In this Crypto.com vs Coinbase guide, we will compare two of the best crypto exchanges in the US today. We will look at their history and discuss their key features and tell you about the cost of trading on either platform. We will discuss their user-friendliness, mobile trading experience, and cryptos available for trade.
By the end of this guide, you will have decided where to buy cryptos between Crypto.com and Coinbase.
Crypto.com vs. Coinbase Summary
Crypto.com and Coinbase are two of the most popular crypto exchanges in the world. They are especially wildly popular among beginners because of their ease of use. Like most top crypto exchanges, Crypto.com and Coinbase have their fair share of similarities and differences.
Here is a quick look at their core features:
- User appeal: Both Crypto.com and Coinbase are quite user-friendly. They have a quick client onboarding process that pours into highly intuitive user interfaces. Their websites are mobile-friendly and also have easy-to-use and highly navigable mobile apps for crypto trading.
- Trading fees: Both Crypto.com and Coinbase maintain highly competitive trading fees. However, Crypto.com maintains a volume-based maker/taker fee model with discounts for CRO token holders. Crypto buying fees on Coinbase are, however, dependent on volume and deposit method.
- Supported crypto: On Coinbase, you can buy and sell slightly over 100 digital currencies. Crypto.com, on the other hand, lets you buy 250+ cryptos and trade 500+ crypto pairs.
- Security: Both Coinbase and Crypto.com have put in place multiple strategies aimed at making their system as secure as possible. These include offline vaults, two-factor authentication, self-custody wallets and even proof of reserves.
Below, in this Crypto.com vs Coinbase guide, we will expound on these similarities and differences. We will compare all their core features and help you decide which the best crypto exchange is for you.
We will even touch on how the two stack against what we consider the best crypto exchange – eToro. This is a multi-regulated and feature-rich crypto trading platform popular for its copy trading tool.
| Features | Crypto.com | Coinbase |
| Currencies | 250+ | 100+ |
| Fees | Maker/taker of between 0.075% and 0%
2.99% for card purposes |
$0.99 to $2.99 for trades below $200
1.49% for eWallet purchases 3.99% for card purchases 0.50% spread |
| Offline storage | Yes, 100% | Yes, 98% |
| Supported transactions | Buy, sell, send, receive, withdraw, and exchange | Buy, sell, send, receive, withdraw, and exchange |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto staking | Yes | Yes |
What is Crypto.com?
Crypto.com is a cryptocurrency trading platform launched in June 2016. It is owned and operated by a Singaporean company, Foris DAX Asia. Both are, however, subsidiaries of the Foris DAX MT of Malta.
It is one of the fastest-growing altcoin exchanges and currently has more than 80 million registered users in 100+ countries. It has also ranked consistently ranked among the top 15 most liquid crypto exchanges.
At Crypto.com, you can buy, sell, and trade all the best altcoins. Crypto.com also offer crypto custody services through two free and safe crypto wallets. First, an exchange-based crypto wallet and a free mobile wallet app for iOS and Android. Further, Crypto.com provides users with multiple passive income-generating opportunities on the exchange and via its DeFi Wallet.
A number of factors also help Crypto.com stand out among the safest crypto exchanges. These start with a pro-regulation stance. Its parent company, Foris DAX, Inc., for instance, has a Money Transmitter license from Louisiana. The exchange also insures client deposits. Plus, it is one of the few top-tier crypto platforms that publish verified proof of reserve audit reports regularly.
Crypto.com Key Features and Strengths
Crpto.com is a feature-rich crypto exchange, which makes it appealing to both beginner and expert crypto investors. Its parent company even came up with a blockchain network – the Cronos network. This network is governed via the Cronos Token (CRO) – which is also the utility token for the Crypto.com exchange.
Here are some of Crypto.com’s core features:
- Proof of reserve audits: Crypto.com publishes verified proof of reserve audits on its platform. This implies that all of the client asses deposited at Crypto.com are fully backed 1:1. Top crypto assets used in the reserve fund include BTC, ETH, USDC, USDT, XRP, LINK, MANA, SHIB, and DOGE. The exchange even makes it possible for individual traders to check if their deposit is reserved.
