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Binance, founded in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao (CZ), is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange by daily trading volume. It rose to prominence through a combination of factors before getting embroiled in controversies. This guide details some of the critical alternatives to Binance.
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Top Binance Alternatives
- Coinbase
- Kraken
- eToro
- Crypto.com
- Gemini
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Crypto.com
4.4
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Fees(maker/taker)
0.075% / 0.075%
Coins Available
250+
Fees(maker/taker)
0.075% / 0.075%
Coins Available
250+
Why We Picked It
Crypto.com offers a one-stop shop for all things crypto, whether you’re a seasoned trader or just starting out. They have two main platforms: the Crypto.com App and the Crypto.com Exchange.
The Crypto.com App is a user-friendly mobile app that allows you to buy, sell, and store over 250 cryptocurrencies with fiat currency (like US dollars). It’s a great entry point for beginners due to its straightforward interface and ability to buy crypto at the current price.
If you’re looking for more advanced features and the ability to trade crypto for other cryptocurrencies, then the Crypto.com Exchange is the way to go. This platform offers a wider variety of trading options and potentially better rates for frequent traders, especially those who hold CRO, Crypto.com’s native token.
Crypto.com Pricing
Crypto.com charges fees based on whether your order adds (maker) or removes (taker) liquidity from the market. Takers typically pay a higher fee. These fees can be reduced by trading more frequently and holding CRO, Crypto.com’s own token.
The table below details the specific maker and taker fees for spot trading on Crypto.com:
| 30-Day Trading Volume | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $0 to $250,000 | 0.08% | 0.08% |
| $250,000 to $1,000,000 | 0.07% | 0.07% |
| $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 | 0.07% | 0.07% |
| $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 | 0.06% | 0.07% |
| $10,000,000 and above | 0.00% | 0.05% |
Pros & Cons
- Offers a wide selection of cryptos
- Users can earn trading fee discounts
- High security levels
- Some services are not offered in the U.S.
- High fees for credit or debit card transactions
- Customer support limited to text chat only
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Gemini
4.2
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Fees
0.2% Maker Fee / 0.4% Taker Fee
Coins Available
120+
Fees
0.2% Maker Fee / 0.4% Taker Fee
Coins Available
120+
Why We Picked It
Gemini is a popular platform for buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrency. They focus on user-friendliness and security, making them a good fit for beginners or those seeking a reliable exchange. Here’s a quick rundown of what Gemini offers:
- Trading: Gemini allows you to buy and sell a variety of cryptocurrencies, with a simple interface for beginners and a more advanced platform for experienced traders.
- Security: They prioritize security, storing user assets with $200 million in insurance and undergoing regular security audits.
- Gemini Earn: This feature lets you earn interest on your crypto holdings by lending them out to institutional investors, similar to a savings account.
- Education: They offer educational resources to help users learn more about cryptocurrency and navigate the market.
If you’re interested in getting started with crypto, Gemini is a strong platform to consider, especially for its beginner-friendly approach and focus on security.
Gemini Pricing
Using Gemini comes with various charges depending on what you do.
- Moving Money: Gemini charges fees for some transfers. Deposits via wire transfer are free, but expect a 3.49% fee for debit card deposits. Withdrawing crypto also incurs fees, which vary depending on the coin. Bitcoin withdrawals have a flat fee, while Dogecoin has a per-withdrawal fee. There’s no fee to withdraw Gemini Dollars (GUSD) though.
- Using the Platform: Buying and selling crypto on Gemini incurs a transaction fee. For smaller trades (under $200) there’s a fixed fee structure. For larger trades, the fee is a percentage of the trade amount (1.49%). There’s also a separate fee structure for their ActiveTrader platform.
- Earning Interest: Storing crypto on Gemini Earn to collect interest comes with a fee. These fees can change over time.
Pros & Cons
- Beginner-Friendly Platform
- Broad selection of more than 120 coins
- Simple, intuitive user interface
- Complicated add-on fees
- Limited customer service
- Some popular coins aren’t available
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Coinbase
4.1
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Fees
0.4% Maker Fee / 0.6% Taker Fee
Coins Available
200+
Fees
0.4% Maker Fee / 0.6% Taker Fee
Coins Available
200+
Why We Picked It
Coinbase is a popular platform for venturing into the world of cryptocurrency. It allows you to buy, sell, transfer, and even store cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum all in one place. Their mission is to make crypto accessible to everyone, and their user-friendly interface reflects that. If you’re interested in getting started with crypto, Coinbase offers a secure environment to dip your toes in.
You can buy crypto with your debit card or bank account, and they also provide educational resources to help you understand this new and exciting technology. However, it’s important to remember that cryptocurrency is a volatile market, so do your research before you invest.
Coinbase Pricing
Coinbase can be confusing for beginners when it comes to fees. Unlike typical exchanges with flat or maker-taker fees, Coinbase uses a spread fee. This fee locks in a price but hides the exact cost until you confirm the trade. The spread is usually around 0.5%.
