Comparison of Coinbase vs Cex.Io [ 2025 ]

The crypto exchanges compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is the Coinbase vs Cex.Io comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Coinbase

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Cex.Io

Main points

Fees

0,40%/0,60%

Earns

Yes

Customer service

4/5

0,15%/0,25%

Fees

Yes

Earns

4/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

3.5 – Higher fees but strong security and ease of use.

3.8 – Reasonable fees but slightly higher for fiat transactions.

Level

0,40%/0,60%

0,15%/0,25%

Brief explanation

Coinbase is known for its relatively higher fee structure, which can be a significant consideration for its users. The exchange charges a flat fee for smaller transactions and a percentage of the transaction amount for larger ones. Fees vary depending on the payment method used, such as credit/debit cards or bank transfers, and the country of the user. Additionally, Coinbase applies a spread of about 0.50% for cryptocurrency purchases and sales. While the fees may be higher compared to some other platforms, they are often justified by the high level of security, user-friendly services, and the robust infrastructure that Coinbase offers to its customers. This makes it especially appealing to new entrants to the cryptocurrency market who seek ease of use and reliability.

CEX.IO operates with a transparent fee structure primarily revolving around trading and transaction fees. For traders, the fees are tiered based on the 30-day trade volume, starting from 0.25% for takers and 0.16% for makers at the lowest tier, and decreasing with higher volume. This competitive pricing makes it appealing for both high-volume traders and newcomers. The platform also charges fees for deposits and withdrawals, which vary depending on the currency and method of payment. For example, credit card deposits incur a fee, whereas some methods like bank transfers might offer free deposits depending on the user’s location.

Coinbase

Year Founded: Established in 2012, Coinbase has a long-standing presence in the cryptocurrency market. This extensive history not only showcases its resilience and adaptability but also its ability to innovate and grow alongside the rapidly evolving crypto ecosystem.
Number of Users: With millions of users globally, Coinbase is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges. This large user base not only demonstrates trust and satisfaction among a significant portion of the crypto community but also contributes to its robust trading volume and liquidity.
Security Methods: Coinbase employs state-of-the-art security measures including two-factor authentication, cold storage of 98% of customer funds, and insurance to protect against theft or breaches of the online storage. This comprehensive approach to security helps ensure user funds are protected at all times.
Possible Regulation: Coinbase is known for its strong regulatory compliance, operating in accordance with major regulatory bodies in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. This adherence to strict regulatory standards ensures operational transparency and security for its users.
Reputation and Reviews: Over the years, Coinbase has built a solid reputation within the cryptocurrency community. Positive reviews from users and its standing in the industry as a reliable, easy-to-use platform further affirm its credibility and reliability as a top choice for both new and experienced cryptocurrency users.

Read Coinbase review

Cex.Io

Security Methods: CEX.IO employs a comprehensive security framework which includes two-factor authentication, encryption technology, and cold storage of digital assets, ensuring a high level of user fund safety.
Reputation and Reviews: Since its inception in 2013, CEX.IO has maintained a strong reputation within the cryptocurrency community for reliability and trustworthiness, reflected in positive user reviews across various platforms.
Regulation Compliance: CEX.IO is registered with FinCEN in the USA and complies with international financial regulations, providing a secure trading environment and adhering to legal standards for financial operations.
Customer Service: The exchange offers dedicated customer support with a commitment to resolving user issues promptly, enhancing user trust through effective communication and support.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: CEX.IO consistently shows strong trading volumes, ensuring liquidity and enabling users to execute transactions swiftly and at desired prices, making it a reliable platform for trading major cryptocurrencies.

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Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Coinbase Global, Inc.

CEX.IO Ltd

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU. y varios otros países

Regulated in the Reino Unido

Year founded

2012

2013

Founder

Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam

Oleksandr Lutskevych

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Coinbase	FEATURES	Cex.Io
Coinbase allows relatively low minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	CEX.IO allows for small minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners to start trading with a low barrier of entry.
Fees are higher than average but justified by high security and user-friendly services.	Trading and Transaction Fees	The fees are competitive but could be more transparent, particularly concerning the different tiers and specific services.
Offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, catering to both popular and niche market interests.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	CEX.IO supports a diverse range of cryptocurrencies, offering users a broad selection of popular and lesser-known coins.
Provides a robust selection of trading pairs, allowing diverse trading strategies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	The exchange provides a substantial number of trading pairs, facilitating versatile trading strategies.
Highly transparent about security measures, fees, and operational procedures.	Website Transparency	The website offers clear information on trading conditions, security protocols, and company policies, making it easy for users to find essential details.
The card is widely accepted, allows users to earn cryptocurrency rewards on purchases, and integrates seamlessly with Coinbase accounts, enhancing the user experience for everyday transactions.	Credit/Debit Card	The card is linked to your crypto account, providing convenience and benefits like crypto cashback on purchases.
Offers secure wallet services with a majority of assets stored in cold storage.	Storage Offering	Provides secure storage options with a majority of funds held in cold storage, though details could be more accessible to users.
Provides competitive staking rewards and incentives for various cryptocurrencies.	Staking and Rewards	Offers staking for several cryptocurrencies with competitive rewards; however, more coins could be added to enhance this feature.
Both platforms are user-friendly and highly functional, providing excellent trading experiences.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both platforms are user-friendly and fully-featured, making trading accessible on the go and from desktop devices.
Offers adequate support, though response times can vary during peak periods.	Customer Service	Customer service is available and helpful but can be slow to respond during peak times. Improvements in response time could enhance user experience.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, with some limits and fees that vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Deposits are straightforward and usually quick, but withdrawal processes and associated fees need clearer explanations and potentially lower costs.

