How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- Kraken offers a strong balance of low pro fees and security for regular traders.
- Coinbase is easiest for new users, while Gemini suits holders who prioritise regulation.
- Binance.US suits active traders on fees, and Crypto.com suits mobile users who want rewards.
- Uphold covers several asset types in one app, while Robinhood is simplest for stock investors.
- Use the advanced trade screen where offered, because simple buy prices are usually higher.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Kraken | Low fees and strong security | $0 (free app, trading fees apply) | Yes |
 Coinbase | Beginners and US regulation | $0 (free app, trading fees apply) | Yes |
 Crypto.com | Mobile coins, rewards, and cards | $0 (free app, trading fees apply) | Yes |
 Gemini | Regulated custody for careful holders | $0 (free app, trading fees apply) | Yes |
 Binance.US | Active traders seeking low spot fees | $0 (free app, trading fees apply) | Yes |
 Uphold | Trading crypto, stocks, and metals together | $0 (free app, trading fees apply) | Yes |
 Robinhood Crypto | Simple crypto beside stocks | $0 (free app, spreads apply) | Yes |
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Starting price$0 (free app, trading fees apply)
Free planYes
Kraken is a strong first choice for readers who want a full cryptocurrency app with lower pro fees. A simple app for buying sits beside Kraken Pro for charts and lower fees, and staking is available on many assets where state rules allow it. It is built around low fees and strong security, and that focus shows in how the main screens are arranged, with the most used actions close at hand and less used settings kept out of the way. For a new user, the first week usually settles the question of fit, because the core routine either feels natural or it starts to feel like extra work.
In daily use, Kraken works best when it holds one clear job at first. Move only the lists or schedules you already use, and check the tool on a phone as well as on a computer, because a tool that is awkward on the device you carry will be skipped on busy days.
On price, compare the free plan or trial against the features you use every week, not against the full feature list. Kraken fits readers who want low fees and strong security. If the limits below look like daily friction, choose a different option from this list instead of forcing a fit.
What we like- Low Pro maker and taker fees
- Long security record
- Staking on many assets
Watch out for- Instant buy fees are higher than Pro fees
- Some features vary by state
Starting price$0 (free app, trading fees apply)
Free planYes
Coinbase suits readers who want the simplest path into cryptocurrency with strong US regulation. Simple buys, recurring purchases, and learning guides help new users, while Advanced Trade gives lower fees to readers who trade more often. It is built around beginners and us regulation, and that focus shows in how the main screens are arranged, with the most used actions close at hand and less used settings kept out of the way. For a new user, the first week usually settles the question of fit, because the core routine either feels natural or it starts to feel like extra work.
In daily use, Coinbase works best when it holds one clear job at first. Move only the lists or schedules you already use, and check the tool on a phone as well as on a computer, because a tool that is awkward on the device you carry will be skipped on busy days.
On price, compare the free plan or trial against the features you use every week, not against the full feature list. Coinbase fits readers who want beginners and us regulation. If the limits below look like daily friction, choose a different option from this list instead of forcing a fit.
What we like- Easiest onboarding for new buyers
- Strong US regulation and custody
- Advanced Trade with lower fees
Watch out for- Simple buy fees are higher than Advanced Trade
- Card purchases cost more than bank transfers
Starting price$0 (free app, trading fees apply)
Free planYes
Crypto.com appeals to mobile users who want coins, rewards, and a spending card in one place. The app covers buying, staking, and rewards, while the separate exchange offers tiered fees for readers who trade at higher volume. It is built around mobile coins, rewards, and cards, and that focus shows in how the main screens are arranged, with the most used actions close at hand and less used settings kept out of the way. For a new user, the first week usually settles the question of fit, because the core routine either feels natural or it starts to feel like extra work.
In daily use, Crypto.com works best when it holds one clear job at first. Move only the lists or schedules you already use, and check the tool on a phone as well as on a computer, because a tool that is awkward on the device you carry will be skipped on busy days.
