Coinbase was founded in 2012 and is a platform for buying, selling, storing, and trading cryptocurrency. It supports over 150 cryptocurrencies and is designed for traders new and advanced. But while a popular platform, there are some excellent alternatives to Coinbase.
Read on to review and compare Coinbase vs. Kraken, BitMEX, and Crypto.com. We wrap up by answering what broker to use instead of Coinbase for those ready for a change.
Alternative Crypto Brokers in the United Kingdom
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- Crypto Spread: 0.05% BTC, 0.05% ETH
- Platforms: PXTrader 2.0, MT5, TradingCentral
- Min. deposit: $0
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- Crypto Spread: Variable
- Min. deposit: $0
70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. -
- Crypto Spread: Variable
- Crypto Lending
- Crypto Staking
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- Crypto Spread: Variable
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
- Min. deposit: $0
84.6% of retail CFD accounts lose money. -
- Crypto Spread: 12 average (Bitcoin)
- Min. deposit: $0
- Regulator: FMA, FSA
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- Coins: BTC
- Crypto Spread: 110 (BTC)
- Platforms: MT5
Learn how we test brokers and why you can trust our ratings.
This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category in 2026:
- PrimeXBT 4.2/5 Traders can speculate on popular cryptos with commissions as low as 0.05% and high leverage up to 1:200. Additionally, the broker continues to improve its offering by introducing Crypto Futures, with 101 new tokens added in 2025, as well as trading contests with real prizes.
- IG 4.5/5 IG offers a growing selection of over 100 crypto CFDs and digital assets for buying, selling and storing. It also stands out with its crypto index, which tracks the value of the top 10 digital currencies by market cap and provides a holistic way to speculate on the value of the crypto market. Its crypto offering was also bolstered in the UK after it secured a digital asset license from the FCA, providing trading and investing on popular crypto coins in a regulated setting. It has also expanded its spot crypto offering to Australia, France, and Singapore.
- OKX 4.1/5 OKX continues to offer a superb selection of 400+ tokens including Bitcoin and Ripple. You can buy and sell tokens or trade cryptos on margin via derivatives, including perpetual swaps, options and futures. OKX stands out for its low fees, extensive range of tokens and speedy crypto transactions.
- FXCC 4.6/5 FXCC has ramped up its range of cryptocurrencies for trading, going from under 10 to more than 30. There are no restrictions on crypto day trading strategies with Expert Advisors (EAs) permitted. Digital currencies can be traded 24/7 with no commission and leverage up to 1:20.
- BlackBull 4.5/5 BlackBull excels for active traders interested in trading crypto. It has grown its selection of cryptocurrencies, now providing 27+ digital tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Trump, with all cryptos paired with USD. But pricing is where it excels, with testing revealing average spreads of around 12 on BTC/USD - less than half that of competitors like Eightcap, plus there’s no commission, making it considerably cheaper than most crypto CFD brokers. BlackBull also offers separate well-presented crypto guides for beginner, intermediate and advanced traders. Up to 1:100 leverage is available on cryptos.
- Defcofx 2.2/5 Defcofx has work to do in the crypto department, offering trading on Bitcoin only. However, it does focus on crypto funding via popular tokens, making it a compelling option if you want to deposit, trade and withdraw in Bitcoin.
Community Sentiment
See how users rate these brokers based on the average customer ratings submitted on DayTrading.com, plus ratings from Trustpilot, the Apple App Store and Google Play.
| Broker | Our Users' Rating | Trustpilot Score | Trustpilot Reviews | iOS App Rating | Android App Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PrimeXBT | 417 | ||||
| IG | 10350 | ||||
| OKX | 1780 | ||||
| FXCC | 231 | ||||
| BlackBull | 3526 | ||||
| Defcofx | 38 |
PrimeXBT
PrimeXBT is suited to aspiring traders looking for crypto derivatives alongside traditional markets like forex and indices, all tradable on an intuitive, web-based platform. The copy trading solution is also ideal for hands-off traders with 5-star ratings and performance graphs to help you find traders that align with your preferences and risk appetite.
