerous attempts at being hacked, including a successful one in 2021 after which users were reimbursed. Secondly, it has a wide range of cryptos for you to trade on various platforms including the Pro app with advanced features.
While you might not find the most exotic altcoins listed on the exchange, this should be enough for most traders around the world where Coinbase is accepted and supports various fiat currencies.
Coinbase
- Regulated exchange
- An easy-to-use platform
- Free crypto training offered
Coinbase
How did we review and choose these platforms?
Considering the great number of crypto exchanges, we had to review many aspects to find the best ones, including:
Security
We check how a crypto platform secures users’ crypto through a review of previous security incidents. For instance, we find out if the exchange had a history of a cyberattack and how it handled the situation. Furthermore, how the platform handles user data is important to prevent unauthorized access, something that a good crypto exchange will prove through an audit of its security measures regarding encryption and storage.
Regulation
Crypto regulators ensure that the platforms they supervise act ethically to avoid catastrophes such as the FTX collapse. A transparent crypto exchange platform should welcome regulation such as Coinbase and Gemini do. And strong regulation such as in the US is a good indicator that your crypto is safe and you are trading above board.
Ease of Use
Crypto trading is hard enough, so the last thing you need is a platform that gets in your way. To make it easy, most exchanges will provide effective and reliable trading platforms that can be accessed on all devices. Our recommended crypto exchanges should have easy access for both casual and professional traders by providing appropriate tools.
Asset List
More is typically always better because we expect our readers to have as many options as possible. That said, it’s difficult to list all cryptocurrencies in an exchange, so you have to settle for the most common ones. The best exchanges try to strike a balance between the number of cryptos without listing risky tokens whose projects may collapse and lead to losses.
Fees
Trading fees are generally lower in crypto compared to conventional financial markets, but they still add up. Most platforms have a sliding scale in fees that varies by your trading volume, and you need to be aware of this to know what to expect. While you may not feel the pinch on a single trade, the fees add up as you continue trading over the weeks.
What is a crypto exchange?
The simplest definition of a crypto exchange is a platform where users can buy and sell cryptocurrencies. They are the equivalent of a stock exchange, creating a central location where you can find the cryptocurrency you need and/or sell the one you have.
Before exchanges, circa 2009, users had to connect through online forums and messaging boards, which was fine when it was just Bitcoin. But as more coins were introduced, it became necessary to have a ‘marketplace’ where you could easily buy whichever coin you wanted.
How Do Crypto Exchanges Work?
Centralized exchanges (CEXes) like Coinbase work very similarly to a bank, by simply accumulating cryptos and storing them for potential buyers. The biggest exchanges are usually the biggest holders of crypto which sit in offline wallets and (potentially) appreciate in value.
On the other hand, decentralized exchanges (DEXes) such as Uniswap keep crypto holdings in liquidity pools that are not controlled by any individual or company. Individual users deposit crypto into these pools to earn interest, which is received from the trading fees charged.
Services offered
Exchanges have evolved from mere marketplaces and now we expect to have at least the following:
- Trading crypto pairs
- Trading perpetual futures, preferably with leverage
- DeFi – staking, crypto lending, liquidity pools, etc.
- NFTs trading
- Debit card
How to open an account on an exchange?
For this tutorial, let’s assume you’re opening an account on your PC Coinbase, although you can follow similar steps on mobile.
Step 1: Create an account
Go to the homepage, click on Sign Up, and select Individual for a personal account. Here, you need to only enter your name, email address, and a chosen password then select Create a Free Account.
Step 2: Verify your email address
An email will be sent to you, which is a link that will confirm your ownership and redirect you to the Coinbase dashboard.
Step 3: Verify your phone number
Enter your phone number and the verification code to activate your account; it will also be used for 2FA later on.
Step 4: Verify your identity
Upload a picture of an identification document such as a driver’s license or passport to prove your identity.
How to buy cryptos on an exchange?
Once your account is active and verified, it takes a few more steps to buy crypto.
Step 1: Add a payment method
From your account board, go to settings and click on Add a payment method
Step 2: Buy crypto using fiat
Assuming you don’t already have crypto, click on Buy & Sell, enter the amount you want to spend, which cryptocurrency to buy, and the payment method to use.
That’s it! Your crypto will be deposited into your wallet, after which you can use it for transactions, trades, or investments.
Our tips for choosing the best platforms for yourself
They say it’s better to teach a man how to fish, so here are some tips you can use next time:
Do your own research (DYOR)
Reviews such as these are good for finding a list of crypto exchanges, but you should always perform your own assessment. This is how you will catch certain important facts you could have missed and learn more. Besides, the experience will help you decide if you feel like it’s the right match for you rather than hearing someone else’s opinion.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask
Crypto exchanges have entire teams dedicated to answering questions; use them. Feel free to ask any question on your mind no matter how trivial it may sound. This should help you avoid any misunderstandings and clarify anything you find ambiguous or confusing.
Don’t Settle
It’s easy to find something appealing about a particular exchange and be tempted to simply sign up. But this is wrong because there may be a better offer you haven’t considered yet. Therefore, stay open-minded as you research among the dozens of top-rated crypto exhanges available to you.
