As Bitcoin reaches new all-time highs, its popularity continues to grow. On January 21, Google Trends recorded a historic peak in search queries for “how to buy crypto.” This surge highlights the increasing interest in cryptocurrency and the renewed relevance of selecting the right exchange for trading. In this article, we’ll help you make an informed decision when choosing a crypto exchange in 2025.

How to choose a reliable crypto exchange

When searching for a trading platform, start with services that aggregate data from the cryptocurrency market, such as CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko, where you can sort exchanges by trading volume. Typically, higher trading volumes suggest more reliability. However, no exchange can guarantee the complete safety of funds based on this criteria. 

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Top crypto exchanges. Source: Coinmarketcap

Here’s a short checklist to help you choose the best CEX crypto exchange in 2025:

  1. Popularity of the exchange
    A larger user base often indicates trust. You can check this metric on the exchange’s website or in their reports. You can also use a tool like SimilarWeb to analyze traffic. Popularity can also be gauged by media mentions.
  2. Transparency
    The platform’s leadership should be well-known and actively involved in the crypto community, like Binance’s CEO Richard Teng, who engages with users on social media.
  3. Trading volume
    The exchange should show not only high trading volumes but also authentic ones. Be cautious of platforms that may artificially inflate this number. To spot fake trades, check trading pairs with lesser-known cryptocurrencies and watch for suspicious patterns, such as orders rapidly appearing and disappearing.
  4. Reputation
    Research the exchange’s history. Look for reports of hacks, legal violations, or data breaches. Reviews from both current and former employees can also provide valuable insight.
  5. Operating conditions
    Pay attention to the registration terms, deposit and withdrawal methods, and the exchange’s payment partners. Reliable exchanges collaborate with established payment services.
  6. Interface and convenience
    Consider the exchange’s interface, language support, and ease of use. Additionally, check if the platform allows API key connections for crypto bots, if that’s something you need.
  7. Regulation
    Ensure the exchange has the necessary licenses from financial regulators in its operating regions.
  8. Quality of user support
    Effective customer support is crucial. The speed of responses and the ability to resolve issues can significantly impact your trading experience and help prevent fraud.

What are the top crypto exchanges in 2025?

Binance

Binance is one of the largest and most versatile crypto exchanges. It has built its reputation by providing low fees, extensive coin offerings, and cutting-edge trading tools. With a focus on global accessibility and transparency. Binance exchange  is compatible with TradeSanta, enabling automated trading strategies.

Launched: 2017
Daily Volume: $31B
Coins Listed: 445
Restrictions: Limited in the USA, UK, Singapore, and Canada.

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The Binance exchange is compatible with the TradeSanta bot. Source: TradeSanta.com

Bybit

Bybit specializes in derivatives trading, offering leveraged trading options on futures and perpetual contracts. Founded by Ben Zhou in 2018, Bybit has positioned itself as a platform for traders looking for advanced trading tools and high liquidity. The platform is highly regarded for its responsive customer service, secure architecture, and low trading fees. Bybit also provides access to comprehensive charting and risk management features.

Launched
: 2018
Daily Volume: $7.5B
Coins Listed: 698
Restrictions: Prohibited in North Korea, Iran, and Crimea.

OKX

OKX was founded by Star Xu in 2017 and is known for its wide range of services, including spot trading, futures, margin, and options trading and allowing connecting to TradeSanta so traders can automate their strategies. With a focus on regulatory compliance, OKX provides a transparent and secure platform for both retail and institutional investors. It became the first crypto exchange to receive a MiCA provisional license to operate in the European Union.

Launched
: 2017
Daily Volume: $5.2B
Coins Listed: 307
Restrictions: USA, Canada, and France.

Coinbase

Founded by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam in 2012, Coinbase is one of the oldest and most user-friendly crypto exchanges. It was the first major crypto exchange to go public on the NASDAQ Coinbase is regulated in the US and provides strong security features, including insurance for digital assets held on the platform.

Launched: 2012
Daily Volume: $5.01B
Coins Listed: 265

Restrictions: China, Iraq, North Korea, and Iran.

HTX (formerly Huobi)

HTX, formerly known as Huobi, was founded by Leon Li in 2013. It is one of the longest-standing exchanges in the market and is known for its comprehensive range of trading options, including spot, futures, and margin trading. The exchange focuses on high liquidity, user security, and regulatory compliance, with strong cold storage measures and insurance for user assets. It is compatible with TradeSanta, allowing users to automate their trading strategies easily.
Launched: 2013
Founder: Leon Li
Daily Volume: $2.7B
Coins Listed: 718
Restrictions: Taiwan, China, and Spain.

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the best trading platforms in 2025, filtered by key parameters such as taker fee, maker fee, minimum requirements to start trading, daily trading volume, number of coins, monthly traffic, geo-restrictions, and security.

