Kraken or Coinbase – which is better for UK traders 2025? Compare Kraken and Coinbase in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.
Kraken is a top cryptocurrency exchange featuring a specialised trading platform and over 220 cryptocurrency tokens. Traders can access up to 1:5 leverage for spot trading with consistent rollover fees, and up to 1:50 for futures trading. The platform additionally offers crypto staking and hosts an engaging 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.
This post contains affiliate links, and this website will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking the links.
Pros
Has maintained an excellent security history with no breaches over the past ten years since inception.
An impressive selection of over 220 well-established cryptocurrencies.
NFT marketplace and crypto staking offered for traders.
Excellent trading platform and mobile app.
Kraken Pro offers competitive trading fees.
50x leverage on futures trading enables traders to multiply potential returns by borrowing funds. This allows traders to control larger contract sizes with a smaller capital outlay. With increased leverage, the risks and rewards are both amplified, requiring careful risk management.
Minimum deposit requirement is only $10.
3D secure is necessary.
Unlocking the world of mobile investing offers traders a convenient platform to buy and sell assets. With intuitive apps, investors swiftly execute trades, analyse market trends, and manage portfolios. Mobile platforms empower users by providing real-time data and seamless access to financial markets. This modern approach enhances flexibility, allowing traders to respond instantly to market changes. For the savvy trader, mobile investing significantly streamlines the investment process, making it an indispensable tool in today’s fast-paced financial environment.
Crypto staking
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
Delayed verification for Pro accounts.
Limited support for newer altcoins.
Minimal leverage in spot trading.
Does not accept deposits in traditional currency.
Slow processing times
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.
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
4.7
4.7
Android App Rating
4.2
4
Margin Trading
Yes
No
MetaTrader 4
No
No
MetaTrader 5
No
No
cTrader
No
No
AlgoTrader
Yes
No
OmniTrader
No
No
TradingView
No
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
Yes
Yes
Auto Trading
Kraken Futures is integrated in other platforms which have bots: Bookmap, Caspian, FMZ Quant, Gunbot, HaasOnline, Hyndor, Margin
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
JPY
CHF
USD
EUR
Cryptocurrency
Kraken is a dedicated crypto exchange offering over 220 cryptocurrencies, including major tokens like Bitcoin and various altcoins. Traders can engage in spot markets with leverage of up to 5:1, or in futures markets with leverage up to 50:1. The platform provides low fees and is highly user-friendly.
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.
