7 Best Crypto Exchanges in 2025 for Easy and Secure Trading

Cryptocurrency is no longer a niche market, but has grown into a trillion-dollar industry. BitInfoCharts records an average of 18,840 Bitcoin transactions every hour, without taking into account transactions of other altcoins.

Cryptocurrency transactions typically occur on an exchange. Therefore, choosing the best cryptocurrency exchange is a crucial step for beginners entering the world of cryptocurrency.

This article will discuss recommendations for the best crypto exchanges, as well as how to choose the best crypto exchange for your needs.

Brief Summary:

1. A crypto exchange is an online platform for buying and selling crypto.
2. Centralized exchanges (CEX) have high liquidity and transaction speeds, but users must go through a KYC process.
3. Decentralized exchanges (DEX) are anonymous and completely decentralized, but have lower liquidity.
4. When choosing the best crypto exchange, look for guaranteed security, low fees, and token support that aligns with your needs.

What is a Crypto Exchange?

A crypto exchange is an online platform for buying and selling crypto.

When cryptocurrency was first launched, investors had to manually enter orders into a terminal to send coins to other people. As crypto’s popularity increased, companies began to realize the importance of a user-friendly interface that is not overly complex or technical.

Today, crypto exchanges operate like brokers, providing tools to sell, buy, and exchange cryptocurrencies.

Types of Crypto Exchanges

Crypto exchanges are categorized into two types: Centralized Exchanges (CEX) and Decentralized Exchanges (DEX). In addition, hybrid exchanges that combine the advantages of CEX and DEX.

Centralized Exchange (CEX)

Centralized exchanges are owned and operated by a central authority that has complete control over every account and transaction that takes place. Every transaction on a CEX must be approved by the exchange, requiring users to trust the CEX they are using.

CEXs are often used by investors, especially novice investors, because they have the following advantages:

1. High Liquidity: Liquidity is crucial in preventing market manipulation. CEXs have higher liquidity than other exchanges.
2. Asset Recovery: If a user forgets their CEX account credentials, most CEXs can verify the user's identity, enabling users to regain access to their digital assets.
3. Speed: In high-frequency trading, every millisecond counts. CEXs generally have faster transaction execution times.

However, traders and investors who prioritize privacy and anonymity are less inclined to use CEXs. This is because CEXs generally need to verify identities and report to regulators.

In addition, CEXs have the following disadvantages:

1. Target of Attacks: CEXs facilitate billions of transactions per day, making them frequent targets for hackers.
2. Manipulation: Some CEXs have been accused of manipulating trading volume, participating in insider trading, or manipulating prices. When looking for the best crypto exchange, be sure to research the exchange’s background.

Decentralized Exchange (DEX)

Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) are not controlled by a company. They operate directly on the blockchain and facilitate direct trading between users (peer-to-peer) without a central authority. The only third-party involvement comes from the entities that develop and secure the exchange, but they do not regulate the transactions.

DEXs are completely autonomous and anonymous. Many traders prefer DEXs because of the following advantages.

1. Self-Custody: No single entity owns a DEX, so users have complete control over their private keys and assets.
2. Security and Privacy: The KYC (Know Your Customer) process is not required to create an account, so privacy is safeguarded. DEX reduces the risk of attacks by implementing distributed hosting.
3. Trustless: User funds and personal data cannot be accessed by anyone other than the user.

On the other hand, DEXs have several drawbacks.

1. Low Liquidity: Lower liquidity means that market manipulation is easier on DEXs.
2. Blockchain Interoperability: Trading two assets on different blockchains is more difficult and requires additional software or networks.

Hybrid Exchange

Hybrid exchanges facilitate centralized order matching but store tokens in a decentralized manner. Thus, hybrid exchanges cannot control user assets but have a fast centralized database for finding trading pairs.

The advantages of hybrid exchanges include:

1. Closed Ecosystem: Security of user information is guaranteed, but users can still take advantage of blockchain’s transparent technology.
2. Privacy: Private blockchains are often used in hybrid exchanges to limit communication with the public.

Meanwhile, the disadvantages of hybrid exchanges include:

1. Low Volume: Hybrid exchanges are relatively new and do not facilitate enough trading volume. Therefore, hybrid exchanges cannot yet be an investor’s primary.

Recommendations for the Best Crypto Exchanges

Check out the list of recommendations for the best crypto exchanges globally and locally, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Coinbase: Best Crypto Exchange for Beginners

1. Provides hot wallets, educational tools, and a “recurring buys” feature to view frequent transactions.
2. Fees range from 0.00-0.60%.
3. Available in more than 100 countries.

