Coinbase Alternative #1: eToro (Better for Beginners)

eToro is my top alternative to Coinbase, because it is perfect for beginners. eToro has a demo account where you can use free play money to practise with no risk, which is an excellent way for beginners to learn. Another great feature for beginners is Copy Trading, where you can select a successful trader to copy, and eToro will automatically carry out your trades exactly the same as that person. 

eToro's fees are included in their spreads, making it hard to compare to other crypto exchanges. From my testing and comparisons, eToro's fees are lower than Coinbase's trading fees. However, eToro only offers 110 different coins, compared to 160+ on Coinbase.

Coinbase Alternative #2: Uphold (More Trading Assets than Coinbase)

Uphold is an excellent alternative to Coinbase, because it offers experienced traders more than just cryptocurrency. While Coinbase offers 160+ cryptocurrencies, Uphold has support for over 125+ cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies and 4 precious metals, with the ability to trade between any two assets you like. For example, you can buy Gold using BTC, or trade your ETH for Euros in a few seconds. Uphold is a great exchange for those that are looking to diversify in forex or precious metals.

Uphold doesn't charge a fee for trades, but incorporates it into the spread. From my comparison against Coinbase (see here), Uphold has lower fees.

Coinbase Alternative #3: Crypto.com (Better Staking than Coinbase)

Crypto.com is another app like Coinbase, but it is an excellent alternative. It offers more cryptocurrencies, many more staking options, and other benefits. On the Crypto.com mobile app, you can access over 250+ different cryptocurrencies, and stake over 40+ coins. Users can enjoy up to 12% interest on coins staked, with various staking periods of 1 month, 3 months, or flexible.

Crypto.com has their own coin called CRO, that comes with plenty of benefits if you stake it. When you stake CRO on the desktop exchange, you receive 10% APR interest paid daily, CRO rebate when you pay trading fees with CRO, and cashback when you use Crypto.com Pay. If you choose to stake CRO on the mobile app, you receive up to 12% APR and many other benefits. The best feature is the premium metal Visa card, that is available when you stake CRO for 6 months, where you receive up to 5% cashback on purchases (paid in CRO), rebates on subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify) and bookings (Expedia, Airbnb), and higher APR in Crypto Credit and Crypto Earn. You can see our detailed comparison of Crypto.com and Coinbase here.

Coinbase Alternative #4: Coinmama (Easier than Coinbase)

Coinmama is another alternative app to Coinbase, and it is useful for those that want a faster and easier way to buy crypto compared to Coinbase. Instead of depositing money into your Coinbase account before making a purchase, Coinmama takes your payment at the point of sale. Any crypto that you purchase on Coinmama goes straight to your personal crypto wallet (soft or hard wallet) instead of sitting in Coinbase's online wallet. This also means Coinmama is much safer than Coinbase, because they never hold your assets nor do they keep your payment details. Even if Coinmama is hacked, you won't lose any crypto because it is always in your control in your personal wallet.

The downside of Coinmama is that there are high fees on top of the spread, which is slightly higher than Coinbase. However, keep in mind that your coins are sent straight to your crypto wallet, so you save the network fee that you would normally pay if you bought crypto from Coinbase. Another disadvantage is that you can only access 15 cryptocurrencies with Coinmama, compared to Coinbase's range of 160+.

Coinbase Alternative #5: Gemini (More Secure than Coinbase)

Gemini is my final Coinbase alternative app, and I prefer it because it is much more secure compared to Coinbase. It is regulated by the NYSDFS and enjoys FDIC protection for their USD. They have been built ground-up on a security-first mentality for their users, and maintain the highest standards of security and operational compliance. Gemini has completed SOC 1 Type 1 & Type 2, and SOC 2 Type 1 & Type 2 examinations, and been awarded the coveted ISO 27001 certification. It is the world’s first cryptocurrency custodian and exchange to demonstrate this standard of financial operations and security compliance, and has never been hacked.

Gemini offers two interfaces which can be toggled easily with a button - a basic one that is great for new crypto investors, as well as an advanced trading platform for the serious traders The fees are much lower than Coinbase, with Maker/Taker fees starting at 0.25% / 0.35% which can be reduced based on high trading volume. If you want to learn more, read my Gemini vs Coinbase article.

Cryptocurrency is offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk.