9 crypto exchanges ranked by what they actually do best

The crypto exchange market has matured. A decade ago, traders dealt with clunky interfaces and a handful of coins. Today, platforms offer spot and futures trading, staking, copy trading, and access to hundreds of digital assets. The choice is no longer about which exchange works. It is about which one fits a specific strategy.

Here is a breakdown of nine major platforms, ranked by what they do best.

Kraken

Founded in 2011, Kraken supports over 600 cryptocurrencies. The minimum deposit is $1. On Kraken Pro, maker fees range from -0.02% to 0.25%. Taker fees run from 0.05% to 0.40%, depending on volume. The platform serves more than 190 countries, though some services are restricted in parts of the United States.

Kraken caters to different experience levels. Beginners get a simpler interface and educational resources. Advanced traders access order types, charting tools, and market analysis through Kraken Pro.

Gemini

Gemini focuses on security and regulatory compliance. It supports over 90 coins. The exchange offers two-factor authentication, hardware security key support, cold storage, and third-party audits. It was one of the first exchanges to offer crypto insurance and pass through FDIC coverage for eligible uninvested cash balances.

Through ActiveTrader, experienced users get advanced charting, order types, and derivatives. Maker fees range from -0.01% to 0.60%. Taker fees run from 0.02% to 1.20%. The 90-coin selection is smaller than some competitors, the security emphasis keeps it a preferred option for many traders.

Coinbase

Coinbase supports more than 350 cryptocurrencies and is available in over 100 countries. Maker fees range from 0.00% to 0.40%. Taker fees run from 0.05% to 0.60%.

The platform simplifies crypto trading for new users. It offers educational resources, straightforward charting tools, and an easy-to-navigate interface. More experienced traders can access advanced charts, technical analysis tools, and futures trading on supported cryptocurrencies.

Crypto.com

Crypto.com has over 150 million users across more than 100 countries. It supports over 400 cryptocurrencies. The minimum deposit is $1. Maker fees range from 0.08% to 0.25%. Taker fees run from 0.18% to 0.50%, based on 30-day trading volume.

The platform's appeal is its breadth of services. Users can buy, sell, trade, stake, and manage crypto directly in the app. It also offers derivatives trading, automated trading, and a crypto-linked Visa debit card. Bitcoin traders get access to Bitcoin futures and options.

BitMart

BitMart lists over 1,700 digital assets. Maker fees range from 0.014% to 0.6%. Taker fees run from 0.02% to 0.6%, based on balance and traded volume.

The exchange offers copy trading, allowing users to mirror other investors' trades. BitMart Academy provides lessons from beginner to technical topics. The exchange does not publish as much information about its security practices as some competitors do.

Uphold

Uphold offers more than 200 cryptocurrencies, plus access to precious metals and over 40 national currencies. Users can move directly between supported assets without first converting them into cash. The platform supports staking on more than 20 cryptocurrencies.

Trading fees tend to be higher than those of many competing exchanges. The straightforward interface and broad asset selection may appeal to users seeking exposure to multiple asset classes in a single account.

Gate.io

Gate.io supports more than 1,700 tokens. The platform offers spot trading, margin trading, copy trading, and NFTs. Spot trading fees typically start at around 0.20% for both makers and takers. Fees can be reduced for VIP users and those holding the platform's native GT token.

Gate.io has developed its own blockchain ecosystem through GateChain. The additional products and services mean traders can explore different parts of the crypto market without switching between multiple providers.

BingX

Founded in Singapore in 2018, BingX supports more than 820 cryptocurrencies and over 830 trading pairs. It also provides access to stocks, forex, commodities, and indices. Spot trading fees start at 0.10% for both makers and takers. Futures fees begin at 0.02% for makers and 0.05% for takers.

The platform's copy trading system allows users to follow and replicate strategies of more experienced traders. Over 5 million users in more than 100 countries use BingX. The exchange offers multi-factor authentication and proof of reserves.

Robinhood

Robinhood supports around 28 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, BONK, and TRUMP. The platform does not charge direct trading fees. Costs are built into the spread between buy and sell prices.

Users can buy, sell, send, and receive supported cryptocurrencies. All trades settle in U.S. dollars rather than direct crypto-to-crypto swaps. The platform is available across the U.S., U.K., and parts of Europe. Assets are stored across a combination of hot and cold wallets. Insurance coverage is provided for certain holdings.

Choosing a Platform

The right exchange depends on individual priorities. Some traders need low fees and advanced tools. Others prioritize security or asset variety. Beginners may prefer a straightforward interface with educational resources. Experienced traders might look for derivatives, margin trading, or access to a wide range of altcoins.

Each platform has trade-offs. BitMart and Gate.io offer the widest asset selection, less transparency on security. Gemini and Coinbase emphasize compliance and ease of use, charge higher fees on some tiers. Kraken balances low fees with a broad feature set. Robinhood is simple, limited in coin selection and functionality.

Traders should review each exchange's fee structure, security measures, and supported services before committing funds. The crypto market carries inherent risks. No single platform suits every strategy.