Compare the 8 best crypto apps for January 2024

Our expert panel regularly rate and review 67+ mobile platforms to find the best crypto app. Get expert guidance on how to choose the right crypto app here.
By:  & 
Updated: Dec 7, 2023
Listen

Trade your favourite markets with our top-rated broker, eToro.

10/10

77% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Visit site

Mobile apps are the preferred means of trading for hundreds of millions of crypto traders around the world. Our experts have downloaded and reviewed all of the most popular cryptocurrency apps and ranked them according to factors like cost, usability, and trading tools.

If you’re looking to get started in cryptocurrency, then apps offer the most flexible way to manage your money. Find out which Bitcoin apps our panel ranked highest below and pick out a mobile platform that suits your needs.

Best cryptocurrency trading apps overall for 2024

Copy link to section
  1. eToro: Best for beginners, copy-trading & demo-account
  2. Plus500: Best for international CFD trading*
  3. Interactive Brokers: Best online broker for range of markets
  4. Public: Best for sharing beginner trading ideas
  5. Uphold: Best for building long term wealth
  6. Coinbase: Best secure trading platform for all types of trader
  7. Nexo: Best for earning interest & rewards
  8. KuCoin: Best social trading altcoin exchange

What are the best crypto apps?

Copy link to section

The apps that performed best in our rankings are listed below. Click any of the links in the table to sign up to a top cryptocurrency app, or read on for more information about the pros and cons of each one.

1
Min. Deposit
$ 10
Best offer
User Score
10
Up to $240 bonus!
Build a diversified portfolio with crypto, stocks, and ETFs — all in one place.
Trade on the world's leading social trading and investing platform
Start Trading
Payment Methods:
Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer
Full Regulations:
CySEC, FCA

77% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

2
Min. Deposit
$ 100
Best offer
User Score
9.6
CFDs on BTC, ETH, LTC, NEO, XRP, IOTA, EOS, BAB, ADA, TRX, XMR
No need to open a crypto exchange account or use a special wallet
Regulated Broker - FCA, ASIC, CySEC (license number 250/14)
Start Trading
Payment Methods:
American Express, Apple Pay, Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Discover, Google Pay, Mastercard, PayPal, SEPA, Trustly, Visa, , skrill
Full Regulations:
ASIC, FCA, FSA, MAS, cysec-250-14-regulator, isa-regulator

82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

3
Min. Deposit
-
Best offer
User Score
9.7
Diverse Cryptocurrency Selection: Trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more with Interactive Brokers, offering a broad range of cryptocurrencies for investment.
Advanced Trading Tools: Access real-time market data and advanced analytics, empowering users to make informed decisions and execute strategic trades in the cryptocurrency market.
Integrated Multi-Asset Platform: Manage cryptocurrency investments alongside traditional assets seamlessly, all within a single account, providing a holistic view of your entire financial portfolio.
Start Trading
Payment Methods:
ACH, Bank Wire, Check
Full Regulations:
CFTC, FCA, FINRA, IIROC, NFA, NYSE, SIPC

Top 8 cryptocurrency apps, reviewed

Copy link to section

1. eToro. Best for beginners, copy-trading & demo-account

1500

No. assets

$10

Minimum deposit

Crypto

Platform type

Pros & Cons

Great for beginners, simple to set up and get started Zero commission stock trading Popular ‘CopyTrader’ function lets you follow top traders Excellent customer service, with live chat support provided Over 2,000 CFDs available to trade
Comparatively high fees for withdrawals and account inactivity Does not integrate with the MetaTrader platform High spreads on some assets

Overview

We love eToro because it makes it simple to trade crypto at home or on the go. If you’ve never bought cryptocurrency before, then eToro makes it simple to buy 75+ of the leading coins, including the likes of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin. Every crypto trade comes with a flat 1% fee, which makes it one of the cheapest crypto brokers on the market to boot.

As well as being a broker that offers lots of investor protection, eToro offers a very social trading experience. You can easily see what’s trending on the crypto market every day, browse the latest technical analysis about every one of those tokens, and copy other people’s trade suggestions from your desktop or the eToro app.

The fees: You will be charged a 1% fee every time you buy or sell crypto. The charge is included in the market price that’s displayed on eToro. CFD trades may be charged an overnight or weekend fee if you leave the position open.

77% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

2. Plus500. Best for international CFD trading*

2800

No. assets

$100

Minimum deposit

Crypto

Platform type

Pros & Cons

Can get a free demo account A great mobile platform Well regulated in multiple jurisdictions Wide variety of CFDs to trade Several good risk management tools
No support on trading information and education Website isn’t brilliantly designed to help users find answers to their questions No MetaTrader trading platform compatibility

Overview

We love Plus500 because it is one of the industry’s most transparent and reliable brokers. Its fees are clear and you’ll know exactly what you will be paying before you make a trade. Its technology driven platform gives access to over 2800 instruments, including CFDs on stocks, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies among several others.

Plus500 has something for all types of traders, no matter what level of experience. It’s zero commission and tight spreads make it a top choice for day traders and its trading academy is packed with educational content, perfect for beginners just starting. 

For accurate instrument availability, visit plus500.com.

The fees: There are no commission fees on any trades with Plus500 and it makes it money through the Bid/Ask spread. Spread starts from 0.01% or 0.9 pips and varies depending on the instrument. Additional fees include overnight funding which is dependant on trade size and guaranteed stop orders, which add a minimum of 10% to the spread. There is an inactivity charge of £10 per month for accounts not logged in for three months. 

*Based on a comparison of 60+ leading brokers and trading platforms.

82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

3. Best online broker for range of markets

...

No. assets

...

Minimum deposit

Crypto

Platform type

Pros & Cons

Regulated by several financial authorities Free stock and ETF trading for US traders Earn interest on cash balance Free demo trading account available
The desktop trading platform is complex to navigate Customer service not available 24/7 Credit/debit card payment not available

Overview

We love Interactive Brokers because it has one of the widest selections of tradable assets we’ve ever seen. IBKR is one of the best-known and longest-running brokers in the world and when you create an account you’ll have access to tens of thousands of stocks, ETFs, funds, indices, currencies, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. 

Besides lots of markets, Interactive Brokers also offers a good range of additional tools and features including risk management tools, cutting-edge portfolio management services, and the ability to automate your trading system through ready-made or custom-built algorithms. 

The fees: Charges vary depending on the asset you’re trading. Stocks and ETFs are commission-free, as are most funds. Options fees range from $0.15 to $0.65 per option contract. Cryptocurrency fees range between 0.12% to 0.18% of the trade value. Forex trades have commissions which can be as low as a fraction of a pip. 

4. Public. Best for sharing beginner trading ideas

public.com logo

...

No. assets

...

Minimum deposit

Crypto

Platform type

Pros & Cons

Commission free stock and ETF investing Share and compare your portfolio on a social trading platform Trade crypto, fractional shares, and alternative investments
You can't trade on margin or use leverage No forex, options, funds, metals, or bonds

Overview

We love Public because it’s a social platform where you can share trading tips and get ideas from other people. Public offers 9,000+ financial instruments, including cryptocurrencies and stocks from around the world.

Alongside a community of other investors all sharing their ideas, Public offers real time news and information so that you can see the full picture before you invest. And the assets don’t just include your run-of-the-mill assets; you can make alternative investments in things like handbags and comic books as well.

The fees: Cryptocurrency trades are charged a 2.5% fee per transaction. 

5. Uphold. Best for building long term wealth

...

No. assets

$1

Minimum deposit

Crypto

Platform type

Pros & Cons

Wide range of cryptocurrencies available Zero deposit and withdrawal fees Crypto wallets to store your coins Low minimum deposits and fast account set up
Spreads can be high for some cryptocurrencies Services vary depending on region Customer support is limited

Overview

We love Uphold because it’s a regulated and transparent digital asset platform. There are 160+ cryptocurrencies available to hold and trade, along with three fiat currencies; GBP, EUR, and USD. 

