Best Crypto Exchanges and Apps in 2025
The cryptocurrency market bounced back with the 2025 bull run, attracting more buyers. To make the best of the run, we are here to help you find the ideal crypto exchanges for your trading! After Bitcoin hit $95,000 and Ethereum gained momentum, digital assets continue to see institutional and retail investment. But simply stepping into this space begins with a single crucial decision: picking the right exchange. There are 500-plus platforms, and picking the right one might stand between a smooth $100-to-$150 gain and getting scammed in losses north of $6.5 million reported annually across the industry.
Cryptocurrency exchanges do not just offer buying and selling options, they also give you a platform for storing and staking assets. In this guide, we will explore 15 to 20 of the best crypto exchanges, comparing their important qualities such as security, fees, ease of use, and for the U.S. market. Plus, we’d offer you practical tools and insider info that will save you from making very expensive mistakes.
With so many choices to choose from, our expert-curated list makes it easy for you to run to success in 2025.
Key Takeaway
Explore the top crypto exchanges and their features.
Get a list of country-specific best crypto platforms.
Read tips and tricks to choose the best exchange.
Top Crypto Exchanges for 2025
Coinbase – Most Secure Cryptocurrency Exchange
Available coins
250+
FEES (MAKER AND TAKER)
Maker 0.4%, Taker 0.6%
Regulated
Yes (FinCEN, SEC-compliant)
Introduction
One large US-based exchange with which all are familiar would be Coinbase. It is known for being compliant with regulatory standards, having large amounts of liquidity, and of course, its smooth interface. It has served over 100 million s throughout the globe, primarily beginners.
Why We Choose It?
Intuitive mobile apps, enhanced security features, and licensed operations of Coinbase made it a strong contender for those new to cryptos.
Key Features
- Intuitive mobile/web interface
- FDIC-insured USD balances
- Built-in wallet and earn features
Pros & Cons
Pros
Regulated and secure
Great for beginners
Seamless fiat onramp
Cons
Higher fees than competitors
Limited trading tools
PrimeXBT – Multi-Asset Investment & Trading Platform
Available coins
100+
FEES (MAKER AND TAKER)
Maker 0.05%, Taker 0.075%
Regulated
No
Introduction
A multi-asset platform and known for progressive derivatives trading, PrimeXBT offers approximately 200x leverage and gives exposure beyond crypto to experienced traders.
Why We Choose It?
Apt for professional traders, PrimeXBT leverage options and multi-asset capabilities due to high-risk and high-reward opportunities.
Key Features
- 200x leverage on BTC
- Trade crypto, forex, and indices.
- Copy trading feature.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Low trading fees
Broad asset exposure
Leverage customization
Cons
Not regulated
Not beginner-friendly
MEXC – -Friendly Crypto Trading Platform
Available coins
2300+
FEES (MAKER AND TAKER)
Maker 0%, Taker 0.1%
Regulated
No
Introduction
MEXC is a platform that s futures, staking, and launchpads. It is an altcoin-heavy exchange with deep liquidity, offering the opportunity to traders looking to explore emerging assets.
Why We Choose It?
MEXC’s unmatched altcoin variety and frequent token launches make it a top choice for active traders.
Key Features
- 2,300+ crypto assets.
- Futures and staking tools.
- Frequent airdrops and listings
Pros & Cons
Pros
Zero maker fees
Excellent for altcoin trading
High liquidity on niche tokens
Cons
Not licensed
Interface can be overwhelming
Margex – An Efficient Crypto Trading Platform
Available coins
50+
FEES (MAKER AND TAKER)
Maker 0.19%, Taker 0.19%
Regulated
No
Introduction
Margex acts as a Bitcoin derivatives platform with margin trading capped at 100 times. It is primarily designed with security and usability as its highlights, catering primarily to traders who seek full-risk and nearly frictionless trading heavens.
Why We Choose It?
Risks governing tools alongside a pleasant UI, coupled with anonymous trade made possible, set Margex apart for all traders striving to maintain their privacy.
Key Features
- 100x leverage on BTC pairs
- MP Shield system to prevent price manipulation
- No KYC requirement
Pros & Cons
Pros
Clean, beginner-friendly UI
High leverage options
Transparent trading environment
Cons
Limited coin selection
Unregulated
No fiat ed
Bitfinex – Best Multi-Asset Exchange
Available coins
170+
FEES (MAKER AND TAKER)
Maker 0.1%, Taker 0.2%
Regulated
No
Introduction
Having established itself since 2012, Bitfinex is the interchange for institutional traders and professionals. It provides deep liquidity across major state pairs, with advanced orders and API access.
Why We Choose It?
Bitfinex has an exceptional liquidity profile that allows experienced traders to work on large volumes.
Key Features
- Margin, derivatives, and lending options.
- Extensive order types
- Low slippage on large trades
Pros & Cons
Pros
Competitive fees
High liquidity
Advanced charting tools
Cons
Not beginner-friendly
History of security incidents
Complex UI
Gemini- Most Secured Exchange & Best for US Traders
Available coins
100+
FEES (MAKER AND TAKER)
Maker 0.2%, Taker 0.4%
Regulated
Yes
(NYDFS, FinCEN)
Introduction
Known for its security-first approach, Gemini is a US-regulated exchange. It has safe hot wallets and a commitment to compliance, which makes it the best option for s prioritizing safety and regulation.
