Top 10 Popular Crypto Exchanges for 2025

Top Crypto Exchanges to Watch

Some popular crypto exchanges to watch are: LBank, Binance, MEXC, Bitget, Gate.io,Bybit, OKX, HTX, Coinbase, and Kraken.

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Key Takeaways

• Crypto exchanges are digital platforms for trading crypto assets, supporting spot and derivatives trading, along with other services, such as staking.

• Crypto exchanges can be centralized or decentralized. Centralized crypto exchanges (CEX) maintain custody of their users’ assets while they trade on the platform, while decentralized exchanges (DEX) enable traders to exchange crypto assets while maintaining custody of their assets.

• Centralized crypto exchanges usually offer new users a low barrier to entry as they make it easy for users to on-ramp and off-ramp fiat to crypto and vice versa. 

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What Are Crypto Exchanges?

Crypto exchanges play important roles in the crypto space, as they serve as primary venues for trading digital assets. They have played a key role in crypto adoption by allowing users to easily trade cryptocurrencies, and can be broadly classified into two categories.

Centralized Crypto Exchanges (CEX)

This article will be focused on centralized crypto exchanges, which manage assets for their users. CEXs lower the barrier to entry for crypto participation, especially for new users, as they support fiat to crypto trades (and vice versa). They usually offer a one-stop destination for their users, providing a single platform where they can exchange fiat for crypto, engage in crypto spot and derivative trading, along with other yield-generating opportunities such as staking, participating in launchpools, and more.  Transparency measures like Proof of Reserves (PoR) audits and records are becoming standard for reputable CEXs to build user trust. 

Common features of centralized exchanges include:

• Fiat-to-Crypto Purchases: Users can easily purchase crypto with fiat through exchanges.

• Launchpads, Launchpools, and Airdrops: These allow users to purchase the first issuance of tokens by the project (Launchpads), or allow users to receive these new tokens for free by locking up specified tokens and completing certain trading/holding requirements.

• Staking: Users can earn interest on their holdings by locking them up with the exchange for flexible or fixed terms, receiving yield in return.

• Pre-Markets: Users can trade pre-launch tokens on supported exchanges, potentially earning gains once the tokens are officially launched and tradable. 

Decentralized Crypto Exchanges (DEX)

Decentralized crypto exchanges offer their users permissionless trading with self-custody, where users retain custody of their assets. However, challenges facing decentralized exchanges include lower liquidity (in most cases), a lack of fiat integration, and the requirement for users to manage their own private keys and seed phrases. 

In this article, we review some of the most popular CEXs for trading your crypto assets, generally listed in order of 24 hour volume at time of writing.

LBank: Top Crypto Exchange Driving the Memecoin Market With Fast Altcoin Listings and Deepest Memecoin Liquidity

This section is brought to you by LBank.

Founded in 2015, LBank serves a large user base (15M+ across 210+ regions), with a vast selection of over 800 crypto assets, specializing in offering users the fastest altcoin listings and  top liquidity for memecoins. LBank offers spot and derivatives trading, along with features like copy trading and earn solutions like a launchpad, a launchpool, and even airdrops. 

According to the project, early memecoin listings on the platform for tokens like GOAT, TRUMP, and RFC have earned early traders on LBank gains of between 50x to 299x. LBank offers seamless trading and rapid listings, aligning with on-chain launches to help users avoid high gas fees. Through listing memecoins, which serve as cultural and financial entry points, LBank aims to make crypto more approachable, as highlighted in this Forbes article.

“Our goal is to empower users with accessible digital assets and tools that drive inclusion and growth.”

- Eric He, LBank’s Community Angel Officer

LBank has been recognized as a leading crypto and memecoin trading platform by notable crypto media. At the 2024 Crypto.News Awards LBank was awarded the ‘Best CEX'. It was also awarded “Best Crypto Exchange for Altcoins and Memes” at Wiki Finance Expo Hong Kong 2024. 

Read our LBank review here.

Meme Strength

LBank is focused on delivering the fastest listings, and in Q1 2025, 366 new assets were listed. 51% of these were memecoins, tying in with the exchange’s promise of being the top 1 in meme liquidity, with some of these recording significant gains from time of listing, including TST (6,842%), TRUMP (5,654%), and PAIN (3,329%). 

