In the early days of crypto, Coinbase was the default on-ramp for millions entering the space. However, users are now increasingly seeking platforms that offer greater control, lower fees, and specialized functionalities that cater to a mature market, which has led to the rise of hundreds of Coinbase alternatives.
Read on to discover five exciting crypto apps and trading platforms you can use instead of Coinbase, focusing on security, features, supported assets, and overall utility to help you find your perfect fit.
TL;DR
- The cryptocurrency market is shifting towards specialized platforms that offer greater user control, lower fees, and access to emerging ecosystems, such as Bitcoin DeFi.
- For users seeking true ownership of their assets, non-custodial solutions are the most popular choice, with Xverse standing out as the leading platform for the Bitcoin ecosystem by supporting assets on Bitcoin L1 and L2.
- Centralized exchanges like Bitget, Gemini, and Kraken offer regulated on-ramps and are another suitable alternative to Coinbase, but can’t match the security of non-custodial solutions.
Top 5 Coinbase Alternatives
Let’s take a closer look at five crypto apps and trading platforms you can use as alternatives to Coinbase.
Xverse
Xverse is a leading non-custodial app specifically designed for the Bitcoin ecosystem. Launched to cater to the rapid innovation happening on Bitcoin, including Ordinals and Runes on Layer 1 and Layer 2 protocols like Stacks, Starknet, and many others, it provides a secure and intuitive gateway to Bitcoin’s layered future.
Beyond basic wallet functions, the Xverse App integrates seamlessly with a growing portfolio of Bitcoin dApps, enabling lending, borrowing, trading, and asset discovery all within a secure, easy-to-use interface.
Key Features
- Complete Bitcoin ecosystem access: Manage Bitcoin, Ordinals, Runes, and Bitcoin L2 assets all in one secure, intuitive interface.
- Non-custodial security: You maintain full control of your seed phrase and private keys; Xverse never holds your funds.
- Hardware wallet integration: For enhanced security, Xverse integrates with Ledger and Keystone hardware wallets, providing an extra layer of protection for your assets.
- Easy swaps: The wallet allows for in-app swaps, making it easy to trade between different Bitcoin-based assets.
- dApp explorer: Discover and connect to a growing suite of Bitcoin dApps to lend, borrow, and trade directly from your wallet.
- Bitcoin-native Earn platform: Xverse Earn provides non-custodial Bitcoin staking options.
- Advanced NFT management: A dedicated Ordinals NFT gallery allows you to easily view, manage, and interact with your Bitcoin-based digital collectibles.
Bitget
Bitget is a leading global cryptocurrency exchange known for its robust copy trading features and derivatives trading platform.
Founded in 2018, it has grown rapidly to serve millions of users by offering a comprehensive suite of trading products, including spot, futures, and copy trading. It functions as a centralized, custodial platform, meaning it holds users’ funds to facilitate fast and seamless trading.
Key Features
- Pioneering copy trading: Bitget’s standout feature is its integrated social trading system, which allows users to automatically mimic the strategies of experienced, top-performing traders on the platform.
- Diverse trading products: Offers a full range of options, including spot trading, futures trading with high leverage, and margin trading to cater to various risk appetites and strategies.
- Earn suite: Provides multiple avenues for passive income, including savings products, staking, and a liquidity mining program called “Bitget Launchpool.”
- Custodial security and protection fund: Employs industry-standard security measures and maintains a sizable protection fund to safeguard user assets in the unlikely event of a security breach.
- Extensive asset support: Lists a wide array of popular cryptocurrencies and new, trending tokens, providing ample opportunities for traders.
Gemini
Founded by the Winklevoss twins in 2014, Gemini is a New York-based cryptocurrency exchange and custodian built on a foundation of security and regulatory compliance.
It positions itself as a reliable and secure platform for both retail and institutional investors, offering a streamlined experience for buying, selling, and storing crypto.
Key Features
- Strong regulatory focus: A licensed NYDFS trust company, offering a high standard of security and compliance.
- Gemini Earn: Lend your crypto to institutional borrowers to generate interest income on your idle assets.
- ActiveTrader platform: A professional-grade trading interface with advanced charting tools and lower fees for high-volume traders.
- Custodial security: Insured hot wallets and deeply cold-stored assets, providing security for users who prefer not to self-custody.
- Gemini credit card: A crypto rewards credit card that earns you crypto on everyday purchases.
Kraken
Kraken is a veteran San Francisco-based cryptocurrency exchange known for its advanced trading features, deep liquidity, and strong security record since its founding in 2011.
It caters to a global audience of traders, from beginners to professionals, with a vast selection of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs.
Key Features
- Advanced trading interface: Offers Pro and Futures trading platforms with margin and futures trading up to 50x leverage.
- Competitive fee schedule: A transparent and competitive fee structure that decreases with 30-day trading volume.
- Kraken Earn: Flexible and fixed-term staking options to earn rewards on over a dozen supported assets.
- Robust security history: A proven track record with no major breaches, employing comprehensive security measures.
- Global support & OTC desk: Services a wide range of countries and offers over-the-counter (OTC) trading for large orders.
OKX
OKX is a global cryptocurrency exchange that offers a comprehensive suite of products, including spot and derivatives trading, earning services, and an integrated non-custodial Web3 wallet.
It aims to be an all-in-one destination for both CeFi and DeFi activities.
Key Features
- Large asset selection: Offers one of the largest numbers of trading pairs and cryptocurrencies in the industry.
- Integrated Web3 wallet: A built-in, non-custodial wallet allows users to explore dApps and hold NFTs without leaving the OKX app.
- Earn options: A wide array of earning products, including savings, staking, and DeFi access through its “Earn” section.
- Powerful trading tools: Advanced features like a trading bot marketplace and grid trading for automated strategies.
So, Which Coinbase Alternative Is the Best?
At the end of the day, the best alternative to Coinbase will depend on what you’re looking for.
If your priority is security, user-friendliness, and having complete control over your assets, then Xverse is arguably your best option. With its wallet and web-based platform, it provides easy access to everything the broader Bitcoin ecosystem has to offer, from trading and yield-generating to secure asset storage.
Conversely, if your focus is active trading and you prefer the convenience of a managed platform, then centralized exchanges like Bitget, Kraken, Gemini, or OKX will do the trick. However, keep in mind that all of these four platforms, like Coinbase, hold onto your coins for you. That means you don’t have full ownership of your assets, which is a risk you need to be aware of.
