There are over 200 exchanges to choose from, but not all are equal. As a general rule: start with the most regulated, mainstream options before venturing into smaller or decentralised exchanges.
💡 Always check whether an exchange is licensed in your country before signing up. In the EU, look for MiCA-compliant platforms. For a live ranking by trading volume, see CoinMarketCap's exchange rankings.
Centralised exchanges (CEX)
Best for beginners
Coinbase
One of the most trusted and regulated exchanges in the world. Available across Europe and the US. Simple interface, strong security. The largest regulated exchange in the US by volume.
Largest by volume
Binance
The world's largest exchange with ~35% global market share and $15B+ daily volume. Extremely low fees (0.1%). Note: Binance paid a $4B settlement with US authorities in 2023. Check availability in your country.
Best overall 2026
Kraken
Rated best overall exchange for 2026 by multiple independent reviewers. Low fees, strong security, wide range of assets, and both a simple and advanced interface.
2nd largest by volume
Bybit
Second largest exchange globally by trading volume. Popular with derivatives traders. Note: In early 2025, Bybit suffered the largest crypto hack on record — $1.5B in Ethereum. The exchange covered losses in full.
European favourite
Bitstamp
One of the oldest exchanges still operating, founded in 2011. Headquartered in Luxembourg. Clean interface, good customer support, strong regulatory standing in Europe.
Most coins listed
Gate.io
Top three globally by trading volume and one of the largest by coins listed (2,160+). Good for traders looking to access smaller tokens not yet on mainstream exchanges.
All-in-one app
Crypto.com
Popular all-in-one platform with exchange, DeFi wallet, and a Visa card paying crypto rewards. Available across Europe. Wide range of coins and a slick mobile app.
US regulated
Gemini
Founded by the Winklevoss twins in 2014. Well regarded for security and regulatory compliance. Supports around 80 cryptocurrencies. Good for cautious US and UK users.
Use with caution
OKX
One of the largest exchanges globally. However, in early 2025, OKX pleaded guilty to violating anti-money laundering laws in the US. Worth noting before deciding whether to use it.
Altcoin variety
KuCoin
Known for listing a large number of smaller coins. In 2024, KuCoin settled with US authorities and is now restricted for US users. Check availability in your region.
Rebrand note
HTX (formerly Huobi)
Rebranded from Huobi to HTX in 2023. Large range of coins with $2.4B+ daily volume. Has faced regulatory challenges in Western markets. Best for experienced traders.
Decentralised exchanges (DEX)
DEXes run on smart contracts with no company in the middle. No account or identity verification required — trades happen directly between wallets.
⚠️ Always verify you're on the real website before connecting a wallet to any DEX. Phishing sites are a major threat. Bookmark the real URL.
Ethereum · Largest DEX
Uniswap
The world's largest DEX by volume. Runs on Ethereum and most EVM chains. No account needed — connect MetaMask and swap any ERC-20 token instantly.
BNB Chain
PancakeSwap
The largest DEX on BNB Chain with billions in daily volume. Low fees, fast transactions, and a huge range of tokens. Also offers yield farming and staking.
Solana
Raydium
The leading DEX on Solana. Near-instant swaps at fractions of a cent. Popular for trading new Solana-based tokens before they hit centralised exchanges.
Tron
SunSwap
The primary DEX on Tron. Specialises in stablecoin swaps — particularly USDT — at extremely low cost. Part of the Sun.io DeFi ecosystem.
Avalanche
Trader Joe
The leading DEX on Avalanche. Offers token swapping, liquidity provision, and yield farming. Works with MetaMask — just add the Avalanche network.
Polygon
QuickSwap
The largest DEX on Polygon. Near-zero gas fees make it practical for frequent trading. MetaMask compatible — just switch to the Polygon network.
Cardano
Minswap
The most popular DEX on Cardano with the largest liquidity pool on the network. Requires Eternl or Lace wallet — MetaMask does not work on Cardano.
💡 New to DEXes? Read our step-by-step guides for Uniswap, PancakeSwap, Raydium, and SunSwap.