Kraken vs Gemini
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: Kraken (4.5/5)
We tested Kraken and Gemini side-by-side. Kraken comes out ahead overall, but Gemini may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | Kraken | Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Ease of Use | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Value for Money | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Customer Support | 7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Overall | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Kraken | Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Margin Trading | Yes | No |
| Futures | Yes | No |
| Staking | Yes | No |
| OTC Desk | Yes | No |
| Proof of Reserves | Yes | No |
| FDIC Insurance | No | Yes |
| Institutional Custody | No | Yes |
| Gemini Credit Card | No | Yes |
| Mobile App | No | Yes |
| ActiveTrader | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
Kraken: 0% – 0.26% per trade
Gemini: 0.2% – 1.49% per trade
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
Gemini Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fully US regulated (New York BitLicense)
- FDIC insurance on USD deposits
- Excellent security (zero hacks ever)
- Institutional custody service
- Good mobile app
- SOC 2 Type 2 certified
Cons
- Higher fees than competitors (0.35% base)
- Limited coin selection (130 only)
- Only available in select countries
- No lending/staking in some US states
Key Specifications
| Spec | Kraken | Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Pricing | 0% – 0.26% per trade | 0.2% – 1.49% per trade |
| Year Founded | 2011 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, CA | New York, NY |
| Employees | 3,200+ | 1,000+ |
| Best For Region | US / EU / Global | United States |
| Proof of Reserves | Yes | N/A (SOC 2 audited) |
Our Verdict
Kraken wins overall. Choose Kraken if you value Security-conscious crypto investors. Choose Gemini if you prioritize Security-focused US investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kraken better than Gemini?
Based on our testing, Kraken scores higher with a rating of 4.5/5 compared to Gemini's 4.5/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between Kraken and Gemini?
Kraken is known for: Security-focused crypto exchange with competitive fees and margin trading.. Gemini is known for: Winklevoss-founded exchange with institutional-grade security, full US regulation, and FDIC insurance on USD balances..
Which is cheaper, Kraken or Gemini?
Kraken pricing: 0% – 0.26% per trade. Gemini pricing: 0.2% – 1.49% per trade.
Can I use Kraken and Gemini 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 Kraken?
Industry-leading security (never hacked since 2011). Low trading fees (0.16-0.26%). Proof of Reserves audit completed
What are the pros of Gemini?
Fully US regulated (New York BitLicense). FDIC insurance on USD deposits. Excellent security (zero hacks ever)
Which crypto exchanges should I choose?
Choose Kraken if you value Security-conscious crypto investors. Choose Gemini if you prioritize Security-focused US investors.