10+ Best Crypto Exchanges and Apps For 2025

Due to the growing need for these platforms and their role in everyday cryptocurrency operations, it is important to note the best practices while selecting an exchange. To simplify this process for readers, we have selected some of the top crypto exchanges and will review them in this article. Our selection process considers key user experience and security factors. Here are the top cryptocurrency exchange platforms and an overall insight on crypto exchanges.

Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the most established and trusted cryptocurrency exchanges, valued at around $10.8 billion. It supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, including popular ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin, and is known for its strong security and user-friendly design.

Why We Like It?

Kraken excels in providing a secure and transparent trading environment, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. The platform offers advanced trading tools, including margin and futures trading, while maintaining a strong focus on customer support and educational resources.

Founded in 2018, WhiteBIT has grown into one of the largest centralized cryptocurrency exchanges in Europe, serving over 5 million users. Known for its robust security, user-friendly design, and comprehensive trading features, WhiteBIT caters to both novice and seasoned traders. The platform offers a broad range of cryptocurrencies, with support for nine national currencies, making it widely accessible to users across different regions.

Why we like it? 

WhiteBIT prioritizes security, with 96% of user assets stored in cold wallets and strict adherence to KYC and AML regulations to ensure a compliant and secure trading environment. The platform offers some of the most competitive fees, with trading fees capped at 0.1%. Additionally, WhiteBIT provides favorable conditions for margin trading with up to 10x leverage, and futures trading with up to 100x leverage, supporting a variety of trading strategies.

With its native token, WhiteBIT Coin (WBT), the platform offers extra benefits for holders, such as fee discounts, enhanced referral rewards, and access to exclusive trading features.

Is WhiteBit Right for You?

WhiteBIT’s intuitive interface and accessible tools make it suitable for users at all experience levels. Offering a wide selection of assets and diverse trading options—spot, margin, and futures trading—users can tailor their strategies to fit their needs. With robust security measures, including cold wallet storage and KYC/AML compliance, WhiteBIT provides a secure and versatile platform, ideal for anyone looking to navigate the crypto market confidently.

Prime XBT has made a name for itself as a reliable and long-running cryptocurrency exchange. The platform utilizes Fireblocks for cold storage, ensuring the funds deposited are well protected. For trading futures, it has the most popular coin pairs. Additionally, a wide variety of copy trading options are available for traders, allowing beginners to copy trade at a minimal cost.

Why we like it? 

The platform offers a $20,000 compensation fund per user. This distinguishing feature propels it to the top of our list. Additionally, users can use $10,000 on a demo account to practice trading.  

Is Prime XBT right for you? 

Prime XBT offers trading services for future contracts in stocks, foreign exchange, and cryptocurrencies. Prime XBT is therefore ideal for those who want all these features in one platform. 

Security-wise, Secure Sockets Layer encryption, wallets, and authentication are all improved. All things considered, PrimeXBT is a reliable cryptocurrency exchange for both novices and experts.

KuCoin, launched in 2017, is based in Seychelles and has become one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges worldwide. It supports over 20 million users in 200 countries, offering access to more than 700 cryptocurrencies. Known for its user-friendly interface and extensive trading options, KuCoin has built a strong reputation in the crypto community.

Why We Like It?

KuCoin is great for those starting with small investments. You can begin trading with just $1, making it perfect for beginners. It also offers advanced trading options like margin trading and futures trading, which experienced traders will appreciate. The platform has competitive fees and even lets you earn interest on your crypto holdings, adding extra value.

BYDFi, previously known as BitYard, was launched in 2019 and is based in Singapore. It has quickly established itself as a significant player in the crypto exchange market, providing services in over 150 countries. BYDFi is notable for its compliance with financial industry regulations and holds licenses in Australia, Singapore, and the U.S., ensuring a high level of trust and reliability.

Why We Like It?

BYDFi offers a dual-platform approach with both classic and advanced trading interfaces, making it versatile for all types of traders. The exchange features low trading fees and a broad selection of cryptocurrencies. Additionally, BYDFi rewards users for completing specific tasks, adding an engaging aspect to the trading experience.

Is BYDFi Right for You?

BYDFi is perfect for traders looking for a reliable and low-cost platform that supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies. Its compliance with international regulations and presence in over 150 countries make it a trusted choice for global traders. However, if you need advanced trading features or are concerned about fund insurance, you might want to consider these limitations. Overall, BYDFi provides a robust and versatile trading environment suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.

Bitget started in 2018, created by a team who were early believers in blockchain technology. This team, originally from traditional finance, discovered blockchain in 2015 and saw its potential. Despite initial doubts in the industry, they founded Bitget with a focus on long-term growth and putting users first. Today, Bitget is the largest crypto copy trading platform, boasting over 25 million users and a daily trading volume of 10 billion USDT.

Why We Like It?

