Reviews, Fees, and Security Compared

Reviews, Fees, and Security Compared

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The top cryptocurrency exchanges allow you to buy, sell, and trade popular cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and other digital coins and tokens. However, only experienced, hands-on traders with knowledge of blockchain trading should use the top crypto exchanges. 

Our crypto exchange guide explores the best crypto exchanges, including the crypto exchanges with the lowest fees and the safest crypto exchanges for buying and selling Bitcoin and other top-performing digital coins.

Best Crypto Exchanges for 2025

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5Check out our crypto exchange reviews on each platform for more in-depth analysis. 

Compare the Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges

The best cryptocurrency exchanges work similarly to the best stock trading apps, offering competitive fees and resources on digital marketplaces like mobile or desktop.

Crypto enthusiasts can easily buy, sell, and store popular digital currencies like Bitcoin or altcoins like Ethereum alongside traditional investable securities. 

Note that if you don’t want to use your exchange’s built-in wallet (if applicable), you’ll need to set up an external crypto wallet, such as one of the best bitcoin wallets, to store your assets securely. 

Here are the top cryptocurrency exchanges for low fees and human advisor access, as chosen by Business Insider editors in 2025. 

Top Crypto Exchanges

Let’s unpack the best crypto exchanges and their offerings.

Coinbase: Best Cryptocurrency Selection

As one of the largest US-based, globally recognized cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinbase is a user-friendly digital marketplace with an intuitive and streamlined interface and a library of educational content.

It offers hundreds of cryptocurrencies, a separate NFT trading platform, and private client services. Coinbase caters to different investors through its Pro, Advanced Trade, and Prime platforms. 

A Coinbase One subscription costs $29.99 a month and offers lower trading fees, tax help, and priority customer support. Maker and taker fees on Coinbase Advanced range from 0% to 0.6%.

Coinbase does allow crypto swapping using DEC through the Coinbase Wallet.

Coinbase has a low account minimum to get started and offers digital wallet storage for cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. Coinbase’s beta NFT trading platform has no transaction fees for creators and collectors. 

Cons: Coinbase is under investigation by the SEC. Also, if you regularly use margin accounts to trade, Coinbase isn’t the best choice. It charges high fees.

Crypto.com: Best for Mobile Trading

Crypto.com is a popular global crypto trading platform known for its user-friendly mobile trading app, DeFi wallet storage, and reward opportunities.

Although Crypto.com offers a web-based exchange, US investors are limited to its mobile app.

Maker/taker fees are calculated based on your 30-day spot trading volume and start at 0.0750% for balances lower than $250,000. Select crypto pairs have taker fees of 0.025%.

Crypto.com supports 350+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin. The platform accepts 20+ kinds of fiat money. The Crypto.com mobile app provides Visa Card perks, reward-earning opportunities, crypto-tracking features, and price alerts.

In addition, you can make crypto-crypto swaps through Crypto.com’s DeFi wallet.

Cons: US investors won’t have access to Crypto.com’s more advanced trading features, such as margin trading, OTC trading, staking, and trading bots. 

Abra: Best for Institutional and Private Wealth Management

Abra is a global crypto exchange serving institutions and private clients (including family offices and hedge funds) in 150+ countries.

Abra private accounts have no penalty, withdrawal, or origination fees and charge trades using an open and fixed-term fee and rate pricing model. There is a $50,000 minimum deposit.

It offers comprehensive cryptocurrency investment solutions and wealth management services, such as OTC trading, lending services, and sovereign wealth funds.

Private clients can meet with a dedicated account manager for tailored crypto trading solutions, competitive fees, and 24/7 expert guidance from a team of professionals.

Institutional clients can use Abra Prime to gain cryptocurrency exposure, access trading pairs, and build custom crypto and digital asset programs. 

Abra’s OTC services give institutional clients access to interest-earning accounts, loans, and one-on-one account support.