LBank’s focus on memecoin trading is paying off, with 7.42% of average daily trading attributed to memecoins in Q1 2025 – an over 50% increase from Q1 2024. In April 2025, LBank reported that the top five memecoins on the exchange saw average gains of 3,166%. LBank has continued its momentum around trending memecoins with reported gains of 15,194% for LAUNCHCOIN, reaching a peak of 36.69% spot market share, and 2,199% for GOONC.

Trading and Other Fees

A 0.1% trading fee applies to makers and takers on the spot trading platform. Trading fee on the futures platform is as low as 0.02% of the traded volume for makers and 0.06% for takers. Crypto deposits are free of charge, crypto withdrawals attract different fees depending on the asset and the blockchain network.

Additional Features

LBank has several notable additional features:

• Pre-Market Guarantee: Users can purchase pre-launch tokens before they are officially listed on a trading platform. Based on information from LBank, in Q1, the pre-market guaranteed rate was 90%, with the highest ROI going to RED, which netted users over 20,000% in returns.

Moreover, in the event the token value drops significantly below pre-market price after trading, the Pre-Market Guarantee gives traders a subsidy of up to 50 USDT. 

• Futures Risk Protection Fund: This $100 million fund protects futures traders from sudden spikes in a wick event, where the price plunges within 1 minute and quickly rebounds. Affected traders will receive full reimbursements and extra rewards. 

• Copy Trading: Users can easily copy a Lead trader’s trading strategy. At time of writing, the highest ROI from a Lead trader is over 6,000%. Meanwhile, Lead traders enjoy benefits like profit-sharing. 

• LBank Launchpad: Eligible users can commit USDT towards a token sale, where they receive an allocation based on their share of committed USDT. 

• LBank Launchpool: Users can lock their assets to earn new tokens, receiving an allocation of new tokens based on their holdings. They may also have to meet other participation requirements like completing certain trades, and holding a certain amount of specified tokens.
  
  LBank has launched 5 launchpools across GameFi, AI, RWA, and DeFi, attracting over 200,000 participants, with CELA recording the highest gains of 2,900%. 

• Airdrop: Users can express interest in an airdrop, where they will receive a share of the airdropped token based on their holdings.

• Deposits (Locked / Flexible): Users can deposit supported tokens into locked or flexible pools, where they will receive APY for their deposits. Flexible pools allow users to deposit and withdraw anytime, with no lock-up periods. Locked pools have a set duration, after which users can withdraw their deposits.

Binance: Largest Crypto Trading Platform

Binance was established in 2017 and has since then expanded to over 150 countries worldwide and reportedly serves over 250 million investors. Binance is the world’s largest crypto trading platform in terms of daily trading volume, with over $14 billion in 24 hour volume. It offers spot and derivatives trading services for over 480 crypto assets at the time of writing.

Buying Crypto With Fiat on Binance

Binance supports over 10 fiat currencies, including GBP, USD, Euro, and BRL. Users can purchase crypto directly from the platform using their credit cards in approved regions. For direct fiat deposits to the platform, several methods, including SEPA bank transfers, credit/debit card deposits, and third-party platforms like Zen.com, are available.

Trading and Other Fees

Trading fees on Binance vary depending on the user’s tier. For regular users, a 0.075% trading fee applies for makers and takers on the spot trading platform. This is lower for users on higher tiers and when paying with BNB coins. Takers on the derivatives trading platform pay a trading fee of 0.05% of the traded amount, while a 0.02% fee applies to makers. 

Fiat deposits could attract a fee of up to 2% of the deposited amount using credit/debit cards, Google, and Apple Pay. Fiat deposit methods like bank transfers and deposits through Zen.com attract lower fees. Crypto deposits are free of charge, but fees could apply to withdrawals. See a detailed breakdown of Binance’s fee structure.

Safety and Security

According to Binance, customer funds are protected by its deposit insurance system (SAFU). It also applies advanced fund-handling strategies, like splitting funds across several hot wallets. Binance also shares its Proof of Reserves, allowing users to verify that Binance user assets are backed at a minimum 1:1 ratio. 

