Last Updated on 16 February 2026 by CryptoTips.eu
Top 10 Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges in 2026
There are dozens of cryptocurrency exchanges that allow you to buy, sell and trade digital assets. Since the introduction of MiCA regulation in Europe, the landscape has changed significantly. Exchanges operating in the EU now need a MiCA license, which offers more consumer protection but also means many smaller platforms have shut down or been acquired.
The position of each exchange in this list is determined by our rating, the selection of cryptocurrencies, fees, ease of use, regulation and customer service. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, this overview will help you find the right platform in 2026.
Summary top 10 best crypto exchanges in 2026
Here’s a quick comparison of all 10 exchanges:
| Exchange | Cryptocurrencies | Spot fee (max) | Futures fee (maker/taker) | Max leverage | MiCA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Binance | 400+ | 0.10% | 0.02% / 0.05% | 125x | Pending (Greece) |
| 2 Bitvavo (Europe only) | 440+ | 0.25% | N/A | N/A | Yes |
| 3 Bybit | 1,400+ | 0.10% | 0.02% / 0.055% | 200x | Yes |
| 4 OKX | 350+ | 0.10% | 0.02% / 0.05% | 125x | Yes |
| 5 MEXC | 3,000+ | 0.10% | 0% / 0.02% | 200x | No |
| 6 KuCoin | 900+ | 0.10% | 0.02% / 0.06% | 125x | Yes |
| 7 Crypto.com | 350+ | 0.075% | 0.017% / 0.05% | 20x | Yes |
| 8 Bitget | 800+ | 0.10% | 0.02% / 0.06% | 125x | No |
| 9 Phemex | 350+ | 0.10% | 0.01% / 0.06% | 100x | No |
| 10 BloFin | 400+ | 0.10% | 0.02% / 0.06% | 150x | No |
Important: exchanges without a MiCA license may not offer the same level of consumer protection as licensed platforms. European users should be aware that per July 1, 2026, all crypto platforms active in the EU must hold a MiCA license. Platforms without a license will no longer be allowed to serve European customers after this date.
#1 Binance
Binance remains the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world with over 300 million registered users and more than 400 cryptocurrencies. The platform offers everything from spot trading and futures to staking, launchpad investments and an extensive earn program.
Changpeng Zhao (CZ) founded Binance in 2017 and stepped down as CEO in 2023 after regulatory issues with the SEC. Richard Teng has been leading the company since.
Binance does not yet have a MiCA license but has submitted an application in Greece in January 2026. The application is being fast-tracked by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) but has not been approved yet. Binance currently operates in Europe based on existing national registrations in countries like France and Italy.
Key features
- Binance Earn: earn a passive income by using your crypto funds to generate more coins
- Peer to Peer Trading: Binance offers a space where buyers and sellers can connect directly and trade with multiple payment options
- Wire transfers and credit card: buy cryptocurrencies directly from your bank account or with Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Binance Launchpad: invest in new crypto startups audited by the Binance team
- Binance Convert: swap over 400 cryptocurrencies instantly with zero fees and no slippage
- Futures trading: up to 125x leverage with 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker fees (experienced traders only)
Fees
The Binance exchange offers a flat spot fee of 0.10% for both makers and takers. You get a 25% discount when you hold BNB during trades. On top of that, we’re sharing a lifetime 20% commission cashback with our readers.
Pros
- Lowest spot fees in the market (0.10%)
- Welcome bonus: lifetime 20% discount on all trading fees.
- Largest exchange worldwide with highest liquidity
- Wide range of services and products
- 400+ cryptocurrencies
- BNB discount of 25% on all fees
Cons
- No MiCA license yet (pending application in Greece)
- History of regulatory issues in multiple countries
- European users may face restrictions if MiCA is not obtained before July 2026
Lifetime 20% friend discount on all fees + 25% BNB discount
#2 Bitvavo Exchange (Europe only)
Bitvavo is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the Netherlands with over 2.3 million users. Based in Amsterdam, the platform is one of the best and cheapest crypto exchanges in Europe. Bitvavo holds a MiCA license and is registered with De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), offering account protection of up to €100,000.
