Tops, reviews and ratings are an important source of information not only for beginners, but also for experienced traders: this is the only way to explore the changing market quickly.
This material is a hodgepodge of selections: trading platforms are evaluated according to different criteria and divided into groups. In each section, the companies are arranged randomly. Let's start.
Big review: description of the sites included in the ratings
The rating of cryptocurrency exchanges includes many sites. For the convenience of the reader, small ratings are placed separately, but here you can read in detail about each company.
BitStamp. The BitStamp trading volume is about $ 48,000,000. The exchange offers to work with the following currencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash and many others. In addition to digital, fiat currencies are available: USD and EUR.
The site is licensed, the approach to security issues is appropriate: verification is mandatory and rather complicated. In addition to the obvious, they may require, for example, a copy of a receipt for payment for services at the place of residence, account statements, etc. But 98% of assets are stored in cold wallets - such a measure was taken after the hack in 2015. Then the hackers managed to steal 4 million euros and 5 million dollars.
Supported mobile app for iOS and Android.
The only drawback of the platform is the limited list of currencies.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
CEX.io. The site was founded in 2013 in London, is old and considered quite trustworthy. In addition to the exchange, the developers were engaged in another project - the notorious GHash mining pool, which ceased to exist in 2015, when the crisis began on the cryptocurrency market.
The main advantages of CEX.io can be summarized as follows:
Though there are some disadvantages:
In terms of security, the situation is standard: some of the funds are stored in cold wallets, two-factor authentication, a DDoS security system. The strategy works - there have been no successful hacker attacks on the exchange.
EXMO. We talked about EXMO above: the exchange focuses on the residents of the CIS, so it took care of creating an optimized Russian-language interface. As a bonus - support for operations with EUR and USD.
This section will contain the already mentioned exchanges, but each comes with a complete overview, taking into account the pros and cons.
Binance. Binance is talked about so often that traders probably know almost everything about it. This review is for novice traders.
Binance was founded in 2017 and had 3 million active users by the end of the year. This allowed the exchange to become the market leader in terms of trading volume. It should be noted that the situation in the industry contributed to this: Bitcoin grew violently and reached the peak of its value.
Subsequently, the site maintained its reputation by opening new projects (Binance DEX in 2019, LaunchPad and others), charity and detailed interviews.
Let's skip registration and proceed to verification: the exchange is multilevel, like Kraken. After registering and activating your account by e-mail, a daily withdrawal limit will appear in your account - up to 2 BTC per day. Small investors can stop at this stage.
For the second level, you need to get a code in Google Authenticator and make a scanned copy of your passport, a photo with an open document and your face, and your signature on a separate sheet. After that, the limit will be 100 BTC per day.
Standard trading, Market and Limit.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Kraken. Professional cryptocurrency exchange, definitely not suitable for a beginner. The volume of trade corresponds to the status - 6 359 BTC.
Let's start with the interface: the site does not support the Russian language, together with complex tools, this makes it inaccessible to 50-60% of the crypto community members. The same goes for the iOS and Android app.
Verification of traders is mandatory and carried out in accordance with the requirements of the SEC:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
BitMEX. Bitmex stands out against the background of cryptocurrency exchanges: here you can make money in both bullish and bearish trends. It was registered in 2014, there is support for the Russian-language interface.
Note: Bitcoin ticker - XBT (not ВТС) - is used for operations with a deposit. In addition to the list of available cryptocurrencies, Bitrex supports USD as a component of the currency pair. The commission is fixed, maximum 0.075%.
In terms of design and content, the site is standard, with the exception of information content: there are data about the exchange, its developers, analytics tools, quotes, and so on.
Trade:
Advantages:
There are disadvantages:
BitMEX is the market leader in terms of trading volume: according to CoinMarketCap, it is 181.521 BTC.
Bittrex. Bittrex, just like Polo, was founded in 2014 and is subject to US jurisdiction - you cannot do without verification. Fortunately, there are no country restrictions: only residents of Syria, Iran, Crimea, Cuba and North Korea cannot trade.
Fiat currencies are only available to US residents, so in fact we are content with digital ones.
Separately about security: the exchange allows you to create White-lists of IP addresses and wallets, as well as cancel transfers. Given the nature of cryptocurrencies, the last point is especially important, but it has its own conditions: for example, $ 5,000 should be put on the deposit.
After a typical registration, the site offers to fill out a short form and make a scanned copy (or photo) of the passport. Another measure that helps to remove all restrictions is the activation of two-factor authentication. After that, the user can withdraw from the account up to 100 BTC per day. Fixed commission - 0.25%.
There are two orders for trading:
The API allows you to launch automated trading.
Poloniex. The exchange was founded in 2014 in the USA. It quickly gained popularity around the world for its altcoin trading opportunities. Despite the internationality of the site, the developers have not yet added a Russian interface.
Registration starts with filling out a standard questionnaire and continues with verification - Poloniex are conservative and prefer to work in accordance with the letter of the law. Identity verification takes place in two stages: after the first one, a withdrawal limit is set up to $ 2,000 per day, after the second - up to $ 25,000.