It stands out for its unique focus on copy trading, allowing users to follow elite traders and earn without extensive market knowledge. The platform also supports futures and spot trading, offering a wide range of cryptocurrencies with high liquidity and low fees. Bitget’s dedication to security, efficiency, and smart trading solutions makes it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced traders.

Is Bitget Right for You?

Bitget is great for traders wanting a platform that supports various trading activities, from copy trading to futures and spot trading. With competitive fees, high liquidity, and a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies, it’s ideal for both beginners and experienced traders. However, new users might find the platform’s complexity a bit challenging at first. Overall, Bitget offers a strong and versatile trading environment, focused on user satisfaction and innovation.

CoinSwitch is one of the premiere cryptocurrency exchanges that provides users with access to over 500 cryptocurrencies and 45,000+ trading pairs. These exceptional features make it one of the most versatile platforms in the crypto space. Since its launch, CoinSwitch has processed transactions of over $10 billion, showing its trust among the users. The platform is also designed with user experience in mind, offering a simple and attractive interface for both new and experienced traders. With a growing user base of more than 15 million people globally, CoinSwitch stands out for its competitive rates and strong security measures, ensuring a safe and cost-effective trading environment.

Why We Like It?

We like CoinSwitch for its extensive support of over 500 cryptocurrencies and 45,000+ trading pairs. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced traders. Additionally, the platform’s robust security measures and competitive rates ensure a safe and cost-effective trading experience. With a growing user base, the platform in itself showcases its reliability and trustworthiness.

Is CoinSwitch Right for You?

CoinSwitch is right for the traders who are looking for a user-friendly crypto exchange with access to over 300 cryptocurrencies. It provides a seamless trading experience with no deposit fees and competitive trading fees. CoinSwitch also aggregates liquidity from various exchanges, ensuring the best rates for users. Additionally, its simple interface and robust security measures make it an excellent option for both beginners and experienced traders.

Robinhood, an American company, introduced its crypto trading service to complement its well-known commission-free stock trading platform. Although it started with basic features, it has greatly improved over time. Now, Robinhood Crypto offers a seamless, user-friendly interface for both mobile and web trading, making it a great choice for beginners who want to trade without paying any fees.

Why We Like It?

It is perfect for beginners because it makes trading easy and free. You don’t have to pay any fees for trading cryptocurrencies, stocks, or ETFs. Plus, Robinhood has strong security measures, including insurance against cyber theft and breaches. Its integration with stock trading services makes it convenient for those who want to manage all their investments in one place.

Founded in 2014 by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss in New York City, Gemini has established itself as a highly secure and compliant cryptocurrency exchange. As a New York trust company, it is regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYSDFS), ensuring adherence to strict capital reserve requirements, cybersecurity measures, and banking compliance standards. This strong regulatory framework makes Gemini a trusted and reliable platform for trading cryptocurrencies.

Why We Like It?

Gemini is known for its robust security protocols, including hot wallet insurance and SOC 2 certification, which ensures the company’s security and compliance frameworks are regularly audited by third parties. The platform offers a range of features suitable for both beginners and advanced traders, such as a simple interface for new users and an ActiveTrader platform for more experienced investors. Additionally, Gemini provides a unique Earn program and a credit card that offers crypto rewards, adding value for its users.

Is Gemini Right for You?

Gemini is ideal for users who prioritize security and regulatory compliance. Its intuitive interface makes it easy for beginners to start trading, while the ActiveTrader platform offers advanced tools for more experienced traders. Despite its higher fees, Gemini’s robust security measures, insurance coverage, and regulatory compliance make it a compelling choice for anyone looking to trade cryptocurrencies safely.

Uniswap is a multichain decentralized cryptocurrency exchange. It was first deployed on the Ethereum network in 2018 and subsequently on other L-1 POS EVM networks like Polygon and Binance Smart Chain (BSC) and Ethereum Layer-2 networks like Arbitrum and Optimism.

Uniswap is one of the most popular DeFi Protocol powered by AMM technology. It uses liquidity pools to keep a store of crypto assets from which it serves trade requests and updates asset prices according to the AMM algorithm. Liquidity pools are smart contracts for asset custody. Uniswap is permissionless, meaning anyone can create liquidity pools and contribute to pools to enable the trading of assets.

Why We Like It

Uniswap has established itself as the most reputable decentralized cryptocurrency exchange. It is a pace-setter and has one of the largest user bases. Over 71 Million unique trades worth an excess of $2 Trillion have been executed on the platform and it maintains an impressive security record.

Compared to other decentralized exchanges, it has the highest liquidity with over $4.6 Billion worth of crypto assets locked across liquidity pools on the exchange. Uniswap has an intuitive user interface, making it easier for anyone to use the platform regardless of their exposure to DeFi platforms.

Is Uniswap Right for You?

