Gemini or Coinbase – which is better for UK traders 2025? Compare Gemini and Coinbase in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.
Gemini, established in 2014 by the Winklevoss brothers, is a prominent cryptocurrency exchange. It ranks among the top 20 globally, recognised for the founders' early ties to Facebook. Traders on Gemini have access to over 110 cryptocurrencies for trading and staking. In certain areas, derivatives trading is also available. The platform offers advanced proprietary tools and features, including an NFT marketplace.
Coinbase, established in 2012, began as a platform for buying and selling Bitcoin using bank transfers. It has since grown into a major player in the crypto world. The company now offers over 240 crypto assets, has developed advanced trading platforms for individual investors, and is listed on the US Nasdaq. Additionally, Coinbase holds licenses from various regulatory bodies.
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Pros
The trading app boasts a modern, user-friendly design with an intuitive interface. It offers a superb selection of charting tools for traders.
The TradingView integration offers excellent tools, such as backtesting and algorithmic trading features.
The exchange mandates two-factor authentication for all crypto investors, ensuring robust security measures.
Crypto perpetual futures can be accessed in numerous regions, offering leverage of up to 1:100.
A good selection of educational guides and tutorials is available for novice traders.
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.
Cons
The exchange's history includes troubling incidents, such as the failure of its Earn programme and a phishing attack.
The mobile app's 'convenience fee' appears arbitrary, reducing the feature's efficiency for traders.
Certain funding methods incur substantial fees, such as a 3.49% charge for card transactions.
Certain major cryptocurrencies by market capitalisation are unavailable for purchase on Gemini.
There is no practice or demo account available for prospective traders.
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.
Awards
Best Cryptocurrency Exchange 2019 - Markets Choice Awards
Coinbase offers an intuitive and regularly updated app that’s generally fast, reliable and matches the desktop experience.
It provides powerful tools for crypto investors with advanced trading features, real-time market analysis, staking rewards, secure portfolio management, and educational incentives, all backed by top-notch security and regulatory compliance.
However, ratings from Android users show the interface trails its Apple counterpart, with issues relating to the user experience and notifications.
iOS App Rating
4.8
4.7
Android App Rating
4.6
4
Margin Trading
No
No
MetaTrader 4
No
No
MetaTrader 5
No
No
cTrader
No
No
AlgoTrader
Yes
No
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
No
P2P Trading
No
No
Spot Trading
No
Yes
Copy Trading
No
No
Social Trading
No
No
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
GBP
CAD
AUD
HKD
SGD
USD
EUR
Cryptocurrency
Gemini provides access to over 110 cryptocurrencies on its platform, supported by its own Gemini Dollar stablecoin and perpetual swap derivatives. The robust ActiveTrader system is tailored for online trading, offering numerous technical indicators across seven time frames.
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.