- com card: In collaboration with Visa, Crypto.com has launched the crypto.com crypto card. This allows you to pay for goods and services in online and offline stores using crypto. You may even withdraw cash at an ATM using the card, and it has high monthly limits for free withdrawals.
- Staking and Passive income: You can stake top cryptos, including Bitcoin, on Crypto.com. The DeFi Wallet also exposes you to thousands of the best DeFi coins and some of the best altcoins to buy. Here, you interact with multiple passive income-generating tools. The best among them are staking, saving, yield farming, and liquidity mining.
- DeFi Wallet:com presents all its platform users with a free DeFi wallet app. The mobile app can be used to hold and manage your crypto balances. It also gives you access to more than 500,000 tokens.
What is Coinbase?
Coinbase is the most popular exchange in the US and the second most liquid exchange in the world. Established in 2012, it is one of the oldest and most reputable crypto trading platforms in the world.
It may also be considered one of the most pro-regulation and safest crypto exchanges. This is attributable to the fact that it is regulated by the SEC in the US and FCA in the UK. It is also the only public-traded crypto exchange listed on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol COIN.
For years, Coinbase has ranked high on most analysts’ list of the best places to buy cryptos for beginners. Much of this could be attributed to its user-friendly trading platform and easy client onboarding process.
It could also be attributed to its support for a wide range of conventional payment options. It, for instance, is one of the few exchanges that let you buy crypto with PayPal. Not forgetting its accessibility as it is currently available in 100+ countries.
A few other factors help Coinbase stand out among the best places to buy top trending cryptos. These include the fact that it is one of the best crypto trading mobile apps. Novice investors are attracted to the fact that they can buy Cryptos like Bitcoin instantly on Coinbase with PayPal.
Coinbase is also popular because it is a multi-asset platform. In addition to cryptos, you can also buy popular NFTs on the exchange.
Coinbase Key Features and Strengths
Coinbase is one of the most successful crypto exchanges of the last decade. It has dominated the US markets for more than a decade and penetrated another 100+ countries. Throughout this period, it has relied on a number of core features that helped it rise above competitors. These include:
- Coinbase Pro: Coinbase runs the Coinbase Pro arm of trading dedicated to professional traders. This platform integrates more advanced trading, research, analysis, and risk management tools. It also maintains more competitive trading fees, following the volume-based maker/taker model. These range between 0.60% and 0%.
- Regulation and COIN listing: Because of its regulation and public listing, Coinbase comes off as one of the best an
- Coinbase card: In partnership with Visa, Coinbase has launched the Coinbase Debit Visa Card. This allows you to pay for goods and services in 40+ million online and offline stores across the world. You may also use it to withdraw cash at ATMs globally and it has high free monthly withdrawal limits.
- Coinbase earn and staking: Coinbase has also come up with beginner-friendly passive income-generating tools – earn and staking. Coinbase earns rewards Coinbase users with free crypto when they learn about crypto and blockchain technology. Staking, on the other hand, lets anyone earn interest when they stake their crypto via the exchange.
Available Currencies to Trade on Crypto.com & Coinbase
Both Crypto.com and Coinbase let you interact with a decent number of digital assets. On Coinbase, you can buy and sell 100+ assets and trade more than 300 crypto pairs. It also lets its platform users invest in NFTs.
Crypto.com, on the other hand, supports 250+ of the next cryptos to explode. You may also trade more than 500 crypto pairs on the platform. Like Coinbase, Crypto.com has also integrated an NFT marketplace and will let you invest in hundreds of popular NFTs. Crypto.com also exposes you to 500,000+ tokens and new crypto via their DeFi wallet app.
Types of Accounts Available
Both Crypto.com and Coinbase present users with one standard account. These can be used to buy and sell cryptos and manage your virtual currency portfolio. But that is as far as their similarities go.