Uniswap has no restrictions, users from anywhere around the world can trade tokens and list their assets for trading. You are not required to create an account or verify your identity while using the platform and also get to keep your assets in your wallet during the trading process. Uniswap scores high in privacy and custody, but low in terms of variety of assets and networks.

Despite being deployed on several networks, users can only trade assets on that network. Also, Uniswap only supports direct cryptocurrency swaps at the time of writing, therefore, you can not perform derivate trading and quick swings as done on centralized exchanges.

However, if your asset is on the network where the exchange is deployed and your privacy and security are paramount, then Uniswap is a solid choice for you.

Why We Like It?

StealthEX is one of the top contenders in the best crypto trading platform list. It is a unique platform that offers fast transactions, robust architecture, high security, and user anonymity.

The platform has over 1500+ cryptocurrencies for trading. StealthEX has an easy-to-use interface for novices and seasoned traders. This platform’s primary goal is to enable users to remain anonymous while still having access to all of the features of a trading platform.

Why  we like it? 

StealthEX is a pioneering liquidity provider that keeps a check on rates and offers faster transactions. The best part about StealthEX is that it is non-custodial. This means users alone possess complete control over the transactions. StealthEX is globally accessible and is a reliable platform, ensuring other unique features. 

Is StealthEX right for you? 

StealthEX offers direct operation of transactions through the user’s wallet, eradicating the need for centralized storage of funds. All this makes the platform extremely secure. Therefore, this platform is for you if you are one of those users who prefers to stay anonymous but still need a secure cryptocurrency trading environment.

Cryptocurrency exchanges are gateways for diverse financial interaction between cryptocurrency enthusiasts. They are platforms that enable cryptocurrency investors to buy and sell cryptocurrencies through different trading models. Cryptocurrency exchanges can be simple asset swap platforms like Changelly, or advanced trading platforms with support for spot and derivatives trading like Binance and Coinbase.

Cryptocurrency exchanges pool traders together, providing an inclusive platform that supports concurrent trading by a large number of investors. They create an interface that enables users to create trade requests, these requests are handled by underlying protocols that connect buyers to sellers according to the trading model.

Advanced trading operations on exchanges include crypto-to-fiat trading, OTC moderation, and derivative trading models. Exchanges hope to serve users according to their preferred mode of crypto trading. 

In addition to regular trading of crypto assets, some crypto exchanges offer additional services such as incentivized staking programs, promotional activities, and enterprise solutions like IEOs, IDOs, and market making. 

How Does A Crypto Exchange Work?

Cryptocurrency exchanges are similar to mainstream digital asset trading platforms. The mode of operation for certain exchanges could differ, however, the main idea is to create a platform where buyers and sellers can securely exchange assets. The primary roles of exchanges are user account management and handling trade requests.

Order Books

Exchanges use order books to keep a transparent record of the buy and sell orders. Through the platform’s interface, users set the parameters for their orders. This includes the price at which they wish to buy or sell the asset and the amount they wish to buy. If these parameters are different from the current price of the asset, they are added to the order book. 

The orderbook executes matching buy and sell orders. If the set prices are the same but the amounts differ, the remaining portion of the trade is re-added to the order and completed when another matching order is made.

Fiat On-Ramp And Off-Ramp

Exchanges partner with third-party banking institutions to enable users to buy and sell crypto assets using their traditional finance institutions. On-ramp trade requests connect automatically to the partner platform that handles the crypto-fiat trade. The exchange handles the crypto part of the transaction while the bank handles the fiat side of the transaction.

Fees And Commissions

Exchanges charge fees for some operations. For regular trading, a set percentage of the traded amount is deducted once the trade is finalized. Exchanges also charge fees for crypto and fiat withdrawals. Crypto deposits are usually free of charge, but fees might apply to fiat deposits. 

Crypto exchanges are categorized according to their primary structure. They include;

Centralized Exchanges (CEX)

Centralized exchanges are permission-based trading platforms. They are also known as custodial exchanges, they hold funds on behalf of their users while they use the platform. Centralized exchanges require users to create accounts and provide basic personal ID information before they are allowed to trade on the platform. Most centralized exchanges use an order book to record orders and match trade requests.

Benefits: Users can trade several assets from different blockchain networks simultaneously. Orderbook technology is faster than AMM used on decentralized exchanges.

Drawbacks: The platforms keep custody of users’ assets and can lose them in case of a hack. Centralized exchanges also keep a store of personal information of users and can restrict investors from selected regions.

Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)

Decentralized exchanges are self-custody trading platforms. They are permissionless (no restrictions and central control) and allow users to trade cryptocurrencies from their personal wallets. Most decentralized exchanges use the AMM (Automated Market Maker) technology to serve trade requests from users.