Additional Features

Additional services on Binance include:

• Binance’s Token Launch Platform: This covers Launchpad and Launchpool offerings. On the Launchpool, users can lock selected tokens to get an airdrop of upcoming tokens. On the Launchpad, users can purchase prelaunch tokens by committing a specific amount to the token sale and subscribe to the sale. There is also HODLer Airdrops, where users who meet specified requirements can earn a share of the airdrop distribution on Binance.

• Binance Earn: Under Simple Earn, users can opt for Flexible or Locked durations to lock up tokens to earn APR. There is also Advanced Earn which lets users earn higher rewards (albeit with higher risks).

• Loans: Users can also borrow crypto on Binance.  

MEXC: Crypto Exchange With Free Trading for Makers

MEXC is popular for its wide coverage of the crypto industry, supporting over 2200 crypto assets, including Bitcoin and memecoins. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Seychelles, MEXC offers spot and derivative trading services. It is available to investors in over 160 countries worldwide, reportedly serving over 10 million crypto investors.

Buying Crypto With Fiat on MEXC

MEXC supports up to 30 fiat currencies, including the Euro and USD. Users can directly purchase crypto from the platform using their credit/debit card or deposit fiat directly to the exchange through supported methods. Available fiat deposit methods on MEXC include SEPA and non-SEPA bank transfers, and third-party fiat-to-crypto providers like MoonPay and AlchemyPay.

Trading and Other Fees

MEXC offers free trading for makers (sellers) on spot and futures trading platforms. However, Takers (buyers) are charged 0.05% and 0.02% of the traded volume on the spot and futures platform respectively. Third-party and platform fees could also apply to fiat deposits and withdrawals. Crypto deposits are free of charge, but withdrawals could attract significant fees depending on the asset and blockchain network. See the details of the fee structure on MEXC.

Safety and Security

According to MEXC, their reserve rate exceeds 100%, protecting users from withdrawal runs. They also combine cold storage and hot wallet strategies to ensure the safety of stored assets. For futures traders, there is a Futures Insurance Fund of over 507 million USDT that offers compensation for losses exceeding margin. 

Additional Features

Additional features on MEXC include:

• Pre-Market Trading: Users can buy and sell new tokens before they are officially listed on exchanges.

• Launchpool: Users can stake selected cryptocurrencies to earn a share of upcoming tokens. 

• Airdrop+: Users can complete deposit and trading tasks to win tokens from a prize pool. 

• Kickstarter: MX holders can commit MX tokens to earn a share of rewards, where the greater their commitment, the larger their share of the rewards.

• Earn: Users can stake selected tokens for attractive yield, although these may come with a lock period of between 3 to 30 days.

• DEX+: A DEX aggregator that integrates multiple DEXs to provide users with the best trading paths.

Bitget: An Exchange With a Comprehensive Web3 Suite

Launched in 2018, Bitget is a major global exchange serving over 100 million users across 150+ countries. It offers spot and derivatives trading for over 800 cryptocurrencies. Bitget also provides its users with a comprehensive suite of decentralized web3 services, ranging from a wallet with 60 million users, a DEX aggregator, and a dApp explorer. 

Buying Crypto With Fiat on Bitget

Depending on your region, fiat deposit methods range from credit/debit cards, bank transfers, cash conversions through supported services, third-party payment channels, and more. 

Trading and Other Fees

A flat fee rate of 0.1% of the traded amount applies to makers and takers on the spot trading platform, although discounts on the trading fee are available when paid with the BGB token. The trading fee for futures is 0.02% and 0.06% of the traded amount for makers and takers, respectively.

According to Bitget, no fees are charged by the platform for fiat deposits; however, external and third-party charges may apply. Crypto deposits are free of charge, but crypto withdrawals are subject to standard network fees.

Safety and Security

Bitget publishes monthly Proof of Reserves reports using Merkle Trees, showing high total reserve ratios, with the latest in April being 191%. It also has a Bitget Protection Fund of $630 million at time of writing, to protect its users against cybersecurity threats. 