The two share a few key differences. The Crypto.com trading account, for instance, lets you open sub-accounts. These are multiple small accounts within the primary account used to interact with some of Crypto.com’s features.
They can, for instance, be used for margin trading. The account is also different from Coinbase’s as it gives you access to the DeFi environment. Here, you interact with thousands of tokens and DeFi platforms that help you earn passively.
Coinbase, on the other hand, gives you access to the standard account that you may use to buy cryptos and NFTs. It also gives you access to the Coinbase Pro trading account. This maintains lower crypto trading fees and exposes you to more trading pairs. We have also mentioned that it is home to advanced trading, analysis, research, and risk management tools.
Crypto.com Fees vs Coinbase Fees
Coinbase and Crypto.com have different approaches to trading fees. Coinbase, for instance, maintains a rather complex fee model. How much you pay when buying DeFi coins and regular cryptos on the platform is dependent on three key factors. First is the payment method used, second is the trade amount, and third is the platform used.
| Fee type | Fee amount |
| Crypto worth between $1 and $200 | Between $0.99 and $2.99 |
| Crypto worth $201 and above | Between 0% and 0.60% (volume based maker/taker fee) |
| PayPal (eWallet) purchases | Fixed 1.49% + 0.5% spread |
| Card purchases | Fixed 1.49% + 0.5 spread |
| Coinbase pro fees | Maker/taker between 0.60% and 0% |
Crypto.com, on the other hand, is rather transparent with the crypto trading fees charged on its platform. All crypto purchases (except cards) are subjected to a standard and volume-based maker/take fee model.
| Fee type | Fee Amount |
| Crypto purchase with account balance | Maker/taker fee of between 0.075% and 0% (plus discount of between 3% and 30% for CRO holders) |
| Crypto purchase with card | 2.99% |
| Crypto purchase with eWallets | Maker/taker fee of between 0.075% and 0% (plus discount of between 3% and 30% for CRO holders) |
User Experience: Crypto.com vs Coinbase
There are several similarities and differences in the type of user experience offered by both Crypto.com and Coinbase. For instance, both have taken significant steps towards making their platform as user-friendly as possible.
They have optimized their web interfaces for mobile use. Further, they have also come up with highly intuitive user interfaces. They have enhanced their accessibility to virtually all US states.
However, Coinbase is not accessible to Hawaii residents, just as Crypto.com is not available to New Yorkers. While Coinbase presents US residents with 100+ digital assets, crypto.com.US only supports 27 virtual currencies.
The Coinbase web and trader interfaces could also be considered more beginner-friendly. The feature-rich interfaces of Crypto.com may, on the other hand, prove overwhelming to total beginners.
Mobile Apps: Crypto.com vs Coinbase
We have already mentioned that both Crypto.com and Coinbase operate mobile crypto trading apps.
The Coinbase crypto app is available on both the Apps Store and Play Store. The app has a minimalistic feel, which makes it easier to use. It only has a few features, including the one-click crypto buy feature.
In addition to this, Coinbase presents its platform users with two other apps. The non-custodial Coinbase wallet app that you can use to send, receive, and manage your digital assets. It also has the Coinbase PRO dedicated to experienced investors.
The Crypto.com app is also available for both iOS and Android phone users. It, too, seeks to be as beginner-friendly as possible. But it also integrates more technical features and tools that make it second to Coinbase in this regard.
In addition to the trading app, Crypto.com presents its platform users with a free DeFi wallet. This exposes you to 500,000 tokens, a wide range of DeFi platforms, and the web 3 ecosystem.
Are demo Accounts Available on Crypto.com and Coinbase?
A demo account is also commonly referred to as a practice account or paper trading account. It is a free account, loaded with virtual funds, offered to traders by a crypto exchange. Novice traders use it to understand how the platform works and learn how to invest in crypto. Experts, on the other hand, use it to create, test, and perfect trading strategies in a risk-free environment.