Bitvavo is the biggest euro spot trading platform worldwide. It’s one of the easiest and cheapest ways to exchange euros for crypto and back. The platform is only available for European users.
Key features
- Selection: more than 440 different cryptocurrencies
- Payment methods: iDEAL, Wero, Bancontact, PayPal (2% surcharge), credit card and bank transfer
- Staking: 70+ cryptocurrencies available for staking to earn passive income
- Short selling: BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL and ADA short selling, max €50,000 per crypto (new since December 2025)
- Recurring Buy: set up automatic purchases (daily, weekly or monthly)
- Intuitive interface: easy to use for beginners, with an advanced exchange for experienced traders
- Regulation: MiCA license + DNB registration, account insurance up to €100,000
- Minimum investment: €5
Fees
The platform has a trading fee of 0.25% for market takers and 0.15% for makers. All fiat deposits via iDEAL, Wero and Bancontact are free. PayPal has a 2% surcharge. It’s one of the cheapest platforms to exchange euros for crypto.
Pros
- 440+ cryptocurrencies
- Welcome bonus: €10 free with an investment of €10 + €10,000 commission-free trading.
- Extremely cheap for European users to convert euros to crypto
- Multiple free payment methods (iDEAL, Wero, Bancontact)
- MiCA license + DNB registration with €100,000 account protection
- Deepest euro order book in Europe
- Easy to get started
Cons
- Only available in Europe
- No phone support (only email and live chat)
- No leverage or futures trading
€25 free crypto and €10.000 commission free trading at Bitvavo
#3 Bybit
Bybit is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, known for its deep liquidity and extensive derivatives offering with over 1,400 cryptocurrencies on the global platform. The company has offices in Dubai and Amsterdam and has grown rapidly since its launch in 2018.
For European users, Bybit launched a separate regulated platform (Bybit EU) in July 2025 with a MiCA license from Austria. Bybit EU has its own order books and liquidity, separate from Bybit Global, with 140+ MiCA-compliant cryptocurrencies. Futures and derivatives are limited or disabled for European users.
Check out our Bybit starter guide.
Key features
- Derivatives: one of the highest liquidity derivatives platforms in the world with up to 200x leverage
- Bybit Earn: up to 15% annual interest via flexible and fixed Earn products
- Copy trading: follow and copy successful traders automatically
- Bybit Card: Mastercard with 2-10% cashback and 100% rebates on Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime, ChatGPT and TradingView
- Spot margin: 10x margin on spot trading
- Demo environment: practice trading without risk
- Bybit EU: separate MiCA-regulated platform for European users (140+ cryptos, own order books)
Fees
Bybit Global charges 0.10% for both spot makers and takers. Futures fees are 0.02% maker and 0.055% taker. The Bybit EU platform charges a maximum of 0.25% for spot trading. Use our Bybit referral code for additional discounts.
Pros
- 1,400+ cryptocurrencies on the global platform
- Welcome bonus: $40 free with $400 deposit (or $20 with $200) + 10% discount on trading fees + up to $5,000 deposit bonus.
- One of the highest liquidity platforms in the market
- MiCA-regulated EU platform available
- Bybit Card with excellent cashback rewards
- Wide range of financial products
- Advanced trading tools and copy trading
Cons
- Derivatives trading is very risky and should only be used by experienced traders
- European users are limited to Bybit EU with fewer cryptocurrencies and no futures
- Bybit EU has separate (shallower) liquidity than Bybit Global
Exclusive deal: 10% discount on fees + $20 or $40 free crypto + up to $30k bonus
#4 OKX
OKX is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, founded in 2017 and now serving over 100 million users worldwide. The platform combines a traditional exchange with a comprehensive Web3 ecosystem, making it unique among top exchanges.
OKX holds a MiCA license from Malta through its European entity OKX Europe Limited, licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) as a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP). OKX is the third largest exchange by market capitalization in the EU.
