If you want to buy or sell digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or even smaller emerging coins, choosing the right crypto exchange is very important.
The best exchanges offer powerful trading tools, friendly interfaces, a wide selection of coins, and advanced order types. They also include important features such as strong security, mobile access, and competitive fees.
Investopedia’s research team reviewed 14 major crypto exchanges using 27 carefully weighted factors that matter most to traders.
After an in-depth comparison, the findings highlight that Kraken is the top choice for users looking for low fees. Gemini is ideal for experienced traders and those who prefer top-level security.
Coinbase stands out for beginners, while Crypto.com is the best option for mobile-focused traders and people who trade Bitcoin regularly. For traders interested in rare altcoins that cannot be found elsewhere, BitMart is the best pick.
Summary: Best Crypto Exchanges and Apps for December 2025
- Best for Low Fees: Kraken
- Best for Security & Best for Experienced Traders: Gemini
- Best for Beginners: Coinbase
- Best Mobile App & Best for Bitcoin: Crypto.com
- Best for Altcoins: BitMart
Important Notice
Investing in cryptocurrency, DeFi projects, or ICOs carries a very high level of risk. Crypto markets can rise and fall quickly, and losses can happen at any time. Always seek advice from a qualified financial professional before investing.
This article is meant for educational purposes only and should not be taken as financial advice. Information may change, and accuracy is not guaranteed.
Best for Low Fees: Kraken
Minimum deposit: $10
Maker fees: 0.00%–0.25% (Kraken Pro)
Taker fees: 0.08%–0.40% (Kraken Pro)
Available cryptocurrencies: 540+
Why We Chose Kraken
Kraken is Investopedia’s top pick for users who want the lowest fees without sacrificing important features. With a minimum deposit of only $10, new traders can open an account and start trading almost immediately.
The platform offers a rich combination of low-cost trading, strong research tools, and user-friendly platforms on web, desktop, and mobile.
Pros
- Very low fees for both beginners and experienced traders
- Strong educational resources to support learning
- Access to multiple platforms including Kraken Pro
Cons
- Not available in all 50 U.S. states
- No FDIC or SIPC insurance
- Does not support cryptocurrency options trading
Best for Security & Best for Experienced Traders: Gemini
Minimum deposit: $0
Maker fees: 0.00%–0.20%
Taker fees: 0.03%–0.40%
Available cryptocurrencies: 70+
Why We Chose Gemini
Best for Security
Gemini ranks number one for security because of its strict compliance standards, third-party audits, and a strong commitment to regulatory transparency. It is also one of the few exchanges offering FDIC insurance for uninvested cash and crypto insurance, giving users more peace of mind.
Best for Experienced Traders
Gemini’s ActiveTrader platform gives advanced users powerful features such as detailed charts, advanced order types, futures, and perpetual contracts. These tools make it suitable for serious traders who need more than a basic exchange.
Pros
- Extremely strong security and compliance
- Available in all U.S. states
- FDIC insurance and crypto insurance available
Cons
- Supports fewer cryptocurrencies compared to other exchanges
- Customer support is limited to request forms
- Fee structure can be confusing for beginners
Best for Beginners: Coinbase
Minimum deposit: $0
Maker fees: 0.00%–0.40%
Taker fees: 0.05%–0.60%
Available cryptocurrencies: 300+
Why We Chose Coinbase
Coinbase is the best entry point for beginners because of its simple interface, strong security system, and easy-to-follow fee structure. It provides an ideal learning environment, supported by high-quality educational materials. As beginner users grow, they can access more advanced trading features without leaving the platform.
Pros
- Excellent research and educational content
- Reasonable fees and a wide choice of cryptocurrencies
- Available in 172 countries on web, desktop, and mobile
Cons
- Not suitable for highly advanced or professional traders
- No margin trading and only limited futures trading
- Customer service mainly through chat or callback requests
Best Mobile App & Best for Bitcoin: Crypto.com
Minimum deposit: $20
Maker fees: 0.08%–0.25%
Taker fees: 0.18%–0.50%
Available cryptocurrencies: 400+
Why We Chose Crypto.com
Best Mobile App
Crypto.com has built its brand around mobile convenience. Its app allows users to buy, sell, manage, and trade crypto directly from their smartphones. The platform also offers a debit card and additional mobile-focused features.
Best for Bitcoin
Crypto.com is a strong choice for Bitcoin traders because it combines a wide range of Bitcoin trading tools, including futures and options, with strong security and fair fees. This makes it appealing to active Bitcoin users.
Pros
- Supports Bitcoin futures and options
- Reasonable fees and a large selection of coins
- Excellent mobile app and debit card program
Cons
- Available in fewer than 100 countries
- Customer support only through live chat
- Only supports hot wallet storage
Best for Altcoins: BitMart
Minimum deposit: Not publicly disclosed
Maker fees: Not publicly disclosed
Taker fees: Not publicly disclosed
Available cryptocurrencies: 1,700+
Why We Chose BitMart
BitMart stands out for traders who want access to a massive collection of altcoins—over 1,700 options. While it may lack some advanced trading features found on other platforms, it remains a top destination for users who want rare or hard-to-find digital assets.
Pros
- Huge selection of cryptocurrencies
- Offers copy trading for social trading enthusiasts
- BitMart Academy provides helpful educational resources
Cons
- Does not clearly display security infrastructure
- Fee information only visible after creating an account
- Only supports crypto deposits
Why You Can Trust This Review
Investopedia has been an authoritative financial resource since 1999. Since 2020, it has independently researched crypto exchanges, comparing 14 major platforms using nearly 450 data points.
These include fees, coin availability, security standards, trading tools, transparency, and more. This large dataset helps readers choose platforms that match their financial goals and safety needs.
How We Selected the Best Crypto Exchanges and Apps
Investopedia’s research team studied 14 of the largest crypto exchange providers by collecting almost 450 data points between Feb. 7, 2025 and Feb. 11, 2025. They used online research, direct communication with exchanges, and deeper investigations where information was unclear.
A custom scoring model evaluated each exchange across four major categories:
- Trading Features – 30%
- Fees – 28%
- Security – 21%
- Transparency – 21%
This weighted approach ensured that every exchange was rated fairly and objectively.
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