Neither Crypto.com nor Coinbase exchange present users with a demo account.
If you are looking for a practice trading account, you will want to consider eToro. This multi-regulated crypto exchange ranks high on our list of top places to buy the best beginner cryptos. Both its web and mobile trading platforms are also beginner-friendly and feature the best future cryptos.
Upon creating an account with eToro, you will have access to a free demo account – loaded with $10,000 in virtual funds. Importantly, note that there is no limit to the number of times that you can rest the demo account.
Crypto.com vs Coinbase – Minimum Deposit & Payment Methods
There are two primary ways of funding your Crypto.com or Coinbase accounts. First, you may make a crypto deposit using any of the tens of cryptos supported by either exchange. Secondly, you can fund your account using fiat. Both exchanges support virtually all the popular conventional payment options. They also have affordably low minimum deposit and trading limits.
The minimum deposit on Coinbase is $2 and $1 for Crypto.com.
The table below looks at the supported payment options for either platform.
| Payment method | Crypto.com | Coinbase |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | Yes |
| Bank transfer | Yes | Yes |
| Credit cards | Yes | Yes |
| Debit cards | Yes | Yes |
| ACH transfers | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pay | Yes | No |
| Skrill | Yes | Yes |
Customer Service
Crypto.com provides more customer service than Coinbase. There are three primary ways of contacting Crypto.com support. These start with a comprehensive FAQs page on the Crypto.com website with self-help tutorials and troubleshooting guides.
You may also contact the Crypto.com support desk via email or live fast. The team is highly responsive on either platform. The exchange, however, doesn’t offer over-the-phone client help.
Coinbase also maintains three ways of availing help to its platform users. Like Crypto.com, it also maintains a comprehensive FAQ section on its website. This has multiple self-help guides and troubleshooting tutorials for the most common challenges.
Other than this, you can use their automated phone system of live chat with a bot. The process of getting accessing human help at Coinbase is long and tedious. In fact, one of Coinbase’s greatest undoing has been its unreliable customer service.
Crypto.com vs Coinbase Regulation & Safety
Crypto.com and Coinbase rank high among the safest crypto exchanges. The two have consistently expressed commitment to the safety of client funds and data. They, for starters, do not share sensitive client information with third parties.
They have also embraced multiple security measures to keep client assets safe. These include subjecting itself to regulation, insurance, and holding client assets in cold storage.
The table below compares some of the safety and security measures adopted by the two exchanges:
| Safety feature | Crypto.com | Coinbase |
| Multi-factor authentication | Yes | Yes |
| Cold storage | 100% | 98% |
| Insurance | Up to $250,000 with FDIC | Up to $250,00 with FDIC |
Crypto.com security
Crypto.com has put in place adequate measures to keep your data and funds safe. Upon creating a user account, for example, the exchange requires to come up with a strong password. You will also need to activate two-factor authentication.
The exchange has also subjected its systems to audit and was even awarded the prestigious ISO/IEC 27701:2019 certification in 2020. Other security measures embraced by the exchange include conducting extensive and regular background checks on employees. It also limits the amount of sensitive client information accessible to these employees.
Coinbase Security
Coinbase has also integrated multiple security measures aimed at keeping client data and funds secure. These start with a multi-layered security approach to access your trading account. This is secured with a strong password and the option of biometrics login and two-factor authentication.
The exchange also subjects its systems to regular audits and even runs a bug bounty program. In addition to these, employees are subjected to a thorough criminal background check.
But even more importantly, 98% of client assets are stored in ultra-secure and geographically distributed offline vaults. The exchange then insures the remaining 2% remaining hot wallets. Not forgetting that it provides regular security patches for its mobile trading app and the mobile wallet app for iPhone and Android. .
Are Crypto.com or Coinbase the best Crypto Exchange in 2022?
