When it comes to buying and selling cryptocurrencies, Coinbase has long been a go-to platform for both beginners and seasoned investors. Its intuitive interface, strong security measures, and wide support for popular digital assets make it an appealing entry point into the crypto world. However, high trading fees, limited altcoin selection, and slow withdrawal times have led many users to seek better Coinbase alternatives.
If you're looking for platforms with lower fees, more coin variety, advanced trading tools, or specialized features like copy trading or crypto IRAs, this guide explores the top 10 alternatives that stand out in 2025.
What to Look for in a Coinbase Alternative
Before diving into the list, it's important to understand what makes a crypto exchange a strong alternative. Key factors include:
- Lower transaction fees: High costs can eat into profits, especially for frequent traders.
- Wider cryptocurrency selection: Access to emerging altcoins and niche tokens expands investment opportunities.
- User experience: Whether you're a beginner or pro, a clean, intuitive interface matters.
- Security and compliance: Look for platforms with robust encryption, two-factor authentication, and cold storage.
- Specialized features: Some platforms offer staking, DeFi integration, social trading, or retirement accounts.
Now, let’s explore the top alternatives based on these criteria.
1. Best for Copy Trading: eToro
eToro is more than just a cryptocurrency exchange — it's a social investing platform that allows users to copy trades from experienced investors in real time. This feature, known as CopyTrader, is ideal for beginners who want to learn by following proven strategies without making costly mistakes.
While eToro doesn’t offer the largest number of cryptocurrencies, it supports major coins like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH). The platform also provides a free demo account with virtual funds, letting new users practice risk-free.
👉 Discover how copy trading can boost your crypto strategy today.
Why It Stands Out:
- Social trading community
- User-friendly interface
- Educational resources through eToro Club
- Regulated and secure platform
For those interested in learning while investing, eToro bridges the gap between education and execution.
2. Best for Simplicity: Robinhood
Robinhood has built its reputation on simplicity and accessibility. Designed for users who want a no-frills experience, Robinhood offers commission-free trading for popular cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin, Bitcoin, and Ethereum.
The mobile app is sleek and straightforward, allowing users to open an account in minutes. There’s no minimum balance required, and the ability to buy fractional shares makes it ideal for small investors.
Why It Stands Out:
- Zero-commission trades
- Easy-to-use mobile interface
- Fast onboarding process
- Integrated stock and crypto trading
While it lacks advanced features like staking or external wallet transfers, Robinhood excels at making crypto investing approachable.
3. Most Functionality and Variety: Uphold
Uphold stands out for offering over 200 cryptocurrencies, including major coins and lesser-known altcoins. It’s also one of the few platforms that allow direct conversion between digital assets, fiat currencies, and even precious metals.
One of its strongest advantages is its high staking yields — often surpassing those offered by Coinbase. With transparent fees and a user-friendly design, Uphold delivers both depth and ease of use.
Why It Stands Out:
- Extensive asset variety
- Competitive staking rewards
- Multi-asset wallet (crypto, fiat, metals)
- Fast and secure transactions
👉 See how Uphold compares with other top exchanges for diversifying your portfolio.
Uphold is perfect for investors seeking flexibility across asset classes.
4. Best Crypto IRA: iTrustCapital
For long-term investors planning for retirement, iTrustCapital offers one of the most comprehensive crypto IRA solutions. Users can invest in digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum within a tax-advantaged retirement account.
The platform also allows investments in physical precious metals, all stored securely through trusted custodians like Kitco. Trades settle within one business day, and 24/7 trading ensures full control over your portfolio.
Why It Stands Out:
- Tax-free growth potential
- Support for both crypto and gold/silver
- High security with Curv wallet protection
- No setup fees
This makes iTrustCapital a powerful tool for building wealth over time using digital assets.
5. Best for High Spending Limits and Security: Kraken
Kraken is a veteran in the crypto space, known for its strong security protocols and support for high-volume transactions. It’s an excellent choice for large investors or institutions needing high daily withdrawal limits.
Kraken supports newer tokens like Dymension (DYM) and Celestia (TIA) before many other exchanges do. With 24/7 customer support and industry-leading encryption, Kraken prioritizes safety without sacrificing functionality.
Why It Stands Out:
- High trading limits
- Early access to new cryptos
- Advanced security features
- Transparent fee structure
Kraken is trusted globally and ideal for serious traders focused on security and scale.
6. Best for Improving Your Trading: Public.com
Public.com goes beyond basic trading by fostering a community-driven environment. It combines stock, ETF, art, collectibles, and crypto trading in one platform — all while emphasizing financial literacy.