Uphold’s key features include the ability to schedule transactions to avoid trying to time the market. With a focus on long term wealth building, Uphold also offers the ability to earn rewards of up to 25% on staked crypto, as well as 4% cashback paid in XRP for purchases made with the Uphold card.

The fees: Crypto spreads start from 0.9% and are usually lower than 1.3% for BTC and ETH. Other cryptocurrency spreads are higher. Average spreads on fiat currency are 0.2%. There is a $0.99 fee for transactions under $100 made with the Uphold card.

Terms Apply. Cryptoassets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

6. Coinbase. Best secure trading platform for all types of trader

4

No. assets

$1

Minimum deposit

Crypto

Platform type

Pros & Cons

Simple and easy to use interface Able to buy cryptocurrencies instantly with a credit or debit card Offers great security on its wallet Can use a variety of payment methods
Quite high fees for credit and debit card instant buys Poor customer support

Overview

We love Coinbase because it’s the leading public crypto platform. Coinbase offers more than 170 cryptocurrencies to trade, a secure wallet to store your coins in, and automatic staking rewards on 10+ cryptos through Coinbase Earn.

A public company brings transparency and renown, so you can trust that any money on Coinbase is safe and you’re sharing the platform with over 100 million other users. There is insurance on all cash balances up to $250,000 and the majority of assets are stored offline in cold storage.

The fees: Trading fees start from 0.6% but reduce the higher your trading volume. Bank transfer deposits and withdrawals are free, other payment methods may be charged. There is no fee for wallet-to-wallet crypto transactions but you will have to pay blockchain fees. Coinbase charges a 25% fee for its staking services.

7. Nexo. Best for earning interest & rewards

...

No. assets

...

Minimum deposit

Crypto

Platform type

Pros & Cons

Offers excellent rates of interest on crypto and fiat savings Nexo debit card makes it easy to access and spend your funds Access crypto loans and collateral Equipped with top quality security infrastructure and insured
No anonymous option, your identity must be verified to place buy and sell orders Margins calls if the value of your collateral drops between a certain level

Overview

We love Nexo because you earn rewards every time you make a purchase. You can trade 60+ cryptocurrencies and earn rewards of up to 0.5% on every transaction, then store your coins on Nexo to build your wealth through passive interest payments.

You can trade on the go from a mobile app and Nexo is designed for simplicity. Every trade is locked in at the rate you see on your screen, so you won’t suffer from price slippage, and it has the added bonus that any crypto held in your account automatically starts to earn interest. 

The fees: Nexo charges a 2% spread on buy and sell transactions. There are no fees for storing coins in your Nexo account. Depending on your loyalty tier, you receive a fixed number of free withdrawals, and any additional withdrawals will be charged a network fee. 

8. KuCoin. Best social trading altcoin exchange

1

No. assets

...

Minimum deposit

Crypto

Platform type

Pros & Cons

Anonymous trading with up to 2 BTC withdrawals/24 hours Wide variety of cryptocurrencies No deposit fees
Low trading volumes not suitable for big traders Doesn’t support U.S. customers You might experience delays and lags during high-traffic times.

Overview

We love KuCoin because it;s a great place for beginners to trade more than 700 altcoins. KuCoin is a social trading platform with 20+ million investors worldwide in 200+ countries.

KuCoin’s beginner zone offers up rewards up to $500 for new users. The rest of the platform has plenty of features for the crypto enthusiast: a staking service to earn money on your stored crypto, an NFT marketplace, and margin trading features to buy leveraged tokens.

The fees: Trading fees are charged on a sliding scale. Fees are 0.1% on trading volumes below 50 BTC in a 30 day period. Discounts are available if you pay fees in KCS or store more than 1000 KCS in your account.

Top crypto apps for your needs

Copy link to section

What’s the best crypto app for beginners?

Copy link to section

Binance has the best combination of low trading fees and a large range of crypto coins available. It has established itself as the largest crypto app for a reason and it has dramatically improved its app over the past couple of years.

