Binance
est. 2017
The world's largest exchange by trading volume, with the deepest liquidity and the widest altcoin selection.
Exchanges
largestaltcoins
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10 curated resources · 2026 directory
Exchanges · compared & reviewed
Centralised exchanges are the easiest way to turn money into crypto and back. Compare them on fees, security track records and supported regions — then remember the golden rule: long-term holdings belong in self-custody, not on an exchange.
Quick picks — Which exchange should I use?
| Resource | Best for | Est. | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binance ★ | Active traders who want liquidity, low fees and altcoin depth | 2017 | Visit |
| Coinbase ★ | Beginners and anyone who values regulation above all | 2012 | Visit |
| Kraken ★ | Security-conscious holders and pro traders | 2011 | Visit |
| Bitstamp | European users who want the most conservative choice | 2011 | Visit |
| Bybit | Futures and perp traders who need depth and speed | 2018 | Visit |
| Changelly | Quick, small crypto-to-crypto conversions | 2015 | Visit |
| Crypto.com | Card users and app-first crypto spenders | 2016 | Visit |
| Gemini | US-based holders who want maximal regulatory cover | 2014 | Visit |
★ = Sumo Pick, our editors' recommendation for the most common use case.
Every exchanges we list
Coinbase
est. 2012
The most beginner-friendly regulated exchange, and the on-ramp of choice for institutional and retail money alike.
Exchanges
beginnerregulated
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Kraken
est. 2011
The security-first veteran exchange with an unmatched no-hacks track record.
Exchanges
securityregulated
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Bitstamp
est. 2011
Europe's longest-running exchange — boring, reliable and properly regulated.
Exchanges
veteranregulated
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Bybit
est. 2018
A derivatives powerhouse with some of the deepest futures liquidity and a fast-growing spot market.
Exchanges
derivativesfutures
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Changelly
est. 2015
The fastest way to swap one crypto for another without opening an exchange account.
Exchanges
instant-swapno-account
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Crypto.com
est. 2016
The exchange with the famous Visa cards, big-brand partnerships and 100M+ app users.
Exchanges
cardsstaking
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Gemini
est. 2014
The Winklevoss twins' regulation-first exchange — a trust-and-compliance powerhouse.
Exchanges
regulatedusa
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KuCoin
est. 2017
'The people's exchange' — the long tail of altcoins, bots and earning products.
Exchanges
altcoinslong-tail
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OKX
est. 2017
A top-five global exchange pairing deep derivatives markets with a full Web3 wallet ecosystem.
Exchanges
derivativesweb3
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Frequently asked questions
Should I leave my crypto on an exchange?
For long-term holdings, no — 'not your keys, not your coins.' Exchanges are for trading, on-ramps and off-ramps. Withdraw meaningful holdings to self-custody on a regular schedule.
What does proof of reserves mean?
A cryptographic way for an exchange to show it holds the assets it claims. It's not a full audit, but exchanges that publish verifiable, regular PoR reports are meaningfully more transparent than those that don't.
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