Key features

Analysis tools

User-friendly charts, basic tools

Basic charting tools, technical indicators

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

Staking, Coinbase Earn educational rewards, recurring buys, Coinbase Pro exchange

Margin trading, staking, CEX.io Loan service, fiat on/off ramps

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

80+

User-friendliness

Coinbase is known for its highly user-friendly interface, making it one of the best choices for beginners. The platform is simple to navigate, and buying and selling cryptocurrencies is straightforward and hassle-free.

Features a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The platform provides a seamless trading experience with essential features easily accessible.

Value for money

Provides reasonable value for money with higher fees but strong security features and a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for beginners.

Delivers decent value for money with competitive fees and strong security features, suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

Global, including United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Australia

Best for

Great for beginners who prioritize security and ease of use, despite higher fees compared to other exchanges.

Suitable for global traders looking for a reliable and secure platform with competitive fees and a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, GBP, BTC

USD, EUR, GBP, RUB, BTC

Account

Trading

Coinbase is one of the most popular exchanges, especially for beginners. It offers a user-friendly platform, high security, and a good range of cryptocurrencies. However, its fees are higher compared to some other exchanges.

CEX.IO offers a secure and user-friendly platform with a good range of cryptocurrencies. It supports fiat integration and has competitive fees but lacks some advanced trading tools.

Deposit and withdrawal

Coinbase supports a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, usually within a day, but fees can be higher compared to other exchanges .

CEX.IO provides multiple deposit options, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed quickly, usually within a day, with competitive fees.

Account opening process

Coinbase offers a user-friendly and seamless account opening process. Users need to provide personal information, verify their identity, and typically get their account approved within a day. It’s secure and efficient .

CEX.IO offers a straightforward account opening process. Users need to provide personal information, verify their identity, and the process is typically completed within a day, making it efficient and user-friendly.

KYC required?

Yes

Customer Service

Coinbase offers extensive customer support through email, live chat, and a detailed help center. Support is available 24/7, and the response times are quick, making it reliable for users globally .

CEX.IO provides customer support via email, live chat, and phone. The support team is responsive and available 24/7, ensuring users get timely assistance.

Security

Coinbase employs extensive security measures, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by multiple financial authorities, making it a highly secure platform for investors .

CEX.IO offers comprehensive security measures, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by several financial authorities, ensuring high security for investors.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

As Threenvest reviews Coinbase, it is evident that this platform stands out as a robust and user-friendly gateway into the world of cryptocurrency trading. Ideal for both novice and experienced traders, Coinbase provides an intuitive interface, extensive educational resources, and a suite of trading options that cater to a broad spectrum of investment strategies. The security measures employed by Coinbase are commendable, with best practices like cold storage of funds, insurance, and stringent compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring a secure environment for digital asset trading. However, despite its many strengths, Coinbase does exhibit some limitations when compared against the broader landscape of cryptocurrency exchanges. The fee structure, particularly for small transactions and casual traders, can be notably higher than some of its competitors, which might deter those seeking more cost-effective trading options. Additionally, while Coinbase offers a substantial range of cryptocurrencies, it may not match the sheer volume of trading pairs available on platforms like Binance or Kraken. Nevertheless, Threenvest believes that for users who prioritize a secure, straightforward, and well-regulated trading experience, Coinbase remains an excellent choice. Our comprehensive review finds that while no platform is without its flaws, Coinbase’s commitment to security, ease of use, and continuous improvement align well with the needs of most cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors.

Xavier Tarrasó

As one of the experts reviewing CEX.IO on our website, I’ve had a positive experience with their platform overall. It’s a great choice for both newcomers to cryptocurrency and seasoned traders. The user interface is straightforward, making navigation and trading uncomplicated. Additionally, their security measures give me confidence in recommending CEX.IO as a reliable place to trade and store digital assets. For anyone looking to dive into crypto trading or expand their portfolio, CEX.IO offers a solid, dependable foundation.

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View all comparisons against Cex.Io

How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).

For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.