Top Platforms for Trading Altcoins

Altcoin exchanges are trading platforms that allow investors to buy, sell, hold, and trade cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin. We reviewed the top 30 platforms based on factors like liquidity, security, supported altcoins, fees, and additional features, and have curated a list of the ten best places to buy altcoins to help you make informed decisions.

Best Exchanges for Altcoin Trading in 2025: Top Picks for Investors

10 Best Altcoin Exchanges: Reviewed and Ranked for 2025

1. Binance – Best for High Liquidity and Trading Volume

Binance, founded in 2017, has grown to become the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume. It offers a comprehensive platform with a huge selection of coins and trading pairs, deep liquidity, and very low fees. The crypto exchange caters to both beginners and advanced traders, offering options from simple buys in Lite mode to advanced order types in Pro mode.

Beyond spot trading, Binance supports margin and derivatives trading, including perpetual futures and options, as well as peer-to-peer (P2P) trading and various DeFi earning opportunities.

Supported Coins and Pairs: 500+ assets and 1,500+ trading pairs.

Key Features:

• Low transaction fees with native token (BNB) discounts.
• Advanced trading tools and APIs.
• The biggest crypto exchange, offering large trading volume and deep liquidity.
• Access to staking, lending, Launchpad token sales, and a P2P marketplace.

Security:

• Cold wallet storage of most user assets.
• Proof of Reserves and transparent security audits.
• $1 billion Binance SAFU (Secure Asset Fund for Users)

2. Coinbase – Best Crypto Exchange for US Traders

Coinbase is a US-based cryptocurrency exchange regulated by top financial . It was established in 2012 and is well-known for its user-friendly interface, making it ideal for beginners. Coinbase offers a broad selection of digital assets, with access to over 550 trading pairs and markets, including crypto derivatives.

The platform provides simple buy/sell options, staking, crypto rewards cards, and educational resources through its Coinbase Earn program. Though Coinbase’s trading fees tend to be higher than some competitors, its seamless fiat onramps, insured wallets, cold storage, and compliance make it a popular choice for US-based crypto investors and institutions alike.

Supported Coins and Pairs: Over 240 supported cryptocurrencies and more than 550 trading pairs and derivative markets.

Key Features:

• Beginner-friendly trading interfaces.
• Coinbase One subscription for no-fee trading.
• Comprehensive ecosystem including wallet apps, staking, and crypto cards.
• Educational content with token rewards.

Security:

• Industry-leading security protocols, including cold storage of assets.
• Insurance coverage for digital assets held online.
• Strong regulatory compliance with US authorities.

3. Bybit – Best Crypto Exchange for Derivatives Trading

Bybit was founded in 2018 and has established itself as a leading derivatives cryptocurrency exchange. The exchange platform specializes in perpetual contracts and options trading with leverage up to 100x, serving professional traders demanding deep liquidity, fast order matching, and advanced trading tools.

Bybit offers spot trading as well, but its strength lies in derivatives markets, including major altcoins like ETH, SOL, and XRP, as well as a growing list of lesser-known altcoins. The platform is known for its intuitive interface, fast execution speeds, and various automation options.

Supported Coins and Pairs: 700+ coins and 1,200 pairs for spot and derivatives. The crypto exchange also has deep liquidity in perpetual futures and options markets.

Key Features:

• Up to 125x leverage on derivatives.
• Advanced trading tools and API access.
• Crypto trading bots and automation.
• Competitive fees and fast execution.

Security:

• Proof of Reserves audit.
• Two-factor authentication.
• Insurance Fund: Bybit’s insurance fund is a reserve pool that is used to protect traders from excessive losses in Derivatives trading.

4. OKX – Best Cryptocurrency Exchange for Beginners

OKX was launched in 2017. The crypto exchange offers a wide range of features and a user-friendly interface designed for both beginners and advanced traders. It provides spot trading, futures, perpetual swaps, and options with deep liquidity and customizable margin. Its integration with a Web3 wallet provides users with easy access to DeFi projects, NFTs, and decentralized applications.

OKX offers additional services such as automated trading bots, yield products, and participation in token Launchpads. While OKX is suitable for beginners and seasoned traders, US residents face trading restrictions. Aside from its user-friendly interface, OKX offers low fees and a strong focus on user experience with cross-platform apps.

Supported Coins and Pairs: Large selection of altcoins (350+ supported coins) and 500+ pairs.

Key Features:

• High-speed order matching engine.
• Yield-generating products through Earn.
• Automated bot trading.
• Launchpad for early project access.

