Best Crypto Exchanges in November 2025

What is a crypto exchange?

A crypto exchange is, very basically, a place where you can purchase a cryptocurrency using cash or another digital asset. These platforms have become increasingly popular as digital currencies gain mainstream acceptance. Understanding their function is the first step for any new investor looking to enter the crypto space. They serve as the primary gateway for users to trade cryptocurrencies for other assets, including digital and fiat currencies.

This roundup primarily discusses a type of crypto exchange known as a centralized exchange. A centralized exchange is a marketplace operated by a business entity that buys, sells and facilitates transactions in cryptocurrency. These entities provide a high level of security and reliability, often including customer support and user-friendly interfaces, which makes them an attractive option for beginners and seasoned traders alike. They function similarly to traditional stock exchanges, providing an order book that matches buyers and sellers.

If you're new to cryptocurrency or just need to convert fiat currency into crypto, you'll likely use a centralized exchange. They offer a straightforward onboarding process, typically requiring identity verification to comply with regulatory standards. This process, known as KYC (Know Your Customer), is crucial for preventing fraud and ensuring a secure trading environment for all users. Many also offer educational resources to help you get started.

Another way to get crypto is through what is known as a decentralized exchange. These are largely automated, blockchain-based programs that allow users to swap certain kinds of cryptocurrency for one another. While these can have lower transaction costs, they also require more technical expertise. And if you don't already have cryptocurrency, your options are limited. Users of decentralized exchanges must manage their own private keys, which adds a layer of responsibility but also provides greater control over their funds. The learning curve can be steep, but many experienced users prefer the autonomy they offer.

Do all of these exchanges support Bitcoin?

Yes, if all you're looking for is to gain exposure to Bitcoin, then any of the platforms above will easily offer that. Despite bouts of intense volatility, Bitcoin has endured, hitting a fresh all-time high in October. However, despite gaining acceptance and adoption at the institutional level in the form of spot bitcoin ETFs and other financial products, Bitcoin hasn't shed its volatile nature; it fell into bear market territory about a month after hitting that all-time high in October. Its position as the first and most well-known cryptocurrency makes it a staple on nearly every trading platform available today.

What about Ethereum?

Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, surged alongside Bitcoin this year, briefly setting a new all-time in August 2025 on favorable legislation around stablecoins. While Ethereum is not a stablecoin, many large stablecoins run on the Ethereum network. Similarly, Ethereum-based projects focused on "tokenizing" traditional aspects of finance, such as lending and stock trading, have gained momentum in 2025. Operating on the Ethereum network requires fees to be paid in its native currency, Ether. So as activity on the Ethereum blockchain heats up, demand for (and the price of) Ether goes up. But, much like Bitcoin, Ethereum fell dramatically in November, calling into question whether the legitimization we saw in 2025 will carry over into 2026. Its smart contract capabilities have also fostered a vast ecosystem of decentralized applications (dApps), further driving its adoption and utility beyond just a store of value.

How do I choose the right crypto exchange?

One of the biggest factors in picking a crypto exchange is the type of cryptocurrency you plan to invest in, and how far from the mainstream you want to stray. Bitcoin and a handful of the biggest altcoins like Ethereum are nearly universally available, and may be the only cryptocurrencies on the menu at online brokers. If you're interested in these and merely want to dabble in crypto, an online broker may be a good fit — one added benefit is you can keep your cryptocurrency and other investments within one platform. Researching the available coins on an exchange is a critical first step. You should also consider the trading pairs available, as this will affect your ability to trade between different cryptocurrencies directly.

But if you are eyeing a niche coin, you’ll want to double-check its availability on any exchange you're considering. Pure-play crypto exchanges will offer the widest variety of cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency pairs. These specialized platforms often list new and emerging tokens much faster than traditional brokers, providing opportunities for early investment. However, they may also come with higher risks, so thorough research into any niche coin is essential before investing.

Then consider where you want to store your crypto once you've purchased it: Storage options vary from exchange to exchange, and the presence or absence of your preferred storage method could be a reason to choose one service over another. Some exchanges offer integrated wallets that are convenient but may not give you full control over your private keys. Understanding the difference between custodial and non-custodial storage is key to making an informed decision that aligns with your security preferences.

