5 best apps to buy crypto: Fees and features compared

Buying Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies has never been easier – with just a few taps on your smartphone, you can add digital assets to your portfolio. Custodial crypto apps provide the most beginner-friendly and secure experience, while self-custodial wallets offer flexible ways to buy assets without third-party intermediaries.

With so many apps to choose from, the question isn’t “Where can I buy cryptocurrency?” but “What’s the best crypto coin app?” You’ll need to know how your chosen platform handles fees and security, and whether it complies with the latest regulations. Let’s review five of the best apps to buy crypto, taking a look at their features, pros, cons, and use cases.

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Best apps to buy crypto in 2026: 5 platforms

The best apps for crypto trading combine high-grade security with intuitive UI/UX. Here are five popular choices, along with their unique features and fee schedules.

1. Coinbase

As the largest United States-based centralized exchange (CEX), Coinbase is a popular choice for beginners. Traders appreciate this exchange’s high security standards, ease of use, and access to multiple asset categories.

Pros

• Beginner-friendly UI/UX
• FDIC insurance on cash and high-grade cold storage custody
• Highest liquidity and trading volumes for a U.S.-based CEX
• Hundreds of cryptocurrencies, along with stocks, derivatives, and prediction markets

Cons

• Comparatively high trading fees
• Complex fee structure that varies based on platforms and payment methods
• Requires an additional Coinbase One subscription for premium support

Fees

Simple trades on Coinbase’s standard exchange are subject to variable spread fees that depend on the latest trading volumes. Coinbase Advanced Trade uses a maker-taker fee model, with rates from 0–0.4% for makers and 0.05–0.6% for takers.

Ideal user

Coinbase is one of the best crypto apps for beginners who want a safe and straightforward first step into digital assets.

Why we recommend Coinbase

Coinbase meets the highest standards for transparency and reliability, and it has a long history as a regulated public company. This CEX also offers one of the most intuitive user interfaces, along with many bonus features and asset categories, making it an all-in-one investing hub.

2. Kraken

Kraken isn’t as big as Coinbase, but it has a similar reputation thanks to its strong track record and commitment to security (including proof-of-reserves reports and 24/7 armed surveillance at its cold storage facilities). Although beginners have an easy time on Kraken’s classic platform, this exchange is better known for the advanced features on Kraken Pro, such as margin trading.

Pros

• Long history and high security standards
• Sophisticated trading suite on Kraken Pro
• 24/7 global support
• Access to equities

Cons

• No FDIC on cash
• Not available in all 50 states

Fees

Kraken’s standard portal imposes a 1% trading fee on instant buy and sell orders. Tiered maker-taker fees on Kraken Pro range from 0–0.25% for makers and 0.05–0.04% for takers.

Ideal user

Kraken appeals most to experienced traders who want access to technical charting tools and advanced order types, as well as derivatives and margin trading options at competitive rates.

Why we recommend Kraken

Kraken stands out for its flexibility and low fees. Although most Kraken users are experienced, beginners might also like this exchange due to its strong security and responsive customer service.

3. Gemini

Gemini focuses on regulatory compliance, so it’s more selective than other platforms and doesn’t offer as many features or currencies. However, this also means the app is accessible in territories that have strict crypto laws, and Gemini maintains stringent security standards.

Pros

• Strong commitment to compliance, plus transparency as a publicly-listed company
• Available in all 50 U.S. states, as well as 60+ countries
• SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 certifications
• Unique financial products like the Gemini crypto rewards credit card

Cons

• Limited altcoin selection versus competitors
• Not as feature-rich as other CEXs
• High convenience and trading fees for instant buy orders

Fees

On Gemini’s standard exchange, there’s a 1.49% transaction fee and a 1% convenience fee for market orders. Gemini’s more advanced ActiveTrader portal has maker-taker fees that range from 0–0.2% for makers and 0.03–0.4% for takers.

Ideal user

The combination of regulatory compliance and extreme security standards makes Gemini a good fit for U.S. crypto traders who prioritize safety, and who want a platform that’s reliable and reputable.