The Binance ‘lite’ app is a great place for beginners to start, while the regular app has a vast amount of material for users of all stripes. Here are more of the best crypto apps for beginners:

Crypto appTrading feesMobile operating system
BinanceFrom 0%iOS, Android, Tablet
eToro1%iOS, Android, Tablet
BitstampFrom 0%iOS, Android, Tablet

What’s the best crypto trading app?

Copy link to section

eToro is the best app for crypto trading. With a free demo account and a CopyTrader feature where you can follow the best traders, it’s an excellent place for beginners to start trading digital currencies.

You can buy and sell cryptocurrencies with low fees using a simple interface, which are factors which scored very highly with our expert panel. Here are more top crypto trading apps:

Crypto trading appTrading feesNo. of assets
eToro1%73+
BinanceFrom 0%600+
KucoinFrom 0%750+

What’s the best Bitcoin trading app?

Copy link to section

bitFlyer is the best Bitcoin trading app our experts tested. The best broker apps have a simple interface and make it easy to open and close trades.

bitFlyer gives you a few different ways to trade Bitcoin with low fees, and is particularly good for buying and selling BTC with JPY or EUR. Here are some more Bitcoin trading apps:

Bitcoin appTrading feesMobile operating system
bitFlyerFrom 0%iOS, Android, Tablet
BinanceFrom 0%iOS, Android, Tablet
eToro1%iOS, Android, Tablet

What’s the safest crypto trading app?

Copy link to section

Coinbase is the safest app because you can transfer your coins to its self-custodial wallet to keep them secure. Another reason to trust Coinbase is that it’s a public company and so has to be more transparent about its risks and security than private apps do.

Coinbase is a great place to make cryptocurrency investments and manage your crypto portfolio. Here are some more secure crypto apps:

Crypto appRegulation & security
CoinbaseBitLicense, Bank Secrecy Act
eToroFinCEN, FINRA licensed
BitstampCSSF licensed + annual audits

What’s the best crypto wallet app?

Copy link to section

Guarda is the best crypto wallet app for iPhone and Android devices. Guarda is a secure place to store your crypto while also earning interest on your holdings. Here are more of the best crypto wallet apps for storing crypto:

Crypto wallet appCold storage?Earn/staking?
Guarda WalletYesYes
CoinbaseNoYes
WirexYesYes

What is the best crypto news app?

Copy link to section

The Invezz app gives you the latest crypto news as it happens. Get push notifications on the topics that interest you, or follow the latest industry developments to get the macro picture at your fingertips. Here are some other great crypto apps:

Crypto news appOperating system
InvezziOS, Android, Tablet
CoinMarketCapiOS, Android, Tablet
CoinGeckoiOS, Android, Tablet

What is the best crypto exchange app?

Copy link to section

eToro is the best mobile crypto app. It offers the best user experience and a flat trading fee of 1% on all crypto transactions. Here are some more of the best crypto apps:

Crypto appOperating system
eToroiOS, Android, Tablet
BinanceiOS, Android, Tablet
OKXiOS, Android, Tablet

What is the best Bitcoin app?

Copy link to section

bitFlyer is the best app to buy Bitcoin. With low fees on all Bitcoin purchases on the app, it represents great value for money alongside the convenience of being able to buy Bitcoin with many leading currencies, including JPY and EUR. Here are more of the best Bitcoin apps:

Bitcoin appTrading fees
bitFlyerFrom 0%
BinanceFrom 0%
eToro1%

What is the best altcoin app?

Copy link to section

Binance is the best app to buy altcoins. With more than 600 cryptocurrencies available, you can buy and sell any altcoin you’re interested in. From DeFi coins to the latest GameFi tokens, there’s an altcoin there for everyone. Here are some more of the best altcoin apps:

Crypto appNo. of assets
Binance600+
KuCoin750+
OKX340+

What is the best app for crypto investing?