Additional Features

Additional features on Bitget include:

• Web3 Services: Bitget’s Web3 offerings include the Bitget Wallet, Bitget Swap, and dApp store.

• Bitget Bots: These range from simple dollar cost averaging bots, to complicated indicator trading bots.

• Earn: Earn on Bitget lets users earn interest on their holdings through flexible/fixed holdings, with different risk levels.

• Copy Trading: Users can leverage the expertise of elite traders by following their trades automatically. 

• Launchhub: Bitget’s Launchhub enables users to capitalize on upcoming tokens through pre-market trading, launchpools, launchpads, and more.

Gate.io: Large Selection of Altcoins

One of the oldest exchanges, founded in 2013, Gate.io supports over 3,800 tokens, making it easy for users to find niche tokens. It reportedly serves over 20 million users across 150 countries worldwide.

Buying Crypto With Fiat on Gate.io

Users can buy crypto with credit/debit cards, or through supported bank transfers. Alternatively, users can also buy crypto through third-party channels, such as Banxa. Users can also sell crypto directly through Gate.io, receiving payouts via SEPA, Mastercard, and Visa. 

Trading and Other Fees

For regular spot traders, a flat fee rate of 0.1% of traded volume applies to makers and takers. Note that this is lower for higher-ranked users. The fee rate on the futures trading platform is 0.02% of traded volume for makers and 0.075% for takers. Third-party fees may also apply for fiat deposits. Crypto deposits are free of charges, but network fees may be charged for withdrawals.See the detailed fee structure for Gate.io.

Safety and Security

Gate.io publishes Proof of Reserves reports, with a total reserve rate of 128.58% at time of writing. This is verified through Merkle Tree and zk-SNARKs. This Proof of Reserves implementation has been audited by Hacken. Gate.io uses a cold and hot wallet separation model, where most funds are kept in offline, multi-signature cold wallets.

Additional Features

Additional features on Gate.io include:

• Launch: Under Launch, users can stake tokens for new tokens through the Launchpool, hold the native token GT to earn a share of airdrops with HODLer Airdrop, and purchase tokens early through the Launchpad.

• Investment: Users can put idle tokens to work with Simple Earn, or opt for other products like auto-invest, dual investment, and more.

• Crypto Loan: Users can put up supported crypto as collateral to borrow other crypto assets.

• Staking: Users can stake crypto with Gate.io to earn.

• Pre-Market: Users can trade new tokens before their official launch and listing on exchanges.

• Web3: Gate.io has the Gate.io Web3 Wallet, which users can use to explore dApps. Users can also participate in Gate Web3 Airdrops by connecting their Gate Web3 Wallet and holding a minimum amount of crypto in the wallet. However, this is based on drawing lots, where a higher wallet balance grants users a higher chance of being drawn to receive airdrops.

OKX: Crypto Exchange With Web3 Wallet and DeFi Integrations

Originally OKEX (founded in 2017), the exchange rebranded to OKX in 2022. The exchange offers spot and derivatives trading, and also emphasizes its Web3 wallet and DeFi integrations alongside its CEX.

Buy Crypto With Fiat on OKX

OKX supports over 40 fiat currencies. Depending on your region, there may be different fiat deposit methods, ranging from SEPA to FAST and international wire transfers. Users can also directly purchase crypto from their platform using their credit or debit card, or by using third-party providers.

Trading and Other Fees

The trading fee for makers and takers on the OKX spot trading platform is 0.08% and 0.1% of traded volume, respectively. This is less for the different levels of VIP users. Maker and taker fees on the futures trading platform are 0.02% and 0.05%, respectively. As shared by the exchange, OKX doesn’t charge any extra fees for fiat deposits, but bank charges may apply. Crypto deposits are free of charge, although crypto withdrawals incur network fees. See the detailed fee structure for OKX.

Safety and Security

As of April 2025, OKX has 23.1 billion USD in 22 primary assets according to its Proof of Reserves, which utilizes zk-STARKs, with asset ratios of over 100% for these split across the exchange and third-party custodians. OKX uses a combination of hot and cold wallets to keep user funds safe.

