Best Crypto Exchanges and Apps in April 2025: Bitcoin, Altcoins & Mobile Trading

Since its inception in 2009, Bitcoin has seen remarkable growth, reaching an all-time high of over $109,000 on January 20, 2025. As interest in digital assets continues to rise, individuals seeking to trade popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a variety of altcoins must choose platforms that offer robust trading tools, competitive fees, and user-friendly experiences.

To assist investors in making informed decisions, Investopedia’s research team evaluated 14 top crypto exchanges using 27 weighted criteria essential for success in the cryptocurrency market. Based on this analysis, here are the best crypto exchanges and apps as of April 2025:

Best Overall Crypto Exchanges

As the cryptocurrency market continues to mature, choosing a reliable and feature-rich exchange is crucial for both novice and professional investors. The platforms listed below represent the top-performing cryptocurrency exchanges and apps in April 2025, each offering unique strengths suited to different trading needs.

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency, DeFi, and ICO investments are inherently speculative and subject to high volatility. Always consult a qualified advisor before investing.

List of Crypto Exchanges You Can Consider for Seamless Trading

1. OKX

Best For: A comprehensive suite of trading instruments with global accessibility.

OKX is a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, known for its robust trading infrastructure and strong regulatory compliance. It supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and trading tools including spot, margin, and futures. OKX emphasizes user security through advanced encryption and multi-tier authentication protocols.

Pros:

• Extensive selection of trading pairs and products
• High security standards with regulatory cooperation
• Global reach and multilingual support

Cons:

• Interface may be complex for beginners
• Platform access may be restricted in certain jurisdictions

2. Binance

Best For: Experienced traders seeking low trading fees and advanced tools.

Binance remains one of the largest and most liquid exchanges worldwide. Offering over 350 cryptocurrencies, it is favored for its low trading fees and comprehensive range of features. However, users should be aware of regional restrictions and past concerns about operational transparency.

Pros:

• Extremely low trading fees (0.0%–0.1%)
• Wide variety of digital assets
• Robust mobile application and trading tools

Cons:

• Not available in all countries due to regulations
• Interface complexity may challenge new users
• Previous security incidents and transparency concerns

3. PrimeXBT

Best For: Margin trading and CFD access with ultra-low fees.

PrimeXBT offers traders access to multiple markets, including cryptocurrencies, forex, indices, and commodities, all under one platform. With leverage up to 200x and competitive fee structures, it is designed to meet the needs of both novice and professional traders.

Pros:

• Leverage up to 200x on multiple asset classes
• Simple onboarding process
• Advanced trading interface and tools

Cons:

• Limited number of supported cryptocurrencies
• Restricted access in several countries, including the U.S.

4. Bybit

Best For: Margin and futures trading for advanced users.

Bybit specializes in derivatives and offers an efficient platform for professional traders. It delivers high liquidity, strong performance, and advanced trading tools, making it a top choice for futures and leveraged trading.

Pros:

• Powerful infrastructure for margin trading
• High liquidity and fast execution
• Intuitive interface for experienced users

Cons:

• Smaller range of assets compared to larger exchanges
• Focused on advanced traders, may not suit beginners

5. KuCoin

Best For: Traders seeking access to niche and emerging altcoins.

KuCoin is recognized for supporting a vast number of altcoins, many of which are not available on other major exchanges. It also offers competitive fees, robust mobile apps, and advanced trading capabilities including futures and margin trading.

Pros:

• Extensive asset list (700+ cryptocurrencies)
• Low fees and volume-based discounts
• Features like staking, lending, and futures

Cons:

• Platform not licensed in some countries
• Past security incidents (e.g., 2020 breach)
• User interface may overwhelm beginners

6. Gate.io

Best For: Users seeking diverse trading pairs and additional financial services.

Gate.io offers more than 1,700 trading pairs, as well as margin trading, staking, and crypto lending. It is known for its accessibility and liquidity, serving both individual and institutional users globally.

Pros:

• Large number of supported assets
• Additional services like loans and staking
• Straightforward interface with good liquidity

Cons:

• Slightly higher trading fees
• Limited availability of features in some regions

7. MEXC

Best For: Access to new and emerging crypto projects.