Why We Choose It?
Gemini’s regulatory body, insurance protection and convenient interface make it a go-to and risk-free option for investors.
Key Features
- Regulated in the US
- Gemini Earn and credit card products
- SOC 2 Type II compliant
Pros & Cons
Pros
Highly secure
-friendly
Strong compliance framework
Cons
Higher fees on the standard interface
Limited altcoin variety
Not available in some regions
Kraken- Exchange With High Security
Available coins
220+
FEES (MAKER AND TAKER)
Maker 0.16%, Taker 0.26%
Regulated
Yes
(FinCEN, FCA)
Introduction
One of the oldest and most reliable exchanges, Kraken offers a comprehensive range of trading services that include staking, futures, and margin trading with a focus on regulatory compliance.
Why We Choose It?
Kraken is ideal for both retail and institutional traders due to low fees, regulatory trust and a strong trading platform.
Key Features
- Staking options with yield.
- Futures and margin markets
- Advanced trading tools
Pros & Cons
Pros
Strong regulatory presence
Competitive fees
Staking with rewards
Cons
Slower verification process
UI is less intuitive for beginners
Poloniex- Best for Cross Margin Trading
Available coins
300+
FEES (MAKER AND TAKER)
Maker 0.09%, Taker 0.1%
Regulated
No
Introduction
A global crypto trading platform, Poloniex, provides spot and margin trading, carrying for hundreds of assets and competitive fees.
Why We Choose It?
Poloniex’s wide range of coin selection and low trading fees caters to altcoin traders looking for multifarious exposure.
Key Features
- High number of trading pairs
- Margin trading
- Low trading fees
Pros & Cons
Pros
Broad coin availability
Responsive mobile app
No KYC for small trades
Cons
Unregulated
Limited fiat
Mixed reviews
CEX.io- Customer Centric Crypto Trading Platform
Available coins
100+
FEES (MAKER AND TAKER)
Maker 0.15%, Taker 0.25%
Regulated
Yes
(FinCEN, FCA)
Introduction
CEX.io is a fiat-friendly exchange that s debit/credit card crypto assets. It is apt for newcomers and those looking to enter crypto.
Why We Choose It?
Its easy fiat integration, stable reputation and regulatory status make CEX.io a dependable choice for novice crypto s.
Key Features
- Instant card purchases
- Regulated in multiple jurisdictions
- Earn staking rewards
Pros & Cons
Pros
s credit/debit cards
Regulated and transparent
Intuitive platform
Cons
Higher buy fees
Limited advanced trading options
OKX – Largest Social Trading Platform
Available coins
350+
FEES (MAKER AND TAKER)
Maker 0.08%, Taker 0.1%
Regulated
No
Introduction
OKX, a high-volume global exchange, is known for its deep liquidity, Web3 integration, and competitive fees across spot, futures, and DeFi markets.
Why We Choose It?
OKX’s product suite and low fees make it suitable for experienced s seeking a blend of CEX and Web3 functionality.
Key Features
- DeFi and DApp integrations
- Spot, futures, and options markets
- Mobile-first experience
Pros & Cons
Pros
Advanced trading features
Low fees
Extensive ecosystem
Cons
Not available in the US
Complex interface for new s
How to Choose the Best Crypto Exchange
| Criteria | What to Look For | Example |
| Fees | Transparent withdrawal costs along with low maker/taker fees ranging from 0%-4% | Binance.US – 0% maker fees on select pairs |
| Security | Asset protection or regulatory insurance, 2FA and cold storage | Gemini – Crypto insurance on hot wallets |
| Coin Selection | The list of assets goes beyond 150–2300, including trending altcoins | Crypto.com – 400+ coins |
| Regulation | ed with bodies like FinCEN, FCA, or MiCA | Bitstamp – Fully FCA compliant |
| Usability | Both UI for beginners and pro-level tools are available for experienced traders | Coinbase (easy) vs. OKX (advanced) |
| Trading Options | Availability of spot, futures, and margin trading | PrimeXBT – Margin up to 200x leverage |
Our Review Methodology for Crypto Exchanges
- CryptoNewsZ reviewed 100+ list of crypto exchanges over three months with more than 20 rigorous metrics. They considered trading fees, security, and liquidity, regulation, coin selection, and genuine customer reviews.
- Proprietary data analyses, such as $30B BTC volume and MEXC’s 1.4M transactions per second, were done. For instance, Kraken was added for its 0% maker fees and FinCEN registration, making it the best option for U.S. traders conscious of fees.
- We do use links (always with full disclosure), but our views are straightforward and non-promotional, for which you can read more about on our methodology.
Comparing the Best Crypto Trading Platforms
With more than hundreds of platforms for top crypto exchanges to select from, it can be overwhelming. This sortable table makes it easy to compare key features of the best cryptocurrency trading platforms based on what matters most to you: regulation, deposits, , and more.