Key features
- Selection: 350+ cryptocurrencies globally, 150+ in the EU
- On-chain Earn: up to 40% annual interest via on-chain earn products
- Web3 Wallet: 130+ native chains, self-custody, access to 200,000+ tokens
- OKX Protect: $29 trillion in trading volume protected, AI monitoring 24/7
- Proof of Reserves: $31.2 billion in primary assets with 1:1 reserve ratio, verified via zk-STARK technology
- X Drops Club: free airdrops for customers holding €750+ in crypto
- Partners: McLaren F1 Team, Manchester City, Tribeca Festival
Fees
OKX charges a maximum of 0.10% for spot takers and 0.08% for makers. Futures fees start at 0.02% maker and 0.05% taker. Use our OKX referral code for a lifetime 20% discount on all fees.
Pros
- 100+ million users worldwide
- Welcome bonus: lifetime 20% discount on fees and €20 free Bitcoin.
- MiCA license (Malta) with strong regulatory compliance
- Comprehensive Web3 wallet and DeFi integration
- Transparent Proof of Reserves with zk-STARK verification
- Competitive fees with referral discounts
- Payment methods: iDEAL, Wero, Bancontact, SEPA (free), Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal
Cons
- EU selection limited to 150+ cryptocurrencies (vs 350+ globally)
- MiFID II license acquired but not yet operational for derivatives in Europe
Ontvang bij OKX 20% extra korting op alle fees
#5 MEXC
MEXC is a global cryptocurrency exchange that has established itself as one of the best platforms for trading new tokens and memecoins.
With over 30 million users across 170+ countries and more than 3,000 listed tokens, MEXC offers one of the largest selections in the industry. The platform is known for listing new tokens faster than almost any other exchange.
Key features
- Trending token listings: MEXC frequently lists new and trending cryptocurrencies, often before other exchanges
- Meme+ Trading Zone: dedicated section for memecoin trading with deep liquidity and minimal slippage
- Airdrop events: MEXC distributed over $100 million in airdrops in 2024
- Lightning-fast engine: processes up to 1.4 million transactions per second
- Zero maker fees on futures: one of the few exchanges to offer 0% maker fees on futures trading
Fees
Spot trading fees are 0.10% per transaction (cheaper with our MEXC bonus). Futures trading fees are 0% for makers and 0.02% for takers, making MEXC one of the cheapest platforms for futures trading. Deposits are free and withdrawal fees vary by cryptocurrency.
Pros
- 3,000+ tokens listed, largest selection of any exchange
- Welcome bonus: 10% discount on all trading fees.
- Fastest new token listings in the market
- Zero maker fees on futures
- Deep liquidity for seamless transactions
- Frequent airdrop events and rewards
Cons
- No MiCA license, not regulated in the EU
- No direct fiat trading pairs
- High-risk trading environment especially for leverage traders
- Some users report frozen assets
#6 KuCoin
KuCoin is one of the largest exchanges worldwide with over 40 million users in 200+ countries and more than 900 cryptocurrencies on the global platform. The platform was launched in 2017 and offers spot trading, futures, margin trading and various earn products.
In November 2025, KuCoin received a MiCA license from Austria and launched its European platform KuCoin EU on January 28, 2026. KuCoin EU started as a broker model with 100+ cryptocurrencies and very competitive fees of 0.10%. The EU selection is being expanded. Staking, advanced orders and a full exchange order book are still under development for the EU platform.
Key features
- Selection: 900+ cryptocurrencies globally, 100+ on KuCoin EU
- KCS incentives: over 90% of trading fees are returned to traders through KuCoin Share token incentives
- Margin and futures: capitalize on different market conditions with up to 125x leverage
- P2P exchange: direct buyer-to-seller trading environment
- Credit/debit card: buy cryptocurrencies directly with Visa or Mastercard
- KuCoin EU: MiCA-regulated platform for European users with 0.10% fees
Fees
KuCoin charges 0.10% per transaction for both makers and takers. KuCoin EU offers the same competitive 0.10% rate. Futures fees are 0.02% maker and 0.06% taker. Discounts are available through KCS holdings.
