Choosing the right crypto exchange or app matters more than ever in 2025. Whether you are buying your first Bitcoin or trading dozens of coins, the platform you use can affect your fees, security, and overall experience.
This guide highlights the best exchanges and apps available in September 2025. You will see how they compare on safety, pricing, features, and ease of use so you can find the one that fits your goals.
8 Best Crypto Exchanges and Apps for 2025
When choosing a crypto exchange or app, the right platform can make trading easier, cheaper, and safer. Here’s a breakdown of the top options in September 2025, with a clear look at what each one does best.
1. Coinbase – Best for Beginners
Coinbase is often the first stop for people getting into crypto. Its clean interface makes buying and selling simple, even for those who have never traded before. The platform offers strong compliance in the United States and insurance on digital assets held online.
- Strengths: Beginner-friendly design, wide availability, insurance protection.
- Weaknesses: Higher fees compared to other platforms.
- Best for: New traders who want a straightforward way to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major coins.
2. Binance – Best for Advanced Traders
Binance is designed for people who trade frequently and want access to advanced tools. It offers hundreds of coins, low fees, and high liquidity. While the platform continues to face regulatory hurdles in some regions, it remains a top choice globally.
- Strengths: Very low fees, advanced trading features, large coin selection.
- Weaknesses: Limited access in some countries, including parts of the United States.
- Best for: Active traders who want deep liquidity and professional tools.
3. Crypto.com – Best for Rewards and Perks
Crypto.com appeals to users who want more than just trading. The app offers a Visa debit card with cashback rewards in crypto, as well as staking options and access to NFTs. It has expanded global reach but remains under scrutiny in some markets.
- Strengths: Debit card with cashback, strong mobile app, extra features like staking.
- Weaknesses: Fees can be higher unless you stake CRO tokens, mixed customer support reviews.
- Best for: People who want to spend crypto, earn perks, and manage digital assets in one app.
4. Kraken – Best for Security and Transparency
Kraken has built a reputation for being one of the most secure crypto exchanges. It regularly publishes proof-of-reserves audits and offers a clear fee structure. With support for staking and futures, it caters to both casual and professional traders.
- Strengths: Strong security track record, transparent audits, broad feature set.
- Weaknesses: Slightly higher fees for instant buy options.
- Best for: Traders who prioritize safety and transparency.
5. Gemini – Best for U.S. Compliance
Gemini operates with a heavy focus on compliance and security. It is regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services and provides insurance coverage for digital assets. The platform also offers a crypto credit card and an interest program.
- Strengths: Strong regulation, insurance protection, user-friendly app.
- Weaknesses: Fees are higher than some global competitors.
- Best for: Investors who want a highly regulated platform with strong security.
6. Robinhood – Best for Zero-Commission Trades
Robinhood Crypto gives users commission-free access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a small set of other coins. It is tightly integrated with the stock trading app, making it a convenient option for those who already use Robinhood.
- Strengths: Zero trading commissions, simple app interface.
- Weaknesses: Limited asset selection, no wallet transfers for some assets.
- Best for: Investors who want to trade stocks and crypto in one place without fees.
7. Cash App – Best for Bitcoin Buyers
Cash App focuses mainly on Bitcoin, offering an easy way to buy, sell, and transfer. Its simplicity makes it appealing to people who want to own Bitcoin without using a full exchange.
- Strengths: Very easy to use, instant transfers, integrates with everyday payments.
- Weaknesses: Limited to Bitcoin for most users, higher spreads than larger exchanges.
- Best for: People who want a simple way to buy and hold Bitcoin.
8. eToro – Best for Social Trading
eToro combines crypto investing with social features that let users follow and copy the trades of more experienced investors. The platform also supports stocks and ETFs, making it a good choice for diversified investing.
- Strengths: Copy trading, multi-asset investing, user-friendly app.
- Weaknesses: Limited coin selection compared to dedicated crypto exchanges.
- Best for: Users who want both social interaction and crypto investing.
Other Notable Apps and Exchanges
Several other platforms stand out for different reasons. KuCoin is known for access to smaller tokens, OKX and Bybit are popular for derivatives trading, and PayPal and Venmo offer crypto buying for those who want convenience.
- KuCoin: Best for trading altcoins not listed elsewhere.
- OKX: Best for futures and derivatives markets.
- Bybit: Best for active traders seeking leverage.
- PayPal Crypto: Best for casual buyers who want to add crypto to existing accounts.
- Venmo Crypto: Best for peer-to-peer users who want to send and receive crypto with friends.
Comparison Tables
It can be tough to weigh the strengths of each platform by reading reviews alone. These comparison tables give you a quick look at how the leading crypto exchanges and apps measure up on key features, fees, and mobile experience.
