Coinbase vs Kraken
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: Kraken (4.5/5)
We tested Coinbase and Kraken side-by-side. Kraken comes out ahead overall, but Coinbase may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Customer Support | 6.5/10 | 7/10 |
| Overall | 8/10 | 8.2/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Coinbase Advanced | Yes | No |
| Staking | Yes | Yes |
| Vault | Yes | No |
| Learn & Earn | Yes | No |
| Coinbase Wallet | Yes | No |
| Coinbase One | Yes | No |
| Recurring Buys | Yes | No |
| Margin Trading | No | Yes |
| Futures | No | Yes |
| OTC Desk | No | Yes |
| Proof of Reserves | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
Coinbase: 0% – 0.60% per trade
Kraken: 0% – 0.26% per trade
Coinbase Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most trusted US-regulated exchange with extensive licensing across all US states.
- Publicly traded company (NASDAQ: COIN) providing transparency and accountability.
- Excellent, intuitive mobile app ideal for beginners and casual investors.
- Industry-leading security with 98% of customer assets held in geographically distributed cold storage.
- Coinbase Earn program allows users to earn free crypto by learning about new assets.
- FDIC-insured USD balances up to $250,000, adding an extra layer of security for fiat holdings.
Cons
- High fees on simple trades through the main interface, often around 1.5% spread.
- Limited altcoin selection compared to international competitors like Binance, with around 200+ assets.
- Customer support can be slow to respond and difficult to reach for complex issues.
- Staking rewards are generally lower than those offered by some decentralized platforms or direct staking.
- Lack of advanced trading features and order types on the basic user interface.
Kraken Pros & Cons
Pros
- Industry-leading security (never hacked since 2011)
- Low trading fees (0.16-0.26%)
- Proof of Reserves audit completed
- 200+ cryptocurrencies
- Excellent fiat currency support (7 currencies)
- Advanced trading tools and API access
Cons
- Interface less intuitive than Coinbase
- No credit/debit card purchases in US
- Staking unavailable in some US states
- Margin trading not available to US retail
- Fewer coins than Binance or Gate.io
Key Specifications
| Spec | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Pricing | 0% – 0.60% per trade | 0% – 0.26% per trade |
| Year Founded | 2012 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Remote-first (incorporated in Delaware) | San Francisco, CA |
| Employees | 3,400+ | 3,200+ |
| Best For Region | United States | US / EU / Global |
| Cash Account APY | 4.00%+ (USDC) | N/A |
| Proof of Reserves | Public (as publicly traded company) | Yes |
Our Verdict
Kraken wins overall. Choose Coinbase if you value US crypto beginners wanting a trusted, regulated, and easy-to-use platform.. Choose Kraken if you prioritize Security-conscious crypto investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coinbase better than Kraken?
Based on our testing, Kraken scores higher with a rating of 4.5/5 compared to Coinbase's 4.3/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between Coinbase and Kraken?
Coinbase is known for: The most trusted US-regulated crypto exchange for buying, selling, and storing crypto.. Kraken is known for: Security-focused crypto exchange with competitive fees and margin trading..
Which is cheaper, Coinbase or Kraken?
Coinbase pricing: 0% – 0.60% per trade. Kraken pricing: 0% – 0.26% per trade.
Can I use Coinbase and Kraken together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the Crypto Exchanges category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of Coinbase?
Most trusted US-regulated exchange with extensive licensing across all US states.. Publicly traded company (NASDAQ: COIN) providing transparency and accountability.. Excellent, intuitive mobile app ideal for beginners and casual investors.
What are the pros of Kraken?
Industry-leading security (never hacked since 2011). Low trading fees (0.16-0.26%). Proof of Reserves audit completed
Which crypto exchanges should I choose?
Choose Coinbase if you value US crypto beginners wanting a trusted, regulated, and easy-to-use platform.. Choose Kraken if you prioritize Security-conscious crypto investors.