Best Crypto Exchanges (2026)

Compare the best cryptocurrency exchanges for buying, selling, and trading digital assets.

13 tools tested | Updated monthly | Independent reviews

Buyer's Guide

Choosing a crypto exchange is primarily about security, fees, and available assets. US investors should prioritize regulated exchanges (Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini). Active traders need low fees and advanced tools (Binance, Kraken Pro). Beginners want simplicity and education (Coinbase, eToro). Always consider: Is the exchange regulated in your jurisdiction? What are the real trading costs (fees + spreads)? Does it offer cold storage insurance? In the post-FTX era, always verify whether the exchange publishes Proof of Reserves (PoR) — Kraken, Binance, OKX, and Crypto.com all do.

All Crypto Exchanges Reviewed

Coinbase

Rating: 4.3/5 | Editor's Choice | Pricing: 0% – 0.60% per trade

The most trusted US-regulated crypto exchange for buying, selling, and storing crypto.

  • 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.

Binance

Rating: 4.5/5 | Pricing: 0.1% per trade

The world's largest crypto exchange by volume with the lowest trading fees.

  • Industry-leading low trading fees, especially with BNB discounts
  • Largest selection of cryptocurrencies (350+ pairs) and trading pairs
  • Comprehensive suite of advanced trading tools and order types

Gemini

Rating: 4.5/5 | Pricing: 0.2% – 1.49% per trade

Winklevoss-founded exchange with institutional-grade security, full US regulation, and FDIC insurance on USD balances.

  • Fully US regulated (New York BitLicense)
  • FDIC insurance on USD deposits
  • Excellent security (zero hacks ever)

Kraken

Rating: 4.5/5 | Pricing: 0% – 0.26% per trade

Security-focused crypto exchange with competitive fees and margin trading.

  • Industry-leading security (never hacked since 2011)
  • Low trading fees (0.16-0.26%)
  • Proof of Reserves audit completed

OKX

Rating: 4.3/5 | Pricing: 0.08% maker / 0.10% taker

Industry-leading Web3 wallet with 70+ chains and lowest maker fees.

  • Lowest maker fees (0.08%)
  • Best Web3 wallet (70+ chains)
  • Monthly proof-of-reserves

Bybit

Rating: 4.2/5 | Pricing: 0.10% spot / 0.02% futures maker

Derivatives-focused crypto exchange with 100K TPS execution speed.

  • 100,000 TPS execution speed ensures minimal slippage and rapid order fulfillment.
  • Lowest futures maker fees at 0.02%, providing cost-effective derivatives trading.
  • Over 500 spot trading pairs, offering diverse investment and trading opportunities.

Bitget

Rating: 4.1/5 | Pricing: 0.10% maker / 0.10% taker

Leading copy trading platform with 550+ cryptocurrencies, $300M protection fund, and competitive 0.1% fees.

  • Best copy trading platform in crypto
  • 550+ cryptocurrencies listed
  • $300M protection fund for users

Crypto.com

Rating: 4.1/5 | Pricing: 0% – 0.075% per trade

All-in-one crypto platform with exchange, debit card, DeFi wallet, and NFT marketplace.

  • Crypto Visa card with up to 8% cashback on everyday spending, offering tangible real-world utility.
  • Extremely wide and interconnected ecosystem including exchange, DeFi, NFTs, and payment solutions.
  • Competitive trading fees, especially when staking CRO, making it attractive for active traders.

KuCoin

Rating: 4/5 | Pricing: 0.10% maker / 0.10% taker

The 'People's Exchange' with 700+ altcoins and trading bots.

  • 700+ tokens
  • Built-in trading bots
  • Low fees with KCS discount

Gate.io

Rating: 4/5 | Pricing: Free (0.15% trading fee)

Low-fee exchange with 1700+ cryptocurrencies and advanced trading features for experienced traders.

  • Massive altcoin selection (1700+ cryptocurrencies)
  • Low fees (0.15% base, 0.1125% with GT discount)
  • Early access to new crypto projects

Bitstamp

Rating: 4/5 | Pricing: 0.5% trading fee

Europe's oldest regulated crypto exchange (2011) with institutional-grade security and EU/US compliance.

  • Fully EU and US regulated
  • Excellent security record since 2011
  • Institutional-grade custody

MEXC

Rating: 3.5/5 | Pricing: Free (0.0% maker)

High-leverage exchange with 2000+ cryptocurrencies and zero maker fees for spot trading.

  • Zero maker fees for spot trading
  • 2000+ cryptocurrencies listed
  • Up to 200x leverage on futures

Huobi (HTX)

Rating: 3/5 | Pricing: 0.2% trading fee

Veteran exchange (since 2013) rebranded to HTX, with 600+ cryptocurrencies and strong Asian market liquidity.

  • Long track record since 2013
  • 600+ cryptocurrencies listed
  • Strong liquidity in Asian markets

Popular Comparisons

Our Testing Methodology

We evaluate crypto exchanges by executing real trades across 30+ trading pairs, measuring actual fees (including hidden spreads), withdrawal processing times, customer support responsiveness, and security features. We verify regulatory status, audit insurance coverage, and check proof-of-reserves transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best crypto exchanges in 2026?

Based on our testing, Coinbase is our top pick with a rating of 4.3/5.

How do we evaluate crypto exchanges?

We evaluate crypto exchanges by executing real trades across 30+ trading pairs, measuring actual fees (including hidden spreads), withdrawal processing times, customer support responsiveness, and security features. We verify regulatory status, audit insurance coverage, and check proof-of-reserves transparency.

Are your crypto exchanges reviews independent?

Yes. While we may earn affiliate commissions, our editorial team tests every product independently. Ratings are never influenced by commercial relationships.

How often are reviews updated?

We re-test and update our crypto exchanges reviews at least quarterly to ensure accuracy.

How does Coinbase compare to Binance?

Coinbase (4.3/5) and Binance (4.5/5) are both top-rated. Read our detailed comparison for a side-by-side breakdown.