Exchange and App Feature Comparison
This table highlights the main differences in cost, coin support, security, and availability.
| Platform | Best For | Fees | Supported Coins | Security Features | Staking/Lending | U.S. Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | Beginners | Higher fees | 200+ | Regulated, insurance | Yes | Yes |
| Binance | Active traders | Low fees | 350+ | 2FA, proof of reserves | Yes | Limited (global) |
| Crypto.com | Rewards and perks | Moderate fees | 250+ | Insurance, 2FA | Yes | Yes |
| Kraken | Security | Competitive | 200+ | Regular audits | Yes | Yes |
| Gemini | Compliance | Moderate fees | 100+ | NYDFS regulated | Yes | Yes |
| eToro | Social trading | Spread-based | 80+ | Licensed broker | Limited | Yes |
| Robinhood | Zero commissions | No commission | 15+ | SIPC protection (stocks) | No | Yes |
| Cash App | Bitcoin buyers | Spread-based | Bitcoin only | FDIC coverage on USD | No | Yes |
Mobile App Experience and Ease of Use
Since many people trade on their phones, mobile design and ratings matter. This table shows how each app performs for everyday use.
| Platform | iOS/Android Ratings | Ease of Use | Extra Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | 4.7 / 4.5 | Very easy | Earn rewards, NFT marketplace |
| Binance | 4.6 / 4.4 | Advanced | Futures, debit card, NFTs |
| Crypto.com | 4.6 / 4.3 | Easy | Visa card rewards, staking |
| Kraken | 4.5 / 4.3 | Moderate | Staking, futures trading |
| Gemini | 4.6 / 4.4 | Easy | Gemini credit card, rewards |
| eToro | 4.5 / 4.3 | Easy | Copy trading, multi-asset |
| Robinhood | 4.8 / 4.7 | Very easy | Stocks, ETFs, options |
| Cash App | 4.8 / 4.6 | Easiest | Banking tools, P2P payments |
What to Look for in a Crypto Exchange or App
Not all platforms are built the same. Before you open an account, it helps to know which features make a difference. The following points can guide you in picking the right exchange or app.
- Security and regulation: Check for licensing, proof of reserves, and insurance on digital assets.
- Fees and trading costs: Review maker and taker fees, spreads, and hidden charges.
- Supported assets: Confirm whether the platform supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, and newer tokens.
- Ease of use: Decide if you want a simple design or advanced tools for trading.
- Extra features: Look for options such as staking, crypto debit cards, or NFT marketplaces.
- Deposit and withdrawal methods: Make sure you can fund your account through ACH, wire transfers, debit cards, or PayPal.
Fees Breakdown: Who’s Cheapest in 2025
Trading costs can add up quickly, especially for people who place frequent orders. Each platform has its own approach to fees, and knowing the difference can help you save money.
| Platform | Maker Fee | Taker Fee | Notes on Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | 0.40% | 0.60% | Higher fees unless using Coinbase Advanced Trade |
| Binance | 0.10% | 0.10% | Discounts available with BNB token use |
| Crypto.com | 0.075% | 0.075% | Staking CRO lowers fees further |
| Kraken | 0.16% | 0.26% | Lower fees with higher trading volume |
| Gemini | 0.40% | 0.60% | Convenience fees apply for quick buys |
| eToro | Spread-only | Spread-only | Charges built into spreads, not per trade |
| Robinhood | No commission | No commission | Markups included in price quotes |
| Cash App | Spread-only | Spread-only | Fees vary by market conditions |
Spread-only models, like Robinhood, eToro, and Cash App, do not charge maker or taker fees. Instead, they build a markup into the buy and sell price. This makes pricing simpler for casual users but can be more expensive for frequent trades.
For active traders, low maker and taker fees on Binance, Crypto.com, and Kraken often make them the most cost-effective. Casual buyers may not notice the difference, but anyone trading regularly should compare these costs closely.
Security and Regulation in 2025
Security remains a top concern in crypto, and exchanges are taking steps to show users their funds are safe. Some platforms now publish proof-of-reserves audits, giving customers a clear view of assets held in custody.
- Proof of reserves: Kraken and Binance lead the way with routine audits.
- Insurance coverage: Coinbase and Gemini provide insurance for digital assets held online.
- Regulatory oversight: Gemini operates under New York State regulation, while Coinbase is a publicly traded company in the United States.
- Global updates: More regions, including the European Union, now require stricter compliance from crypto platforms, forcing exchanges to increase transparency.
The exchanges with strong security records and compliance frameworks stand out in 2025, making them better options for long-term investors.
Which Exchange or App Is Right for You?
With so many options, the best platform often depends on your goals. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.
- Casual buyers: Coinbase, Cash App, and PayPal are easy to use and designed for beginners and straightforward purchases.
- Frequent traders: Binance, Kraken, and KuCoin offer lower fees and advanced trading tools.
- Security-focused investors: Gemini and Kraken emphasize compliance and transparency.
- All-in-one investors: Robinhood and eToro let you trade both crypto and traditional assets in one place.
Final Thoughts
There is no single “best” crypto exchange or app for everyone in 2025. The right choice depends on how often you trade, the level of security you want, and the features that matter most to you.
If you are new to crypto, start with a simple platform and a small amount of money. As you gain more experience, you can move to exchanges with advanced tools and lower fees. No matter which option you choose, always focus on safety, regulation, and long-term strategy when investing in crypto.