William Berg, Reviewer
PrimeXBT quick facts
- Coins
- BTC, LTC, ETH, XRP, EOS, ADA, DOT, SOL, UNI, LINK, DOGE, BNB, ICP, SAND, PAXG, andmore
- Crypto Mining
- ✘No
- Auto Market Maker
- ✘No
- Crypto Spread
- 0.05% BTC, 0.05% ETH
- Crypto Lending
- ✘No
- Crypto Staking
- ✘No
- Platforms
- PXTrader 2.0, MT5, TradingCentral
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Regulator
- FSCA, FSC, FSA, CNAD
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP
Pros
- Ultra-fast execution speeds, averaging 7.12ms, make PrimeXBT an excellent option for day traders looking to secure the best prices in volatile markets.
- PrimeXBT has added opportunities with new tokens for exchanging and funding, including 1Inch, Aave, and Injective.
- Traders can now use crypto balances (BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC) as margin to trade traditional financial markets, without needing to convert funds into fiat currency first.
Cons
- Although there's a wide selection of educational articles, including covering charting analysis for short-term strategies, there lacks more engaging and interactive resources like videos and quizzes.
- Support response times and the choice of channels could be improved to provide active traders with quicker, more comprehensive assistance.
- Despite improvements like 7 metal additions, the around 350+ instruments still trails competitors, notably OKX with its 400+ assets.
IG
IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and robust trade execution for experienced day traders.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IG quick facts
- Coins
- BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, BCH, ADA, TIA, LINK, EOS, HBAR, ICP, LTC, NEAR, NEO, ONDO, PEPE, DOT, POL, SHIB, XLM, SUI, TRX, TON, UNI, DOGE, AAVE, APT, ARB, AVAX, CRYPTO10
- Crypto Mining
- ✘No
- Auto Market Maker
- ✘No
- Crypto Spread
- Variable
- Crypto Lending
- ✘No
- Crypto Staking
- ✘No
- Platforms
- Web, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Regulator
- CFTC, NFA, FCA, BaFin, ASIC, FINMA, MAS, JFSA, FMA, DFSA, BMA, CONSOB
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD
Pros
- The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading, while IG has also added TradingView integration.
- IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis.
- IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, plus added US-listed futures and options as well as an AI Index, providing diversification opportunities.
Cons
- IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders.
- Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges.
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12-$18 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
OKX
OKX is a top pick for crypto traders looking for emerging coins and crypto projects to invest in. Traders can also make use of the broker's copy trading service and automated bots.
William Berg, Reviewer
OKX quick facts
- Coins
- 1INCH, AAVE, ACA, ACE, ACH, ADA, AERGO, AEVO, AGLD, AIXBT, ALCX, ALGO, ALPHA, AMP, ANIME, APE, API3, APT, AR, ARB, ARG, ARKM, ARTY, ASTR, ATH, ATOM, AUCTION, AVAX, AXS, BABY, BABYDOGE, BADGER, BAL, BANANA, BAND, BAT, BCH, BERA, BICO, BIGTIME and many more
- Crypto Mining
- ✘No
- Auto Market Maker
- ✘No
- Crypto Spread
- Variable
- Crypto Lending
- ✔Yes
- Crypto Staking
- ✔Yes
- Platforms
- AlgoTrader, Quantower
- Minimum Deposit
- 10 USDT
- Regulator
- FinCEN, VARA
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, INR, JPY, SGD, RUB, AED, SAR
Pros
- Active traders can expect competitive maker and taker fees, from 0.02% and 0.05%, respectively
- There's a vast developer lab plus access to a marketplace of pre-built trading bots with auto-arbitrage
- OKX has 50 million global clients and a license from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
Cons
- The firm offers limited regulatory oversight, though this is common among crypto exchanges
- The quality of customer support was inconsistent based on testing
- The broker's platform and features may be complex for novices
FXCC
FXCC continues to prove itself an excellent option for day traders with a particularly strong selection of 70+ currency pairs, ultra-tight spreads from 0.0 pips during testing, and a free VPS for qualifying traders.