Pros:

1. The interface is easy to use
2. Trusted by United States regulators
3. Beginner-friendly tutorials and tools

Cons:

1. Higher fees than other exchanges
2. Advanced trading tools are limited

Uniswap: Best Crypto Exchange for Ethereum-based Tokens

1. Offers permissionless trading and liquidity pool
2. Fees range from 0.05%, 0.30%, or 1.00% depending on the pool
3. Available globally

Pros:

1. 100% decentralized
2. Transparent and open source
3. No account creation required

Cons:

1. High ETH gas fees
2. Does not support fiat currencies

Binance: Best Crypto Exchange for Expert Traders

1. Supports over 400 crypto assets, offers advanced trading tools, staking, and an NFT marketplace
2. Spot trading fees start at 0.1% and are eligible for discounts using BNB tokens
3. Available in over 175 countries

Pros:

1. Wide range of coin options
2. High liquidity and advanced tools
3. Offers a complete crypto ecosystem

Cons:

1. Regulatory issues in some countries
2. Not suitable for beginners

SushiSwap - Best Multi-Chain Crypto Exchange

1. Supports yield farming, lending, and token swaps between blockchains
2. Fees are around 0.30%
3. Available globally

Pros:

1. Can be used on various blockchains
2. Community-run projects
3. Liquidity incentives

Cons:

1. Complex interface for beginners
2. Less well-known compared to competitors

Tokocrypto: Local Crypto Exchange Supported by Binance

1. Offers spot trading, DCA (Dollar-Cost Averaging), staking, and wallet integration
2. Fees range from 0.23-0.33% for Rupiah and 0.40% for USDT
3. Supervised by OJK (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan).

Pros:

1. Easy to use
2. Competitive fees
3. High liquidity

Cons:

1. Few educational tools for beginners
2. Limited top-up methods

Indodax: One of Indonesia’s Oldest Exchanges

1. Provides staking and education through Indodax Academy
2. Trading fees of 0.23-0.33% for Rupiah and 0.28-0.31% for USDT
3. Free deposits via BCA Direct, while e-wallet deposits incur fees of up to 2%

Pros:

1. Comprehensive options of assets
2. Beginner-friendly interface

Cons:

1. Higher fees
2. Long KYC process
3. Limited features

Pintu: Local Exchange with a Simple Interface

1. Provides staking, automated DCA, Web3, futures trading, and OTC (Over the Counter) trading features
2. No trading fees because it uses the final prices
3. 24/7 customer support

Pros:

1. Multi-layered security system
2. Comprehensive features
3. Responsive customer support

Cons:

1. Quite large spreads

How to Choose the Best Crypto Exchange

There is no single best crypto exchange, as each exchange has its own features, advantages, and disadvantages. As an investor, consider these factors before choosing the best crypto exchange for you.

Fees

Each crypto exchange applies different fee regulations. Trading fees generally range from 0.1-0.5%, but some exchanges charge higher. Pay attention to deposit fees, withdrawal fees, or even charges if your exchange account has been idle for a long time.

Security

When choosing the best crypto exchange, remember that scams and hacks often target exchanges. Choose an exchange that implements two-factor authentication (2FA) and stores the majority (around 80%) of its assets in cold storage.

It is best to avoid exchanges that have experienced security breaches in the past. Also, avoid exchanges that cannot prove they have insurance for the digital assets they store.

Ease of Use

A good interface is essential for investors. A complicated interface will confuse users and may even lead them to make incorrect decisions.

For beginner investors, look for exchanges with a simple interface. Meanwhile, experienced investors need a crypto exchange with complete and advanced features. If you trade regularly, choose a crypto exchange with a mobile app.

Number of Supported Tokens

Some exchanges boast about the number of tokens they support, but quality is better than quantity. The best crypto exchange is one that offers all the coins you want to trade and offers direct trading pairs. That way, you don't have to pay conversion fees.

Customer Support Availability

Look into the availability of an exchange’s customer support before depositing funds. Check how long it takes to receive a response and assistance. Responsive customer support enforces a sense of security and confidence when investing.

Conclusion

Exchanges are where all crypto transactions take place. Therefore, choose a crypto exchange that is secure, easy to use, and supports all the tokens you want to trade.

After choosing the best crypto exchange, you still need to do your due diligence in trading crypto safely. Learn how to invest in crypto safely in the article How to Invest in Crypto Safely: A Complete Guide for Beginners.