- >Best Crypto Exchanges
- >Kraken vs Coinbase: Crypto Exchange Comparison 2025
So, you’re ready to buy your first Bitcoin. Where should you make that initial purchase? For many newcomers to cryptocurrency, choosing the best crypto exchange is key to a seamless experience. In this guide, we compare Kraken vs. Coinbase and break down their key differences. These are two of the oldest, most trusted exchanges on the market, so let’s take a look at the pros and cons of these two cryptocurrency platforms.
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Important Key Features Compared at a Glance
Investing is time-consuming, and we know you not always have time to dive into the details. That’s why we have summarized our comprehensive Kraken vs Coinbase showdown for you here. Take a look at how these two well-known platforms really compare:
Features
Kraken
Coinbase
Accessibility
More advanced, with Kraken Pro for experienced traders
Very beginner-friendly, well-known for its intuitive design
Security
Highly secure, 2FA, cold storage, proof of reserves
Regulated in the U.S., FDIC insurance on USD, 2FA, cold storage
Fees
Generally lower
Comparatively higher (lower fees for higher volume traders)
Account Setup
Slightly longer process with KYC
Simple, tiered process with KYC
Crypto
Over 300, including BTC, ETH, USDT, XRP, SOL, ADA, DOGE, AVAX, MATIC, LTC, and more.
Over 250, including BTC, ETH, USDT, XRP, SOL, ADA, DOGE, DOT, SHIB, and more.
Flagship Features
Advanced trading, futures, staking, lower fees
Easy-to-use interface, crypto card, mobile app, crypto rewards
Kraken Quick Overview
Kraken is one of the most trusted exchanges on the market, and many early Bitcoin users actually work on the platform today. Although the company behind the platform was founded all the way back in 2011, the exchange has never faced a serious security incident. To learn more, check out our comprehensive Kraken Exchange Review.
- Exceptionally secure exchange with proof of reserves
- Supports many different funding options
- Accepts users from across the globe including USA and Canada
- Very high trading volume
Pros
One of the best safety and security records of any exchange on the market
Cryptowatch platform allows users to trade across other exchanges
Cons
Not the simplest user interface for those who want simple “buy” and “sell” buttons
Mobile app unavailable
Coinbase Quick Overview
Coinbase is another one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges on the market. It was the first platform to offer an easy-to-use brokerage-esque model for allowing users to buy and sell Bitcoin. The new unified Coinbase Advanced Trade platform, which has replaced the old Coinbase Pro site, allows avid traders to do spot trading, manage fees, set up multiple orders and more, all in one place. To learn more about the exchange, be sure to check out our in-depth Coinbase Exchange Review.
- Earn $200 in free crypto after completing sign-up process. Terms apply.
- Variety of products including exchange, staking, wallet
- Advanced Trading options for experienced traders
Pros
Has different options for users depending on their level of trading expertise
Diverse options for fiat deposits and withdrawals
Cons
Has struggled to keep up with high trade volume, as recently as March 2020
Slightly higher fees than other platforms
Beginner Friendly
For a beginner, Coinbase will probably win the battle between Coinbase vs. Kraken. However, this should not be viewed as a complete negative for Kraken, as the reality is that Coinbase simply caters to people who are new to the cryptocurrency space. Both platforms offer advanced trading platforms; however, Coinbase also offers the base brokerage platform that has been the staple of its product offerings since it first launched in 2012. The basic version makes it easy for users of any level to buy, sell, and manage their assets with just a few clicks. This sort of interface is perfect for new Bitcoin and cryptocurrency users, although it does come with higher fees.
Trust & Security
Coinbase and Kraken are both some of the most trusted cryptocurrency exchanges on the market. In fact, Kraken is more known for exposing security threats than falling victim to them. Their devotion to maintaining and upholding the security of their users has always been a priority, and they have done an impressive job building a relationship of trust with their users. Although there are no publicly known instances of Coinbase being hacked, they did face a situation during the creation of Ethereum Classic. They were originally not going to support the legacy chain on the advice of the Ethereum Foundation. This created a situation where they were effectively operating on a fractional reserve basis for a short period of time.
