We spent 80+ hours testing every major U.S. exchange. Here are our picks, ranked by fees, security, features, and overall experience.
Last updated: April 2026 · Methodology: We evaluated each exchange on trading fees, security track record, supported cryptocurrencies, user experience, customer support, and regulatory compliance.
| Exchange | Rating | Maker / Taker Fee | Coins | Min. Deposit | Staking | Mobile App | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | /5 | 0.40% / 0.60% | 260+ | $1 | Yes | Yes | Visit |
| Kraken | /5 | 0.16% / 0.26% | 230+ | $1 | Yes | Yes | Visit |
| Gemini | /5 | 0.20% / 0.40% | 110+ | $0 | Yes | Yes | Visit |
| Binance.US | /5 | 0.10% / 0.10% | 150+ | $1 | Yes | Yes | Visit |
| Crypto.com | /5 | 0.075% / 0.075% | 350+ | $1 | Yes | Yes | Visit |
Best Overall Exchange
Coinbase is the largest U.S. crypto exchange and the one we recommend most often, especially if you're new to crypto. The interface is clean and straightforward, and they've built one of the strongest security records in the industry. They're publicly traded on Nasdaq, which means they're subject to regular audits and SEC reporting requirements.
The main downside is fees. On the basic Coinbase platform, you'll pay between 0.40% and 0.60% per trade, which is higher than most competitors. However, Coinbase Advanced (formerly Coinbase Pro) offers significantly lower rates starting at 0.05% for high volume traders.
Best for Low Fees
Kraken has been around since 2011, making it one of the oldest crypto exchanges still operating. They've never been hacked, which is a remarkable track record in this industry. For cost conscious traders, Kraken's fee structure is hard to beat: maker fees start at 0.16% and taker fees at 0.26%, with volume discounts that can bring those numbers down even further.
The platform supports 230+ cryptocurrencies and offers margin trading, futures, and staking. The Kraken Pro interface is powerful but has a learning curve. If you're a beginner, you might find the standard interface easier to navigate, though fees on that version are slightly higher.
Best for Security
Founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, Gemini has built its reputation on being the most regulated and secure exchange in the U.S. They were the first exchange to obtain a SOC 2 Type 2 certification, and they carry insurance on digital assets held in their hot wallet. If security is your top priority, Gemini is the obvious choice.
The trade-off is a smaller coin selection (110+ compared to 260+ on Coinbase) and slightly higher fees on the basic platform. But for investors who are mostly interested in major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, that coin count difference doesn't matter much.
Best for Active Traders
Binance.US offers some of the lowest flat fees in the market at 0.10% for both maker and taker orders. For high volume traders, volume discounts and BNB fee reductions can bring that number below 0.05%. The platform supports 150+ coins and has a full suite of advanced charting and order types.
The caveat is that Binance.US has faced regulatory scrutiny, and the service is not available in several U.S. states including New York, Hawaii, and Texas. If you're in an eligible state and you trade frequently, the fee savings can be substantial — but this isn't the exchange we'd recommend for someone just getting started.
Best Mobile Experience
Crypto.com has the largest coin selection on this list with 350+ supported cryptocurrencies, and their mobile app is genuinely excellent. Base trading fees are low at 0.075%, and they offer a Visa debit card that lets you spend crypto and earn cashback rewards.
The platform also features an NFT marketplace, DeFi wallet, and earning programs. It's the most feature rich option here, though that comes with more complexity. Their CRO token staking system can unlock additional benefits but requires locking up capital.