Copy link to section

Nexo is the best app for investing in crypto. For long term investors, security and the ability to earn money on your holdings are most important. Nexo pays interest on 60+ cryptocurrencies, so you can grow your wealth while you invest. Here are some more of the best crypto investing apps:

Crypto investing appEarn interest?No. of assets
NexoYes60+
YouHodlerYes55+
UpholdYes250+

What is the best Bitcoin mining app?

Copy link to section

The best option is to join a mining pool through Bitcoin Miner or MinerGate Mobile Miner. You can mine Bitcoin on an app, but your phone likely isn’t powerful enough to mine on its own so you need to share resources with other users. These mining pools for iOS and Android make it easy to do so.

Here are some other crypto mining apps where you can pool resources to mine crypto:

Crypto mining appOperating system
Bitcoin MinerAndroid, iOS
MinerGate Mobile MinerAndroid, iOS
AntpoolAndroid, iOS

What is the best app for buying crypto?

Copy link to section

Binance is the best app for buying crypto. It has the largest range of coins, with more than 600 in total, and the most trading volume of any crypto app. Beginners can use the ‘Lite’ app to access its basic features, while the regular version has more than enough to satisfy the most advanced trader.

Here are more of the best apps for buying crypto:

Crypto appTrading feesNo. of assets
BinanceFrom 0%600+
Coinbase1%200+
KuCoinFrom 0%750+

What is the best app for crypto charts?

Copy link to section

TradingView is the best crypto charting app. You can use it for free to get basic crypto charts and indicators, or sign up to a paid subscription in order to access its more advanced options. Here are some other top crypto chart apps:

Crypto appOperating system
TradingViewiOS, Android, Tablet
CoinMarketCapiOS, Android, Tablet
CryptoTrackeriOS, Android, Tablet

What’s the best crypto app to spend cryptocurrency?

Copy link to section

Nexo is the best spending app available. It works just like mobile banking apps; you store your crypto on Nexo and you can spend it using a virtual card through the app, or sign up for a Nexo crypto credit card so you can pay with your crypto in a store as if you were using a normal bank card.

Crypto appCrypto loans?Debit card?
NexoYesYes
YouHodlerYesNo
UpholdYesYes

What is the best crypto app for staking?

Copy link to section

eToro is the best crypto staking app for beginners. Staking on eToro is automatic, so that you start earning rewards as soon as you own qualifying coins for a certain amount of time. Here are some of the other best apps to earn crypto.

Staking appKYC verification?Cryptos available
eToroYes3
CoinbaseYes103
BinanceYes117

Read more: best crypto staking apps

What is the most secure crypto app?

Copy link to section

Coinbase has the most secure crypto mobile app. It holds a regulatory licence to operate from FinCEN in the United States and the FCA in the UK. It’s also received regulatory licences from a majority of US state financial legislatures.

Crypto appRegulatory bodies
CoinbaseFinCEN, FCA
eToroFCA, CySEC
AdmiralsFCA, PRA

What is the best crypto app for iOS?

Copy link to section

The best crypto app on the App Store is eToro. You can get involved with its social trading features, buy and sell crypto with low fees, or store your money in the eToro wallet, all from a single app.

iOS appTrading feesSupported cryptosAvailable on App Store?
eToro1%73+Yes
CoinbaseFrom 0.6%200+Yes
BinanceFrom 0.1%600+Yes

What is the best crypto app for Android?

Copy link to section

You can find eToro’s top of the range crypto app on the Google Play Store. Sign up to use its CopyTrader feature to learn from the pros, practice through a demo account, or start trading crypto with low fees.

iOS appTrading feesSupported cryptosAvailable on Play Store?
eToro1%73+Yes
CoinbaseFrom 0.6%200+Yes
BinanceFrom 0.1%600+Yes

Best mobile app for crypto payments

Copy link to section

You can use your Nexo app to make crypto payments without having to sell any of your coins. Make payments with a virtual crypto credit card to fund your day-to-day purchases and earn cashback rewards as well.

Crypto payment appCrypto rewardsSupported coins
NexoUp to 2% cashback60+
Binance8% cashback15
WirexUp to 8% cashback37+

What is the best low fee crypto app?