On price, compare the free plan or trial against the features you use every week, not against the full feature list. Crypto.com fits readers who want mobile coins, rewards, and cards. If the limits below look like daily friction, choose a different option from this list instead of forcing a fit.
What we like- Large coin list on mobile
- Rewards and card options
- Exchange with tiered fees
Watch out for- Fee structure is complex across app and exchange
- Simple app buys cost more than exchange trades
#4Gemini
Best for: Regulated custody for careful holders4.4/5 on
G2 (635 reviews, checked Oct 2026)
Visit gemini.com
Starting price$0 (free app, trading fees apply)
Free planYes
Gemini is the choice for holders who care most about regulation and custody. A simple app for buying and holding sits beside ActiveTrader for lower fees, and the exchange operates under New York regulatory oversight. It is built around regulated custody for careful holders, and that focus shows in how the main screens are arranged, with the most used actions close at hand and less used settings kept out of the way. For a new user, the first week usually settles the question of fit, because the core routine either feels natural or it starts to feel like extra work.
In daily use, Gemini works best when it holds one clear job at first. Move only the lists or schedules you already use, and check the tool on a phone as well as on a computer, because a tool that is awkward on the device you carry will be skipped on busy days.
On price, compare the free plan or trial against the features you use every week, not against the full feature list. Gemini fits readers who want regulated custody for careful holders. If the limits below look like daily friction, choose a different option from this list instead of forcing a fit.
What we like- New York regulated exchange
- Strong custody and insurance practices
- Simple app plus ActiveTrader
Watch out for- Simple buy fees are higher than pro fees
- Fewer coins than larger exchanges
Starting price$0 (free app, trading fees apply)
Free planYes
Binance.US is built for active traders who check fees on every trade. Spot trading with low maker fees, recurring buys, and staking on many assets make it a strong value option for frequent traders. It is built around active traders seeking low spot fees, and that focus shows in how the main screens are arranged, with the most used actions close at hand and less used settings kept out of the way. For a new user, the first week usually settles the question of fit, because the core routine either feels natural or it starts to feel like extra work.
In daily use, Binance.US works best when it holds one clear job at first. Move only the lists or schedules you already use, and check the tool on a phone as well as on a computer, because a tool that is awkward on the device you carry will be skipped on busy days.
On price, compare the free plan or trial against the features you use every week, not against the full feature list. Binance.US fits readers who want active traders seeking low spot fees. If the limits below look like daily friction, choose a different option from this list instead of forcing a fit.
What we like- Low spot maker fees
- Staking on many assets
- Large US coin list
Watch out for- Simple buys carry a spread
- Availability varies by state
Starting price$0 (free app, trading fees apply)
Free planYes
Uphold suits readers who want to move between crypto, stocks, and metals without cashing out first. Direct trades between assets, a debit card, and staking options sit in one app, which helps readers who hold several asset types. It is built around trading crypto, stocks, and metals together, and that focus shows in how the main screens are arranged, with the most used actions close at hand and less used settings kept out of the way. For a new user, the first week usually settles the question of fit, because the core routine either feels natural or it starts to feel like extra work.
In daily use, Uphold works best when it holds one clear job at first. Move only the lists or schedules you already use, and check the tool on a phone as well as on a computer, because a tool that is awkward on the device you carry will be skipped on busy days.
On price, compare the free plan or trial against the features you use every week, not against the full feature list. Uphold fits readers who want trading crypto, stocks, and metals together. If the limits below look like daily friction, choose a different option from this list instead of forcing a fit.