AMMs use liquidity pools as a store of crypto assets and match traders’ orders by exchanging the assets in the pools. Certain decentralized exchanges are also developing decentralized orderbook technology as a more efficient alternative to the AMM. Examples of decentralized exchanges include Uniswap, PancakeSwap, Raydium, and MinSwap.

Benefits: They are relatively more secure as users retain custody of their assets throughout the trading process. Users also maintain their privacy, as user account creation and KYC verifications are not required to trade on decentralized exchanges.

Drawbacks: Due to a lack of interoperability, decentralized exchanges are restricted to single blockchain networks. They also have significant additional fees in case of network congestion, and users are also vulnerable to front-running.

Hybrid Exchanges (HEX)

Hybrid exchanges combine the strengths of decentralized and centralized exchanges to develop an ideal trading environment for crypto traders. They allow self-custody of assets and feature centralized orderbooks.

As a self-custody platform, users’ funds are more secure while the centralized orderbook ensures faster trading and more transparent liquidity. Examples of Hybrid Exchanges include BinanceDEX, Nash Exchange, and Onomy protocol.

Benefits: Hybrid exchanges combine the best features of centralized and decentralized exchanges; users manage to maintain their privacy and asset custody while using a faster trading platform.

Drawbacks: They are an emerging technology and could undergo significant changes, some of which might not appeal to users. The regulatory status and strength of the technology are not fully known yet.

To ensure a smooth running of your trading activities, it is important to select an exchange that suits your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind while selecting an exchange;

Available Services

The first thing to ascertain before creating an account on an exchange is the availability of financial services that apply to you. Most modern exchanges offer spot and derivatives trading of crypto assets. Ensure that the exchange supports your method of trading and the assets you wish to trade.

Also, ensure that these services are available in your region as there could be restrictions for certain services. Review the additional financial services on the platform that apply to you.

Security

Funds held on centralized exchanges are vulnerable to hacks and mismanagement by the platform. In each case, users are left with tangible losses. It is therefore important that you understand how the platform handles funds left in their custody and the security practices.

Most centralized exchanges practice offshore custody of assets in cold wallets, many other top-tier exchanges employ advanced security practices. Ensure that the exchange has a reliable security system for the funds in their custody. An insurance policy for customer deposits is also a good have.

Check if your exchange has an existing insurance policy. Also, inquire about the Proof Of Reserves (POR) for the exchange you wish to use. Review the provided data as they apply to you.  

Compliance With Financial Regulations

Ensure that the exchange is a registered financial service provider in your region. Genuine exchanges usually have proof of approval from the government of the region they operate. Inquire for this information as part of your due research. Using an unregistered exchange may have financial and security implications for you.

Liquidity And Trading Volume

To avoid significant slippages while trading on an exchange, it is advised to select a richly liquid exchange. The liquidity on a centralized crypto trading platform can be estimated using the orderbook. Parameters like orderbook spread, the total value of orders in each price level, and the daily trading volume give valuable insights into the liquidity of an exchange.

On decentralized exchanges, the liquidity for each pair is simply the value of the asset locked in the liquidity pool (for that pair). 

Customer Support System

Even for the most experienced trader, issues might arise while trading. Therefore, it is important to consider the available customer support system on an exchange before creating your account.

Evaluate the responsiveness of the support team using reviews by existing users. Also, ensure that the exchange has sufficient platform guides and a 24/7 customer support system for quick responses.

Signing up for a crypto exchange is a straightforward process. For this example, we’re using KuCoin. However, the process should be similar for any exchange that you choose from our list.

Step 1: Visit the exchange’s website

Step 2: Click on Sign Up from the page to start the account creation process.

Step 3: Enter your Email, phone number, or any other detail required by the platform.

Step 4: Follow the email verification process to verify your email. (This process might differ for the exchange you are using. You might be required to create your account password before the email verification.)

Step 5: Enter your password to complete.

Step 6: Now your account is created, most centralized exchanges require proper KYC verification before you can trade on the platform.

Step 7: Proceed to verify your identity to enable your trade.

After KYC verification, you can now deposit to the exchange and start trading. 

The article provides a comprehensive comparison of various cryptocurrency exchanges for general purposes. However, when selecting the best crypto exchanges and apps, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary information. Here are some helpful guides to consider:

• Cryptocurrency exchange for Beginners: If you’re just starting out, you might want to go with an exchange that is easy to use and has a solid support above everything else.
• Cheap crypto exchange: Different exchanges have different fee structures. If you’re making large trades, you might want to optimise it by trading on low-fee cryptocurrency exchanges.
• Crypto exchange for day trading: If you’re a day trader, you need to look for exchanges that offer good volume, volatility, and low fees.
• Crypto futures trading platforms: Most popular exchanges offer futures trading. But only some exchanges offer a wide variety of cryptocurrencies to trade from, with high leverage.
• Crypto trading brokers: Some traders might prefer trading on a broker instead of an exchange.