If you prefer a clearer fee structure, consider using Coinbase Pro (formerly Advanced Trade). This platform uses a standard maker-taker fee system that lowers as your trading volume increases. You can find a detailed breakdown of these fees in a table on their website.
| PRICING TIER | TAKER FEE | MAKER FEE |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $10k | 0.60% | 0.40% |
| $10k – $50k | 0.40% | 0.25% |
| $50k – $100k | 0.25% | 0.15% |
| $100k-$1m | 0.20% | 0.10% |
| $1m – $15m | 0.18% | 0.08% |
| $15m – $75m | 0.16% | 0.06% |
| $75m – $250m | 0.12% | 0.03% |
| $250m – $400m | 0.08% | 0.00% |
| $400m+ | 0.05% | 0.00% |
Pros & Cons
- A wide-selection of coin offerings
- Convenient user experience
- Several crypto wallet options
- Expensive and difficult-to-understand fee structure for beginners
- High staking commissions
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Kraken
3.7
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Fees
1%
Coins Available
30+ (U.S. Market)
Fees
1%
Coins Available
30+ (U.S. Market)
Why We Picked It
Kraken is another strong platform to consider for your cryptocurrency ventures. Unlike Coinbase’s spread fees, Kraken offers a more transparent fee structure. You’ll pay maker-taker fees, a common system in crypto exchanges. Makers who add liquidity to the market with their orders are typically rewarded with lower fees, while takers who remove liquidity pay slightly more. The fees also decrease as your trading volume increases.
Kraken Pricing
Kraken offers two ways to buy crypto: Instant Buy and Kraken Pro.
- Instant Buy: This is a faster option for beginners, but it comes with a hefty price tag. You’ll pay fees ranging from 0.9% to 1.5% for crypto purchases, plus additional processing fees depending on your payment method (online bank transfer or credit/debit card).
- Kraken Pro: This platform uses a maker-taker fee structure, which is more common among crypto exchanges. Maker fees are lower (0.16%) because these orders add liquidity to the market. Taker fees are slightly higher (0.26%) for those removing liquidity. The good news is that these fees decrease as your trading volume increases.
Overall, if you’re comfortable navigating a trading platform and want to save money on fees, Kraken Pro is the way to go. However, if you prioritize speed and simplicity, Instant Buy is an option, but be prepared for the higher costs.
| 30-Day Volume (USD) | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $50,000 | 0.16% | 0.26% |
| $50,001 to $100,000 | 0.14% | 0.24% |
| $100,001 to $250,000 | 0.12% | 0.22% |
| $250,001 to $500,000 | 0.10% | 0.20% |
| $500,001 to $1,000,000 | 0.08% | 0.18% |
| $1,000,001 to $2,500,000 | 0.06% | 0.16% |
| $2,500,001to $5,000,000 | 0.04% | 0.14% |
| $5,000,001 to $10,000,000 | 0.02% | 0.12% |
| More than $10,000,000 | 0.00% | 0.10% |
Pros & Cons
- Over 230+ wide variety of cryptocurrencies
- Relatively low fees on Kraken Pro platform
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- High liquidity exchange for easy buying and selling
- Advanced features like margin trading and futures trading
- Higher fees for beginners who don’t use Kraken Pro
- Some reported issues with past hacks and customer support
- Margin trading and futures increase the risk of investment loss
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eToro
3.7
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Fees
1%
Coins Available
30+ (U.S. Market)
Fees
1%
Coins Available
30+ (U.S. Market)
Why We Picked It
eToro is an online platform designed to make investing more accessible and social. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, eToro offers a user-friendly platform to trade and invest in a variety of assets. Here’s a quick intro to get you started:
- Multi-asset investing: eToro allows you to invest in stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and even copy the portfolios of experienced traders through a feature called CopyTrader.
- Social trading focus: Unlike traditional brokers, eToro emphasizes a social aspect. You can connect with other investors, discuss investment ideas, and see what others are trading.
- Investment education: eToro offers educational resources to help you learn the ropes of investing, from basic concepts to market analysis tools.
- Fractional shares: This feature allows you to invest in expensive stocks with smaller amounts of money.
Overall, eToro is a well-rounded platform for those looking to explore investing or connect with a community of like-minded people. Remember, investing always carries risk, so be sure to do your own research before making any trades.
eToro Pricing
eToro stands out for its transparent fee structure in the often confusing world of crypto exchange fees. Unlike some beginner-friendly platforms, eToro clearly shows a flat fee of 1% per crypto trade.
However, there’s a unique twist to their pricing. Most exchanges charge a fee for buying and another fee for selling crypto. On eToro, you pay a combined 1% fee upfront for both the future sale and the current purchase of a coin. This fee reflects the difference between the buying and selling price (bid-ask spread). While eToro claims this fee adjusts with market changes, it might not be a big deal if you plan to hold your crypto on their platform.
The catch comes if you transfer your crypto to a separate wallet. Since you can’t move it back to eToro after that, you essentially lose the potential return you paid for upfront on the selling side.
