Trading cryptocurrency has become relatively easy, thanks to the proliferation of crypto trading apps that make the process almost as simple as buying stocks through a brokerage app. With a few taps, you can deposit funds, research coins and tokens, and make trades all from your phone, tablet, or computer.
However, because there are so many different crypto trading apps available now, from CEXs like Coinbase to DeFi-first wallets like Best Wallet, it can be hard to decide which combination makes the most sense for you. Many investors end up pairing a regulated exchange app with a self-custody wallet such as Best Wallet so they can trade on the go while still keeping control of their private keys.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand what factors to weigh when choosing the best crypto trading app for your situation.
How to Choose the Best Crypto Trading App
While the best crypto trading app is subjective, as different investors have different preferences, some of the most important factors to consider when making your choice include:
- Security: If your crypto isn’t secure, then it doesn’t really matter what bells and whistles an app has. Consider whether it has baseline features like two-factor authentication (2FA), as well as threat detection. Different investors also have different preferences in terms of whether they trust a centralized exchange (CEX) to hold and secure their crypto or whether they want to use a self-custody wallet through a decentralized crypto exchange (DEX), such as Best Wallet, instead of leaving assets on a centralized exchange.
- Regulation: Some crypto trading apps are more regulated than others, which could add a level of security. However, some investors want to trade more privately, without going through Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification, which might mean using a less-regulated app is a better fit for them. If you prefer to avoid full KYC while still managing assets from your phone, a DeFi wallet app like Best Wallet can offer a more pseudonymous route, though it also puts more responsibility on you to stay compliant and secure.
- Fees: Crypto trading apps can vary widely in costs, such as trading fees, spreads, and deposit/withdrawal charges. Carefully weigh these to see what’s most affordable based on what/how you plan to trade.
- Supported coins: Some crypto trading apps support a handful of major cryptocurrencies, while others have deep compatibility with big and small altcoins.
- Ease of use: The user interface of some platforms and offerings, like learning tools, makes them a better fit for beginners, while more advanced traders might prefer platforms that allow for more in-depth, customized analysis.
- Features/products: Beyond basic trading functionality, crypto trading apps can differ in their features and products offered, such as research tools, staking, and futures, or by combining a self-custody wallet with integrated DEX access and token launchpads, as Best Wallet does.
- Customer support: While not a must for all investors, some apps offer more robust customer support to help you resolve any trading or account management issues.
Best Crypto Apps for Trading in 2026
Some of the best crypto apps for trading in 2026 and beyond include the following:
Coinbase — Best for Beginners
Coinbase is one of the most popular crypto exchanges, in part because it has a clean interface and a deep library of learning tools that make it a good fit for beginners. Coinbase, founded in 2012, is a publicly traded company, and it operates in over 100 countries as a CEX. Trading must take place through a built-in custodial wallet, but you can then transfer assets to a self-custody wallet if you prefer.
With nearly $300 billion in quarterly trading volume, it typically offers good liquidity in major cryptocurrencies, which can be helpful for beginners. You can also access other offerings, like a credit or debit card, staking rewards, and advanced tools for businesses and institutional investors. Many users also move longer-term holdings from their Coinbase account into a non-custodial wallet like Best Wallet so they can keep assets off-exchange while still trading and using DeFi on mobile.
Pros
- Good UX
- Strong liquidity for major cryptocurrencies
- Broad range of crypto-related offerings besides trading
Cons
- Limited list of supported cryptocurrencies compared to some platforms, though that typically applies to much smaller coins/tokens
- KYC requirements can be cumbersome to some investors
- Fees may be higher than some other platforms
Gemini — Best for Security-Conscious Investors
Gemini Space Station, or Gemini for short, is arguably the best CEX pick for security-conscious investors. Founded by the Winklevoss twins in 2014, it also became a publicly traded company in 2025. But it stands out for security and regulatory controls. It holds a banking charter under New York law and is the first in its joint role as crypto exchange and custodian to complete SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 certifications, a significant sign of its ongoing commitment to cybersecurity protections.
Plus, Gemini offers an intuitive interface to access broad features and products, such as research tools and its own stablecoin. However, the centralized nature of the exchange presents the same potential downsides as Coinbase, like having to use an exchange account before potentially transferring to a self-custody wallet. Security-conscious investors who like Gemini’s controls sometimes complement it with a self-custody app such as Best Wallet so they are not relying on any single custodian.