Copy link to section

The trading fees on Binance start from just 1%, which makes it the cheapest crypto app available today. Further discounts are available if you hold the Binance coin (BNB), and use that to pay the fees.

Crypto appTrading feesSupported coins
BinanceFrom 0.1%600+
CoinbaseFrom 0.6%200+
UpholdFrom 0.65%220+

What is the best crypto trading app?

Copy link to section

Bitstamp is the best day trading crypto app, with the best range of tools for rapid trading. The app is never down – it has the best uptime performance of any crypto app – and provides the sort of liquidity and fast order execution that’s vital for successful day trading.

Crypto appTrading feesNo. of assets
BitstampFrom 0%80+
OKXFrom 0.6%340+
eToro1%73+

Best crypto app for leverage trading

Copy link to section

Binance offers up to 125:1 leverage on futures contracts and options, the largest leverage available on any crypto app we reviewed. Combined with low trading fees, it makes Binance the best leveraged trading app.

Crypto appTrading feesMax leverage
BinanceFrom 0.1%125:1
KucoinFrom 0.1%100:1
HuobiFrom 0.2%20:1

What is the best crypto app with a demo account?

Copy link to section

eToro gives every user a free practice account armed with $100,000 virtual dollars. It’s the best way to learn how to trade crypto without risking any of your actual money.

Crypto appFree demo account?
eToroYes
BitstampYes
BinanceYes

Read more: best crypto demo account apps

Best crypto trading bot apps

Copy link to section

Our experts rate Immediate Edge as the best crypto bot app out there. Our research found it to be the most secure, reliable, and successful bot, with a 99% hit rate on successful trades.

Crypto robot appMinimum depositSuccess rate
Immediate Edge$25099%
Ethereum Code$25088%
Bit Index AI$25060%

Read more: best crypto robot apps

What’s the best app to buy crypto with PayPal?

Copy link to section

eToro is our top rated PayPal crypto app. There are no additional fees for making a deposit with PayPal, or one of the many other alternative payment options.

Crypto appPay with PayPal?
eToroYes
BitstampYes
BinanceYes

Read more: best PayPal crypto apps

Best crypto savings apps

Copy link to section

Storing your crypto on Nexo lets you access the best, most flexible rates of interest. Get paid daily interest on 60+ cryptocurrencies, and access higher rates by locking up your coins for fixed term periods or being paid in the NEXO token.

Crypto savings appBitcoin interest rateStablecoin interest rate
Nexo7%12%
Crypto.com1.5%6%
Binance0.18%0.90%

Read more: best crypto savings accounts

Best DeFi apps

Copy link to section

Curve Finance offers the best decentralised finance app. Trade stablecoins and wrapped tokens with Ethereum in an efficient, low fee app.

DeFi appSupported markets
Curve Finance79+
Uniswap1800+
PancakeSwap530+

Read more: best DeFi apps

Best decentralised apps

Copy link to section

Uniswap is the oldest and most established decentralised app. It’s an automated market maker where its popularity means there’s more than enough liquidity to trade all your favourite coins.

Decentralised appTransaction feesSupported cryptos
Uniswap0.30%1800+
PancakeSwap0.25%2500+
1inch Network0%400+

Read more: best decentralised apps

What is the best crypto signals app?

Copy link to section

Get Started in Crypto is the best crypto signals app. Get Started in Crypto is run by Lisa Edwards, a trader with 20+ years of experience in trading, and is super simple for beginners to use.

Signals appSubscription fee
Get Started in Crypto$69 per month
1000pip BuilderFrom $65.66 per month

Read more: best crypto signals apps

Best NFT apps

Copy link to section

Binance makes buying and selling NFTs easy for beginners. Buy digital artwork, gaming items and more, all for fees of just 1% each time.

NFT appFeesAccepted cryptocurrencies
Binance1%ETH, BNB
Coinbase0-1%ETH
eToro.art1%ETH

What is the best crypto portfolio tracker app?

Copy link to section

The Crypto App is a money manager and portfolio tracker where you can track the price performance of 6,000+ cryptocurrencies across 100+ apps.