Cons: Retail trading is no longer available in the US Therefore, only Abra Prime and Private services are available for U.S.-based investors. 

Kraken: Best for Security

Best for: Security

Kraken is one of the oldest and most well-established global crypto exchanges with industry-leading educational resources and security features.

Kraken is one of the safest crypto exchanges for investors looking to trade 200+ cryptocurrencies. It has a comprehensive cybersecurity and security management approach with proof of reserves, legal compliance, cold wallet storage, SSL encryption, and regular security testing.

The exchange offers users access to high-priority 24/7 live chat and email support. Karken also offers users a library of additional security resources, such as info on Kraken’s PGP key and how to set up a master key.

Crypto exchanges aren’t generally regarded as the safest or most transparent platform, so industry-leading crypto trading platforms like Kraken stand out quite a bit. 

The platform also offers a handful of fiat currencies with options for retail and institutional investors. Kraken provides investors with access to margin and spot trading. You can borrow up to 5x your account with a margin for increased liquidity and higher trading volumes. NFTs have no gas fees. 

Cons: Kraken’s futures trading platform isn’t available to US traders. In addition, only institutional and high-net-worth clients can use the exchange’s consultation and account management services. 

Binance.US: Best for Security Runner-Up

Binance.US is another top crypto exchange, often compared to Kraken, as one of the safest crypto exchanges for active blockchain traders.

However, it is only the runner-up since the exchange has a history of unethical activity (see our review for further info). 

Many crypto exchanges have a history of fraudulent and unethical trading practices, so it is not uncommon (even for large and reputable exchanges) to have recent government actions filed against them. Thus, investors should trade cautiously and thoroughly research each platform before joining.

Some security protocols used by Binance.US include data privacy controls, proactive security monitoring, completing its SOC 2 exam, and a self-service account lock feature.

Nevertheless, Binance.US is one of the crypto exchanges with the lowest fees, offering accessible trading features and tools for retail and institutional investors.

Binance.US also offers perks like cold-wallet storage, staking, and institutional services. 

Cons: Binance.US does not offer crypto futures or margin trading. 

Cash App Investing: Best for Bitcoin

Cash App Investing is one of the best crypto exchanges in the US due to its user-friendly and accessible interface catered to beginners. Additionally, it offers commission-free trades of more than 1,800 stocks and ETFs.

When you link your Cash App balance to the mobile app, investors can easily buy, sell, send, and receive Bitcoin. You can even designate a specific portion of your paycheck to be converted into bitcoin when you set up direct deposits. 

Send bitcoin to your friends fee-free with Cash App’s Lightning Network features. Cash App also provides an in-app custodial wallet to store your Bitcoin assets. You can start trading with as little as $1.

Cons: Cash App Investing only offers Bitcoin. Consider other top cryptocurrency platforms if you want to invest in other cryptocurrencies, like Ethereum or Dogecoin. 

What are Crypto Exchanges?

A cryptocurrency exchange is like an online brokerage for cryptocurrencies, tokens, and other digital assets like NFTs. Investors can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies for other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies (like USD and EUR). 

Types of Crypto Exchanges

  • Centralized Exchanges (CEX): Centralized exchanges are the most common type of crypto exchange. Companies manage them and offer features such as fiat on-ramps, access to liquidity, and other advanced charting tools and analytics. However, they are susceptible to centralization and custodial risk. 
  • Decentralized Exchanges (DEX): Decentralized exchanges operate on the blockchain and are managed by their users. The most popular example is the Bitcoin system. Decentralized exchanges offer peer-to-peer trading without intermediaries and prioritize privacy and security. However, they lack liquidity and consumer protection and are vulnerable to security breaches. 

How to Choose the Best Crypto Exchange

The best crypto exchanges offer competitive pricing for cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum and prioritize user experiences with an intuitive interface, clear platform navigation, and access to a mobile app.

Trustworthy crypto trading platforms are licensed and compliant with industry regulations.

