Blog Summary:

This blog explores the basics of Coinbase, including its advantages, challenges, and more. It also focuses on popular Coinbase Alternatives and offers a comprehensive guide to choosing the right one, based on factors such as fee structure, security, trading experience, and more. Read the entire post and select the best crypto trading platform.

Cryptocurrency exchanges have seen unprecedented growth as digital assets have become mainstream financial instruments. Several platforms have contributed to this rise, with Coinbase among the most prominent.

According to Demand Sage, Coinbase attracts approximately 120 million users per month, making it one of the most preferred platforms for trading popular digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Despite its robustness, regulatory compliance, user-friendly design, and potential to offer numerous advantages, many enthusiasts nowadays seek a Coinbase alternative for various reasons. These mainly include limited advanced trading tools, higher fees, and restricted asset availability in various regions.

In this blog, we will explore some of the most sought-after alternatives and help you select the right option based on your preferences and needs.

What is Coinbase? – An Overview

Founded in 2012 and one of the top-rated US-based cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinbase allows users to buy and sell digital assets. It also lets them store their assets while ensuring robust security.

Developed with robust security and an intuitive interface, Coinbase serves as an entry point, especially for beginners, into crypto trading. The platform provides the following important services:

  1. Spot trading
  2. Custodial wallets
  3. Staking
  4. Institutional-grade security

Advantages of Using Coinbase

As one of the most widely used cryptocurrency exchange platforms, Coinbase provides a structured, reliable trading environment. Below are some important benefits of using this platform:

Beginner-Friendly User Interface

Coinbase offers an intuitive, clean user interface. The platform serves its core purpose of enabling users to trade with less effort. Apart from buying and selling, it also allows users to track cryptocurrencies.

It’s the preferred option for beginners, with features such as real-time price tracking, simplified order execution, and clear portfolio views. It focuses mainly on easy navigation and clarity, specifically on its mobile app.

Strong Security and Asset Protection

When it comes to security, it’s one of the core strengths of this crypto trading architecture. It stores the majority of funds in offline storage, thereby minimizing the risk of cyberattacks.

Apart from this, it also includes additional security features such as biometric logins on supported devices, two-factor authentication (2FA), encrypted data transmission, and more. Coinbase offers insurance coverage for digital assets held online against various types of security breaches.

Regulatory Compliance and Trust Factor

Listed on NASDAQ, Coinbase complies with anti-money laundering (AML) requirements and with strict know your customer (KYC) requirements. It reflects extra security layers and also financial transparency.

Its compliance-first approach makes it a reliable platform compared to lightly or offshore-regulated exchanges. Coinbase caters to those who have major concerns about tax reporting, legal clarity, long-term platform stability, and more.

Wide Range of Supported Cryptocurrencies

Another major advantage of Coinbase is its support for a wide range of cryptocurrencies. These include important assets such as Solana and Ethereum, Bitcoin, and various emerging altcoins.

It’s important to understand that every asset undergoes a stringent evaluation process focused completely on decentralization, security, compliance, and more. Coinbase is popular for its curated approach, which minimizes exposure to even low-quality or high-risk tokens, attracting many risk-conscious investors.

Seamless Fiat-to-Crypto Onboarding

Coinbase offers smooth integrations with debit cards, bank transfers, and many other local payment methods. It allows users to convert their fiat currencies into crypto without relying on any third-party payment gateways.

The easy onboarding experience minimizes entry barriers for new investors, making this crypto exchange platform a practical choice for users transitioning from traditional to digital assets.

Building a Robust Crypto Exchange Software

Join us to build a powerful, secure crypto exchange platform tailored to your vision. Let’s build and launch your crypto exchange platforms fast.

Talk to Our Experts

10 Best Coinbase Alternatives

We have compiled a list of the top Coinbase alternatives that users frequently choose. Go through each of them in-depth to consider the best option for you:

Binance

As one of the largest and top-rated alternatives, Binance is the right choice for those seeking a crypto exchange with extensive features and the lowest fees. Whether you seek options, margins, or spot trading, the platform serves as your one-stop destination.

It supports a range of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs, making it a good option for altcoin traders. Binance offers robust APIs and charting tools for professional traders, though its regulatory status varies by region.

Kraken

Kraken comes with transparent operations and a powerful security framework. It supports both future and spot trading at the lowest fees. Besides, it also provides deep liquidity for various crypto pairs.

This platform gained widespread popularity among compliance-focused and institutional users due to its regular security audits, risk controls, regulatory compliance, and adherence across different jurisdictions. This platform offers cutting-edge traditional tools, built on trust and reliability.

KuCoin

With a large global user base and a wide selection of altcoins, KuCoin is often called the ‘people’s exchange.’ It supports many cryptocurrencies, with a focus on early-stage tokens not available on Coinbase.