Pros
- 900+ cryptocurrencies on the global platform
- Welcome bonus: 20% discount on fees.
- Low trading fees (0.10%)
- KCS token rewards for active traders
- MiCA-regulated EU platform launched January 2026
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- KuCoin EU is newly launched with a limited selection (100+ cryptos)
- KuCoin Global was hacked in 2020 for $280 million (all users were fully compensated)
- Interface can be complex for beginners
- EU platform still lacks staking and advanced order types
10% Off All Trading Fees + 5 USDT Free Airdrop
#7 Crypto.com
Crypto.com is a well-known international platform with a MiCA license from Malta and DNB registration in the Netherlands. With more than 350 cryptocurrencies, a popular VISA debit card and a wide range of products, Crypto.com has become a household name in the crypto space.
Key features
- Selection: more than 350 different cryptocurrencies
- Crypto.com Visa Card: VISA debit card with cashback rewards (up to 5% depending on CRO stake)
- DeFi Wallet: non-custodial wallet for accessing DeFi protocols
- Earn program: earn interest on your crypto holdings
- NFT marketplace: buy, sell and create NFTs
- Regulation: MiCA license Malta + DNB registration
Fees
Crypto.com’s exchange charges 0.075% for both makers and takers at the base level. However, the app fees can be less transparent and may go up to 2%+ due to spread. Use our Crypto.com referral code for a 20% fee discount and $50 in CRO.
Pros
- MiCA license (Malta) and DNB registration
- Welcome bonus: 20% discount on fees and $50 in CRO.
- Popular VISA card with cashback rewards
- 350+ cryptocurrencies
- Well-known brand with extensive product offering
- Good mobile app
Cons
- App fees can be unclear and reach 2%+
- Exchange fees are competitive (0.075%) but app spread costs can be high
- CRO staking required for the best card benefits
$ 50 gratis CRO tokens met code: cw43qzpzxc
#8 Bitget
Bitget is one of the fastest growing crypto exchanges worldwide with over 100 million users. The platform has overtaken KuCoin, MEXC and BitMEX in daily trading volume and lists over 800 different crypto pairs. Lionel Messi is their official ambassador.
Key features
- Copy trading: market leader in copy trading, was the first exchange with this feature
- Low trading fees: extra BGB discounts and lifetime referral discounts
- High liquidity: outperforms KuCoin and BitMEX in trading volume
- Insurance fund: over $350 million to cover potential cyberattack losses
- Selection: 800+ listed crypto pairs
Fees
Spot trading fees are 0.10%, with a 20% discount when holding BGB and 10% discount when you use our Bitget referral code. Futures fees are 0.02% maker and 0.06% taker. Check out our Bitget starter guide.
Pros
- 100+ million users
- Welcome bonus: 10% lifetime discount on fees.
- Market leader in copy trading
- 800+ crypto pairs
- $350 million insurance fund
- Competitive fees with multiple discount options
Cons
- No MiCA license, not regulated in the EU
- Derivatives trading is very risky and should only be used by experienced traders
- Changed from no-KYC to mandatory KYC platform
#9 Phemex
Phemex is a derivatives-focused exchange headquartered in Singapore, launched in 2019 by former Morgan Stanley executives. The platform has grown to offer 350+ cryptocurrencies for spot trading and provides up to 100x leverage on futures contracts. The name Phemex refers to a Greek goddess of fame and fortune.
Key features
- Multiple order types: create various orders simultaneously to leverage different market swings
- Spot and futures trading: both available with competitive fees
- USDT pairs: several pairs based on Tether for more predictable trading
- MemeX: dedicated memecoin trading platform
- Copy trading: follow experienced traders
Fees
Phemex charges 0.10% for spot trading. Futures fees are 0.01% for makers and 0.06% for takers, making it one of the cheapest options for futures makers.
Pros
- Very low futures maker fees (0.01%)
- Welcome bonus: up to $8,000 in trading bonuses for new users.