Security:

• Zero-knowledge proof technology with zk-STARKs.
• Cold wallet storage.
• Two-factor authentication.

5. Bitget – Best Crypto Exchange for Copy Trading

Bitget is a popular exchange known for its leading copy trading platform designed for futures and spot markets. The crypto exchange was founded in 2018 and is especially favored by traders interested in social trading, as it allows users to follow and replicate the strategies of more experienced traders.

Bitget supports a wide variety of low-market-cap crypto tokens alongside major cryptocurrencies and offers low fees across spot and futures markets. Its user interface is optimized for mobile devices, and it provides a large protection fund as an added safety layer. Bitget underwent regulatory expansion and offers monthly transparent Proof of Reserves reports, reassuring users of its solvency.

Bitget Supported Coins and Pairs: 700+ coins and hundreds of trading pairs.

Key Features:

• Leading copy trading with commission incentives.
• Low fees on trading pairs.
• Extensive customer support.
• Large Protection Fund exceeding $779 million.
• Bitget Wallet (non-custodial wallet)

Security:

• Monthly Proof of Reserves with transparency.
• Protection Fund for incident coverage.
• Licensing in multiple jurisdictions, including Georgia.

6. KuCoin – Best for Broad Altcoin Access and Low Fees

KuCoin is a global crypto exchange popular for its intuitive design, security, and ease of use. It supports spot trading, futures trading with leverage, margin trading, staking, and lending of cryptocurrencies, offering over 900 digital assets for trading across various markets.

It caters to both beginner and seasoned traders, offering user-friendly interfaces and advanced trading tools, including automated bots. The exchange also has its native token, KuCoin Shares (KCS), and supports multiple fiat currencies, mainly via P2P markets and third-party integrations for credit/debit card purchases.

Supported Coins and Pairs: 1,000+ coins and 1,200+ trading pairs.

Key Features:

• Spot and margin trading
• Derivatives contracts (futures and options trading)
• Staking and lending
• Automated bots.

Security:

• Cold storage of user funds
• Hot wallets with multi-signature tech
• Mandatory 2FA for withdrawals
• Anti-phishing systems and IP whitelisting

7. Gate.io – Best for Highest Variety and Institutional Futures Trading

Gate.io is a global cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2013. It provides a broad range of trading options, including spot trading, margin trading with leverage, futures trading, options, and both manual and automated trading with trading bots.

Gate.io also has its own blockchain ecosystem, GateChain, and a native utility token, GateToken (GT). In addition to trading, Gate offers services like staking, lending, NFT trading and minting, and crypto-based payment solutions (Gate Pay). It also supports a non-custodial, multi-chain Web3 wallet that works with over 100 blockchain networks.

Supported Coins and Pairs: 2,500+ coins and hundreds of trading pairs.

Key Features:

• Spot trading and margin trading with leverage.
• Futures and options trading.
• Automated quantitative trading
• The platform provides staking, lending, and an NFT marketplace
• Multi-chain crypto wallet integration supporting over 100 blockchains.

Security:

• Multi-signature wallets
• A combination of hot and cold wallets for asset storage
• Continuous risk monitoring.

8. MEXC – Overall Best Exchange for Zero-Fee Trading

MEXC is a high-performance crypto exchange well-regarded for its massive altcoin selection, boasting around 3,500+ coins, including many smaller or emerging projects. The exchange provides advanced trading features, including up to 500x leveraged futures, zero maker fees on spot and futures trading, copy trading, a decentralized exchange (DEX+) integration, and a launchpad for new token sales.

MEXC Exchange was launched in 2018 and currently serves over 40 million users across more than 170 countries. In addition to MEXC’s quick registration process, the exchange is among the best crypto exchanges for zero-fee trading. 

Supported Coins and Pairs: 3,500+ coins and 1,500+.

Key Features:

• Spot and futures markets
• 500x leverage
• Zero maker fees
• MEXC launchpad and Kickstarter events
• DEX+ integration

Security:

• Bi-monthly Proof of Reserves audits
• An insurance fund to cover user losses beyond margin accounts
• 2FA, IP whitelisting, and withdrawal address whitelisting.

9. BingX – Best for Copy Trading and Diverse Asset Offering

BingX is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange launched in 2018, known for its comprehensive suite of trading services, including spot trading, futures trading with up to 125x leverage, and a strong focus on copy trading, allowing users to replicate strategies of experienced crypto traders automatically.