Why we recommend Gemini

Gemini’s commitment to transparency, regulatory compliance, and user safety are top draws, and its app has a clean UI/UX that’s useful for beginners.

4. Robinhood

Robinhood built its reputation as a commission-free trading app for equities, but has since expanded into cryptocurrencies. The combination of easy access to crypto and stocks, along with zero commissions on both assets, makes Robinhood an attractive option for anyone who wants a cross-market low-fee trading hub.

Pros

• Access to equities, options, crypto, and IRA investing
• Zero commission fees on equities and crypto
• Straightforward UI/UX
• Crypto staking

Cons

• Limited selection of altcoins
• Low ratings on Trustpilot, particularly for customer support
• Some previous regulatory fines and issues, including outages

Fees

This platform offers free commissions on stocks and crypto. Smart exchange routing fees range from 0.03–0.85%.

Ideal user

Robinhood is a good fit for cost-conscious U.S. traders who prioritize low fees, and who want an intuitive mobile interface that supports equities, options, and crypto.

Why we recommend Robinhood

The Robinhood app is cost-effective and convenient, and although it doesn’t support many altcoins, it’s a beginner-friendly choice for traders who value simplicity.

5. Crypto.com

Crypto.com is a Singapore-based exchange that offers a beginner-friendly mobile app. This platform supports buying and selling hundreds of asset types, including stocks, exchange-traded funds, and prediction markets. And it offers bonus features such as crypto cards and staking rewards.

Pros

• Hundreds of available cryptocurrencies
• Visa crypto debit and credit cards
• Intuitive, mobile-friendly interface

Cons

• Lowest fee rates require staking the platform’s native currency, Cronos (CRO)
• Only institutions and professional traders have access to the more advanced Crypto.com Exchange
• Support is limited to chat and tickets

Fees

The Crypto.com app has variable spread fees, while maker-taker fees on the advanced exchange range from 0.08–0.25% for makers and 0.18–0.5% for takers.

Ideal user

Traders who want to use crypto for offline transactions benefit most from participating in Crypto.com’s ecosystem, thanks to its popular Visa cards. The various staking and earning options also make this platform attractive if you’re most interested in a passive income source.

Why we recommend Crypto.com

Crypto.com stands out as an all-in-one app offering generous altcoin selection, rewards opportunities, and extra products and services. The lack of specialization means there’s something here for nearly any Web3 enthusiast.

Security considerations when buying crypto on apps

Each app that offers crypto services has a unique safety profile influenced by its history, storage protocols, resources, and level of commitment to regulatory compliance. Compliant U.S.-based CEXs with long track records are usually the safest places to buy crypto. Trading on new and/or unlicensed apps with limited transparency carries higher risks.

When researching crypto app safety, look for any history of prior hacks, along with public-facing reports that give details on cold storage and audit practices. Also, prioritize exchanges that offer insurance protections like FDIC coverage for USD and additional security features such as passkeys and two-factor authentication.

Tax considerations for crypto app traders

When you buy cryptocurrency on an exchange, you don’t have to pay immediate taxes. However, you’ll want to record the date and the current fair market value (FMV) for your purchased assets.

The FMV serves as the cost basis for a digital asset, and it’s information you’ll need for future disposals (which should also be recorded). Trading or selling crypto for a profit can trigger a capital gains event, affecting your crypto taxes.

There are typically no tax implications when transferring crypto between exchange accounts or self-custodial wallets. But you’ll want to meticulously record the details for all movements, since crypto tax laws are still unclear and in flux.

Connect your crypto apps with CoinTracker for better reporting

Crypto apps make it easy to get started with digital assets, but reporting on your taxes isn’t so simple. To take the stress out of compiling crypto transactions, you can use CoinTracker’s Portfolio Tracker to record all your activities on popular apps. Then you can use tools like automatic cost basis tracking and capital gains summaries to understand and meet your tax obligations.

Managing your crypto assets shouldn’t be complicated. CoinTracker lets you track your entire portfolio across multiple exchanges and wallets, all in one place. Join the three million users who rely on CoinTracker for a seamless crypto experience – start free today.

Disclaimer: This post is informational only and is not intended as tax advice. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.