- Easy to understand platform
- Strong security systems
- Fast execution speeds
- 350+ cryptocurrencies
Cons
- No MiCA license, not regulated in the EU
- Derivatives trading is very risky and should only be used by experienced traders
- Limited fiat on-ramp options
Exclusive $30,000 Deposit and Trade Bonus
#10 BloFin
BloFin is a rising cryptocurrency exchange that launched in 2019 and has quickly gained popularity among derivatives traders. The platform is registered in the Cayman Islands and supports over 400 cryptocurrencies for spot trading and 500+ futures pairs with up to 150x leverage.
Key features
- Selection: 400+ cryptocurrencies for spot trading, 500+ futures pairs
- Copy trading: follow successful traders and replicate their strategies
- Trading bots: automated trading strategies
- BloFin Card: Mastercard debit card linked to your crypto holdings
- Web3 Wallet: non-custodial wallet supporting major EVM chains (Ethereum, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon)
- Security: Fireblocks custody, 1:1 Proof of Reserves, ISO 27001 certified, liability insurance
- Demo trading: practice without real money
Fees
BloFin charges 0.10% for both spot makers and takers. Futures fees are 0.02% maker and 0.06% taker. VIP tiers offer further discounts based on 30-day trading volume or total assets. No fees are charged for cryptocurrency deposits.
Pros
- 400+ cryptocurrencies and 500+ futures pairs
- Welcome bonus: up to $5,000 in trading bonuses for new users.
- Competitive fees across spot and futures
- Strong security with Fireblocks and 1:1 reserves
- Copy trading and trading bots
- Web3 wallet integration
- Up to 150x leverage
Cons
- No MiCA license, not regulated in the EU
- No direct fiat deposits (third-party providers required, often with higher fees)
- No fiat withdrawals, need to transfer elsewhere to cash out
- Relatively new platform with limited track record compared to top exchanges
- Limited transparency about leadership team
How to choose the right exchange?
When choosing a crypto exchange, consider the following factors:
- Regulation: a MiCA-licensed exchange offers more consumer protection than an unregulated platform. MiCA sets stricter requirements for capital, transparency and protection of client funds
- Fees: trading fees vary enormously, from 0.075% (Crypto.com exchange) to over 2% (some broker apps). For larger amounts this makes a significant difference
- Selection: do you only want to buy Bitcoin or also smaller altcoins? The selection ranges from 100+ (KuCoin EU) to 3,000+ (MEXC)
- Exchange vs broker: on an exchange you trade with other users via an order book (lower costs). With a broker you buy directly from the platform (simpler but more expensive)
- Security: look for platforms with Proof of Reserves, insurance funds and strong security infrastructure
MiCA deadline July 2026
As of July 1, 2026, all crypto platforms operating in the EU must hold a MiCA license. Platforms without a license will no longer be allowed to serve European customers. This has already significantly changed the landscape, with smaller platforms shutting down or being acquired.
From the exchanges in this top 10, Bitvavo, Bybit (EU), OKX, KuCoin (EU), Crypto.com and Coinbase hold a MiCA license. Binance has submitted an application in Greece that is still pending. MEXC, Bitget, Phemex and BloFin do not have a MiCA license and operate from jurisdictions outside the EU.
Crypto exchange top 10 summary
That completes our overview of the top 10 best cryptocurrency exchanges in 2026. Here are our recommendations:
- Best overall exchange: Binance (highest liquidity, lowest fees, most products)
- Best for European users: Bitvavo (cheapest euro trading, MiCA licensed, €100,000 protection)
- Best for derivatives: Bybit (deepest liquidity for futures trading)
- Best for Web3 and DeFi: OKX (Web3 wallet with 200,000+ tokens)
- Best for new tokens and memecoins: MEXC (3,000+ tokens, fastest listings)
- Best for copy trading: Bitget (market leader in copy trading)
Always do your own research before investing, start small and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Investing in crypto involves significant risk. Past results do not guarantee future returns.
All the best and please contact us if you have any questions.
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