Cryptocurrency exchanges, are online platforms that facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of digital currencies. These online platforms enable users to exchange one form of digital currency for another or convert digital currencies into traditional fiat currencies, such as the British pound, the euro or the US dollar.
Crypto exchanges run on a mix of technology and market rules. When you sign up, you get an account with a digital wallet to hold your cryptocurrencies. These wallets use strong encryption to keep your assets safe.
To start trading, you deposit either crypto or regular money into your account. The exchange then pairs up buyers and sellers and carries out trades based on supply and demand, which sets the prices.
You’ll find different ways to trade — like market orders to buy or sell straight away at the current price, limit orders where you choose your price, and stop-loss orders that sell automatically if the price drops to a certain point, helping you avoid big losses.
That said, even with all the security tech in place, some crypto exchanges have had their fair share of hacks and security problems. So, it’s worth sticking with well-known platforms and keeping an eye on safety.
Popular exchanges
Some of the most well-known platforms include:
Binance – Binance is one of the largest and most widely used crypto exchanges globally, offering a comprehensive range of cryptocurrencies and advanced trading features.
Coinbase – Coinbase is a user-friendly exchange that provides a simple interface for buying, selling, and managing cryptocurrencies. It also offers additional services like a digital wallet and a secure custody platform.
Kraken – Kraken is a reputable crypto exchange known for its robust security measures and advanced trading tools. It supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and provides options for both individual and institutional traders.
The cryptocurrency exchange list
This is not a review, and no recommendations are provided. It is crucial to conduct thorough research before deciding to invest your money in any exchange listed on this page.
Exchanges are listed in no particular order.
eToro↗︎
eToro was founded in 2017 and has registered offices in Cyprus, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. eToro supports 56 cryptocurrencies.
Disclaimer: Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 minutes to learn more.
Gate.io↗︎
Gate.io is an exchange founded in 2013. Its international platform launched in 2017 and the exchange now claims to be one of the top ten exchanges in the world. Gate.io is based in the Caiman Islands and supports over 1,200 cryptocurrencies.
Founded in 2012, Bitfinex is a cryptocurrency exchange owned and operated by iFinex Inc registered in the British Virgin Islands. Bitfinex supports 170 cryptocurrencies.
Kraken↗︎
Kraken was founded in 2011 and is one of the oldest exchanges in the space. San Fransisco based Kraken offers access to over 120 cryptocurrencies.
Kucoin↗︎
Kucoin, founded in 2017 in Seychelles, supports 600+ cryptocurrencies and operates in 200 countries.
Binance↗︎
The biggest and most popular exchange in the world, Binance was founded in 2017 and operates from the Caiman Islands. Binance supports over 600+ cryptocurrencies.
Singapore-based Crypto.com was founded in 2016. The exchange has over 50 million customers worldwide and supports 250+ cryptocurrencies.
Gemini↗︎
Gemini was founded in 2014 in New York by the Winklevoss brothers. The exchange supports 120+ cryptocurrencies.
Coinbase↗︎
Coinbase is another global giant. Founded in 2012, the exchange’s headquarters is located in San Francisco. Coinbase supports 150+ cryptocurrencies.
Bitstamp↗︎
Bitstamp, founded in 2011, is a cryptocurrency exchange based in Luxembourg. The exchange supports 64+ cryptocurrencies.
Bityard↗︎
Singapore-based Bityard was founded in 2019. The exchange supports 46 cryptocurrencies.
FTX
Bahamian-based cryptocurrency exchange FTX was founded in 2019 and supported over 300 cryptocurrencies.
FTX is now closed after filing for bankruptcy in 2022.
Huobi was founded in 2013 and is located in Seychelles. Huobi supports over 400+ cryptocurrencies.
bitFlyer↗︎
Tokyo-based bitFlyer was founded in 2014. bitFlyer supports 9 cryptocurrencies.
Poloniex↗︎
Boston-based cryptocurrency exchange Poloniex was founded in 2014. Poloniex supports 16 cryptocurrencies.
Liquid↗︎
Liquid was founded in 2014 in Tokyo. Liquid supports 100+ cryptocurrencies.
Bittrex↗︎
Seattle-based Bittrex was founded in 2014. Bittrex supports over 440 cryptocurrencies.
BitMex↗︎
BitMex was founded in 2014 and is based in the Seychelles. BitMex supports 18 cryptocurrencies.
CoinList↗︎
CoinList was founded in 2017. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California. CoinList supports 40+ cryptocurrencies.
Uphold↗︎
New York based cryptocurrency exchange Uphold was founded in 2014. Uphold supports 130+ cryptocurrencies.
Coinjar↗︎
Coinjar, founded in 2013, is a Melbourne-based cryptocurrency exchange. Coinjar supports 50+ cryptocurrencies.
Phemex↗︎
Phemex was founded in 2019 and is based in Singapore. Phemex supports 286+ cryptocurrencies.
Toronto-based exchange Coinsmart was founded in 2018. The exchange supports 16 cryptocurrencies.
OKX↗︎
OKX is a Seychelles-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2017. OKX supports 343 cryptocurrencies.
OKX Fees↗︎
ZB.com↗︎
Chinese exchange ZB.com was founded in 2017 and supports over 200 cryptocurrencies.
Bybit↗︎
Bybit was founded in 2018 and is based in Singapore. Bybit supports 180 cryptocurrencies.
Bitmart↗︎
Bitmart was founded in 2017 and currently operates from the Caiman Islands. Bitmart supports over 1,000 cryptocurrencies.
Picking a cryptocurrency exchange might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but with a little research and care, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Always take the time to read the fine print before you commit. Security is key, especially now, with more exchanges facing security breaches. Ideally, choose a platform that’s fully insured and can cover any losses if there’s a cyber attack. That way, you can trade with a bit more peace of mind.