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Investing » Crypto.com vs. Kraken: Which Crypto Exchange Is Better?

Crypto.com vs. Kraken: Which Crypto Exchange Is Better?

Choosing between Crypto.com and Kraken? See which platform wins for mobile trading, advanced features, security, and crypto selection.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. We do not provide personalized investment recommendations or act as financial advisors.

Crypto.com
Kraken
Supported Coins
+350
+300
Spot Trading Fees
0.075% For both maker and taker orders. The more you trade, the lower the fees – can decrease to as low as 0% – 0.050%. Holding and staking CRO tokens, Crypto.com native token, unlocks additional fee discounts.
0.40% – 0.25% 0.40% for taker trades and 0.25% for maker trades. The more you trade, the lower the fees – can decrease to as low as 0% – 0.10%. Using GT tokens to pay trading fees offers a 10% discount
Future Trading Fees
0.04% – 0.06% 0.06% for taker trades and 0.04% for maker trades. Holding and staking CRO tokens, Crypto.com native token, unlocks additional fee discounts.
0.02% – 0.05% 0.05% for taker trades and 0.02% for maker trades. The more you trade, the lower the fees – can decrease to as low as 0.005%% – 0.015%. Using GT tokens to pay trading fees offers a 10% discount
Our Rating
(4.4/5)
(4.3/5)
Read Review
Read Review

Which Platform Fits You Best? Let’s Break It Down

When picking between Crypto.com and Kraken, it's important to see how they match up in real-world use — not just specs.

Let's compare them side-by-side on what actually matters: user experience, crypto choices, Web3 access, and trading power.

Crypto.com focuses on a mobile-first experience, offering a clean, intuitive app for buying, selling, and managing +350 cryptos with just a few taps.

It’s ideal for users who want simple navigation, real-time price alerts, and fast portfolio tracking.

sell cryptocurrencies, crypto.com
Sell cryptocurrencies, crypto.com

Kraken provides a solid mobile app too, but the interface leans slightly more toward traders who appreciate customizable tools. Kraken Pro adds complex charts and real-time data, which can overwhelm beginners.

XRP chart. Kraken Pro
XRP trading, Kraken Pro (Screenshot taken by our team, prices are not updated)

Overall, Crypto.com is better for casual users; Kraken Pro suits active traders who want more control.

Crypto.com offers an impressive range of +350 digital assets, including major coins, altcoins, stablecoins, and access to NFTs through its dedicated marketplace.

Users can easily diversify their portfolio across emerging and established tokens.

new coins, crypto.com
New coins, crypto.com

Kraken supports +300 cryptos with strong liquidity for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and major altcoins, but lacks a direct NFT marketplace.

However, it does offer NFT-related tokens like APE and FLOW.

Kraken top gainers list
Kraken top gainers list

Kraken Pro edges out for serious traders seeking higher leverage and lower trading fees.

Kraken delivers powerful advanced trading on Kraken Pro, with margin trading, futures contracts, and a customizable trading interface. OTC services are also available, and Kraken’s trading fees on Kraken Pro are lower for active users.

search futures, Kraken Pro
Search futures, Kraken Pro

Crypto.com offers both a mobile app and an advanced web Exchange for institutional-level trading (outside the U.S.).

It includes features like Futures trading (up to 10x leverage), margin trading, OTC services for big trades, and a free DCA Bot for automating investments.

Leverage on crypto.com
Leverage on crypto.com

Crypto.com offers staking on over 30 assets, including ETH, ADA, and CRO, with both flexible and fixed-term options. For instance, users can earn up to 15% APY on a 12-month fixed-term CRO plan.

The platform also supports DeFi staking, offering rewards of up to +100% APY on select tokens, such as BARA and LION.

crypto.com defi staking
Crypto.com DeFi staking (Screenshot taken by our team, rates are not updated)

Kraken offers staking on 17 assets, including ETH, SOL, and DOT. Notably, Kraken has resumed staking services for U.S. customers in select states.

Kraken usually charges a 20% commission on staking yields.

explore staking options on Kraken
Explore staking options on Kraken (Screenshot taken by our team, rates are not updated)

Crypto.com delves deep into Web3, offering a DeFi wallet that allows users to connect to DApps, stake tokens, and manage NFTs.

For instance, you can use the Crypto.com DeFi Wallet to interact directly with decentralized finance apps without leaving the platform.

popular DApps, Crypto.com onchain
Popular DApps, Crypto.com onchain

Kraken focuses mainly on trading and does not offer direct DApp access. While you can buy DeFi-related tokens like UNI, you must transfer them elsewhere to use DApps.

Both wallets offer robust features, but Crypto.com's Onchain Wallet provides broader DeFi integration.

Crypto.com offers the Onchain Wallet, a non-custodial, multi-chain wallet that supports DeFi, NFTs, and staking. Users maintain full control over their private keys.

NFT on crypto.com
NFT on crypto.com (Screenshot taken by our team)

Kraken offers the Kraken Wallet, a self-custody wallet with support for NFTs and DApps via WalletConnect. It allows seamless integration with the Kraken exchange for easy asset transfers .

Crypto.com features built-in trading bots, including DCA, TWAP, Grid, and Arbitrage, enabling users to automate strategies directly within the platform .

Kraken supports third-party trading bots through API integration, with partners like 3Commas and GoodCrypto offering automation tools .

Overall, Crypto.com's native bots offer a more seamless experience for users seeking in-platform automation.

Crypto.com employs multi-layered security, including 2FA, cold storage, and compliance with multiple ISO standards. After a $35 million hack in 2022, the platform reimbursed affected users and enhanced its security protocols .

Kraken boasts a clean security record with no major breaches. It utilizes cold storage, 2FA, and holds ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type 1 certifications .

Which Investors May Prefer Crypto.com Exchange ?

Crypto.com is best suited for users who want an all-in-one crypto platform with strong mobile access and plenty of extra features. It’s a top pick for:

  • Mobile-First Investors: Those who prefer trading and managing crypto directly from an intuitive mobile app.

  • NFT and Web3 Enthusiasts: Users wanting to explore NFTs, DeFi, and DApps through a connected ecosystem.

  • Rewards Seekers: Investors who want perks like cashback Visa cards, high staking rewards, and CRO discounts.

  • Asset Diversifiers: Traders interested in buying a wide range of coins beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Because Crypto.com blends trading, earning, NFTs, and DeFi into one platform, it’s a natural choice for users who want a versatile crypto experience without switching apps.

Which Investors May Prefer Kraken Exchange?

Kraken is ideal for users who prioritize security, low fees for high-volume trading, and a professional trading environment. It’s best suited for:

  • Advanced and High-Volume Traders: Those needing deeper liquidity, futures, margin trading, and Kraken Pro’s low fees.

  • Security-Focused Investors: Users who value Kraken’s clean track record and strong regulatory compliance.

  • Institutional and OTC Traders: Investors executing large crypto transactions without impacting public markets.

  • Regulated Market Participants: Users looking for a compliant, transparent platform with strong U.S. and international licenses.

Because Kraken combines deep trading tools with serious security, it's a top option for professionals and safety-first investors.

Bottom Line

Both platforms shine in different ways. Crypto.com excels at offering a feature-rich ecosystem for mobile users, NFT collectors, and DeFi enthusiasts.

Kraken stands out for security, deep liquidity, and professional-grade trading on Kraken Pro. If you want an all-in-one mobile experience with NFTs, go for Crypto.com.

If you’re a security-first, high-volume trader aiming for low fees and strong regulation, Kraken may be the better match.

Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).

This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.