Coinbase vs. Crypto.com: 2026 guide to major crypto CEXs
Nov 11, 2025・8 min read
The right crypto platform influences your entire trading experience. It shapes what you can swap, how secure your assets are, and how much you ’ll earn and keep. Depending on your goals, you may also want to consider things like access to non-fungible token (NFT) galleries and decentralized app (dApp) creation, or how many types of tokens and altcoins the platform supports.
Two of the biggest crypto platforms in the United States – Coinbase and Crypto.com – are popular for a reason. Coinbase has built a strong reputation for its simple interface and strict regulation in the U.S. Crypto.com joined the scene in 2016, four years after Coinbase, but quickly stood out among competitors with its wide range of extra features and lower-than-average fees.
In this article, we’ll compare Coinbase versus Crypto.com to see which platform fits your needs best.
An overview of Coinbase vs. Crypto.com
Coinbase and Crypto.com are two of the most notable cryptocurrency exchanges in the U.S. right now. But they aren’t identical, and their differences mean Coinbase or Crypto.com is a better fit for some users than others.
Here’s a quick overview of the platforms and their main features.
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Coinbase and Crypto.com: Key differences
Users can trade and manage crypto on both Coinbase and Crypto.com, but the platforms’ approaches consider trading from two distinct perspectives. The differences between Coinbase and Crypto.com become clearer when you look into how each platform works.
Features
Coinbase’s centralized exchange (CEX) platform has always been about simplicity. Its appeal lies in its approachability, especially for users who’ve never owned cryptocurrency before. You can buy coins with fiat currency (including debit cards), track your balance, and move funds without needing to know the most technical terms or going too deep into trading charts.
In 2023, the company replaced Coinbase Pro, an alternative platform under Coinbase designed for more experienced users, with Advanced Trade. This move brought more professional tools into the main Coinbase platform without overwhelming casual users or losing the simplicity that made Coinbase a household name.
Crypto.com has a similar setup as a CEX where you can earn (and trade), spend, and store digital assets. In addition, the app connects a crypto exchange, a decentralized finance (DeFi) wallet, and an NFT marketplace under one roof. It’s more focused on DeFi and exploring the blockchain than Coinbase, making it a better option for users ready to get involved in other things on Web3.
The platform also offers stock investment, sports betting, and predictive trading on the following aspects of life in the U.S.:
- Politics
- Economics
- Financial decisions
- Culture (coming soon)
Crypto.com partnered with Visa to create the Crypto.com Visa Signature credit card, which gives users crypto as a cash-back style reward. It’s comparable to Coinbase One, Coinbase’s credit card, but earns a slightly higher rewards rate (a flat 4.5% versus a variable 2.5% to 4%, respectively). However, users can’t spend their crypto directly on everyday purchases using this card, which is a drawback from other crypto debit cards like MetaMask Card.
Fees
The gap between Crypto.com fees versus Coinbase fees is one of the most noticeable differences between the two platforms.
Coinbase’s convenience comes at a cost. The standard interface charges relatively high transaction fees: up to 3.99% for credit and debit card purchases. Unless you use Advanced Trade, you’ll pay more for the same order you could make elsewhere. Those costs add up quickly for high-volume traders. Its maker-taker fees are much lower, ranging from 0.10% to 0.60%.
Crypto.com’s fee model is more dynamic. It rewards volume and loyalty – users who trade more or stake the platform’s native Cronos (CRO) token pay less. The highest fees are 0.5% and its maker-taker fees can be close to zero for top-tier accounts, but that discount requires commitment.
For example, someone trading under $2,000 a month might pay a 0.075% maker fee, while a trader who stakes at least 50,000 CRO could see that fee drop to nothing. Those trading with more than five million CRO in their wallet earn a very small rebate (0.001%) instead of paying maker fees.
Security
Both platforms have strong security measures in place. Coinbase has never suffered a major hack affecting user funds, which may be convincing for cautious investors. The company has a strong Bug Bounty program for community members to report gaps in security. It also claims to keep over 98% of its assets in cold storage, and its insurance coverage adds another layer of reassurance.
Coinbase also offers a Coinbase Wallet, a self-custody wallet that gives users full control over their private keys. It’s a nice addition for those who prefer self-custodial wallets over the convenience and risk of standard CEX wallets, making Coinbase usable for more traders.
Crypto.com also takes security seriously. Like Coinbase, it has strong insurance policies, multi-factor authentication, and cold storage. Crypto.com uses the latest in software security to protect your crypto, including Zero Trust software security measures, adhering to the principle of least privilege (PoLP). All wallets are held by FDIC-insured network banks, and maintain strong withdrawal protections. But in 2022, it faced a security incident that affected several hundred accounts. The platform fully reimbursed users and upgraded its security afterward, and has only continued to build on its robust security.