MEXC has positioned itself as a platform that actively supports early-stage crypto projects. It offers a broad selection of lesser-known altcoins and implements innovative features like token auctions and staking.

Pros:

• Strong support for emerging tokens
• Innovative trading and investment features
• Excellent customer support

Cons:

• Liquidity concerns for certain pairs
• Interface may not be ideal for beginners

8. BingX

Best For: Traders looking for liquidity and a wide variety of instruments.

BingX delivers high liquidity and supports a wide range of trading products, including futures and options. The platform emphasizes fund security and provides users with a solid trading experience.

Pros:

• High market liquidity
• Access to diversified trading products
• Strong focus on fund security

Cons:

• Some trading fees are relatively high
• Limited support for certain crypto assets

Kraken — Best for Low Fees

Best For: Secure trading with low fees for professionals.

Founded in 2011, Kraken has earned a reputation for its strong security posture and low fees via its Pro platform. With support for over 185 cryptocurrencies, it remains a popular choice for experienced traders.

• Minimum Deposit: $10
• Maker Fees: 0.00% to 0.25%
• Taker Fees: 0.10% to 0.40%
• Supported Cryptocurrencies: 300+

Why We Chose Kraken:
Kraken stands out for its low-cost trading and professional-grade tools. With a low entry requirement and access to over 300 cryptocurrencies, it’s ideal for both novice and advanced users.

Pros:

• Competitive fee structure
• Multiple platforms: web, mobile, desktop, and Kraken Pro
• Rich educational and research content

Cons:

• Not available in all U.S. states
• No FDIC/SIPC insurance
• No options trading support

Founded in 2011 and operating in over 190 countries, Kraken serves more than 10 million users. It features both a standard platform for beginners and Kraken Pro for advanced traders, offering detailed charting and order customization. Notably, the Pro platform carries the same fee structure as the standard one. However, availability varies by U.S. state, and services such as staking and custody are subject to local regulations.

Gemini — Best for Security and Experienced Traders

• Minimum Deposit: $0
• Maker Fees: 0.00% to 0.20%
• Taker Fees: 0.03% to 0.40%
• Supported Cryptocurrencies: 70+

Why We Chose Gemini:

Security:
Gemini offers robust security features, including FDIC insurance for USD holdings and crypto insurance for digital assets. Its infrastructure is routinely audited and certified (SOC 1, SOC 2, ISO 27001), with the majority of funds stored in secure cold storage.

Experienced Traders:
Gemini’s ActiveTrader platform enables high-frequency and professional-grade trading with advanced charting, order types, and access to futures and perpetual contracts.

Pros:

• Top-tier security protocols
• Available in all U.S. states
• Insurance coverage for funds

Cons:

• Smaller coin selection
• No live customer support (form submission only)
• Complex fee structure

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in New York, Gemini is a trusted name in secure crypto trading. Its advanced features make it particularly appealing to institutional and high-volume traders.

Coinbase — Best for Beginners

Best For: Beginners seeking a simple and secure trading experience.

Coinbase is one of the most accessible exchanges for new users, offering an intuitive interface, educational tools, and a secure platform. It is a publicly traded company with FDIC-insured USD accounts.

• Minimum Deposit: $0
• Maker Fees: 0.00% to 0.40%
• Taker Fees: 0.05% to 0.60%
• Supported Cryptocurrencies: 240+

Why We Chose Coinbase:
Coinbase is ideal for those new to crypto trading. The platform offers an intuitive user interface, extensive educational content, and a reasonable fee structure. It allows users to scale up to more advanced features as their experience grows.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly UI
• Comprehensive learning resources
• Accessible across 172 countries

Cons:

• Limited tools for professional traders
• No margin or options trading (futures available only on select assets)
• Customer support is limited to chat and call requests

Established in 2012 in San Francisco, Coinbase has played a central role in onboarding new investors into the crypto space. It offers basic and advanced charting tools and supports trading in over 240 cryptocurrencies. However, experienced traders may find its lack of advanced features restrictive.