Portfolio tracker appSupported assets
The Crypto App6,000+
CoinMarketCap20,000+
CoinTracker10,000+

What is the best app for crypto price alerts?

Copy link to section

The OKX app sends out price alerts in four different formats, so you can set your phone up to receive text messages, Telegram alerts, Discord alerts, or push notifications.

Crypto appAlert format
OKXSMS, Discord, Telegram, push notifications
eToroPush notifications
CoinbasePush notifications

Which crypto app is best in my country?

Copy link to section

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so the right answer depends on the size of your budget, your goals, and even your phone’s operating system. 

Our experts have rated and reviewed the best crypto apps in different countries to find one that works for you.

Choose a top crypto app

What is a crypto trading app?

Copy link to section

A mobile application where you can buy and sell cryptocurrency. Crypto trading apps are normally run by brokers or exchanges and offer many of the same features as the main website platforms. All of these apps are available to download onto your phone or tablet and in iOS or Android versions.

How does a cryptocurrency trading app work?

Copy link to section

It matches buyers with sellers in order to facilitate transactions. You use the app to buy or sell a coin, and the app either takes the other side of the trade itself, or finds another user who wants to sell (or buy) the coin at that price.

Trading apps are essentially just more intuitive, user-friendly versions of the website. Apps are built for convenience and for trading on the go, so you can access most features with a couple of clicks. Almost all cryptocurrency exchanges and broker platforms have their own crypto app.

However, some features can be restricted or not available on an app; things like tools and charts can be awkward and fiddly to display and bespoke interfaces like the ones provided by the MetaTrader platform are often not available.

How should I choose the right crypto app for me?

Copy link to section

Our experts ranked the best crypto apps based on a handful of key features. Cost is obviously important but there are many more, including usability and the range of advanced trading tools. Here are some guidelines to consider before you compare the best apps to invest in crypto.

Never pay to download an app

Copy link to section

Almost all Bitcoin apps are free to download. You want to be able to trust your crypto trading app and the first step is being able to access the download for free. You should not have to pay to download anything; be wary of any platform that asks you to do so.

Look for a free demo account

Copy link to section

Crypto brokers like eToro offer a free demo account where you can trade with virtual money. This is an excellent way to get started with no risk to your finances and learn the ropes before diving in for real.

Consider fees and the cost of trading

Copy link to section

Every platform needs to make its money somewhere and they normally come as a charge on buying, selling, or trading cryptocurrency. Fees can be taken up-front, as part of a subscription, or in the form of transaction fees or trading commissions. Make sure you are fully aware of the cost implications of using an app before you sign up.

Trading fees can vary from 0.1% to above 2% on every trade. High fees can quickly add up to affect your bottom line, particularly if you plan to turn over a large amount of trading volume, and it’s best to choose an app that charges as low fees as possible. eToro and Binance are good examples of apps that charge low fees.

Choose an app with a ‘Lite’ version if you’re new to crypto 

Copy link to section

You can find apps that offer a slimmed down version of the interface so that beginners only see the most relevant and useful information. This can be a great way to learn the ropes without being overwhelmed by information and is usually available in the account settings.

Decide which coins you want to trade

Copy link to section

The range of coins available to trade varies across trading platforms. Cryptocurrency apps like Binance and Coinbase generally offer the widest selection of digital currencies. If you want to trade as many altcoins as possible, that should influence your decision on which crypto trading app to choose.

Look for charting and analysis tools

Copy link to section

The best Bitcoin app can set itself apart from the competition with its unique tools and charts. These provide its users with more options, personalisation and information. The best crypto apps provide a range of charting tools and indicators can help you improve your skills and make the right decisions.

For example, charts and charting tools are useful for traders and long-term investors when trying to read price movements. They generally include indicators like bases, bollinger bands and stochastic oscillators. Therefore, we recommend checking out the tools and charts a crypto app offers before signing up. 