The platform offers staking, automated trading bots, lending, and futures trading. KuCoin has flexible account levels and lower trading fees. It is considered the top alternative for experienced traders.

OKX

As a feature-rich crypto trading platform, OKX is popular among trading enthusiasts for its advanced trading options. These include perpetual swaps, futures, and decentralized finance (DeFi) products.

The platform offers almost every type of trading except for the direct buying and selling of cryptocurrencies. OKX is built for high performance, with professional-grade APIs and low trade processing latency. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a Coinbase alternative that offers a full range of complex trading tools and Web3 features.

Bybit

Bybit comes with fast order execution and a derivatives-focused trading environment. It facilitates futures, perpetual contracts, spot, and option trading with a professional, intuitive interface.

It caters to active traders with high liquidity and risk management tools. Bybit is perfect for users who are technically proficient and prioritize speed and advanced order types.

Bitstamp

As an established cryptocurrency exchange, Bitstamp offers regulatory compliance and stability. It also offers a straightforward trading experience with robust fiat support, including card payments, bank transfers, and more.

This crypto exchange platform focuses mainly on a small set of established cryptocurrencies. That’s why it’s popular among conservative investors.

Gemini

As a US-based exchange, Gemini shares many similarities with Coinbase in terms of security standards and regulatory compliance. It focuses mainly on SOC certifications, asset protection, and strict AML/KYC processes.

The platform supports both an advanced trading interface and beginner-friendly trading for professionals. Meanwhile, it charges higher fees than offshore exchanges. It is best for those who focus on institutional-grade security and legal clarity.

Crypto.com

Crypto.com is another exchange platform that extends beyond trading. The platform offers lending, staking, NFTs, DeFi, and crypto-linked debit cards, in addition to spot trading.

It supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and offers competitive incentives for users who hold its native token. The platform offers mobile-first experiences and broader lifestyle integration compared to Coinbase.

Bitfinex

Bitfinex is recognized as a professional-grade trading platform with advanced order types and deep liquidity. It supports everything, from lending and margin trading to over-the-counter (OTC) services for a large number of traders.

It boasts a sophisticated interface and API access, which makes it the right option for experienced users. Bitfinex is the best option for those looking for a simplified trading model.

  Gate.io

Gate.io offers a vast selection of cryptocurrencies and early access to the latest blockchain projects. The platform provides the best derivatives, spot trading, startup token launches, staking, and more.

It’s indeed quite popular among users seeking broad exposure to emerging assets before they reach mainstream exchanges. Though it lacks simplicity, it is still popular among traders for its depth of features and asset diversity.

Challenges of Using Coinbase

Of course, Coinbase has a lot to offer traders, but it also has certain limitations. The following are some of the common challenges of using this exchange platform:

High Trading and Transaction Fees

Well, Coinbase’s fee structure is one of its major limitations. Its transaction and conversion costs are indeed higher than those of several other global exchanges, particularly for frequent traders—the higher costs adversely affect profitability over time.

Solution: Users can switch to either alternative with lower fees.

Limited Advanced Trading Features

Though Coinbase Advanced offers basic charting and order types, it still falls short of professional traders’ expectations. It comes with limited features, such as algorithmic trading tools, complex derivatives, and deep technical indicators.

Solution: Users looking for advanced features can opt for platforms like OKX, Bybit, and others.

Restricted Asset Availability in Some Regions

Due to its strict regulatory approach, Coinbase faces limitations on the availability of cryptocurrencies and services in certain regions. Users may find several features or tokens unavailable due to local compliance restrictions.

Solution: You can opt for Gate.io or KuCoin, which offer broader asset access across multiple regions.

Account Freezing and Compliance Holds

Coinbase even temporarily restricts users’ accounts for various reasons, such as suspicious activity flags, compliance reviews, verification issues, and more. Though these measures are vital to boosting security, they also hinder access to funds and trading.

Solution: Users need to maintain their KYC details accurately. They should enable security notifications and use exchanges with responsive support systems.

Limited Customization for Pro Traders

Professional traders often find Coinbase’s workflow and interface rigid. Besides, the platform also faces limitations in advanced risk management, custom dashboards, and personalized trading environments.

Solution: Traders can opt for alternatives such as Binance, Bitfinex, etc. These offer advanced order configurations, vast customization, etc.

Which Coinbase Alternative is Best?

Well, it’s certainly not easy to identify the best alternative, as it depends entirely on the trader’s goals and requirements. If a particular crypto exchange is good for some traders, it doesn’t mean the same platform can be good for everyone.

