Top 11 exchanges to trade on as of September 2025

Choosing the right crypto exchange has become one of the most important decisions for anyone active in the digital asset space. These platforms aren’t just trading hubs anymore; rather, they set the tone for how investors manage risk, access liquidity, and explore new opportunities in a fast-changing market.

By September 2025, a small group of exchanges will have managed to stay ahead, not just in terms of trading volume but in how they handle security, regulation, and the overall trading experience. This list looks at 11 platforms that continue to shape the market, each with its own strengths and focus areas:

1. ByBit 

Bybit is a leading centralised crypto exchange platform based in Dubai. The platform quickly claimed its place as the second-largest crypto exchange with over 70 million users worldwide, focusing on derivatives and advanced trading. It offers a tiered fee structure that delivers excellent value: for spot trading, both maker and taker fees begin around 0.10%, dropping for VIP members; for perpetual and futures contracts, makers start at 0.02% and takers at 0.055%, with even lower rates at higher tiers.

Furthermore, the platform also supports options trading and provides a mobile app with smart trading features to accommodate the needs of novice crypto traders. It’s the perfect platform for advent traders who are not only looking for deep derivatives support and low fees, but also understand the platform’s jurisdictional and security limitations.

2. Robinhood

Robinhood brings its commission-free model to crypto, making it a convenient starting point for beginners or existing Robinhood brokerage users. It supports around 28 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, DOGE, and newer tokens like BONK and TRUMP, though availability can vary by region. There are no trading fees, but costs are baked into wider spreads. 

Users can buy, sell, and now send or receive crypto, though there’s no crypto-to-crypto trading; everything runs through USD. Instant trades are allowed up to $1,000, with higher limits via Robinhood Gold. It’s available across the U.S., U.K., and parts of the EU. 

While the interface is simple and transfers are possible, users have reported delays during reviews. Security includes a mix of hot and cold wallets with insurance coverage, but the platform has faced regulatory fines in recent years. Overall, it’s ideal for casual traders who value ease over advanced features or broader asset access.

3. Coinbase 

Established in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, Coinbase has become one of the world’s most popular and beginner-friendly cryptocurrency exchanges. Designed with simplicity in mind, it’s an ideal platform for those who are new to buying and selling digital assets. The exchange offers a clear and intuitive UI, along with extensive educational resources, including guides and video lessons, ensuring traders learn and grow their skills with confidence. 

Furthermore, the platform supports over 240 cryptocurrencies, making it a versatile platform whether users want to start with well-known tokens or explore lesser-known assets. The minimum deposit starts from $0, allowing users to get started without a huge investment. In terms of fees, maker fees range from 0.00% to 0.40%, while taker fees range from 0.05% to 0.60%, depending on your trading volume.

4. Crypto.com 

Traders who are constantly on the move and want powerful functionality in their pocket, Crypto.com is the ideal platform. With a strong focus on its mobile platform and a reasonable fee structure, with maker fees ranging from 0.00% to 0.25% and taker fees from 0.05% to 0.5%, Crypto.com lets you buy, sell, and trade more than 400 cryptocurrencies directly from your phone.

Moreover, the platform is especially well-suited for Bitcoin traders who want to use options and futures alongside spot trades, and for those who appreciate additional benefits, the platform’s Visa debit card lets you pay directly from your holdings.

However, the exchange’s main setback is its limited geographical functionality, only operating in a little over 90 countries, and a customer service that’s predominantly chat-based. Nevertheless, for a platform that was only established in 2016, Crypto.com offers a flexible, all-around trading experience, especially for those who prefer a mobile-first approach.

5. Gemini 

Gemini is the trading platform for anyone who values security above all else. Established in 2014 and headquartered in New York, Gemini emphasises strong safeguards, including 2FA, hardware keys, FDIC coverage for cash, and cold storage for most funds. 

Furthermore, the platform evolves alongside its traders, offering both a sleek beginner-friendly experience and a sophisticated ActiveTrader platform for advanced traders who appreciate features like advanced charting and order types. While the platform only supports about 70 cryptocurrencies and its fee structure can be somewhat complex, Gemini’s reputation for compliance, oversight, and operational excellence makes it a preferred choice for those who put security first.

6. Coincheck 

Coincheck is Japan’s leading cryptocurrency exchange, designed with simplicity in mind and tailored for its domestic market. The platform enables users to directly deposit Japanese Yen and trade popular tokens, such as BTC, ETH, and XRP, with no maker or taker fees. However, the spread can be as much as 5% for some lesser-known coins. Deposits made through non-bank methods incur a small fee, ranging from ¥770 to ¥1,018, which is roughly $5–$7, and a flat withdrawal fee of ¥407 (approximately $2.60). However, any transfer that occurs on the platform between users is free. 

Its intuitive design and support for convenience store payments make it convenient for everyday users in Japan. Coincheck also offers an OTC desk, educational materials, and even Bitcoin bill payment options, suited for locals who want a full JPY-to-crypto on-ramp without complexity. However, its support is limited to Japanese residents, only offers JPY fiat, and may impose wider spreads on niche coins, making it less appealing for global active traders.

7. KuCoin

KuCoin has earned a reputation as a community-first exchange, offering a vast range of trading options across more than 900 digital assets. From spot and futures trades to margin, lending, staking, and automated trading bots, it provides something for traders of all levels. The platform starts with a competitive baseline spot trading fee of 0.10%, and this drops further for high-volume traders or those who pay their fees in KCS, the platform’s native token. Some VIP members can even enjoy 0% maker fees, while futures traders benefit from pricing as low as 0.02% for makers and 0.06% for takers. KuCoin frequently runs promotions, including zero-fee maker traders- a feature that many traders often look for in platforms. 

The platform’s security has come a long way since its 2020 hack, ensuring that its defence strategies are strengthened while working closely with law enforcement to resolve issues and reimburse losses through its insurance fund. Despite setbacks, KuCoin has continued to be a popular platform for traders who appreciate its extensive range of tokens, flexible fee structure, and strong community-oriented approach.

8. Gate.io  

Gate.io is a veteran exchange known for listing a wide variety of tokens, with over 1,700 to be precise, and its advanced suite of products, which include margin and spot trades, copy trading, and NFTs, among others. As a result, it’s a popular platform that caters to traders of all types in the space. The platform’s spot fees typically start at around 0.20% for both makers and takers, but these can drop for VIP members or for those who use the platform’s native token, GT. 

Furthermore, the platform supports its own ecosystem, GateChain, adding a unique layer of utility for its community. It’s the type of platform that allows traders to maximise opportunities all in one place, making it a versatile hub for a complete trading experience.

9. Bitfinex

Bitfinex is a deeply sophisticated exchange, which makes it the type of platform that is best suited for advanced and institutional-level traders. It supports around 170–400 cryptocurrencies, depending on listings, with over 400 trading pairs including BTC, ETH, major altcoins, and stablecoins. The platform features spot and margin trading, perpetual swaps, borrowing and lending, and a scalable OTC desk, making it a versatile choice for large-volume or complex trading strategies.

Bitfinex operates in over 100 countries, although it restricts service in certain jurisdictions, including the USA. Its fee structure is designed to reward high-volume traders, starting at about 0.10% for makers and 0.20% for takers, and drops further based on 30-day trading volumes or holdings of its native utility token, LEO. With a reputation for advanced trading tools, strong API support, and extensive order types, Bitfinex remains a key platform for traders who need depth, flexibility, and control in their trades.

10. BingX

BingX, founded in 2018 in Singapore, has quickly become a go-to for traders who appreciate a social and community-driven experience. The platform offers support for over 820 cryptocurrencies and 830+ trading pairs, alongside traditional assets like stocks, forex, commodities, and indices. Spot trading starts at a competitive 0.10% maker and taker fee, with futures fees as low as 0.02% maker and 0.05% taker, all backed by bank‑grade security and features like multi-factor authentication and proofs‑of‑reserve.

What truly sets BingX apart is its world-leading copy-trading ecosystem, where beginners can mirror the moves of experienced traders and tap into a broader community of insights. With over 5 million users across 100+ countries, regulatory licenses spanning the US, EU, Canada, and Australia, and state-of-the-art tools, BingX bridges the gap between social interaction and sophisticated trading, making it as innovative as it is sophisticated.

11. Bitstamp 

Headquartered in Luxembourg, Bitstamp was established in 2011, making it one of the oldest crypto exchanges in the market.  Known for its emphasis on security and regulatory compliance, the platform holds over 50 global licenses, including the EU, UK, and US, while regularly undergoing audits from the Big Four firms. The platform supports over 80 cryptocurrencies and offers both spot trading and a user-friendly advanced interface called Tradeview. Nearly 95% of user funds are stored in cold wallets, and all client assets are held in segregated accounts to ensure full withdrawal availability.

Trading fees start at 0.50% maker and 0.40% taker, but users benefit from no fees on the first $1,000 of monthly volume, with rates decreasing for higher tiers. The platform serves over 4 million users across 100+ countries, providing 24/7 live support, a responsive mobile app, and a staking program for passive income.

Final thoughts

Every exchange on this list comes with its own advantages and trade-offs. Some excel in liquidity, others in user experience or regulatory reach. Ultimately, the “right” platform depends on what an individual values most, whether that’s low fees, wide asset support, or robust security measures. That’s why it remains essential for traders and investors to do their own research before committing to a platform, ensuring it aligns with their needs and risk tolerance.

Disclaimer. Readers are encouraged to do their own research. Ambcrypto is not liable for any outcomes related to the use of information, products, or services mentioned. This content may include affiliate or partner links.