Well, both Crypto.com and Coinbase have their key strengths. If you are looking for beginner friendliness and a great selection of the best cryptos to buy, Coinbase is the clear winner. But if you are looking for access to advanced trading tools, passive investing options, and low fees, you might want to consider Crypto.com.
But we wouldn’t consider either of the two the best crypto exchanges in the US. This post is reserved for our top recommendation, eToro. The top crypto trading app combines the top features of crypto.com, Coinbase, and more. It, for instance, is beginner-friendly and integrates advanced trading tools. It is multi-regulated and also holds client funds in ultra-secure offline vaults.
We have already mentioned that eToro is superior to either exchange as it provides users with a free demo account. It is also older and more reputable than either exchange – having been established in 2012. Not forgetting that it is more secure – considering that it has never been hacked.
Atop all these, eToro gives crypto traders and investors access to its copy trading and smart portfolio tools. These allow anyone on eToro to earn passively. Novice and intermediate crypto investors earn when they copy the trade settings of the most successful traders.
The pro investors, on the other hand, earn a commission every time someone copies their trade settings. Might we add that the average ROI for the top 50 copied pro investors averaged 30.4%.
In addition to trade settings, investors interested in a more diversified crypto portfolio may copy smart portfolios. These appeal most to long-term investors and are specially tailored with risk tolerance and investment goals in mind. You only need a minimum account balance of $200 to start copy trading on eToro.
To learn which is the best crypto exchange between Binance and Coinbase, read this comparative guide.
Conclusion – Crypto.com vs Coinbase – Which is Best?
Crypto.com and Coinbase have many similarities. Much of this is due to the fact that they operate in the same industry and offer similar services.
But they also have a number of differences. Coinbase, for example, only has staking as the passive income-generating tool on its platform. Crypto.com, on the other hand, supports staking and introduces you to the DeFi world. Crypto.com also maintains highly competitive crypto trading fees.
If you are looking for the best crypto exchange for beginners, you will want to go with Coinbase. But if you are looking for the best crypto exchange for active day trading, you are better off choosing Crypto.com.
Alternatively, eToro is also considered by many users as the best crypto exchange for US investors.
Reviewed and Fact Checked by Kamal Masri, Crypto Writer and Investment Analyst.
eToro Exchange
- Free Copy Trading of Professional Traders
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FAQs on Crypto.com vs Coinbase
Which is the better exchange between Crypto.com and Coinbase?
Coinbase and Crypto.com have their unique strengths. Coinbase has positioned itself as the best crypto exchange for beginner investors, though it also serves experts via Coinbase PRO. Crypto.com, on the other hand, appeals to expert investors. It is also the best crypto exchange for anyone looking to grow their investment passively.
Which is cheaper, Coinbase or Crypto.com?
Crypto.com is cheaper than Coinbase. First, because it maintains a highly competitive and volume-based fee structure. Secondly, it is cheaper because it discounts your transaction fees by between 3% and 30% if you hold CRO tokens.
Which is better for day trading between Crypto.com and Coinbase?
Coinbase is ideal if you are looking to buy cryptos instantly or for long-term investors. It only hosts a limited number of ways that you may want to trade systems that do not necessarily have to be granted.
Are Coinbase and Crypto.com the best exchanges?
Yes, Coinbase and crypto.com are some of the best crypto exchanges in the US. They are popular because they give their platform users access to a decent selection of digital assets. They are also popular because they support passive investing and maintain competitive crypto trading fees.
Who can use Coinbase?
Coinbase is designed with the beginner investor in mind. This is made possible by the fact that it has a beginner-friendly interface but also supports passive investing. It is also home to a comprehensive education resource. Here, beginners learn how to invest in cryptos, the different types of crypto, and how to keep their digital assets safe.
Who can use Crypto.com?
Crypto.com is designed with the experienced and risk-tolerant investor in mind. Its web and mobile trading platforms integrate a wide range of advanced trading, analysis, research, and risk management tools. It also exposes these investors to the DeFi world. This introduces them to 500,000 tokens and a wide range of passive income opportunities.