For instance, Coinbase is ideal for beginners with its clean interface and solid U.S. compliance, while MEXC shines for seasoned traders needing high liquidity and an extensive altcoin roster.
Use the table below to explore your best-fit exchange:
| Crypto Exchange | Minimum Deposit | Regulatory Authority | Customer |
| Coinbase | $10 | FinCEN, SEC | 24/7 Chat, Email |
| MEXC | $0 | Offshore (non-U.S.) | 24/7 Live Chat |
| Kraken | $10 | FinCen, FCA | Email, Live Chat |
| Bitstamp | $10 | FCA, CSSF (EU), NYDFS | Ticket, Email |
| Crypto.com | $1 | MAS (Singapore), FCA | 24/7 Chat |
| OKX | $10 | Offshore, VASP Compliant | 24/7 Chat |
Safety Tips for Secure Crypto Trading
A novice and seasoned crypto enthusiast, it is essential to protect your funds and identify them as it is equally important as choosing the right crypto site. Below are some steps that will ensure that you trade confidently and risk-free.
- Two-factor authentication and biometric s are a must to always secure your whenever possible.
- A word of wisdom, but it is smart to store long-term crypto in cold wallets to keep assets safe and offline. A few names are Ledger or Trezor.
- 2023 witnessed the most soaring loss where s lost over $6.5M to scams that were unlicensed. Ensure an exchange has registration with reliable bodies such as FCA, FinCEN or CBB.
- Steer clear of fake promotions or links, especially on X (formerly Twitter)—a common tactic for phishing attacks.
- Test the platform with a $50–$100 trade before scaling your investment.
Interactive Tools for Crypto Trading
Knowing how you’ll pay and what you’ll get in return is extremely important before trading on the top cryptocurrency exchanges, and that is exactly what our Exchange Fee Calculator does.
The Fee Calculator will help you plan the trades better. One simply has to select an exchange (e.g., Coinbase, Kraken), put in their trade amount ($100–$10,000), choose whether they’re buying or selling, and hit “Calculate.”
Crypto Exchange Fee Calculator
In a click, one sees:
- Estimated fees based on that exchange’s maker/taker structure
- Your net trade value after fees
An example of this would be if one is buying $1,000 of BTC on Coinbase with a 0.4% maker fee results in. The fees for this would be $6 and the Net Amount, $994.
This tool empowers one to budget accurately and compare platforms side-by-side which comes in handy as the spreads and fee structures vary widely.
If you have questions about fees, slippage, or hidden charges, head to our Crypto Exchange FAQs for in-depth answers and platform-specific tips.
Conclusion: Your Path to Crypto Trading Success
Choosing the best cryptocurrency exchange ultimately depends on your trading experience, objectives, and methodology. If you are a novice trader, Coinbase is one of the best choice because of its seamless and convenient interface along with satisfactory regulatory compliance. Kraken is a reliable choice if low fees and maximum security are your priorities. If finding a wide selection of altcoins is your goal, MEXC offers access to over 2,000 assets.
Meanwhile, Binance.US is ideal for traders who are futures enthusiasts and require competitive fee plans. When you choose a platform, always consider key aspects such as fees, security measures, regulatory compliance, and asset options. To aid you in making better decisions, tools like our Exchange Fee Calculator can give cost estimates in advance based on trade details. Most importantly, be kind to yourself by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), ing exchange licenses, and starting small trades until you are comfortable with the platform.
By selecting the right exchange and following essential safety tips, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the crypto market with confidence and clarity.
FAQs
Which is the best crypto for beginners?
Ideal for novice crypto enthusiasts, Coinbase, Kraken, and Bitstamp stand out offering convenient interfaces, proper regulation and great .
Which exchanges offer the lowest fees?
Some leading crypto sites offer low fees such as Binance.US, Kraken and MEXC. There is another category offering 0% maker fees or native token discounts.
How do I choose a crypto exchange?
As mentioned in our Exchange Comparison Table start with comparing exchanges based on fees, security, coins traded, regulation and simplicity.
What’s the difference between CEXs and DEXs?
To explain and differentiate between the two, CEXs like Binance are company operated and beginner friendly. Whereas DEXs like Uniswap require wallet and is more anonymous and advanced.
Are crypto exchanges safe?
To start with, ensure you never have large balances on any exchange and avoid using cold wallets. You can spot a leading exchange by it incorporating 2FA, cold storage, and regulatory compliance.
Which exchanges the most altcoins?
MEXC, KuCoin, and Crypto.com provide exposure to 400–2,000+ altcoins, ideal for diversifying your portfolio.
How do I avoid exchange scams?
Check the exchange license (FCA, FinCEN), do not take unsolicited links, and initiate small trades to test out the platform.
What are typical maker/taker fees?
Typically, 0%–0.4% is charged for maker/taker trades. Some impose tiered discounts on trading volume or token usage.
Can I trade futures on crypto exchanges?
Yes. Trading platforms like OKX, Bybit, and PrimeXBT futures trading, typically with leverage up to 200x.
What’s the minimum deposit for trading?
Minimum deposits range—some exchanges have none like MEXC but others have a minimum of $10–$100 to begin trading.
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