Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Apps for 2026

4

Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation.

Cryptocurrency Guideschevron

2025 is shaping up to be a big year for crypto. With Bitcoin breaking past $100,000, a more supportive regulatory environment, and growing interest from investors, the demand for cryptocurrency is surging. According to our Motley Fool Money 2025 Cryptocurrency Investor Trends Survey, 42% of people say they’re likely to buy crypto in the next year.

If you’re considering taking the plunge, you’re in the right place. And if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the options — figuring out which exchange to use, understanding security, or just how to get started — you’re not alone.

With nine years of crypto investing experience under my belt, I can say I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly that the industry offers. I’ve been researching and writing crypto content at The Motley Fool for three years, making sure our members only receive the “good,” and know how to avoid the “bad” and the “ugly.” Below, I’ve rounded up the top crypto exchanges that can help you get started, confidently and securely.

Best cryptocurrency trading platforms

• Best for no-fee trading: Robinhood
• Best for beginners & ease of use: Coinbase
• Best for security & education: Gemini
• Best for variety & advanced tools: Kraken
• Best for social & community investing: eToro
• Best for fast & simple access: Cash App Investing
• Best for no-fee crypto trading:

Robinhood

• Open Accountfor Robinhood
• On Robinhood’s Secure Website.
• Limitations Apply
• Ratings Methodology
• Logo for Robinhood

Our Rating:

4.50/5 Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.

Among the best places to buy cryptocurrencies and traditional investments like stocks and options under one roof. It has a wide array of popular cryptocurrencies and gives immediate access to deposits. Plus, cryptocurrency trading on Robinhood is 100% commission free.

$0 for stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencie,

Open Accountfor Robinhood

Limitations Apply

What I like: Robinhood is a popular platform that is known for its simple user interface, making it a solid option for those interested in dabbling. It has come a long way since the start by offering cold storage, a native crypto wallet app and regular audits on crypto holdings. It also allows for commission free crypto trading which sets it apart from other platforms that charge fees.

What to know While Robinhood offers crypto trading it is limited in both available cryptocurrencies and features compared to dedicated crypto exchanges. While commission free trading sounds great it should be noted that the execution price of your trades can be affected. Robinhood uses “payment for order flow” (PFOF), meaning your orders are routed to market makers that offer the best financial incentives to Robinhood, which could lead to slightly less favorable pricing compared to other exchanges.

Best for new investors and those looking for an easy to use interface

• Open Accountfor Coinbase
• On Coinbase’s Secure Website.
• Ratings Methodology
• Logo for Coinbase

Our Rating:

Good. 2 stars equals Fair4.50/5 Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals. 1 star equals Poor.

Coinbase shines with its vast array of cryptocurrencies available. There’s also an advanced trading platform for serious cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Plus you can earn some free cryptocurrencies if you’re willing to take some educational courses.

Variable fees (Coinbase) 0%-1.20% (Coinbase Advanced Trade), $29.99 monthly (Coinbase One)

Account Minimum:

$2 Open Accountfor Coinbase

What I like: Coinbase is one of the largest and most user friendly crypto exchanges in the U.S. Offering a wide range of cryptocurrencies. It provides access to services like crypto staking in select states making it a solid option for beginners looking to get started in the crypto space.

For advanced users there are plenty of tools to appreciate such as advanced charting and the Coinbase credit card. Coinbase’s self custody wallet is touted as one of the best often leading with new features the market has not seen before.

What to know: Coinbase can be somewhat opaque about its fees, especially when using its beginner platform where transaction costs are only visible at the time of the trade. As a result it’s often seen as the exchange with the highest fees.

Because Coinbase serves such a large number of clients, customer service can degrade, especially during times of high volatility. Lastly some users report having their funds frozen upon exchange withdrawals  mainly a result of Coinbase’s stringent security and AML measures.

Best for secure and educational crypto platform:

• Open Accountfor Gemini Exchange
• On Gemini Exchange’s Secure Website.
• Ratings Methodology
• Logo for Gemini Exchange

Our Rating:

4.50/5 Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.

Offers a nice range of cryptocurrencies and a simple to use app experience. Available in all 50 U.S. states, Gemini has a reputation for security and accessibility for new crypto investors.

Fees:

$0.99-$2.99 orders under $200, 1.49% for orders over $200 (default), 0% – 0.40% (Gemini ActiveTrader)

Account Minimum:

$0 Open Accountfor Gemini Exchange

What I like: Gemini stands out for it is strong focus on security and educational resources. The platform offers both beginner friendly and advanced options. If you are new to crypto you can explore Gemini’s cryptopedia which is a great resource for learning.

What to know: Gemini’s trading fees can be high particularly for small transactions. The platform also faced challenges when Genesis, the company behind its Gemini Earn program and collapsed. However Gemini worked to make its investors whole and settled with the SEC.

Best for broad crypto mix and trading tools: Kraken

• Open Accountfor Kraken
• On Kraken’s Secure Website.
• Ratings Methodology
• Logo for Kraken

Our Rating:

4.00/5 Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.

Bottom Line

Stands out for its competitively low fees, cryptocurrency selection, and trading platform. But its customer service ratings are low and warrant reviewing before signing up.

Fees:

$10 purchase minimum, other fees charged on a per-service basis. 0.0% – 0.40% maker-taker fees on Kraken Pro.

Account Minimum:

• Varies by cryptocurrency
• Open Accountfor Kraken

What I like: Kraken is one of the oldest crypto platforms, providing a secure and reliable option for investors of all experience levels. With the widest selection of cryptocurrencies, lower fees than its competitors, and advanced trading tools, Kraken is perfect for enthusiasts. It also offers margin trading for qualifying high-net-worth U.S. individuals and institutional clients.