The exchange supports over 750 cryptocurrencies and trading pairs. It offers user-friendly features such as a simplified futures interface called “Futures Kick-Off,” real-time market data, advanced risk management tools, and a demo trading option.

Supported Coins and Pairs: 750+ coins and a wide variety of trading pairs across spot trading, futures, and derivatives markets.

Key Features:

• Social and copy trading
• Futures trading with up to 125x leverage
• User-friendly interface catering to beginners and professionals
• Demo trading for practice
• Crypto debit card for spending digital assets.

Security:

• Bank-grade custody solutions
• Insurance funds to cover user losses beyond users’ margin accounts
• Regular security audits

10. HTX (Huobi) – Best for Advanced Trading Features and Community Governance

HTX, formerly known as Huobi, is a prominent global crypto exchange founded in 2013. It originated in China and has since expanded operations globally with offices in Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and other locations. HTX was rebranded from Huobi in 2023 and is now headquartered in Seychelles.

The exchange has a native token, HTX (formerly Huobi Token or HT), which offers benefits such as discounted trading fees, voting rights for governance, access to exclusive promotions, and rewards through seasonal buybacks.

Supported Coins and Pairs: 700+ coins and over 400 trading pairs.

Key Features:

• Spot trading and margin trading with leverage
• Algorithmic trading tools
• Crypto lending and staking
• Managed sub-accounts
• On-chain DAO voting mechanism for governance

Security:

• Two-factor authentication
• Cold and hot wallet segregation
• Insurance funds
• Real-time risk monitoring

What Is an Altcoin Exchange?

An altcoin exchange is a cryptocurrency trading platform where users can buy, sell, and trade altcoins, which are cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin. These exchanges support trading in major digital assets like Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Ethereum Classic (ETC), and XRP, as well as other altcoins, including memecoins and stablecoin pairs.

Types of Altcoin Exchanges

Centralized Exchanges (CEXs)

Centralized exchanges are cryptocurrency trading platforms operated by a single company or entity that acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers. Users deposit their funds into individual accounts held by the crypto exchange, which acts as a custodian and facilitates transactions via an order-book system similar to traditional stock exchanges.

Since the exchange holds users’ funds, there is a need to trust the platform’s security and fairness, even though these exchanges are more susceptible to hacking attempts than decentralized exchanges. Some examples of centralized exchanges are MEXC, Binance, Coinbase, and KuCoin.

Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)

A decentralized exchange (DEX) is a peer-to-peer marketplace where users trade crypto directly with each other, without a central intermediary or custodian. Instead of relying on a company or centralized entity to hold and manage funds, DEXs operate through blockchain-based smart contracts that automatically execute trades and record transactions on the blockchain.

This non-custodial approach means users maintain control of their private keys and funds throughout the trading process. Popular examples of DEXs include Uniswap, PancakeSwap, MetaMask, and SushiSwap.

Hybrid Exchanges (HEXs)

Hybrid exchanges (HEXs) are crypto trading platforms that combine features from both centralized exchanges and decentralized exchanges to offer an optimized trading experience. They combine the speed, liquidity, and user-friendly interfaces of centralized exchanges with the security, privacy, and non-custodial control of DEXs.

These exchanges use a CEX, a fast order-matching engine to ensure quick and efficient trade execution, while settlement and custody of funds occur on a blockchain via smart contracts, allowing users to retain control over their private keys and assets.

Popular examples of HEXs include Qurrex and Nash Exchange. Other platforms, such as Binance, Huobi Global, and Coinbase, are considered “hybrid” due to their integration of both CEX features and decentralized/non-custodial wallet solutions.

Other Variations

• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Exchanges: These platforms connect buyers and sellers but do not hold funds in a custodial manner.
• Crypto Derivatives Exchanges: Platforms that focus on the trading of derivatives like futures and options based on cryptocurrencies.
• Over-the-Counter (OTC): Exchanges designed for large-volume trades that are not placed on the public market to avoid price slippage.

