Coinbase vs Kraken

Both are top US exchanges, but which is better? Compare Coinbase and Kraken on fees, security, staking, and ease of use.

Feature	C Coinbase	K Kraken
Overall Rating	4.5/5	4.5/5
Maker Fee	0.4%	0.16%
Taker Fee	0.6%	0.26%
Supported Coins	250+	200+
Max Leverage	5x	5x
Headquarters	San Francisco, USA	San Francisco, USA
Year Founded	2012	2011
Pros	✔ Most trusted & regulated US exchange ✔ Publicly traded company (NASDAQ: COIN) ✔ Excellent beginner-friendly interface	✔ One of the oldest and most trusted exchanges ✔ Strong security track record (never hacked) ✔ Excellent for spot and margin trading
	Visit Coinbase Read full review	Visit Kraken Read full review

Our Verdict

Coinbase wins for absolute beginners and ease of use. Kraken offers better fees on its Pro platform and has never been hacked.

Best for complete beginners, PayPal users, and those who want the simplest onboarding experience.

Best for security-conscious traders who prefer lower fees via Kraken Pro and excellent staking rewards.