Generally, you can store crypto with the exchange where you bought it. Most — though not all — exchanges also let you move the digital assets you buy to your own crypto wallet. If that's important to you, be sure to select an exchange that supports it. Using a personal hardware wallet is often considered the most secure method for long-term storage, as it keeps your assets offline and away from potential online threats. Evaluate whether an exchange's withdrawal fees and processes fit your strategy.

Finally, consider other major factors like fees, the trading experience and — if you're new to crypto trading — the level of educational resources provided to help you get started. The fee structure can be complex, including maker-taker fees, withdrawal fees, and deposit fees. A user-friendly interface can make a significant difference, especially for beginners. Look for platforms that offer comprehensive guides, tutorials, and customer support to help you navigate the complexities of the crypto market.

Which crypto exchange offers the largest selection?

The number of coins on offer at crypto exchanges can vary widely. If you're looking to trade a specific cryptocurrency, you'll want to confirm it's available through the platform you're interested in. Generally speaking, if you're looking for anything more than Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum, you should probably consider a pure-play crypto exchange rather than a traditional broker with a crypto offering. This becomes clear when comparing the number of cryptocurrencies available at pure-play crypto platforms and traditional brokers above. Some exchanges boast hundreds or even thousands of different tokens.

Exchanges like Binance and KuCoin are known for their extensive selection of altcoins, often listing new and lesser-known projects. This provides traders with more opportunities but also requires more due diligence to avoid scams or projects with weak fundamentals. Always research a project thoroughly before investing, looking at its whitepaper, development team, and community engagement. A large selection is appealing, but quality should always be prioritized over quantity.

Conversely, platforms like Coinbase or Gemini tend to have a more curated selection. They prioritize listing well-established and vetted projects, which can be a safer option for new investors. While you might not find the latest meme coin, you can have greater confidence in the legitimacy of the assets available for trading. The choice between a vast selection and a curated one depends on your risk tolerance and investment strategy.

Are crypto exchanges safe?

Crypto trading is not subject to the same investor protections you get when working with traditional investments. For example, U.S. Securities Investor Protection Corp. insurance doesn't apply to cryptocurrency, so if your exchange fails, you could lose your investment. This is a critical distinction to understand. While some exchanges offer private insurance for the assets they hold in custody, this is not a universal standard and the coverage may have limitations.

It's also worth noting that storing crypto in an exchange's wallet can leave you vulnerable to losses if an exchange fails or suffers a cyberattack. For this reason, some users prefer not to store assets on exchanges unless they're actively trading. The history of crypto is littered with examples of exchange hacks leading to significant losses for users. Using a personal hardware wallet for long-term storage is a highly recommended security practice to mitigate this risk.

Security features offered by the exchange are another important consideration. Look for features like two-factor authentication (2FA), whitelisting of withdrawal addresses, and cold storage for the majority of user funds. A proactive approach to security from the exchange, including regular audits and transparency reports, can provide a higher level of confidence. However, the ultimate responsibility for securing your account often falls on you, the user.

How is investing in crypto different from investing in stocks?

Trading cryptocurrencies is different from traditional investing in several ways. A few examples:

• Compared to traditional investing, which has seen fees steadily decline in recent years, trading in cryptocurrencies costs much more. For example, depending on the method of payment, you could pay 5% or more in fees when trading Bitcoin. Most online brokers no longer charge a commission to trade stocks. It is crucial to factor these costs into your investment strategy as they can significantly impact your overall returns, especially for frequent traders.
• Crypto is still a relatively new and burgeoning industry, and customer service has lagged behind what's available at traditional brokerages. Want to speak to a person concerning questions or account issues at a crypto exchange? Many pure crypto exchanges don't offer that service. Support is often limited to email tickets or chatbots, which can be frustrating when dealing with time-sensitive issues. The level of support can be a deciding factor for many users.
• You have more responsibility for protecting your crypto from theft with cryptocurrency exchanges, especially if you use your own digital wallet. While exchanges protect you from losses due to site-wide hacks, you won’t be protected from individual attacks on your account — for example, a phishing email attack in which you unwittingly reveal your passwords to cybercriminals. Educating yourself on common security threats and best practices is non-negotiable for any crypto investor.