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
FXCC quick facts
- Coins
- BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, XMR, DASH, XRP, ALG, ATO, AVE, AVX, AXS, BNB, BSV, CKE, DOT, ENJ, FTM, LNK, MEL, MNA, MTC, SHB, SND, SNX, SOL, TRP, UNI, WAV, XTZ, YFI
- Crypto Mining
- ✘No
- Auto Market Maker
- ✘No
- Crypto Spread
- Variable
- Crypto Lending
- ✘No
- Crypto Staking
- ✘No
- Platforms
- MT4, MT5
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Regulator
- CySEC, MISA
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD
Pros
- FXCC’s ECN XL account has been built with active traders in mind, featuring spreads from 0.0 with no commission, while also passing our execution speed benchmark for day traders.
- FXCC has stepped up its offering over the years, adding MT5 to its suite of platforms, hundreds of stocks and more cryptos to its product line-up, plus a copy trading feature and greater margin trading opportunities.
- Customer support still relies on human agents with response times of under three minutes on live chat during our tests and knowledgeable reps - a welcome break from the frustrating AI chatbots increasingly offered by brokers.
Cons
- Although regulated by the CySEC, FXCC’s offshore entity operates with weak regulatory oversight from MISA and may not provide safeguards like investor compensation in the event of broker insolvency.
- FXCC charges steep withdrawal fees on many of its payment methods, including $45 for bank transfers and 2% crypto transfers, which may cut into the returns of traders making regular withdrawals.
- Although the economic calendar has benefited from a facelift, FXCC still offers very little in terms of market research beyond basic daily technical analysis and aggregated market news, with no tools like Autochartist or social sentiment data.
BlackBull
After improving its trading infrastructure with Equinix servers in London, reducing latency for traders, BlackBull is an obvious choice if you want to day trade stock CFDs with ECN pricing. With competitive spreads and no commission on a growing roster of digital tokens paired with USD, BlackBull also works for active crypto traders.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
BlackBull quick facts
- Coins
- BTC, ETH, SOL, XLM, XRP, BCH, ADA, SUI, TRUMP, LNK, DOT, DOGE, AAVE, AXS, HED, LTC, TRX, UNI, PYTH, ARB, BNB, AVAX, NEAR, ILV, ATM, INJ, POLY
- Crypto Mining
- ✘No
- Auto Market Maker
- ✘No
- Crypto Spread
- 12 average (Bitcoin)
- Crypto Lending
- ✘No
- Crypto Staking
- ✘No
- Platforms
- BlackBull Invest, BlackBull CopyTrader, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist
- Minimum Deposit
- $0
- Regulator
- FMA, FSA
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, ZAR, SGD
Pros
- BlackBulls’s research is superb, especially the daily ‘Trading Opportunities’ articles that break down complex market movements into easy-to-understand insights, making it simpler to capitalize on emerging trends.
- With two ECN-powered accounts (Standard and Prime), plus Prime+ - an active trader rewards program offering trading rebates - BlackBull accommodates beginners through to high-volume active traders.
- BlackBull offers every ingredient for day traders; fast execution speeds of <100ms and tight spreads from 0.0 pips.
Cons
- Although the Education Hub now features improvements like webinars and tutorials, the courses we’ve explored need more focus on explaining the wider economic factors influencing prices.
- Unlike most top brokers, BlackBull charges an irritating $5 withdrawal fee, which can detract from the overall cost-effectiveness, especially for active traders who frequently move funds.
- Despite a growing selection of 2,180+ assets, including additions to its Asia Pacific indices, they are mainly stocks with an average selection of currency pairs and indices.
Defcofx
Defcofx is best suited for experienced traders who want ultra-high 1:2000 leverage, seamless MT5 execution, and crypto-based funding—with one-click trading and chart-based order placement that felt fast and intuitive in our hands-on tests.
