Spin the wheel to earn up to $200 in rewards with Coinbase

  • Trade 200+ assets securely
  • Top up without fees with Interac e-Transfer
  • Instant sell & withdraw
  • Simple & secure onboarding flow

Deciding between two of the best cryptocurrency exchanges can be a tough task, especially when they share many common features. Don’t worry, though; we’ll take you through the key factors in the Kraken vs Coinbase showdown and help you decide between the two platforms.

Kraken vs Coinbase: Comparison at a Glance

The two providers in today’s cryptocurrency trading platform battle are very much alike; however, this table provides a quick overview of what they offer users.

Criteria
Kraken
Gemini
Best For
Security-conscious users
New crytpo traders
Accessibility
Steep learning curve
Beginner-friendly interface
Compliance
FinCEN compliant
FCA and OFAC Compliant
Security
Whitelisting and bug bounty program
Cold storage, biometrics, 2FA
Account Setup
Government documents required
Easy setup + KYC
Cryptocurrencies
400+ including SOL, ADA, BTC, and more
250+ including BTC, SRP, AVNT, and more

The Key Factors That Separate These Exchanges

This comparison provides a quick overview of the important features to consider when choosing between Kraken vs Coinbase.
Whether you’re new to crypto or looking to switch platforms, this guide helps you compare basic features, strengths, and limitations of two of the most trusted cryptocurrency exchanges in the market today.
Our Coinbase review has all the information to help you to decide whether the provider fits your needs. After reading it, you can compare it to our Kraken review to see which exchange is more suited to your crypto trading goals.

Kraken Logo

Kraken

One of the world’s most trusted and secure crypto exchanges with low fees and advanced trading tools.

ESTABLISHED: 2011
SECURITY RATING: A+ (CER.live)
USER BASE: 10M+
Coinbase Logo

Coinbase

Funding Methods Debit & Credit Bank, PayPal, ACH, Bank Transfer, e-Transfer
Cryptocurrencies 100+

Head-to-Head: Which Crypto Trading Exchange Truly Comes Out on Top?

This table details the key features, characteristics, and capabilities of the two cryptocurrency exchanges.

Features
Kraken
Gemini
Established
2011
2012
Headquarters
Wyoming, USA
San Francisco, USA
Fees
Fees range from 0.02% to 0.40%.
Fees vary by region
Mobile app
iOS and Android
iOS and Android
Beginner friendly
Learning curve for new traders
Yes
Advanced trading options
Margins, futures trading, and more
Advanced trading platform available
Wallet integration
Internal wallet integration
Non-custodial Coinbase wallet
Flagship features
Advanced trading, futures, staking, lower fees
Advanced crypto trading, staking and more
Buy/deposit methods
FedWire, bank transfer
Bank transfer + Wire
Fiat trading
Supported
Supported
Gold and precious metals
No
No
Withdrawals
Fiat withdrawals
Crypto & Fiat withdrawals
Staking and earning features
Available
Available
Customer support
Self-service guide contact center
Phone support, bot chat, more

Which One Is Better, Coinbase or Kraken?

Both exchanges in the Kraken vs Coinbase battle present users with solid options to satisfy their cryptocurrency trading needs. In the end, the best choice would depend on your specific requirements, level of expertise, and personal preferences.
Kraken is renowned for strong security, low trading fees, and advanced trading options. In addition, their fee structure is suitable for advanced and volume traders.
Coinbase offers beginner-friendly trading that’s great for anyone getting started in crypto, trading coins, and holding digital assets.

FAQ


Kraken is considered a better choice for advanced traders who value generally lower fees and advanced trading features. Coinbase is often praised for its clean and easy-to-navigate user interface, making it suited to beginners who don’t mind paying higher fees for convenience.


Kraken has been known to cater to advanced traders. Newcomers to the crypto trading world may struggle to navigate the platform.


Yes, US users can use the exchange. However, they do not provide certain services to users based in New York, Maine, and Texas.


Yes, both platforms function as custodial services and help keep users’s funds safe by managing private keys and offering non-custodial wallet options.

Arthur Crowson

About the Author

Arthur Crowson

Arthur Crowson is an award-winning writer and editor who hails from the Pacific Northwest. His career began in traditional news media but he transitioned to online media in the mid-2000s and has written extensively about the online poker boom and the rise of cryptocurrency.

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