Pros
- Strong focus on security
- Native stablecoin can make transfers more efficient and affordable
- Broad offerings, such as a credit card with flexible rewards
Cons
- Limited support for non-major cryptocurrencies
- Fees can be higher than some competitors for some order types, e.g. 1% convenience fee and 1.49% transaction fee for instant orders
- Highly regulated nature can pose barriers to some, including those seeking to avoid KYC requirements
Kraken — Best for Advanced Trading
Kraken shares many similarities with CEXs like Coinbase and Gemini, and it is reportedly making plans to become a publicly traded company. Founded in 2011, the exchange has a relatively deep list of supported cryptocurrencies — currently 558 — and it’s available in over 190 countries, though not in every US state (no service in Maine and New York, plus certain restrictions in some others).
And while several exchanges offer advanced trading platforms and features for experienced and large investors, Kraken is arguably the best in this department. Its Kraken Pro and Kraken Desktop offerings can help crypto traders conduct deep research, and Kraken Pro users in the US can also trade over 11,000 stocks and ETFs. Active traders who also want to experiment with DeFi often hold part of their portfolio in a non-custodial wallet like Best Wallet while using Kraken’s advanced tools for spot and derivatives trading.
Pros
- Advanced trading tools and offerings, e.g. crypto futures and stocks within the US
- Fees may be lower than similar competitors
- Strong staking rewards
Cons
- Restricted availability in some US states
- Interface and features might not align with what beginners are looking for
- Multiple offerings across different apps can add complexity
Best Wallet — Best for DeFi
While many of the best crypto trading apps are CEXs, Best Wallet is a top choice for those who prefer trading through a DEX and want broader access to the decentralized finance (DeFi) industry overall. Best Wallet is a non-custodial wallet that also has far-ranging features, including an integrated DEX, built-in crypto launchpad, and portfolio management tools.
Best Wallet does not have KYC requirements and uses an exchange aggregation system to help users find better pricing and liquidity across different DEXs. It also boasts advanced security features and a scam scanner, helping to protect investors as they choose which crypto to invest in.
Pros
- No KYC requirements
- Deep access to millions of tokens across over 60 networks
- Integrated DeFi offerings, such as a crypto launchpad to find new tokens
Cons
- Mobile-only currently
- Self-custody nature puts more onus on the customer for security
- Gas fees may be higher than with some CEXs that batch transactions
Best Crypto Apps at a Glance
Tips for Safe Crypto Trading on Mobile
While crypto trading apps make it easy to trade on mobile, you don’t want to let convenience overpower security. Remember these best practices:
- Use 2FA and strong passwords: Basic security hygiene like this can reduce the risk of hackers accessing your accounts, which could lead right to your funds in a custodial account (there are risks for self-custody platforms too).
- Avoid trading on public WiFi: Cybercriminals could potentially intercept sensitive data if you’re not using a secured network.
- Keep apps updated: Mobile app developers often release security updates that enhance security — don’t ignore them.
- Beware of phishing links and fake apps: Keep your guard up for issues like account access emails that might appear important but are really phishing attempts. Look for red flags, such as non-matching URLs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Best Crypto Apps
What is the best crypto app for beginners?
The best crypto app for beginners is often considered to be Coinbase, a CEX with a clean user interface, staking, and an array of learning tools. Best Wallet is another beginner-friendly crypto app that’s best for DeFi and self-custody enthusiasts.
Which crypto app has the lowest fees?
It’s hard to universally say which crypto app has the lowest fees, as it depends on factors such as trading volume, order type, and the assets you’re trading. Platforms like Kraken, however, are often touted for having relatively low fees.
Are crypto trading apps safe?
The safety of crypto trading apps varies by platform. Do your own research to assess whether a particular app is seemingly doing enough to keep client information and assets (if applicable) safe. Some platforms, like Best Wallet, offer advanced security features like biometric login.
Can I trade crypto anonymously on mobile?
You may be able to trade crypto pseudonymously (anonymous to a degree, but still tied to identifiers like your public key) on mobile through a decentralized exchange, like Best Wallet, a no-KYC platform.
Created by the Commerce team at Business Insider with Best Wallet.