In terms of relationships with regulators, Coinbase likely comes out on top in a head-to-head match up with Kraken.
Fees
Comparing Kraken and Coinbase reveals a fairly similar fee structure. Both platforms offer lower fees for users with larger 30-day trading volumes. However, Kraken ultimately offers lower fees across the board.
Generally speaking, Kraken has lower fees than Coinbase. In terms of spot trading fees, Coinbase Advanced Trade users who trade less than $10,000 in 30 days, can expect taker fees of 0.60% and maker fees of 0.40%. Kraken users who intend to trade with the same volume, on the other hand, can expect 0.26% taker fees and 0.16% maker fees.
Sign-Up Process
If you are looking to purchase a relatively small amount of cryptocurrency without going through the hassle of a full personal information verification process, then Coinbase will be a better option than Kraken. Coinbase employs a tiered verification process, which makes it much easier for new users to get started on the platform. With Kraken, you’re unable to deposit or withdraw fiat currency to and from the platform, without going through a rather extensive verification process.
Available Cryptocurrencies
Kraken has a total number of over 300 different cryptocurrencies available for trade, while Coinbase has over 240. While Kraken has more cryptocurrencies that can be traded on its platform, it is often more complicated than that. It is important to think about which specific cryptocurrencies you want to trade, before you join an exchange. Keep in mind that having access to the specific coins you desire is more important than the number of different coins that are available for trade.
Standout Features
This is perhaps the most difficult area for comparison, as both Kraken and Coinbase offer unique features that will appeal to different users. Kraken offers a wide spread of advanced trading tools between its Kraken Pro and Desktop apps. The platform also allows users to speculate via futures and margin trading.
However, Coinbase also holds its own in this arena, with handy features that make crypto transactions a breeze. This includes a crypto credit card that allows users to spend their crypto as they would any fiat currency, an easy-to-navigate interface, a dedicated mobile app and lucrative rewards tied to crypto staking and spending.
CryptoVantage Verdict: Coinbase is Better for Beginners
At the end of the day, choosing between Kraken vs Coinbase comes down to the individual user’s needs. Coinbase will be a more suitable solution for someone who is entirely new to the world of cryptocurrencies, while Kraken will be a better offering for traders who want to gain access to enhanced features and lower fees. At the end of the day, we recommend taking a closer look at the features offered by both. The standout features should really help most traders to figure out which exchange is better for their specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both Kraken and Coinbase are highly secure cryptocurrency exchanges, but there are differences in their security features and practices. Kraken is known for its extensive security protocols, including cold storage and advanced encryption. On the other hand, Coinbase offers robust security measures, like insurance against breaches, two-factor authentication (2FA), AI-powered fraud detection and more.
Kraken and Coinbase differ in several key areas, such as fee structure, available cryptocurrencies, user interface, and features like staking and margin trading. Understanding these differences can help you choose the exchange that better suits your trading style and needs.
Some users prefer Kraken due to its lower fees, advanced trading options, and a wider range of supported cryptocurrencies. Additionally, Kraken’s reputation for security and its commitment to privacy appeal to more experienced traders.
Generally, Kraken offers lower trading fees compared to Coinbase, especially for high-volume traders. However, the fee structure can vary based on factors like transaction size, payment method, and whether you’re trading on the spot market or using advanced trading options. That is why it is important to compare a wide range of features, before you make your final decision.
Coinbase is often considered more user-friendly, especially for beginners, due to its simple interface and easy onboarding process. Kraken, on the other hand, may be more complex. However, it offers more features and customization options for experienced traders.
Both Kraken and Coinbase offer customer support, but their quality and availability can differ. Kraken is praised for its responsive and knowledgeable support team, especially for more technical inquiries, while Coinbase offers a comprehensive help center, and live chat, for quick assistance.
Both Kraken and Coinbase are trusted by millions of users worldwide and have strong track records in the industry. Kraken is known for its robust security measures, and Coinbase is publicly traded, which adds an additional layer of transparency and trust. Evaluating their security practices and reputation can help you decide if they are suitable for handling large amounts of cryptocurrency.
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