Why Altcoins Matter in Crypto Trading

Altcoins matter in crypto trading for several important reasons:

• New Use Cases: Altcoins often introduce new functionalities, technologies, and use cases, such as decentralized finance (DeFi), privacy features, governance tokens, and play-to-earn gaming tokens. For instance, ETH enables DeFi, NFTs, smart contracts, dApps, asset tokenization, and cross-border payments. Another, SOL is a fast, low-cost blockchain ideal for scalable DeFi applications, NFT marketplaces, Web3 apps, gaming, and micropayments.
• Higher Volatility and Trading Opportunities: Altcoins have lower market caps and lower liquidity than Bitcoin, often leading to greater price volatility. This volatility creates more frequent price swings that can be exploited by traders for short-term gains and day trading strategies. Many crypto traders are attracted to altcoins precisely for their higher potential returns, despite the increased risk.​
• Portfolio Diversification: Including altcoins helps crypto investors diversify their holdings. This can reduce portfolio risk and position investors to capitalize on trends and innovations in various blockchain projects.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Exchange

When choosing a crypto exchange, consider these key factors to ensure security, usability, and suitability for your trading needs:

• Security: Look for exchanges with strong security measures such as 2FA, cold storage of funds, insurance policies, regulatory compliance, and a history free of major hacks. Many exchanges have been hacked at some point, so focus on how the company responded and whether victims were reimbursed.
• Fees and Costs: Compare trading, withdrawal, and deposit fees, as well as any hidden charges. Lower fees can improve your profit margin, especially if you are an active trader.
• Supported Assets and Trading Pairs: Ensure the exchange offers the cryptocurrencies and trading pairs you want to access, including altcoins and stablecoins.
• Liquidity and Volume: Deep liquidity and high daily trading volume allow faster order execution and tighter spreads, reducing slippage and improving the prices of your trades.
• User Experience and Interface: Intuitive design, ease of navigation, and the availability of advanced features such as charting tools, margin trading, and mobile accessibility are also important factors to consider.
• Customer Support: Responsive and effective customer service can help resolve issues quickly, which is critical when dealing with financial assets.
• Deposit and Withdrawal Options: Check available payment methods (bank transfers, credit cards, crypto deposits), withdrawal limits, and processing times.
• Additional Features: Finally, check the exchange’s additional features, especially if you want to do more than simply buy and sell. Some exchanges offer copy trading, staking, lending, futures and options trading, integrated crypto wallets, and more.

How to Buy Altcoins on an Exchange (Step-by-Step)

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to buy altcoins:

1. Choose a Reliable Exchange: Select a reputable crypto exchange that supports the altcoin you want to buy (e.g., Binance, Coinbase, Kraken). You can even compare two or more exchanges side-by-side, like we did with this comprehensive MEXC vs KuCoin comparison.
2. Create and Verify Your Account: Register on the exchange and complete any required KYC (identity verification) to comply with regulations.
3. Deposit Funds: Add funds to your account in fiat currencies like USD or EUR via bank transfer or credit/debit card, or deposit cryptocurrencies such as stablecoins (USDT, USDC) or other altcoins.
4. Select the Altcoin to Buy: If you bought USDT/USDC, navigate to the trading section, find your desired altcoin trading pair (e.g., ETH/USD or BTC/SOL), and decide how much you want to purchase.
5. Choose Order Type: Select a market order to buy instantly at the current price or a limit order to buy at a specific price when it is reached. Confirm your order details and complete the purchase.

How to Trade Altcoins Effectively

Here are the key steps to trade altcoins successfully:

• Do Your Own Research (DYOR): Understand the altcoin’s technology, team, use case, market potential, and community support. Monitor news, reliable news sites, and online sources, especially on Twitter (X) and crypto Telegram channels, as well as on-chain data for signals.
• Technical Analysis (TA): Use chart patterns, volume, indicators like RSI, MACD, and moving averages to time entries and exits. Altcoins can be volatile, so invest only what you are willing to lose and set risk controls, such as clear price targets, take profits, and stop losses.
• Choose the Right Exchange: Trade on exchanges with strong liquidity, reasonable fees, and the assets you need to avoid slippage and delays. To find top exchanges, check crypto exchange rankings on reliable CEX and DEX tracking sites.
• Stay Updated and  Avoid FOMO: Crypto markets react quickly to sentiment and regulatory news. Stay connected through social media, forums, and crypto news outlets. Also, do not chase pumps or panic sell during dips. Stick to your plan and trade rationally.

Finally, use hardware or secure software wallets to protect your investments, especially if you’re holding for the long term.

Conclusion

The best altcoin trading platforms right now are Binance, Coinbase, Bybit, OKX, Bitget, KuCoin, Gate, MEXC, BingX, and HTX (Huobi). These crypto exchanges offer crypto investors tools to buy, sell, hold, and trade thousands of cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin. In addition to these tools, they also implement robust security measures and offer competitive fee trading to help traders make the most of their investments.

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