Coinbase vs Kraken

Q: Is Coinbase free?

Coinbase has a free plan, with paid plans for more features. See its verified pricing facts above for current limits.

Q: Is Kraken free?

Kraken has a free plan, with paid plans for more features. See its verified pricing facts above for current limits.

Q: Which platforms do Coinbase and Kraken support?

Coinbase: Web, iOS and Android. Kraken: Web, iOS, Android, Windows and macOS.

Updated November 2026 · AppBreakup editorial

Coinbase

Large regulated crypto exchange and app for buying, selling, staking and trading crypto.

Free plan + paid

Visit Coinbase Coinbase profile

Kraken

Crypto exchange running since 2011, with a pro trading platform, staking and US stocks.

Free plan + paid

Visit Kraken Kraken profile

The short answer

Coinbase suits beginners and US investors who want a simple, well-known app to buy and hold crypto. Kraken suits more active traders who want volume-based maker-taker fees, margin, futures and, in some regions, US stocks. The biggest difference is cost for regular trading: Coinbase's simple buys include a spread on top of fees, while Kraken Pro's fees fall as volume grows.

Coinbase or Kraken: our take

Both exchanges have a simple app for one-tap buys and a separate view for active traders. On Coinbase that is Coinbase Advanced (formerly Coinbase Pro), with order books, charts and lower maker-taker fees. On Kraken it is Kraken Pro, with order books, charts, margin and futures across 600+ crypto pairs, plus a desktop app for Windows and Mac and an API. Coinbase runs on the web, iOS and Android. Kraken, operating since 2011, adds 11,000+ stocks and ETFs in some regions, so crypto and shares can sit in one account.

Fees are where they differ most. Simple Coinbase buys include a spread in the buy and sell prices on top of fees, which makes small purchases relatively expensive. Its Coinbase One membership removes trading fees up to a limit and adds account protection and boosted rewards. Kraken Pro uses volume-based maker-taker tiers starting at 0.40% maker / 0.80% taker at the entry tier, which is higher than some rivals but drops as your 30-day volume grows. Kraken+ costs $4.99 a month for zero fees on up to $10k/month of trading, with a 30-day free trial.

Both offer staking rewards, a crypto card in some countries and a separate self-custody wallet, and coins left on either exchange are held for you rather than in your own wallet. Coinbase adds rewards on USDC. Kraken publishes proof-of-reserves attestations so customers can check their balances are backed. Features, products and leverage vary by country on both, so check what is available where you live.

First-time buyers, especially in the US, will find Coinbase's main app the easier start and its brand the more familiar one. People who trade regularly, want derivatives, or like seeing proof of reserves will usually find Kraken Pro cheaper and more capable, though its interface takes time to learn. Occasional buyers on either platform can cut costs by using the advanced view instead of one-tap buys.

Choose Coinbase if…

Beginners and US-based investors who want a well-known, regulated place to buy and hold crypto
Easy app for first-time buyers, with a separate advanced trading view
Staking and USDC rewards inside the same account

Choose Kraken if…

Crypto traders who want low volume-based fees, margin and futures on an established exchange
You need Windows and macOS, which Coinbase doesn't list
Volume-based maker-taker fees on Kraken Pro
Proof-of-reserves reporting

What is Coinbase?

Coinbase is a US-listed cryptocurrency exchange and one of the most common first stops for buying Bitcoin, Ethereum and hundreds of other coins with a bank account or card. The main app is built for beginners, while Coinbase Advanced (formerly Coinbase Pro) offers order books, charts and lower maker-taker fees for active traders. You can also stake some assets for rewards, earn rewards on USDC, use a crypto debit card in some countries, and move funds to the separate self-custody Base app. Simple buys include a spread on top of fees, which makes small purchases relatively expensive; Coinbase One is a monthly membership that removes trading fees up to a limit and adds account protection and boosted rewards. It runs on the web, iOS and Android and is available in the US, UK, much of Europe, Canada and other countries, with features varying by region.

What is Kraken?

Kraken is one of the longest-running cryptocurrency exchanges, operating since 2011. The standard app keeps buying and selling simple, while Kraken Pro gives active traders order books, charts, margin and futures across hundreds of crypto pairs, plus a desktop app and API. Fees on Pro follow a maker-taker schedule that falls as your 30-day volume grows, which makes it cheaper than one-tap buys for regular traders. Beyond crypto, Kraken now offers US stocks and ETFs in some regions, staking rewards, recurring buys, a crypto card and a separate self-custody wallet. It publishes proof-of-reserves attestations so customers can check their balances are backed. Opening an account is free; you pay trading fees and spreads, with an optional Kraken+ membership. Availability and features vary by country, and it runs on the web, iOS, Android and desktop.

Side by side

Attribute	Coinbase	Kraken
Pricing	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Open source	No	No
Self-hostable	No	No
Platforms	Web, iOS, Android	Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Best for	Beginners and US-based investors who want a well-known, regulated place to buy and hold crypto	Crypto traders who want low volume-based fees, margin and futures on an established exchange
Status	Active	Active