Additional Features

Depending on your location, you may have access to different features on OKX:

• Jumpstart: Jumpstart is OKX’s launchpad for new projects, where users can stake specified tokens through Mining and receive upcoming project-issued token rewards based on the staked amount. With On Sale, users can also subscribe to new token launches to buy a share of upcoming launch tokens.

• On-Chain Earn: Earn rewards by staking with supported Proof of Stake protocols and DeFi protocols.

• OKX Wallet: OKX Wallet is a self-custodial wallet that lets users connect to over 130 native chains. Users can also swap and stake tokens through the wallet.

Bybit: Popular Derivatives Trading Platform

Established in 2018, Bybit has become a top global exchange, especially on the derivatives front. According to the platform, it has over 60 million users worldwide, and a daily average trading volume of over $36 billion.

Buying Crypto With Fiat on Bybit

Bybit exchange supports over 20 fiat currencies. Users can deposit supported fiat currencies to the platform using available fiat deposit methods, which include SEPA and non-SEPA bank transfers, Zen.com, QuickPay, and SWIFT.

Trading and Other fees

For regular users, a uniform trading fee of 0.1% of traded volume applies to makers and takers on the Bybit spot exchange. Makers and takers on the futures trading platform are subject to a 0.02% and 0.05% trading fee, respectively. Fees are charged for fiat deposits, which could vary depending on the deposit method. Crypto deposits are free, but withdrawals may have additional charges depending on the asset and blockchain. See the detailed fee structure for Bybit exchange. 

Safety and Security

Bybit publishes monthly Proof of Reserves reports audited by Hacken, along with snapshots of their reserve ratio. User funds are stored securely offline in cold wallets. Although Bybit was hacked by cybercriminals in February 2025 due to a compromised device from a SafeWallet developer (the multi-sig wallet custody solution used by the exchange), the exchange proved it had full backing for user funds, allowing users to withdraw funds during the incident. 

Additional Features

Additional features on Bybit include:

• Pre-Market: Engage in pre-market spot and perpetual trading. 

• Bybit Earn: Like many other exchanges in the list, Bybit users can enjoy guaranteed yield with flexible terms in Bybit Savings, or stake their tokens in On-Chain Earn for rewards. There is also a Liquidity Mining option, where users can add liquidity and earn trading fees.

• Copy Trading: Copy trade experienced traders on Bybit. 

• Trading Bot: Users can use trading bots to help them trade.

• Bybit Card: Users from selected regions can apply for the Bybit Card, where they can pay with USD or supported crypto.

• Bybit Web3: This includes the decentralized Bybit Wallet, Web3 Earn where users can stake selected tokens to earn yield, and DEX Pro.

HTX: One of the Oldest Exchanges With $33 Trillion Cumulative Trading Volume

HTX was founded in 2013, with an ecosystem of blockchain businesses ranging from digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation and more. According to the platform, it has over 47 million registered users, and $33 trillion in cumulative trading volume. Justin Sun, founder of the Tron blockchain, is an adviser to HTX. 

Buy Crypto With Fiat on HTX

Fiat deposit options are available for users from Europe, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Russian, India, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Users can also purchase crypto with credit/debit cards, and also through third-party operators.

Trading and Other Fees

A flat fee rate of 0.2% (of traded volume) applies to regular traders on the HTX spot trading platform. Makers and takers on the futures trading platform are charged 0.02% and 0.06% of the traded volume as trading fee, although this may be lower for users in higher tiers. There may also be processing fees for fiat deposits and withdrawals. Fees may also apply for crypto withdrawals depending on the asset and network. See the detailed fee structure for HTX exchange. 

Safety and Security

HTX utilizes a Merkle Tree to allow users to verify their holdings using their unique Merkle hash. Based on other Proof of Reserves data available on HTX, its reserve ratio for listed cryptocurrencies are at a minimum of 100%, with holdings spread across exchange and custodial wallets.

Additional Features

Additional features available on HTX include:

• Crypto Loans: Borrow crypto by putting up other assets as collateral, with loan terms ranging from flexible to 90 days. There are also OTC loans for professional traders and market makers.

• Launchpool: Subscribe to upcoming token launches by locking HTX (the exchange’s native token), to receive a share of the token airdrop.