Best Mobile App & Best for Bitcoin – Crypto.com

• Minimum Deposit: $20
• Maker Fees: 0.00% to 0.25%
• Taker Fees: 0.05% to 0.50%
• Available Cryptocurrencies: 417+

Why We Chose Crypto.com

Best Mobile App

Crypto.com earns our top spot for the best mobile app thanks to its user-centric design and mobile-first approach. The platform enables users to buy, sell, trade, and manage crypto assets conveniently from their smartphones. With an intuitive interface and extensive features, it’s one of the most accessible platforms for on-the-go trading.

Best for Bitcoin

Crypto.com also stands out as the best platform for Bitcoin traders and investors. It offers a strong combination of security, reasonable fees, and access to Bitcoin derivatives such as options and futures. These tools make it particularly appealing to more advanced investors focused on Bitcoin.

Pros:

• Offers Bitcoin options and futures
• Competitive fees and broad crypto selection
• Excellent mobile experience and debit card integration

Cons:

• Available in fewer than 100 countries
• Customer service limited to live chat
• Provides only a hot wallet (no cold storage option for users)

Headquartered in Singapore, Crypto.com has grown rapidly since its launch in 2016, now serving over 100 million users across 90+ countries. Much of its success stems from its seamless mobile experience, making it ideal for users who prioritize mobile trading.

The app supports over 400 cryptocurrencies and includes features like Crypto Earn and Staking, which allow users to generate rewards from eligible assets. Traders also gain access to advanced tools, including automated trading features and derivatives trading. Crypto.com’s Visa debit card further enhances functionality, enabling real-world purchases with cryptocurrency.

Fees are structured competitively, with maker fees ranging from 0% to 0.25% and taker fees from 0.05% to 0.50%, depending on the user’s 30-day trading volume. Additional perks are available for VIP users and those holding the platform’s native token, Cronos (CRO)—including higher cashback rates on the debit card and better trading conditions.

While Crypto.com offers impressive features, users should be aware of certain limitations. It is not available in many countries, and customer service is limited to live chat. Furthermore, the platform provides access only to a hot wallet, which may not be ideal for users seeking cold storage solutions.

Best for Altcoins – BitMart

• Minimum Deposit: Not disclosed
• Maker Fees: 0.04% to 0.60% (varies by class tier)
• Taker Fees: 0.045% to 0.60% (varies by class tier)
• Available Cryptocurrencies: Over 1,700

Why We Chose BitMart
BitMart is our top pick for altcoin traders due to its extensive selection of over 1,700 cryptocurrencies. While the platform lacks certain advanced trading features, it excels in providing access to lesser-known assets often unavailable on other exchanges.

Pros:

• Access to a vast range of altcoins
• Offers copy-trading functionality
• Educational resources via BitMart Academy

Cons:

• Does not publicly disclose detailed security practices
• Complicated tiered fee structure
• Only accepts crypto deposits (no fiat funding)

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in New York, BitMart provides one of the largest selections of cryptocurrencies on the market, including both mainstream assets and niche tokens. It also features copy trading, allowing users to follow the trades of successful investors—complete with insights into their ROI and trading history. However, users should approach this feature with caution, as past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.

BitMart supports market and limit orders, with advanced charting available for futures trading. However, it does not currently offer a full suite of order types found on more sophisticated platforms.

Through BitMart Academy, the exchange offers robust educational tools covering topics from beginner-level crypto knowledge to advanced strategies. However, its fee structure can be difficult to navigate. Depending on the user’s class tier and trading volume, maker and taker fees range from 0.04% to 0.60%.

BitMart claims to use a hybrid hot and cold wallet storage model and employs multi-signature technologies. However, unlike some competitors, the platform does not disclose specific details regarding its security certifications or third-party audit processes—an area where transparency could be improved.

Why You Can Trust This Review

Since 1999, Investopedia has provided in-depth, expert-reviewed financial content. For this report, our independent team researched 14 active cryptocurrency exchanges and analyzed nearly 450 key data points across metrics like fees, trading features, security, transparency, and coin availability.

Our rating criteria:

• Trading Features: 30%
• Fees: 28%
• Security: 21%
• Transparency: 21%

This data-driven approach ensures that our recommendations reflect the best platforms across various user needs—from low-fee and beginner-friendly options to mobile excellence and altcoin accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions