Cryptocurrency has seen large-scale adoption in the past few years, with a global user base of 1.2 billion. This influx can be attributed to various factors such as growing institutional adoption and integration of crypto into mainstream traditional financial systems. Although there is a growth in the number of users, there is also a need for awareness about how to navigate the space.
Exchanges are a core part of the crypto ecosystem, and for a new user, it can be intimidating to pick an exchange to start trading. Here are some of our top picks for the best exchanges in the space:
1. Binance
Binance is the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume and has over 250 million registered users, making it a popular choice for traders. From its initial launch in 2017, the platform has been a trusted partner for users in the crypto space.
The exchange offers a wide range of features for its users, including margin trading, staking, spot, and futures trading. Binance also has a secure crypto wallet, a peer-to-peer trading platform, and Binance Earn. The platform supports over 500 cryptocurrencies and tokens across various categories and regularly adds new coins and tokens for better trading options.
2. Crypto.com
Crypto.com is an exchange that envisions accelerating the world’s transition to cryptocurrency and has over 140 million users in 90 countries. The platform was founded in 2016, and apart from being a crypto exchange, it also has a mobile app, NFT marketplace, DeFi wallet, and direct payment solutions.
Additionally, users can conduct spot trading, margin trading, and derivatives trading on the platform with support for 200 cryptocurrencies. Crypto.com’s dedication to DeFi can be seen by its effort to offer users a DeFi wallet and an ecosystem on Crypto.org powered by its native token Cronos.
3. OKX
OKX was launched in 2017 and is ranked among the top crypto exchanges with over 20 million users across 180 countries. They have a high-speed order matching engine and support spot, margin, futures, and options trading.
Users also get a chance to participate in yield-generating products like staking, lending, and DeFi services. OKX also has a Launchpad that lets users take part in token sales, initial exchange offerings, and much more.
4. Bybit
Bybit is another exchange that has been in the cryptosphere since 2018. The platform has a comprehensive list of offerings for its users and supports 760+ cryptocurrencies and tokens. It gives users a chance to participate in spot trading, futures contracts, options, perpetual swaps, and leverage options up to 100X.
With over 40 million users around the world, Bybit has a strong focus on security and ensures a diverse marketplace for everyone. The platform intends to bridge the gap between traditional finance and DeFi, thereby helping developers, users, and creators alike tap into the full potential of Web3.
5. dYdX
dYdX is a decentralized derivatives exchange that provides trading options such as perpetual contracts, margin trading, and leverage up to 20X. The platform uses a professional-grade order book system that gives its traders the advantage of speed, depth, and functionality.
The exchange is permissionless and disintermediated, and offers low fees and minimal slippage for users. Built for pro traders with advanced order types, deep liquidity, instant market listings, and a high-performance API, dYdX is a top choice in the ecosystem.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
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.
Source: https://ambcrypto.com/top-9-exchanges-of-december-2025/