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Defcofx quick facts
- Coins
- BTC
- Crypto Mining
- ✘No
- Auto Market Maker
- ✘No
- Crypto Spread
- 110 (BTC)
- Crypto Lending
- ✘No
- Crypto Staking
- ✘No
- Platforms
- MT5
- Minimum Deposit
- $50
- Account Currencies
- USD, EUR, GBP
Pros
- Trades are completely commission-free, there are no overnight swap fees for holding positions, and you won’t get charged for leaving your account idle.
- Crypto deposits, while not without risks because they're outside of traditional banking systems, are fast and low-cost, with deposits credited to our Defcofx account in under 1 hour during testing.
- There's a solid suite of research tools to help shape trading setups, with the client area offering heatmaps, an economic calendar, news and technical analysis that are easy to read.
Cons
- Defcofx isn’t regulated by any major financial body. We couldn’t find much in terms of third-party fund protection or formal dispute resolution processes during our investigations - so it’s a case of 'trade at your own risk'.
- If you’re new to trading, don’t expect much help. We found no structured learning tools - just basic calculators. Compared to category leaders like IG, the lack of education resources makes Defcofx harder to recommend for beginners.
- While spreads are competitive based on our analysis, there’s no zero-spread account option, which will matter to scalpers or high-frequency traders. Over time, even a small spread can erode tight-margin strategies.
About Coinbase
The firm is based in San Francisco and is a fully licensed and regulated cryptocurrency exchange in 45 US states. Its services are also available globally, including to investors in Australia, the UK, Europe, South America, and Africa. In fact, the crypto exchange boasts over 98 million verified users across more than 100 countries. And while our best alternatives to Coinbase have a lot to offer in terms of tools, features, and fees, few can match the global reach of the crypto exchange.
Products
Coinbase offers a wide range of products to suit beginners and professionals:
- Coinbase – Buy, sell, trade, and store over 150 tradable cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin.
- Wallet – Retail investors can manage and store their crypto assets without a centralized brokerage or exchange. There are options to use US dollars or other fiat currencies. Protect your digital assets with industry-leading security.
- Coinbase Pro – Formerly GDAX, Coinbase Pro is a premium service with an intuitive interface including real-time order books, charting tools, trade history, and a simple order process so you can trade from day one.
- USD Coin (USDC) – A digital stablecoin that is pegged to the United States dollar.
Platforms
Coinbase
Coinbase is a secure online trading platform that utilizes the US dollar to purchase a growing list of over 150 cryptocurrencies. Geared towards beginners, it has a straightforward, user-friendly interface with options to ‘buy’, ‘sell’ or ‘convert’ when placing a trade.
Note, the mobile app can be accessed on Android and iOS devices.
Coinbase Pro
As outlined above, Coinbase Pro was formerly known as Global Digital Asset Exchange (GDAX). It is an in-depth platform that caters to more advanced traders. On top of the same functionalities as the original platform, it offers advanced charting functions and the ability to place market limits, stop orders, an easy order process, and detailed trade history. Investors can specify an order type or default to market.
Fees
With the exception of Coinbase Pro, fees are expensive compared to competitors. They vary between 0.5% and 4.5% and between payment methods, cryptocurrency type, transaction size, and platform used.
There is a 1% fee to convert and withdraw your crypto to cash in addition to standard network fees. A network fee is necessary to have your transaction processed by the decentralized cryptocurrency network.
If you stake your assets with Coinbase, your reward will be determined by the protocols of the applicable network. The firm will distribute this reward after receipt, minus a 25% commission.
The exchange charges spreads of 0.5% for crypto purchases and sales. Depending on market fluctuation, rates may be higher or lower. On top of that, they also take a flat fee or variable percentage, depending on region, amount purchased, product feature, and payment type. For example, a $100 purchase of Bitcoin with a USD bank account will come with a flat fee of 1%.