Users can join discussions, follow expert analysts, and access premium data with a Public Premium membership. The platform also offers paper trading, allowing users to test strategies with real-time market data.
Why It Stands Out:
- Social investing community
- Educational content and expert insights
- Fractional shares and zero commissions
- Holistic investment approach
Public.com is ideal for those who want to grow not just their portfolio, but their knowledge too.
7. Best Exchange for DeFi: Crypto.com
Crypto.com is a full-service ecosystem that integrates centralized exchange features with decentralized finance (DeFi) capabilities. Users can stake, lend, borrow, and participate in yield farming directly through the app.
With support for over 300 cryptocurrencies, low fees across all trade sizes, and a popular Visa card that offers up to 8% cashback in crypto, it’s a versatile option for active users.
Why It Stands Out:
- Built-in DeFi wallet
- Passive income opportunities
- Fast verification process
- Global accessibility
👉 Explore how DeFi-powered platforms are reshaping crypto investing.
Crypto.com empowers users to earn while they hold — a major upgrade over passive wallets.
8. Best for High Spending Limits: Coinmama
Coinmama caters to users in over 190 countries and specializes in high-limit purchases of major cryptocurrencies. Although fees are slightly higher than average, the convenience of instant large buys makes it attractive for international users.
Coins are sent directly to personal wallets, enhancing security. The setup process is quick, making it easy to get started fast.
Why It Stands Out:
- High purchase limits
- Global availability
- Direct wallet delivery
- Simple KYC process
Ideal for those needing to buy large amounts of crypto quickly and securely.
9. Best for Active Traders: Webull
Webull targets intermediate and advanced traders with its professional-grade tools. It offers zero-commission trading, advanced charting, real-time data, extended market hours, and a powerful paper trading simulator.
Though primarily known for stocks, Webull now includes cryptocurrency trading — making it a strong all-in-one platform for active investors.
Why It Stands Out:
- No trading fees
- Advanced technical analysis tools
- Real-time Level 2 data
- Free educational courses
Perfect for traders who demand speed, precision, and data depth.
10. Best for High Variety and BSC Tokens: Binance.US
Binance.US provides access to over 100 cryptocurrencies, including many not listed on Coinbase — especially tokens from the Binance Smart Chain (BSC) ecosystem like BNB.
While not available in all U.S. states (e.g., New York, Texas), it offers one of the broadest selections for American investors seeking exposure to emerging altcoins.
Why It Stands Out:
- Largest altcoin selection among U.S.-based exchanges
- Low fees with BNB discount
- Strong liquidity
- Regular listing of new projects
Binance.US unlocks opportunities beyond mainstream crypto investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a better alternative to Coinbase?
Yes. Depending on your needs — whether it's lower fees, more coins, better security, or specialized features like copy trading or DeFi access — platforms like Kraken, eToro, Crypto.com, and Binance.US often outperform Coinbase.
Which exchange has lower fees than Coinbase?
Crypto.com, Kraken, and Webull typically offer lower trading fees than Coinbase, especially for larger transaction volumes or frequent traders.
Can I earn passive income on crypto exchanges?
Yes. Platforms like Uphold, Crypto.com, and iTrustCapital offer staking programs where you can earn interest on your holdings — often with higher yields than traditional savings accounts.
Are these Coinbase alternatives safe?
Most of the platforms listed are regulated, use cold storage for funds, employ two-factor authentication, and have strong track records of security. Always verify regulatory status in your region before signing up.
Do any Coinbase alternatives support retirement accounts?
Yes. iTrustCapital specializes in crypto IRAs, allowing you to invest in Bitcoin and other digital assets within a tax-advantaged retirement account.
Can I trade altcoins not available on Coinbase?
Absolutely. Exchanges like Binance.US and Uphold list hundreds of altcoins that aren’t accessible on Coinbase, giving you more flexibility in portfolio diversification.
Final Thoughts
While Coinbase remains a solid starting point for new investors, it's far from the only — or even the best — option available in 2025. From social trading on eToro, high-yield staking on Uphold, to DeFi integration on Crypto.com, there’s a tailored solution for every type of investor.
By evaluating your goals — be it cost-efficiency, asset diversity, or long-term growth — you can choose a platform that aligns perfectly with your strategy.
Core Keywords: Coinbase alternatives, best crypto exchange 2025, low fee cryptocurrency platforms, copy trading crypto, DeFi exchange, crypto IRA, altcoin trading, staking rewards