What we like- Crypto, stocks, and metals in one app
- Direct asset-to-asset trades
- Debit card for spending
Watch out for- Trading spreads can be higher than exchange fees
- Some assets vary by market
Starting price$0 (free app, spreads apply)
Free planYes
Robinhood Crypto is the lightest option for readers who want a little crypto beside their stocks. Crypto sits beside stocks and ETFs in one simple app, with no commission but a spread on trades, and a small set of major coins. It is built around simple crypto beside stocks, and that focus shows in how the main screens are arranged, with the most used actions close at hand and less used settings kept out of the way. For a new user, the first week usually settles the question of fit, because the core routine either feels natural or it starts to feel like extra work.
In daily use, Robinhood Crypto works best when it holds one clear job at first. Move only the lists or schedules you already use, and check the tool on a phone as well as on a computer, because a tool that is awkward on the device you carry will be skipped on busy days.
On price, compare the free plan or trial against the features you use every week, not against the full feature list. Robinhood Crypto fits readers who want simple crypto beside stocks. If the limits below look like daily friction, choose a different option from this list instead of forcing a fit.
What we like- No commission, spreads apply
- Stocks and crypto in one app
- Very simple interface
Watch out for- Fewer coins than dedicated exchanges
- Spreads can hide the true cost
How we chose
We compared pricing pages, product documentation, and public feature descriptions for tools that are available in the United States in 2026, and we kept only tools that fit the category without stretching the definition. Price, free plan terms, platform support, and the limits that affect daily use carried more weight than marketing claims, because a tool that looks strong in a demo can still fail on a normal Tuesday. We also checked that each official homepage loads and belongs to the named product, and we left out tools that could not be verified. Where a price could not be confirmed from the vendor page at the time of writing, the entry says See website rather than guessing a figure.
How to choose a cryptocurrency app for your trading style
Match the app to how often you trade
Daily or weekly traders should prioritise maker and taker fees, and use Kraken Pro, Coinbase Advanced Trade, or Binance.US. Occasional buyers should prioritise a simple interface and low simple-buy cost, and Coinbase or Robinhood may be enough.
Check what you can do with your coins
Some apps allow withdrawals to a personal wallet, staking, and asset-to-asset trades, while others limit those features. If you plan to hold long term, check withdrawal support and staking for the coins you want before buying.
Protect the account from day one
Turn on two-factor authentication, use a unique password, and set withdrawal address controls where offered. Keep a record of fees and trades for tax reporting, because crypto trades are taxable events in the US and records save time at filing season.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cryptocurrency app overall?
Kraken is a strong overall pick for fees and security, while Coinbase is best for beginners. Gemini suits careful holders, and Binance.US suits active traders. The best app depends on trading frequency, coin choice, and whether you want wallet withdrawals.
Which app is best for holding crypto long term?
Gemini and Kraken suit long-term holders, thanks to custody practices and withdrawal support. Coinbase is also a solid holding option. For large holdings, consider moving coins to a personal wallet you control, after testing a small withdrawal first.
Are cryptocurrency apps free to use?
Most apps are free to download, with no monthly fee. They earn money from trading fees, spreads, and card fees. Simple buys and card purchases usually cost more than bank-funded advanced trades, so compare both prices.
Can I buy crypto with a bank account or card?
Yes, most apps accept bank transfers, debit cards, and, in some cases, Apple Pay. Bank transfers usually cost less than cards, although they can take longer to clear. Check deposit fees and limits before your first buy.
Is cryptocurrency insured on these apps?
Crypto itself is not FDIC insured like a bank deposit, although some exchanges hold insurance for digital assets in custody and cash balances may have separate protections. Read the insurance and custody terms for the app you choose, and do not assume full cover.
Should I keep crypto on the app or in my own wallet?
Keeping crypto on a regulated app is simpler for trading, while a personal wallet gives you direct control of your coins. Many long-term holders use both: an app for trading, and a wallet for holdings they do not plan to sell soon.
Sources we checked (7)
- https://www.kraken.com/pricing
- https://www.coinbase.com/pricing
- https://crypto.com/pricing
- https://www.gemini.com/fees
- https://www.binance.us/fees
- https://uphold.com/pricing
- https://robinhood.com/crypto
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.