Suppose you borrow USD from Coinbase or an affiliate. The brand has to sell your BTC collateral (as they are authorized to do under an applicable loan agreement). In that case, there is a flat fee of 2% of the total transaction.
On the other hand, Coinbase Pro’s fee schedule is straightforward and less expensive. It is based on monthly trading volume and a taker-maker model, which depends on the liquidity of the asset at the time of purchase. Varying between pricing tiers, taker fees are between 0.05% to 0.6%, while maker fees are between 0.00% to 0.4%.
On the basic Coinbase platform, deposits on wire transfers are $10 and $25 to withdraw. The exchange also requires a minimum of $2 to purchase and sell and is capped at $25,000 a day. Trade and balance levels are unlimited on Coinbase Pro. However, withdrawals are limited to $25,000 by default, which can be increased by request.
Best Alternatives To Coinbase
While the crypto exchange has a lot to offer, there are several strong alternatives to Coinbase. See our comparison below:
Kraken
While Kraken offers advanced trader services, it is also considered beginner-friendly. Moreover, it is a great alternative for advanced traders compared to Coinbase Pro.
Established in 2014, Kraken is a hassle-free cryptocurrency exchange. It has margin and OTC trading with over 120 coins. Unlike Coinbase, it does not offer a wallet or its own crypto coin.
Platforms include the Kraken Terminal and Cryptowatch. The Kraken terminal allows you to view markets in real-time and access customizable price charts with a live trade feed, order book, and a depth chart to help you visualize market sentiment.
Advanced features on Cryptowatch include an additional 25 crypto exchange services, automated orders, technical analysis features, and more.
Fees on Kraken Pro are significantly cheaper than Coinbase and Coinbase Pro. The fee schedule depends on your last 30-day trading volume and is based on a taker-maker model. For example, an account with a 30-day volume of $0 to $50,000 will pay a 0.16% maker fee or 0.26% taker fee. A detailed fee schedule is available on the Kraken website.
Overall, Kraken is among the strongest alternatives to Coinbase.
BitMEX
BitMEX is a peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto trading platform that offers leveraged contracts bought and sold in Bitcoin.
Unlike Coinbase, BitMEX does not handle fiat currency but offers up to 1:100 leverage. As Coinbase has disabled margin trading due to regulatory changes (and is now only available on Coinbase Pro), BitMEX is a great alternative.
BitMEX only offers three Bitcoin products; XBT Perpetual, XBT Quarterly Future, and XBT Biquarterly Future. Instead of investing in currency directly, users simply trade contracts, which can be more volatile than traditional investing. As a result, this platform is more suited to advanced crypto traders.
Since BitMEX only exchanges cryptos, it does not incur added fees for buying crypto with cash. Thus, fees are as low as 0.01% to 0.075%. It also does not charge fees on deposits or withdrawals. However, a minimum Bitcoin Network Fee is paid to the Bitcoin miner who processes your transaction (this fee does not go to BitMEX).
Ultimately, BitMEX is one of the best alternatives to Coinbase for users looking to cut costs and advanced investors.
Crypto.com
Monaco Technologies GmBH was the initial trade name for Crypto.com, which was founded in 2016. The owner’s goal was to accelerate the world’s adoption of cryptocurrencies. Today, the firm is headquartered in Hong Kong and has over 4,000 employees in countries such as China, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Various financial institutions regulate the firm in each of its operating nations, ensuring that it complies with monetary and risk-prevention laws, such as the FCA in the United Kingdom. And with over 50 million users across 90+ supported countries, the exchange is continually growing.
Crypto.com became the first-ever official global partner of UFC in 2021, and the total number of CRO coins available is capped at 30 billion. This follows the burning of 70 billion CRO tokens, the greatest such burn in crypto history.
The trading costs on Crypto.com are both competitive and clear. Trading fees are dependent on volume, so the more you trade, the more discounts you get. And importantly, there are no hidden fees. But because the trading volumes necessary for the lower costs are so high, inexperienced investors may not be able to take advantage of this benefit.