Let’s explore some of the top platforms and their use among traders:

  • Binance: It’s perfect for users with extensive coins, low fees, advanced tools, and more.
  • Gemini and Kraken are best for users who prioritize security and compliance.
  • KuCoin: If you seek access to various emerging tokens and flexibility, KuCoin can be the right option for you. Gate.io also falls in a similar category.
  • Bybit: it’s best for professional traders looking for deep liquidity and derivatives. Bitfinex and OKX also fall in the same category.
  • Crypto.com: It offers a vast ecosystem with DeFi features and card products.
  • Bitstamp offers a fiat-friendly experience.

Turn Your Idea into a High-Performing Crypto App

We convert your unique idea into a world-class cryptocurrency app that performs outstandingly. We are committed to providing scalable and secure solutions.

Share Your Projects Now

How to Choose the Right Alternative?

Selecting the top Coinbase alternative is indeed a highly responsible task, and one needs to consider many important factors. Let’s explore some of these factors in-depth:

Trading Experience

Beginners often look for a crypto exchange platform that offers clear onboarding, straightforward order placement, and an intuitive interface. And they often find the right platforms, such as Bitstamp, Gemini, and Crypto.com. These platforms offer a simplified experience with various educational resources and buy/sell flows.

On the other hand, advanced traders often look for multiple order types, deep order books, professional charting tools, and more. And they often select Bybit, Binance, OKX, and more. These platforms offer advanced features, including margin trading.

Fee Structure

The fee directly affects the selection of a cryptocurrency exchange platform. Most of these platforms charge various fees, including withdrawal fees, trading fees, spread costs, and deposit fees.

KuCoin and Binance offer tiered fee models that cater to high-volume traders with lower fees, whereas Gemini and Coinbase can be expensive due to compliance costs.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Users seeking to trade famous cryptos will find that most exchanges are suitable. But they need to make the right selection for lower-cap assets and emerging tokens. And they find platforms such as Gate.io, KuCoin, and OKX are appropriate for them.

These platforms indeed offer a much larger list than Coinbase. Therefore, it’s advisable to verify token availability and whether the selected platform offers due diligence on token legitimacy and security.

Security and Compliance

Security has great importance in crypto. So, while selecting the alternative, you need to keep in mind the following things:

  • Two-factor authentication
  • Cold storage practices
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Insurance policies

Platforms such as Gemini and Kraken place great emphasis on regulatory compliance and security protocols, providing peace of mind.

Regional Availability and Regulations

One needs to understand that not every exchange operates in every country due to licensing and local laws. For instance, regulatory restrictions often limit the supported assets or features in your region.

So, it’s advisable to check the platform that has legal support in your country or region. Make sure it complies with KYC requirements in KY.

Want to Build a Look-alike Platform?

We are a one-stop destination for those looking to build a scalable and secure crypto trading platform. Our blockchain development team possesses extensive expertise across multiple horizons, including fintech architecture, blockchain development, compliance-ready systems, and more.

As a fintech software development company, we are committed to helping businesses build feature-rich crypto apps. Whether you are a startup or an enterprise, we serve you by developing performance-driven trading apps and wallets.

Conclusion

So, you now have all the information you need to select the best Coinbase alternatives based on your core trading requirements and objectives. We already mentioned factors like fees, flexibility, features, etc., that you need to consider to make the best selection.

Getting expert assistance is crucial if you are not able to make the right decision or are seeking to build your own crypto trading platform.

FAQs

01

Why are users looking for Coinbase alternatives?

The major reasons why users seek Coinbase alternatives include limited customer support, higher transaction fees, fewer altcoin options, privacy concerns, account restrictions, and more.

02

Which Coinbase alternative is best for low trading fees?

Well, Binance is the best alternative with lower trading fees. Apart from this, KuCoin and Kraken are other options with low trading fees.

03

Are Coinbase alternatives safe and regulated?

Yes, most Coinbase alternatives are safe and well-regulated, especially those with proper licenses that comply with local laws, follow KYC/AML rules, and more. Meanwhile, their safety indeed varies by region.

04

Can beginners use platforms other than Coinbase easily?

Yes, beginners can use various platforms other than Coinbase, especially those with guided onboarding, intuitive interfaces, demo modes, etc.

05

Is it possible to build a custom crypto exchange like Coinbase?

Yes, it’s certainly possible to create a custom crypto exchange similar to Coinbase. Meanwhile, it requires powerful security, blockchain expertise, scalable architecture, regulatory compliance, and more.
author image
About Author

Jayanti Katariya is the CEO of Moon Technolabs, a fast-growing IT solutions provider, with 18+ years of experience in the industry. Passionate about developing creative apps from a young age, he pursued an engineering degree to further this interest. Under his leadership, Moon Technolabs has helped numerous brands establish their online presence and he has also launched an invoicing software that assists businesses to streamline their financial operations.

bottom_top_arrow

Call Us Now

usa +1 (620) 330-9814
OR
+65
OR

You can send us mail

sales@moontechnolabs.com