The administration requires a scanned copy of the documents from the trader; it will take about 5-7 days to process them (sometimes more).
There is no support for fiat currencies, so you will have to replenish the deposit and withdraw money in bitcoins to your wallet or to an exchanger in order to immediately receive fiat currencies on the card.
Medium-complexity interface:
In the CIS crypto community, Poloniex is less popular than abroad, but you can try.
YoBit. YoBit is not the most famous cryptocurrency exchange. It was founded in 2015, and this is the only reliable information about the company: neither the team, nor the country, nor the presence of a license are covered in any way in official sources.
2 years after registration, at the peak of market activity, problems with withdrawal and (unexpectedly) with technical support began on the site, the number of negative reviews grew until 2018. In 2019, the exchange's reputation was restored.
Staying on the topic, let's discuss security. You can protect your account from hackers. DDoS protection system, two-factor authentication, temporary freezing of the account after editing personal information in the account.
The interface is Russian, but there are other advantages:
Disadvantages:
KuCoin is a Chinese cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2017. Trading volume is12,565 BTC, 452 currency pairs.
There is good news for users: there is no verification in KuCoin. Instead of encroaching on the anonymity of customers, the developers have introduced other ways to secure money: two-factor authentication, responsive support. The official website has a great article on how not to fall for the bait of swindlers.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Huobi. Chinese cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2013. Trading volume - 43,368 BTC, 515 pairs.
Let's start with the most complicated thing - the verification process. Firstly, there is a single discrepancy between the documents and the data provided on the exchange, and accordingly, it will be impossible to verify the identity.
Secondly, there should be a bank account. Those who do not have it will have to open it.
Thirdly, only scanned copies of the passport are accepted. Fourthly, for some reason, the explanatory note for the final stage has not yet been translated at least into English.
You can trade in Market, Limit and Flash.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Binance DEX. The affiliate company of Binance, a new decentralized exchange launched in spring 2019. Due to its age, it has a low trading volume - 225 BTC and 78 currency pairs for trading.
The concept of the absence of intermediaries has been preserved, the developers only affect the addition of new currencies to the listing. Here they remained true to themselves: each applicant undergoes a rigorous selection and must comply with the list of requirements.
Wallets in the system are autonomous; if one is hacked, the rest remain protected.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
HitBTC. Trading volume is 31,153 BTC, 815 currency pairs. It is an old trustworthy resource, the leader of many ratings.
It was founded in 2013. The Russian-language interface is not supported.
Verification is not necessary, but recommended: the administration requests a scanned copy of the passport, certificate of registration at the place of residence and other documents.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
LiveCoin. The volume is 2,131 BTC, 298 currency pairs. It has been operating since 2015, supports 9 languages, including Russian.
The site is convenient for a trader from the CIS: you can replenish the deposit in USD, EUR or RUB through the QIWI, Perfect Money and Payeer payment systems, VISA / MasterCard cards, verification is not required (you can go through to work with fiat).
The commission is average, from 0.18% and below, depending on the monthly trading volume from the account.
An interesting tool is a Litecoin voucher, which allows you to replenish a deposit in 5 seconds.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Gate.io. The exchange was founded in 2013, the trading volume is small, about 3,252 BTC, but 398 currency pairs are available for trading. The Russian-language interface is not optimized, there is English, but the fact does not attract many traders: the site remains unpopular.
For trading, it is enough to create an account, verification is not required. The instruments are conventional, but the commission is high - 0.2% per trade.
If the established daily limit does not suit you, it is necessary to go through verification: you should make a scanned copy of the passport and a selfie with a document in your hands, upload it to your personal account and wait for verification.
The site operates its own GT token, the holders of which receive discounts in commissions - this is how developers attract investments in the future decentralized exchange.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
When working with cryptocurrencies, traders' reviews matter more than other selection criteria. Based on them, we compose the Top 10.
Exchange was established in 2014. The trading volume is $ 12 364 398 - due to these figures, it is considered to be one of the largest in the world.
Available currencies are Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dash, Monero, Ripple, Stellar, NEM, Ethereum Classic, FactomFactom, ZCash.
Advantages, according to the players:
Disadvantages:
It is an old resource, founded in 2000, having the reputation of a professional one.
Available currencies are Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dash, Ripple, Ethereum Classic, Tether, EOS, Iconomi, Zcash, Monero, Stellar Lumens, Augur, Dogecoin, Melon, Gnosis. Several traditional ones are supported, including USD.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
An American trading platform that supports 327 trading pairs.
Supported cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Stellar, TRON, Monero and others.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Exchange and the eponymous multicurrency wallet.
Supported assets are Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Ethereum Classic, Litecoin, USDC, ZRX, BAT.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Despite several hacks, BitFinex managed to maintain its position in the ratings and good customer reviews. Just like the "Kraken", it is considered professional, so it is better for beginners to refrain from using it.