Fortunately, staking and paying fees with CRO might help you save money. On CRO stakes, you can get a 10% p.a. bonus.
The following is a fee tier guide for trading and selling:
- Level 1: 30-day trading volume of $0-$25,000, 0.4% maker and 0.4% taker charges
- Level 2: 30-day trading volume of $25,001-$50,000 0.35% maker and 0.35% taker charges
- Level 3: 30-day trading volume of $50,001-$100,000, 0.15% maker and 0.25% taker charges
- Level 4: 30-day trading volume of $100,001-$250,000, 0.1% maker and 0.16% taker charges
- Level 5: 30-day trading volume of $250,001-$1,000,000, 0.09% maker and 0.15% taker charges
- Level 6: 30-day trading volume of $1,000,001-$20,000,000, 0.08% maker and 0.14% taker charges
- Level 7: 30-day trading volume of $20,000,001-$100,000,000, 0.07% maker and 0.13% taker charges
- Level 8: 30-day trading volume of $100,000,001-$200,000,000, 0.06% maker and 0.12% taker charges
- Level 9: 30-day trading volume of $200,000,001+, 0.04% maker and 0.1% taker charges
Because Crypto.com has over 250 tokens available, the exchange makes for a good alternative to Coinbase. Similar to Coinbse Earn, you can also complete missions. In exchange, you get diamonds which can be converted into prizes.
Pros Of Coinbase
- Trading on more than 150 cryptocurrencies
- Simple interface for new crypto investors
- Cryptocurrencies are insured
- Low minimum deposit
- High liquidity
Cons Of Coinbase
- Complicated and expensive fee structure on original Coinbase platform
- Growing list of reliable alternatives to Coinbase broker
- Lack of autonomous control on wallet keys
Final Word On Alternatives To Coinbase
Considered one of the top cryptocurrency exchanges in the industry, Coinbase is well-positioned to meet various investment goals and skill levels. Coinbase Pro also provides a good all-around platform for advanced traders with decent fees, while the standard solution has a simple and user-friendly interface for new traders. Unfortunately though, costs on Coinbase are quite expensive in general.
Overall, when comparing alternatives to Coinbase, Kraken is one of the best options. It is cheap to trade with and offers a wide range of platforms and coins. It also provides one of the best mobile app alternatives to Coinbase.
FAQs
What Is A Similar And Better Alternative To Coinbase?
Out of Kraken, BitMEX, and Crypto.com, Kraken offers amongst the most similar service to Coinbase. It has competitive products such as a crypto wallet and fiat currencies. Its trading platforms also suit both new and advanced traders while offering services that Coinbase doesn’t, such as P2P and margin trading.
What Are Cheaper Alternatives To Coinbase?
Coinbase’s original trading platform has the highest and most complicated fees of all alternatives mentioned in our review. However, when comparing Coinbase Pro, the brand provides similar and competitive rates. As BitMEX only exchanges cryptocurrencies via contracts, it has the cheapest fees amongst all alternatives mentioned, with a range of 0.01% to 0.075%.
Is Coinbase Legal In The UK?
Yes – Coinbase does operate legally in the UK. It is also available in Australia, Canada, Singapore, the United States, and a number of European countries based on regulation. With that said, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) banned the sale of crypto derivatives in 2021 because of the risk to retail consumers. Coinbase is only regulated in 45 states in the US.
How Do I Buy And Sell On Coinbase Without Fees?
While it is not widely popular and known, it is possible to buy Bitcoin without fees on Coinbase Pro. This can be done as a maker or taker. To find out how, head to the official website.
Does Coinbase Sell Instantly Vs. Alternatives?
Whether you can sell instantly will depend on which region you are from. It typically takes one to two business days to complete for US customers after initiating a sell or withdrawal. However, buying and selling occur instantly for the UK and European customers as the local currency is stored within your Coinbase account. Coinbase is, therefore, in line with many alternatives.