Cryptocurrency exchanges let you buy, sell, and trade digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This guide compares the best crypto exchanges for 2025, covering fees, security, available coins, and which platform is best for your needs.
Crypto Exchange Quick Facts 2025
- Best for beginners: Coinbase (easy interface)
- Lowest fees: Kraken Pro, Binance.US
- Most coins: Binance.US, KuCoin
- Average fees: 0.1% - 1.5% per trade
- Security: Look for insurance, 2FA, cold storage
Top Cryptocurrency Exchanges Compared
| Exchange | Trading Fees | Coins | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | 0.5% - 1.5% | 250+ | Beginners | |
| Kraken | 0% - 0.26% | 200+ | Low fees | |
| Binance.US | 0% - 0.6% | 150+ | Active traders | |
| Gemini | 0.2% - 1.49% | 100+ | Security | |
| Crypto.com | 0% - 0.075% | 250+ | Card rewards | |
| Robinhood | 0% | 20+ | Stocks + crypto |
Detailed Exchange Reviews
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Coinbase
- Fees: 0.5% spread + up to 1.5% transaction fee
- Coinbase Pro: 0% - 0.6% (advanced platform)
- Coins available: 250+ cryptocurrencies
- Security: 98% cold storage, FDIC insured USD
- Features: Easy buy/sell, staking, Coinbase Card
- Pros: Beginner-friendly, publicly traded, insured
- Cons: Higher fees than competitors
LOWEST FEES
Kraken
- Fees: 0% - 0.26% (Kraken Pro)
- Instant buy: 1.5% + $0.25
- Coins available: 200+ cryptocurrencies
- Security: Never been hacked, proof of reserves
- Features: Margin trading, futures, staking
- Pros: Low fees, excellent security, good for pros
- Cons: Pro interface can confuse beginners
MOST FEATURES
Binance.US
- Fees: 0% - 0.6% (0.1% for BNB holders)
- Coins available: 150+ cryptocurrencies
- Security: SAFU fund, cold storage
- Features: Advanced charts, OTC trading, staking
- Pros: Very low fees, many coins, advanced tools
- Cons: Not available in all US states
Fee Comparison
| Exchange | Maker Fee | Taker Fee | Deposit Fee | Withdrawal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase Pro | 0% - 0.4% | 0.05% - 0.6% | Free (ACH) | Free (ACH) |
| Kraken Pro | 0% - 0.16% | 0.1% - 0.26% | Free (ACH) | $4 (ACH) |
| Binance.US | 0% - 0.4% | 0% - 0.6% | Free (ACH) | $15 (wire) |
| Gemini | 0.2% | 0.4% | Free (ACH) | 10 free/mo |
| Crypto.com | 0% - 0.075% | 0% - 0.075% | Free | Varies |
Security Features
| Exchange | Cold Storage | Insurance | 2FA | Hack History |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | 98% | Yes (USD + crypto) | Yes | Never hacked |
| Kraken | 95%+ | Limited | Yes | Never hacked |
| Gemini | Most | Yes | Yes | Never hacked |
| Binance.US | Most | SAFU fund | Yes | Parent hacked 2019 |
| Crypto.com | 100% | $750M policy | Yes | Minor 2022 |
How to Choose a Crypto Exchange
- Check availability: Some exchanges not available in all states
- Compare fees: Both trading and withdrawal fees
- Review security: Cold storage, insurance, 2FA
- Consider coins: Does it have what you want to trade?
- Evaluate interface: Beginner or advanced?
- Check staking: Earn interest on holdings?
- Read reviews: Customer service reputation
Types of Crypto Exchanges
Centralized Exchanges (CEX)
- Examples: Coinbase, Kraken, Binance.US
- Pros: Easy to use, fiat on-ramps, customer support
- Cons: Custody risk, KYC required
Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)
- Examples: Uniswap, SushiSwap, dYdX
- Pros: Self-custody, privacy, no KYC
- Cons: Complex for beginners, no fiat
Getting Started Guide
- Choose exchange: Based on your needs and location
- Create account: Email, phone verification
- Complete KYC: ID verification (required by law)
- Enable 2FA: Use authenticator app, not SMS
- Fund account: Bank transfer, debit card, wire
- Start small: Buy small amount first to learn
- Consider hardware wallet: For long-term storage
Tax Considerations
- Taxable events: Selling, trading, spending crypto
- Capital gains: Short-term (ordinary income) vs long-term (lower rates)
- Record keeping: Track all transactions for taxes
- Tax software: CoinTracker, Koinly, TaxBit
- IRS reporting: Form 8949 for capital gains
FAQ
Which exchange is safest?
Coinbase and Kraken have never been hacked and offer insurance. Gemini is also highly secure with SOC 2 certification.
Should I leave crypto on an exchange?
For small amounts and active trading, exchanges are fine. For large holdings, consider a hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor) for self-custody.
What's the minimum to start?
Most exchanges let you start with as little as $1-$10. You can buy fractions of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.