Other common questions about cryptocurrency exchanges

How much money do I need to use a crypto exchange?

If you're just thinking about dabbling in crypto, it's good to remember that you don't have to put your life's savings on the line to get a sense of how it works. The volatile nature of the market means you should only invest what you are willing to lose. Starting small allows you to gain experience without taking on excessive risk. This approach lets you learn the ropes of trading and market analysis.

Crypto exchanges reviewed by bitcoinmarkets generally have no account minimums, which means you're free to create an account and look around without spending a dime. And if you decide to buy some crypto, you don't have to buy a lot. Many exchanges have a minimum purchase of around a dollar. This low barrier to entry makes it accessible for almost anyone to get started with cryptocurrency investing, offering a practical way to learn.

Where can I buy the TRUMP meme coin?

Several of the exchanges above offer the $TRUMP meme token that was launched in January 2025, including Coinbase, Gemini and Robinhood. Keep in mind that while the coin quickly increased in value and market cap immediately following its launch, its price is likely to be highly volatile. This is true of all cryptocurrencies, but especially meme coins, which are driven by news or pop culture trends and are prone to large price explosions or crashes. It's wise to treat meme coins like $TRUMP as highly speculative. Due diligence is crucial.

What services do crypto exchanges offer?

Aside from their primary role at the center of crypto sales and purchases, exchanges have added a handful of other offerings. Among those are services that pay rewards to people who lend out their crypto. Many crypto exchanges will hold your crypto for you if you don't want to set up a wallet that you control by yourself. These additional features, such as staking, lending, and savings accounts, can provide ways to earn passive income on your holdings, but they also come with their own sets of risks that need to be understood.

Methodology

How do we review cryptocurrency platforms? Our goal is to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to empower your investment decisions.

bitcoinmarkets’s comprehensive review process evaluates and ranks platforms and companies that allow U.S. customers to buy and/or sell cryptocurrency. Our aim is to provide an independent assessment of providers to help arm you with information to make sound, informed judgements on which ones will best meet your needs. We adhere to strict guidelines for editorial integrity. We do not accept payment for positive reviews or placement in our articles, ensuring that our recommendations are based solely on our thorough research and analysis.

We collect data directly from providers through detailed questionnaires, and conduct first-hand testing and observation through provider demonstrations. The questionnaire answers, combined with demonstrations, interviews of personnel at the providers and our specialists’ hands-on research, fuel our proprietary assessment process that scores each provider’s performance across more than 20 factors. The final output produces star ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). This rigorous process ensures that every aspect of the user experience, from fees to security, is carefully evaluated.

For more details about the categories considered when rating crypto platforms and our process, read our full methodology. We believe in transparency and want our readers to understand exactly how we arrive at our conclusions, so you can trust our recommendations and make the best choices for your financial journey. Our methodology is periodically updated to reflect changes in the market and new product offerings.

bitcoinmarkets's Best Crypto Exchanges, Platforms & Apps for November 2025

After extensive research and analysis, we've compiled our list of the top platforms for November 2025. Each of these exchanges excels in different areas, so the best one for you will depend on your individual needs and investment goals. Consider factors like fees, coin selection, and user experience when making your choice. We encourage you to read our detailed reviews to find the perfect fit.

• HTX (Huobi): Best for Offshore Trading
• Binance: Best Overall
• OKX: Best for Derivatives
• Bybit: Good for Derivatives
• MEXC: Best for Altcoins
• Bitget: Best for Copy Trading
• KuCoin: The Altcoin Gem Exchange
• BingX: Good for Social Trading

The cryptocurrency market is constantly evolving, and so are the platforms that serve it. We regularly update our reviews and rankings to reflect the latest changes and ensure you have the most current information available. Be sure to check back frequently for our latest insights and recommendations to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of digital assets.