When deciding how to choose a crypto exchange, consider whether the exchange aligns with your investing preferences. This includes factors such as your risk tolerance, time horizon, preferred trading features, and investment goals.

Additionally, ensure the exchange you pick matches your preferred trading style.

For example, if you’re a hands-off trader, you should pick a platform equipped with automated trading features and tools. Most crypto exchanges are designed with active traders in mind. If you’re looking for passive crypto trading, your options are limited.  

FAQs About Crypto Exchanges

You can exchange crypto for cash by selling crypto-assets (like Bitcoin or ether) using an exchange or brokerage. Peer-to-peer trading is another way to exchange crypto for cash, along with Bitcoin ATMs. 

Yes, there are crypto exchanges in the US, such as Coinbase, Kraken, and Binance US. Like a brokerage account, you can open a crypto account with an online or traditional broker offering cryptocurrency trading as an investment option. Some online brokerages require a minimum requirement in your account or additional fees to access crypto trading. 

For tax purposes, cryptocurrencies are considered property by the IRS, similar to stocks and bonds. Typically, you’ll be taxed when you sell or trade crypto for more than you originally bought it. The tax rate varies depending on how long it was held before you sold it. Short-term capital gains of less than a year are taxed at your regular income tax rate. Long-term gains are generally taxed at a lower rate but can change based on your income level. 

Why You Should Trust Us: Our Expert Panel For The Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges


Sandra Cho and Tessa Campbell headshot for expert investing panel

Rebecca Zissar/Business insider



 

We interviewed the following investing experts to see what they had to say about cryptocurrency exchanges.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of investing through a cryptocurrency exchange?

Sandra Cho:

“The advantages to investing through a cryptocurrency exchange are the ease of trading and functionality. These exchanges are built for cryptocurrency are are made as such.

“The disadvantages, however, are important. Recently, several cryptocurrency exchanges have gone under, and investors have lost significant amounts of money. Given that this industry and asset class is still relatively new, there are unique risks that are nor present in traditional investments like stock and bonds. Investing through a cryptocurrency leaves you at the will of the exchange itself, which has a non-zero possibility of going defunct.”

Tessa Campbell: 

“Investing through a cryptocurrency exchange offers several advantages, including access to real-time market data and research, trading strategies, and multiple cryptocurrency options to add to individual brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, and more.

“Some disadvantages include high trading fees, limited resources, and frequent fraudulent activity. These platforms are often criticized for their inadequate security measures, risky trading, and subpar customer support.”

Who should consider investing through a crypto exchange?

Sandra Cho:

“Investors with an extremely high-risk tolerance and those that understand the inherent risks in investing through cryptocurrency exchanges may want to consider using an exchange. However, they should be wary of the risks and the lack of oversight that is apparent in the industry.”

Tessa Campbell:

“You may want to consider investing through a crypto exchange if you’re primarily focused on trading crypto and other decentralized currencies. Moreover, you’ll want to have a high investing risk tolerance and a hands-on trading approach.”

Is there any advice you’d offer someone who’s considering investing in cryptocurrencies through a crypto investment app?

Sandra Cho:

“I would tell them to first potentially reconsider dealing with cryptocurrencies at all. The asset class is extremely volatile and unregulated. If they insisted, I would then tell them to do their research on the relevant exchanges and choose the one that is safest and best backed. As mentioned, many crypto exchanges have gone under recently, which is a huge risk to the investor.”

Tessa Campbell:

“Make sure you fully understand the risks involved in purchasing highly volatile cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, ether, or dogecoin. You should also ensure that the cryptocurrency exchange you’re investing through is free of scams, bad business practices, or public scandals. One way to check this is with the Better Business Bureau’s grading system.”

Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Business Insider applied its rating methodology for investing platforms to dozens of cryptocurrency exchanges to find the best options for crypto traders. The criteria for comparing crypto exchanges include the platforms’ fees, asset/account security, accessibility score, and customer support. All investment platforms are given a rating between 1 and 5.

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