Coinbase is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable names in the crypto ecosystem.
Still, it might not suit everyone. You may be looking for lower transaction costs, access to more digital currencies, or cutting-edge trading tools.
Luckily, there’s no shortage of other exchanges to explore. In this guide, we’ll showcase 10 top alternatives, explain how they differ, and share tips on choosing the best fit for your needs.
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Summary table of the best Coinbase alternatives
Here is a summary table, followed by in-depth reviews of each platform. Please remember that rates and offerings change. Always confirm the most up-to-date details with each exchange.
Our picks of the 10 best Coinbase alternatives
Below are the platforms our experts recommend. Each entry outlines who it’s best for, offers a brief description, and provides pros, cons, plus the primary reason it stood out to our team.
Binance
Best Coinbase alternative for best overall
Binance ranks among the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, offering an extensive range of coins, low trading fees, and advanced tools like margin and futures trading for more experienced users.
– Pros & Cons
Pros
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Low fees
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Extensive global reach
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Robust support
Cons
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Limited support for some regions
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Why we like it Binance stands out for its low fees, a wide array of supported cryptocurrencies, and its commitment to security.
– Why our experts picked it
Binance is a top contender for its combination of low fees, robust liquidity, and comprehensive coin offerings, making it an excellent all-around platform.
Bitstamp
Best Coinbase alternative for no-fee trading (low volume)
Bitstamp is a user-friendly exchange with low trading fees for monthly volumes under $10,000, making it particularly appealing for casual traders looking to save on costs.
– Pros & Cons
Pros
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Low fees for monthly trades up to $1,000
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Straightforward interface suitable for beginners
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Multiple deposit and withdrawal methods
Cons
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Fees increase once you exceed $1,000 in monthly volume
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Smaller crypto selection compared to top-tier exchanges
– Why our experts picked it
For occasional traders seeking to minimize costs, Bitstamp’s no-fee threshold stands out as a key advantage.
eToro
eToro Best Coinbase alternative for social trading
eToro sets itself apart with its social trading features, allowing users to follow and replicate the strategies of successful investors. It also offers access to both crypto and traditional equities, creating a comprehensive trading environment.
– Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
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Higher fees for crypto transactions
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Why we like it eToro’s social trading feature makes it an excellent choice for those looking to leverage the strategies of successful investors.
– Why our experts picked it
eToro’s social trading community is excellent for newcomers looking to learn from (and even emulate) more experienced traders.
Gemini
Best Coinbase alternative for security and compliance
Gemini is a US-based exchange renowned for its strict regulatory adherence and strong security practices, making it a preferred choice for safety-minded traders. It also has full licensing to operate in all 50 US states.
– Why our experts picked it
Gemini’s unwavering focus on compliance and safeguarding user funds cements its reputation for trustworthiness and peace of mind.
Gate.io
Best Coinbase alternative for comprehensive trading
Gate.io stands out by offering one of the largest selections of cryptocurrencies, catering to users who want access to a wide array of digital assets. Its user interface is relatively straightforward, and it places a strong emphasis on security.
– Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
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Relatively higher costs compared to some alternatives
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Limited availability in certain regions
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Faces occasional user interface issues
– Why our experts picked it
Gate.io’s commitment to listing numerous crypto assets and providing comprehensive trading tools makes it a solid choice for those looking to diversify their portfolios.
HitBTC
Best Coinbase alternative for advanced traders
HitBTC positions itself as an advanced cryptocurrency exchange, featuring a broad range of markets and trading pairs. Its sophisticated interface is suited for experienced traders who need flexibility and depth.
– Why our experts picked it
HitBTC appeals to advanced traders seeking extensive market coverage and cutting-edge trading features.
iTrustCapital
Best Coinbase alternative for cryptocurrency IRAs
iTrustCapital lets users invest in crypto within a tax-advantaged retirement account, offering exposure to digital assets alongside gold and silver. Though it has a more limited crypto selection, it focuses on giving users a straightforward route to crypto-backed IRAs.
– Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
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1% fees on crypto transactions
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Why we like it iTrustCapital is a great option for those looking to invest in cryptocurrency within a tax-advantaged retirement account.
– Why our experts picked it
For investors looking to incorporate digital assets into a retirement strategy, iTrustCapital offers a unique and convenient way to hold crypto in an IRA.
Kraken
Best Coinbase alternative for low fees
Kraken is known for its low-fee model, rigorous security measures, and dependable liquidity. It caters to both novice and experienced traders, offering a wide range of cryptocurrencies and advanced features like margin and futures.
– Pros & Cons
Pros
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Low trading fees, particularly on Kraken Pro
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Diverse range of available cryptocurrencies
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Robust security features, including two-factor authentication
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Margin and derivative trading options
Cons
– Why our experts picked it
Kraken provides an excellent balance of low costs and robust security, making it a prime option for cost-conscious traders who still demand top-tier protection.
KuCoin
Best Coinbase alternative for global digital asset services
KuCoin is a globally oriented exchange offering a wide range of digital assets. Known for regularly adding new and promising cryptocurrencies, it appeals to users looking for both mainstream and niche tokens.
– Pros & Cons
Pros
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Offers a vast range of digital assets for trading
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Emphasis on safety and security with measures like the KuCoin Security Center
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User-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and experienced traders
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Regularly adds new and promising cryptocurrencies to its list
Cons
– Why our experts picked it
KuCoin’s global reach, ever-evolving list of crypto assets, and user-friendly design make it a compelling choice for traders seeking variety and accessibility.
NiceHash
Best Coinbase alternative for crypto mining
NiceHash acts as a marketplace for hashing power, connecting buyers and sellers globally. This “sharing economy” approach allows users to mine cryptocurrencies without the usual heavy upfront investment in specialized hardware.
– Pros & Cons
Pros
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Connects buyers and sellers of computing power seamlessly
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Offers a marketplace for various hashing algorithms
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Simplifies the mining process for individuals
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Provides competitive pricing for hashing power
Cons
– Why our experts picked it
NiceHash’s unique model offers an easy way to participate in mining, making it a great fit for those seeking a more hands-off approach to generating crypto.
How to choose the right Coinbase alternative
When you’re looking to replace or supplement your Coinbase account, pay attention to the following:
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Trading fees: Make sure the fee structure aligns with how frequently you trade and the volume you handle.
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Cryptocurrency selection: Confirm the platform supports the digital assets you want to buy or sell.
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Security: Seek out exchanges with robust protective measures like cold storage and two-factor authentication (2FA).
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Trading features: Decide if you require advanced options like margin trading, futures, or staking.
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Ease of use: A clean, intuitive interface can significantly simplify your trading experience, especially if you’re a beginner.
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Extra services: Some exchanges provide unique perks, such as social trading or crypto IRAs, that may suit specific investment goals.
By focusing on these factors, you’ll be better equipped to select a platform that aligns with your strategy and preferences.
Calculate your crypto gains with our free crypto profit calculator.
Methodology
How our crypto tax experts selected the 10 best Coinbase alternatives