Coinbase or BitMEX – which is better for UK traders 2025? Compare Coinbase and BitMEX in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.
Founded in 2012, Coinbase began as a platform for buying and selling Bitcoin through bank transfers. Now, it's a major player in the crypto world. It offers more than 240 crypto assets and advanced trading platforms for retail investors. Coinbase is listed on the US Nasdaq and holds multiple regulatory licences. By May 2025, it became the first crypto firm in the S&P 500, boosting its credibility.
BitMEX, established in 2014, is a cryptocurrency exchange specialising in derivatives. The platform provides a seamless way to convert fiat to crypto, engage in spot trades, and trade crypto derivatives like perpetual contracts, traditional futures, and quanto futures. BitMEX is known for its significant market liquidity, standing as one of the top exchanges in this aspect.
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Pros
As a Nasdaq-listed entity, Coinbase adheres to stringent financial regulations and holds licences in the US, UK, and Europe. Its security measures feature FDIC insurance for USD balances up to $250,000 and implement two-factor authentication (2FA).
Coinbase offers support for over 240 cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL). The platform also provides early access to newly listed altcoins like $Trump, enabling traders to engage with emerging tokens.
In 2025, Coinbase Advanced expanded its trading options with new futures products. These include Ripple (XRP), Natural Gas (NGS), and Cardano (ADA). This enhancement offers traders accessible methods to trade, hedge, or diversify their portfolios.
Coinbase Advanced now integrates TradingView, a feature uncommon among crypto platforms. This allows traders to access spot and futures markets directly via real-time charts while utilising robust technical analysis tools.
Platforms cater to all traders. Beginners might opt for the straightforward Coinbase app. Meanwhile, Advanced Trade offers reduced fees and professional-grade tools.
The Guilds social trading platform enables traders to join competitions and earn rewards. This includes a weekly prize pool valued at 4,000 USDT as of this writing.
BitMEX consistently provides a wealth of free market insights, alongside trading guides and community platforms on Discord, Telegram, and additional channels.
The broker ensures exceptional security by employing a mix of hot and cold wallets alongside advanced encryption for managing cryptographic keys.
The BMEX token offers up to 15% discounts on trading fees and other exclusive benefits when staked.
The platform offers extensive customisation options, enabling traders to adjust widgets and apply filters to the order book.
Traders can engage with investors through the intuitive chat feature integrated within the platform.
The specialised crypto platform is more efficient than other multi-asset terminals.
Traders may accrue interest by holding Tether and Bitcoin.
The broker provides two advanced API systems for experienced traders.
Cons
Tests show that crypto fees are high, particularly when compared to competitors such as Kraken and BitMEX. This is especially true on the standard trading platform.
The research tools available are inadequate. Advanced Trade offers TradingView charts, yet it is missing critical features such as news feeds, economic calendars, and AI-driven market insights.
Customer support during testing is frustrating, as most assistance options require a login. This complicates matters for traders who are locked out or do not have an account, as they struggle to access help.
BitMEX operates as an offshore company and lacks regulation by any reputable authority, which is typical for crypto brokers.
BitMEX primarily caters to active traders, offering limited tools and features for beginners.
The broker faced legal action from US regulators, resulting in fines.
Withdrawals are processed only at a designated time each day.
Only Bitcoin is allowed for cost-free withdrawals.
Coinbase boasts an intuitive, frequently updated app that mirrors the desktop experience. It ensures speed and reliability, catering to traders with advanced features, real-time market analysis, staking rewards, secure portfolio management, and education incentives, all secured by stringent regulatory compliance. However, Android user ratings highlight that the interface lags behind the Apple version, citing user experience and notification issues.
iOS App Rating
4.7
3.2
Android App Rating
4
3.2
Margin Trading
No
Yes
MetaTrader 4
No
No
MetaTrader 5
No
No
cTrader
No
No
AlgoTrader
No
Yes
OmniTrader
No
No
TradingView
Yes
Yes
Autochartist
No
No
eSignal
No
No
Trading Central
No
No
STP Account
No
No
ECN Account
No
No
DMA Account
No
No
MAM Account
No
No
PAMM Account
No
No
LAMM Account
No
No
Demat Account
No
No
AI / Machine Learning
No
No
Robo Advisor
No
No
Negative Balance Protection
No
No
Market Maker
No
Yes
P2P Trading
No
Yes
Spot Trading
Yes
Yes
Auto Trading
BitMEX Market Maker, BotVS, and via API
Copy Trading
No
No
Social Trading
No
Yes
VPS Hosting
No
No
Tournaments
No
No
Demo Competitions
No
No
Ethical Investing
No
No
Custodial Account
No
No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No
No
Inactivity Fee
$0
Islamic Account
No
No
Account Currencies
USD
EUR
Cryptocurrency
Coinbase offers an excellent trading platform for cryptocurrency enthusiasts. It supports more than 240 digital assets, ranging from Bitcoin to new altcoins. The platform, enhanced by TradingView, provides traders with advanced charting options and comprehensive market data.
BitMEX provides an exceptionally competitive environment for crypto trading, offering low-cost $1 contracts and leverage up to 100:1. Its unique platform delivers advanced trading tools, featuring a customisable order book, a depth chart, and numerous technical indicators.