Having been a Kraken customer for over nine years, I can confidently say they have the best security and customer support crew, and a very Foolish brand to top things off!

What to know: Krakens instant buy feature can be expensive compared to its Pro fees. Additionally, Kraken is not available in New York, Washington State or Maine.

Best for social traders and community-driven investing: etoro

• Open Accountfor etoro
• On eToro’s Secure Website.
• etoro USA LLC; Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal.
• Ratings Methodology
• Logo for eToro

Our Rating:

4.00/5 Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.

Bottom Line

eToro has a good selection of cryptocurrencies on its platform. It also offers some unique offerings, such as social network-like commentating capabilities and the ability to follow and match the investments of other cryptocurrency traders.

Fees:

1% for trading crypto plus spread, $0 commission for stocks & ETFs

Account Minimum:

$10 Special Offer

Limited time offer Deposit $100 and get a $10 bonus. Terms apply.

Open Accountfor etoro

etoro USA LLC Investments are subject to market risk including the possible loss of principal.

What I like etoro’s social trading feature lets you interact with other investors and even copy their successful trades. It’s a great platform for those who want to learn from others or replicate strategies used by experienced traders.

What to know etoro charges a commission on crypto trades which is higher than some other platforms on this list. Additionally its selection of cryptocurrencies is more limited compared to larger exchanges.

Best for quick and easy crypto access: Cash App Investing

• Ratings Methodology
• Logo for Cash App Investing

Our Rating:

4.00/5 Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor.

Bottom Line

Square’s Cash App only offers Bitcoin. But it could be a smart choice for people who only want to buy, sell, and hold the leading cryptocurrency. Plus, the popular finance app has some other great features, such as stock trading and person-to-person payments.

Fees:

$0 for stocks fees vary for Bitcoin

Account Minimum:

What I like Cash App is incredibly accessible, especially for those who already use the app for payments. You don’t need to sign up for a separate crypto exchange or brokerage account to buy Bitcoin or making it an easy entry point for newcomers.

What to know Cash App’s fees can be high especially if you’re purchasing small amounts of crypto. Additionally, Cash App only supports Bitcoin so if you’re looking to invest in other cryptocurrencies you’ll need to use another platform.

• How we rate cryptocurrency exchanges chevron
• What to look for in a crypto exchange
• There are a few factors to consider when choosing a crypto exchange. They are:
• Security and regulation

As seen in our 2025 Cryptocurrency Investor Trends Survey, 36% of respondents cite security concerns as a key barrier to investing in crypto. So when choosing a crypto exchange, security and regulation should be your top priority.

A common crypto adage is “not your keys, not your coins,” which serves to remind users of the fact that their assets are in the hands of centralized exchanges. This can be further applied to staking and “deposit and earn” programs, of which should be scrutinized to understand where assets are held.

The best exchanges employ advanced security measures, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for assets, provide proof of asset reserves, and insurance coverage to protect your funds. Additionally, ensuring that the exchange is compliant with local regulations can provide peace of mind that it’s operating within the law and maintaining a high standard of security.

Fees and costs

While many exchanges offer low trading fees you should also pay attention to deposit and withdrawal fees as these can quickly add up. Some exchanges may also have hidden charges, such as withdrawal limits or inactivity fees so be sure to read the fine print before committing. One pro tip for all exchanges is to utilize limit orders instead of market orders to save on trading fees though this may take a bit of research and practice to understand.

Cryptocurrency availability

Some exchanges support a wide range of digital assets while others are more limited. If you’re interested in a diverse portfolio look for platforms that offer a broad selection of coins and tokens including popular altcoins beyond just Bitcoin and Ethereum.

This is increasingly important as 42% of respondents in our survey indicated that they plan to buy cryptocurrency in the next year with many interested in a wider array of digital assets to invest in.

As a result many crypto investors will set up accounts across several exchanges to cast the widest net on availability.

User experience and mobile apps

In today’s fast-paced market user experience and mobile apps are critical. The best exchanges offer intuitive, easy to use interfaces both on desktop and mobile. A smooth, well-designed app can make trading and managing your assets much easier especially if you’re on the go.

Trading features

For more experienced traders consider trading features such as spot trading, futures and staking options. These features provide opportunities for more advanced strategies and earning potential.

Customer support

Good customer support is essential or particularly for beginners. A responsive supports team that is available 24/7 can help you resolve issue quickly and ensure you are not left in the dark if anything goes wrong. In fact 31% of survey respondents cited difficulty with understanding how to buy crypto emphasizing the importance of exchanges offering clear or helpful support to guide new investors.

How to open a crypto exchange account

Most accounts on crypto exchanges can be opened fairly simply by following these five steps.

1. Choose an exchange

The first step in getting started is choosing the right exchange. Look for platforms with strong security features low fees and a variety of supported cryptocurrencies. Choose an exchange with robust security protocols like two-factor authentication 2FA and cold storage. Additionally, transparency around fees is important  ensure you understand all deposit or withdrawal, and trading costs before proceeding

2. Create an account

Once you’ve selected an exchanges the next steps is to create an account. This usually involves providing your email address and creating a secure password. As more people are diving into crypto exchanges are putting stronger emphasis on security during the sign up process to keep your data safe.

3. Verify your identity

Most exchanges will require you to verify your identity through a process called Know Your Customer KYC. This is a regulatory requirement and ensures that exchanges are following anti money laundering AML guidelines. While some exchanges may ask for documents such as a driver’s license or passport this step is necessary for the security and trustworthiness of the platform.

4. Deposit funds

After verification it’s time to deposit funds into your account.