Pros & Cons
- Platform offers an engaging communal experience
- Cryptocurrency holdings may be transferred off the platform
- Comprehensive educational resources
- Not available in few states
- Limited customer service
Summary of Best Binance Alternatives In 2024
| Company | Company – Logo | Forbes Advisor India Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Fees | Coins Available | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crypto.com |  | 4.4 |  | 0.075% / 0.075% | 250+ | View More | ||
| Gemini |  | 4.2 |  | 0.2% Maker Fee / 0.4% Taker Fee | 120+ | View More | ||
| Coinbase |  | 4.1 |  | 0.4% Maker Fee / 0.6% Taker Fee | 200+ | View More | ||
| Kraken |  | 3.7 |  | 1% | 30+ (U.S. Market) | View More | ||
| eToro |  | 3.7 | | 1% | 30+ (U.S. Market) | View More |
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Binance Alternative
- Security: This is paramount. Look for exchanges with a strong track record of safeguarding user funds and employing robust security measures.
- Regulation: Compliance with regulations can vary. Consider your comfort level and choose a crypto exchange that adheres to your region’s standards.
- Fees: Trading fees, deposit/withdrawal fees, and margin interest rates can significantly impact your bottom line. Compare fee structures before committing.
- Features: Do you need advanced order types, margin trading, or staking capabilities? Ensure the platform offers the features you require.
- Supported Cryptocurrencies: The wider the variety of cryptocurrencies offered, the greater your investment flexibility.
- User Interface (UI): A user-friendly and intuitive interface is crucial for a smooth trading experience, especially for beginners.
Why Choose an Alternative to Binance
What worked for Binance was a combination of factors:
- Early mover advantage: Launched during the 2017 crypto boom, Binance capitalized on the surging interest in digital assets.
- Focus on altcoins: While competitors focused on established coins like Bitcoin, Binance offered a vast selection of lesser-known altcoins, attracting a wider audience.
- Competitive Fees: Binance consistently offered some of the lowest trading fees in the industry.
- User-friendly platform: The platform boasts a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to both seasoned traders and beginners.
Featured Partners
1
Mudrex
Legacy
Over 2 Million Investors Trust Mudrex for Their Crypto Investments
Security
Mudrex is Indian Govt. recognized platform with 100% insured deposits stored in encrypted wallets
Fees
Enjoy zero crypto deposit fees and industry’s best fee rates.
On Mudrex’s secure application
2
BlackBull Markets
Multiple Award-Winning Broker
Listed On Deloitte Fast 50 index, 2022 Best Global FX Broker – ForexExpo Dubai October 2022 & more
Best-In-Class for Offering of Investments
Trade 26,000+ assets with no minimum deposit
Customer Support
24/7 dedicated support & easy to sign up
On BlackBull Market’s secure website
3
Uphold
Grow Your Passive Income
250+ cryptoassets available
Why Uphold
Just $1 minimum deposit
Fees
Enjoy 0% bank deposit & withdrawal fees*
On Uphold’s Website
Please invest carefully, your capital is at risk
However, Binance’s history also includes some controversies:
- Regulatory issues: Binance has faced scrutiny from regulators in various countries due to concerns about anti-money laundering (AML) compliance and lack of licensing. This has led to restrictions or bans on Binance’s operations in certain regions.
- Sudden headquarters shifts: Binance has moved its headquarters multiple times, from China to Japan to Malta, citing regulatory hurdles. This lack of a fixed location has raised concerns about transparency and accountability.
- Recent legal troubles: In late 2023, Binance and its CEO, CZ, faced accusations of money laundering and unregistered securities offerings. While Binance settled the charges, these developments have shaken investor confidence.
Binance Today
Despite these challenges, Binance remains a dominant force in the cryptocurrency exchange landscape. It offers a wide range of features beyond just trading, including:
- Binance Coin (BNB): The exchange’s native cryptocurrency, used for discounted fees and various other functionalities within the Binance ecosystem.
- Staking: Earn interest on your crypto holdings by locking them up for a certain period.
- Margin Trading: Borrow funds to amplify your potential returns (and risks).
- Binance Launchpad: A platform for launching new crypto projects.
Should You Use Binance?
The decision depends on your individual needs and risk tolerance. Binance offers a powerful platform with many features and competitive fees. However, consider these factors:
- Regulation: Check if Binance operates legally in your region.
- Security: While Binance implements security measures, some users might prefer platforms with a longer track record.
- Experience Level: Beginners might find the platform overwhelming. Consider alternatives with a simpler interface.
Reasons to Look Beyond Binance:
- Regulation: Binance has faced regulatory issues in some countries due to its unclear geographic location and lack of licensing in certain regions. This might cause concern for users who prioritize strict adherence to regulations.
- Feature Focus: Binance offers many features, including margin trading, staking, and its blockchain (BNB Chain). This complexity might overwhelm beginners who simply want to buy and sell crypto.
- Fees: While Binance generally boasts competitive fees, some users might find better rates on other platforms, especially for specific trading activities.
- User Interface: Binance’s interface caters more to experienced traders, and beginners might find it cluttered or overwhelming.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
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