• Earn: Deposit and stake tokens to earn rewards. 

• Copy Trading: Users can copy trade top traders.

• Trading Bot: HTX offers two trading bots for spot and futures trading.

Coinbase: Regulatory Compliant Crypto Platform and Listed on Nasdaq

Coinbase is the largest publicly traded U.S. crypto exchange offering spot and derivatives trading, with a focus on regulatory compliance. It is available in over 100 countries, with quarterly trading volume of $439 billion.

Buy Crypto With Fiat on Coinbase

Users can deposit fiat on Coinbase, with different payment methods available to users in supported countries. You can check what options are available to you based on your region here.

Trading and Other Fees

For regular users on Coinbase, a trading fee of 0.4% and 0.6% of the traded amount applies to makers and takers, respectively, although this is lower for users in higher trading tiers. There may be fees attached to fiat deposits, depending on the method chosen. Crypto withdrawals may also attract charges for processing and blockchain fees. See the detailed fee structure for Coinbase exchange. 

Safety and Security

As a public crypto company, Coinbase publishes financial statements quarterly and is audited annually by an independent third-party, and also file audited financial statements with the SEC. As Coinbase also offers cbBTC, a type of wrapped bitcoin, they also supply a Proof of Reserves for this token, ensuring users that the total reserves in BTC exceeds the total supply of cbBTC.

Additional Features

Additional Features on Coinbase include:

• Coinbase One: This membership grants its holders zero trading fees, priority support, and the opportunity to earn more on USDC, with 4.5% APY on the first 30,000 USDC.

• Earn: Staking lets users earn crypto rewards with idle holdings.

• Coinbase Card: This Visa debit card lets users spend 8 cryptocurrencies and earn cashback rewards. Learn more about Coinbase Card.

• Coinbase Wallet: Coinbase Wallet is a self-custodial web3 wallet, where users can buy, swap, stake, mint collectibles, and earn USDC rewards.

Kraken: A Customer-First Platform

Kraken is based in the U.S. and serves crypto investors in over 190 countries worldwide since its launch in 2013. It offers a spot and derivatives trading service for over 400 crypto assets. One standout feature of Kraken is its customer-first approach, where agents are active on forums like Reddit to address user concerns. 

Buy Crypto With Fiat on Kraken

Kraken supports fiat deposits for USD, EUR, CAD, AUD, GBP, CHF, JPY, and BRL. Click here for a detailed look at the different fiat deposit options and processing times for the different currencies. Instant crypto purchase using credit/debit cards is also available.

Trading and Other Fees

Maker and taker fees on the spot trading platform are 0.2% and 0.4%, respectively. SEPA deposits for fiat are free of charges; however, fees may apply to SWIFT deposits. Crypto withdrawals may incur fees depending on the asset and network. See the detailed fee structure for Kraken exchange.

Safety and Security

Kraken conducts regular Proof of Reserves audits, with attestations from third-party accountants that confirm >100% backing for key assets. For individual users, they can verify that their assets are backed through Kraken’s Merkle Tree. 

Additional Features

Additional features on Kraken include:

• Staking: Users can fund their Kraken accounts with eligible assets to auto earn rewards. They can select between Flexible (5-8% APR) or Bonded 3 day (13-16% APR), and receive weekly payouts. ETH restaking through EigenLayer is also supported.

Final Thoughts

Exchanges make it easy for new users to participate in the crypto space without requiring knowledge of how to manage private keys or connecting to multiple dApps. Through exchanges, users can buy and sell crypto, engage in pre-market trading for pre-launch tokens, and even access new tokens through launchpads/launchpools/airdrops. There are even trading bots and copy trading options available, making it even easier for anyone to explore the crypto space. 

When choosing an exchange, users can consider the platform’s reputation, security, liquidity, and trading fees. On CoinGecko, users can check out the Trust Score of an exchange, which evaluates the legitimacy of an exchange’s trading volume, and is based on metrics ranging from liquidity, scale of operations, cybersecurity, and more.

This article is for informational purposes only, and users should still do their own research on any crypto exchange before depositing their assets.