Supported cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Monero, EOS, IOTA, Ripple, Dash and others.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
One of the most famous Russian-language platforms, focused on the CIS countries. Reputed to be easy to use.
Supported cryptocurrencies are: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dash, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum Classic, Monero, Ripple, ZCash, Waves, KickCoin.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
The exchange, known all over the world for its rapid rise: it was founded in 2017 and almost immediately has entered the top in terms of trading volume. Subsequently, the developers maintained the status, periodically reporting either new projects or some act of charity.
Supported cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance Coin, Bitcoin Cash, TRON, EOS, Ripple, Litecoin, Dash, Monero and a number of other assets.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
The exhange receives quite good reviews from the citizens of the CIS, so it deserves attention.
Supported cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, EOS and others.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Exchange was founded in 2015. Supported cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dash, ZCash, Litecoin and others.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
A convenient platform that has firmly established itself at the top. Trading volume is $ 447,000,000.
Supported currencies are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, EOS, Litecoin, TRON, Dash and others.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Verification is the process of confirming the identity of a client. For it, a client needs to provide scanned copies of documents: passport, driver's license, identification code and others. The list may vary depending on the requirements of the exchange.
The verification problem became acute after the jurisdictions of the United States (SEC) and European countries paid attention to the issue of regulating the cryptocurrency market. The rules are contrary to the anonymous nature of assets, therefore, the rating of platforms is lower without identity confirmation.
Exchange |
Year of foundation |
The volume of tradings |
The list of currencies |
Fiat |
YoBit |
2014 |
~ $35 000 000 |
Dash, ZCash, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple and others |
No |
EXMO |
2014 |
~ $28 000 000 |
Bitcoin, Litecoin, Doge, ZCash, USDT, Ripple, Dash, Ethereum, Litecoin and others |
Yes |
LiveCoin |
2016 |
~ $22 000 000 |
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, Dash, NEXT, Lisk, Dogecoin, Stellar, ZCash and others |
Yes |
Bitmex |
2013 |
~ $1 730 902 870 |
Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Cardano, Ripple, EOS, Ethereum. |
No |
KuCoin |
2017 |
~ $138 800 000 |
Bitcoin, Ripple, Ethereum, EOS, NOIA, Litecoin, TRON |
No |
On some exchanges, it is optional: you do not have to go through verification, but the account's capabilities will be limited. Here it is a better way to build on your trading plans and the conditions of the chosen site - somewhere they simply cut the withdrawal limit, and somewhere they restrict access to fiat.
What do we mean by "reliable cryptocurrency exchange":
Cryptocurrency exchanges in the reliability rating are further.
Considering the volume of the exchange, hacker attacks are logical: the first were noted in 2018, when cybercriminals staged large-scale phishing. There were no casualties, and the site's management allocated a large sum to reward for the capture of criminals or information about them.
The second incident occurred in the same year and is associated with the alleged 51% attack on Syscoin. When the asset soared in price, Binance closed trading, and all those affected were compensated for damage.
In May 2019, hackers managed to steal 7,000 BTC. After that, the developers promised to add support for U2F to the site, improved the API and carried out a number of measures to improve security.
In 2014, 97 BTC were stolen from the exchange, and after this incident, security became one of the most important aspects for developers. The customers' losses were reimbursed.
For additional protection of accounts, two-factor authentication is provided.
Here, traders' assets are stored in cold wallets and are insured against hacking, that is, compensation is guaranteed. There is two-factor authentication.
The exchange is conservative, great attention is paid to security, that is the reason of the difficult verification.
In September 2019, there were rumors that OKEX was hacked (they were associated with suspicious activity), but the management of the exchange denied this assumption.
The user can protect the account with two-factor authentication, an additional password when making transactions and notifications by e-mail.
It is considered one of the safest in the world. For protection, it uses complex addresses and a database in the kbd + language. It considers client verification a part of the protection program, since unnecessary anonymity can contribute to the growth of crime.
The number of currency pairs on the exchange is a fundamental indicator for traders who prefer to build a large investment portfolio and combine it.
CoinMarketCap's advice is applicable to all exchanges: the number of trading pairs can increase (less often - fall) in 2-3 months.
International exchanges with large trading volumes do not always have a Russian-language interface, or it is limited to machine translations. Rating with relatively good and good sites for this indicator.
Decentralized exchanges
By their nature, exchanges can be divided into two types:
Both have their advantages. In the case of decentralized ones:
And in this category, the top place will be taken by Binance DEX - a subsidiary project of Binance, launched in 2019. There were other projects, but:
What is the problem is not clear - it can be assumed that the unstable situation in the cryptocurrency market is to blame, which changed the period of activity and growth.
The decision to highlight this category and describe it separately is due to the fact that not all sites offer trading pairs with USD or EUR. Meanwhile, the ability to get by with the minimum number of transactions is highly appreciated by traders - this allows you to save on commissions.
Taking these criteria into account, we form a general list of the best exchanges in 2019:
The final list did not include all the resources that were present above. It is up to you to decide.
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