ExchangeLaunchedTrading servicesTaker feeMaker feeMinimum requirements to start tradingDaily trading volumeNumber of coinsMonthly trafficSecurityHeadquarters
Binance2017Futures,Margin,OTC,Options,P2P,Perpetual,Spot,Staking0.10%
0.10%– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID).$31B44550.68M2FA, Cold Storage, Insurance Fund, Proof of ReservesUnknown
Bybit2018Futures,Margin,OTC,Options,P2P,Perpetual,Spot,Staking0.075%0.025%– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – Government-issued ID (passport, national ID, or driver’s license).$7.5B69819.85M2FA, Cold Storage, Insurance Fund, Proof of ReservesDubai, UAE 🇦🇪
OKX2017Futures,Margin,Options,P2P,Perpetual,Spot,Staking0.10%0.08%

– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – Government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license).$5.2B30721.77M
2FA, Cold Storage, Proof of Reserves, Regulatory ComplianceVictoria, Seychelles 🇸🇨
Coinbase2012Futures,Margin,Perpetual,Spot,Staking0.50%0.50%– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – Government-issued ID. – Email PIN.$5.01B26532.16M2FA, Cold Storage, Insurance Fund, Regular Security AuditsSan Francisco, USA 🇺🇸
Upbit2017Spot,Staking0.26%0.16%– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – Government-issued ID.$7.4B2206.199M2FA, Cold Storage, Insurance FundSeoul, South Korea 🇰🇷
Kraken2011
Futures,Margin,OTC,Perpetual,Spot,Staking0.26%0.16%– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID). – Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement).$1.4B4035.457M2FA, Cold Storage, Proof of Reserves, Regulatory ComplianceSan Francisco, USA 🇺🇸
Bitget2018
Futures,Margin,OTC,Spot0.075%0.025%– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or ID card). – Proof of residence.$5.09B84020.49M2FA, Cold Storage, Copy Trading SecurityVictoria, Seychelles 🇸🇨
Bitfinex2012Margin,OTC,P2P,Perpetual,Spot,Staking0.10%0.10%– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – Government-issued ID (passport, ID card, or driver’s license). – Residence address.$304M
172560K

2FA, Cold Storage, Proof of Reserves, Regular Security AuditsTaipei, Taiwan 🇹🇼
KuCoin2017Futures,Margin,OTC,Options,P2P,Spot,Staking0.30%0.30%
– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – Government-issued ID (ID card, passport, or driver’s license).$1.5B8254.332M2FA, Cold Storage, Insurance FundMahe, Seychelles 🇸🇨
HTX2013
Futures,Margin,OTC,Options,P2P,Perpetual,Spot,Staking0.10%0.10%– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – ID card.$2.7B
718
11.09M

2FA, Cold StorageVictoria, Seychelles 🇸🇨
Gate.io2013Futures,Margin,OTC,Options,P2P,Perpetual,Spot,Staking0.10%0.10%– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – Government-issued ID (passport, national ID, or driver’s license).$6.2B2,41513.64M2FA, Cold StorageGeorge Town, Cayman Islands 🇰🇾

BingX2018Futures,P2P,Perpetual,Spot0.20%0.20%– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – Government-issued ID (ID card, passport).$523M8794.681M2FA, Cold StorageSingapore 🇸🇬
Crypto.com 2016Futures,Margin,OTC,Options,P2P,Perpetual,Spot,Staking0.20%0.10%– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or ID card).$6.4B3693.478M2FA, Cold Storage, Insurance Fund, Regulatory ComplianceSingapore 🇸🇬 
MEXC2018Futures,Margin,P2P,Perpetual,Spot0.25%0.10%

– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID).$4.4B2,61715.05M2FA, Cold Storage, Insurance FundVictoria, Seychelles 🇸🇨 

BitMart2017
Futures,Margin,P2P,Perpetual,Spot,Staking0.30%0.16%– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or ID card).$2.08B
909
11.94M2FA, Cold StorageGrand Cayman, Cayman Islands 🇰🇾 
Bitstamp2011Spot,Staking0.20%
0.20%– Personal information. – Facial recognition. – Government-issued ID.$378M101899K2FA, Cold Storage, Insurance Fund, Proof of ReservesLuxembourg 🇱🇺 
Bithumb2014Futures,Margin,Perpetual,Spot0.25%0.25%– Personal information. – Mobile verification.$2B318
8.611M2FA, Cold Storage, Insurance FundSeoul, South Korea 🇰🇷 
XT.COM2018Futures,Margin,OTC,Options,P2P,Spot,Staking0.20%0.25%– Personal information.- Facial recognition.- Government-issued ID (ID card or passport).$2.6B897

7.200M2FA, Cold StorageDubai, UAE 🇦🇪 
Tokocrypto2017Spot,Staking0.30%0.15%– Personal information. – Active passport, Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS), or Permanent Stay Permit (KITAP).$45M360581K2FA, Cold StorageJakarta, Indonesia 🇮🇩

Bottom line

When choosing a cryptocurrency exchange, it’s important to start by checking the registration terms and withdrawal policies. Opt for larger, more established companies. Be sure to review the platform’s reputation — check for complaints, past involvement in fraudulent schemes, and its relationship with financial regulators. Choose platforms with a simple and clear interface, a variety of tools, and a wide range of trading pairs for added convenience.