User experience
Coinbase offers a clear, minimalistic layout that guides users through each action. You don’t need to have background knowledge of elaborate crypto terms, order types, or smart contracts – Coinbase simplifies complex language on its main platform and streamlines the trading process into a few clicks.
If you need something a bit more advanced than Coinbase’s standard options, you’ll find their Advanced Trade on the same platform with charting, order types, and the same clear UI. Both are available on mobile and desktop.
The Crypto.com app is dense but well-organized. You can jump from trading to card management to staking in a few clicks, though it takes a bit of orientation at first. Users who enjoy exploring chart options and tweaking trading settings tend to appreciate it more than those who want a quick purchase.
Regulatory compliance
Coinbase is a publicly traded U.S. company, which means it’s subject to regular financial disclosures, audits, and strict oversight. The company must meet SEC reporting standards and comply with multiple U.S. regulations, which gives users peace of mind, though it also means certain services (like Coinbase Earn and staking programs) are limited outside the U.S.
Crypto.com, based in Singapore, operates in more than 100 countries and holds various licenses across jurisdictions. It adapts to each market’s local rules, making Crypto.com more globally accessible but less uniform in its legal setup.
Supported cryptocurrencies
Coinbase takes a selective approach to cryptocurrencies, only adding assets that meet its compliance and quality standards. However, there are still over 250 currencies you can trade on Coinbase.
Crypto.com supports a nearly identical list of over 250 cryptocurrencies, including many new or niche projects. That range is appealing for traders who like discovering emerging assets early and want more than Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) trades.
Staking and earning
Both exchanges offer staking, but the experience and yield are different. Coinbase’s staking is straightforward: Choose a supported coin, stake it, and earn periodic rewards. The platform officially states you can earn up to 15% APY, but this percentage varies depending on the asset and network conditions. There’s little configuration or personalization involved, which suits users who prefer simplicity.
Crypto.com is more complex: Yields vary depending on how long you lock your funds and how much CRO you’ve staked. The potential returns are often higher (about 1% on average, boasting up to 19.07% APY), but so are the conditions. It rewards users who plan strategically rather than trade casually.
Ease of use and accessibility
Onboarding with Coinbase is fast – ID verification takes minutes, and deposits clear quickly in most regions. The dashboard is intuitive in browser and on mobile, with the same core layout and clear labels.
Crypto.com is built primarily for mobile, offering an app that supports dozens of local currencies and payment methods. Some of its features, like card rewards and staking tiers, aren’t available in every country.
What’s better: Coinbase or Crypto.com?
Picking between Coinbase and Crypto.com comes down to how you use crypto day to day. Each platform has its strengths, and the best fit depends on your habits and experience level:
- New crypto users: Coinbase is often the easier place to explore top cryptocurrencies because it’s highly regulated with a user-friendly design.
- Experienced users: If you’re comfortable with crypto trading, Crypto.com might suit you better. The mobile app lets you trade and stake a wide range of coins on the go, and there are more opportunities to use DeFi.
- Focus on security: Coinbase’s public audits and U.S. compliance records offer extra reassurance, but Crypto.com’s safety standards are also high. They use a secure software development lifecycle and other standards set by software security teams, such as PoLP.
- Focus on rewards: Both platforms offer cards and staking options. Coinbase keeps things simple and has a dedicated Earn program, while Crypto.com generally provides higher potential yields if you’re willing to lock up funds or stake CRO.
Track your crypto portfolio with ease
Choosing between Coinbase and Crypto.com depends on how you want to trade, store, and grow your crypto. Whether you prefer Coinbase’s simplicity or Crypto.com’s lower fees, keeping track of your assets and rewards across platforms matters. CoinTracker integrates with hundreds of wallets, exchanges, and smart contracts so you can keep track of your simple trades and big stakes in one place.
Stay informed and in control of your digital assets. Continue your journey with our comprehensive crypto glossary.
Disclaimer: This post is informational only and is not intended as tax advice. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.
FAQ
What’s the difference between Coinbase and Crypto.com?
Coinbase and Crypto.com offer similar features but cater to different types of users. Coinbase is a massive publicly traded platform with a simple interface and robust security, while Crypto.com has lower fees, higher rewards, and trading and betting beyond cryptocurrencies. Both offer higher paid tiers with perks, as well as offline credit cards that earn crypto rewards.
Is Coinbase safer than Crypto.com?
Yes, Coinbase is generally considered safer than Crypto.com. Both platforms offer robust security measures, but because Coinbase is the largest publicly traded crypto company (and Crypto.com isn’t a public company), Coinbase is held to high standards for regulation and compliance under U.S. policies. However, Crypto.com is still a good exchange for traders interested in strong operational security.
Which exchange has better staking rewards?
Crypto.com’s staking has a higher reward yield than Coinbase. While they both offer staking for similar numbers of cryptocurrencies, Crypto.com promises up to 19.07% APY compared to Coinbase’s 15%. And, on average, Crypto.com has higher APRs on each currency by an average of 1% (though they’re variable on both platforms).