Decide if you want to use leveraged trading

Copy link to section

Leverage lets you make your budget go further by using it as collateral to borrow money from your broker. Not every Bitcoin trading app offers leverage and the amounts available can vary, with 1:30 the maximum permitted to retail traders. If you want to use leverage, consider this before downloading an app.

Research an app’s reputation and regulation

Copy link to section

If you’re trusting a service with your coins, then you want to make sure that the platform is reliable. Make sure you check out reviews of each Bitcoin app before downloading it to give you an idea of its pros and cons. 

You should generally try to use regulated services where possible because they offer more protection in case something goes wrong. You can find out whether a platform is regulated by searching for its company registration number on your local regulators’ website.

Look at it’s security features

Copy link to section

When using crypto trading apps, you want to make sure both your coins and your data are secure, so look for features like the levels of encryption, two-factor authentication (such as biometrics and passcodes), and the use of firewalls. Moreover, for crypto wallet apps, you should check if the app offers cold (offline) storage of tokens to protect you from online attacks. 

Think of anything else you want the app to do

Copy link to section

These can set certain applications apart from the competition. Some cryptocurrency trading apps have features like portfolio trackers, price alerts/notifications, news, educational content, and tutorials and automatic trades. Once you’ve settled on your chosen crypto app, look for features that are going to make your life easier and give you more options. 

Quick answers to key questions

Copy link to section

Can I use crypto trading apps on iOS and Android devices?

Copy link to section

Yes, you can. The best Bitcoin apps are much more widely available now compared to even a year or two ago. Almost every leading crypto platform has its own app that’s available on Android and iOS devices. You can trade crypto from any mobile device.

How much do cryptocurrency apps cost?

Copy link to section

There is normally no fee for downloading or signing up to an app, and wallet or staking apps are almost always free. There are fees for trading coins on an app, and these can range from 0.1% of the trade to 2% or more. We have seen as high as 5%, although this is quite rare.

Some apps offer free trading, although the fees are normally paid elsewhere, such as through a commission on the spread (the difference between the buy and sell price).

Do I have to verify my identity with a crypto app?

Copy link to section

This comes down to what sort of application you’re using. Most crypto wallet apps do not require ID verification. However, trading apps often require you to pass an identity verification check, and some will need you to provide a copy of your driving license, passport, or another form of photo ID.

It is entirely up to the individual discretion of each crypto app, and some platforms do not require any form of identification for using their services. Generally, however, the best crypto apps will require some form of ID verification when you download and use their app.

Is a cryptocurrency app the same as a crypto wallet?

Copy link to section

A cryptocurrency wallet is one type of crypto app, but not all apps are wallets. Many applications that allow users to trade or buy crypto let them store coins in their account, but a specialised crypto wallet provides an enhanced layer of safety and security. Some wallets even come with offline storage options which can be accessed from your smartphone.

Can I mine Bitcoin on mobile apps?

Copy link to section

Yes, although your phone won’t be powerful enough to do so on its own. The best way to mine Bitcoin with an app is to join a mining pool, where you share resources (and returns).

By joining a mining pool like Antpool or Btc.com, you can share your phone’s computational power with other users and mine Bitcoin from your phone.

How do cryptocurrency apps and crypto exchanges generate revenue? 

Copy link to section

These platforms make money by charging trading fees on each transaction, withdrawal fees when you transfer crypto out, and bid-ask spreads when you buy or sell cryptocurrencies. Some of the best apps for trading crypto also make money via premium subscriptions that provide advanced crypto traders access to sophisticated tools, lower fees, and higher limits.

Do crypto apps have insurance against hacking or theft? 

Copy link to section

The most secure crypto apps like Coinbase, Binance, and eToro carry insurance policies to reimburse users’ funds in case of a breach. However, coverage limits and details vary greatly across platforms. Always verify the security and insurance before choosing a crypto wallet app or exchange.

What customer support options are offered by crypto apps? 

Copy link to section

Most reputable platforms provide support via email, phone, live chat, Twitter, Reddit, and Discord. Response times and quality vary significantly, so check Reddit and reviews to find the best apps for trading crypto based on customer service reputation.

Can I connect my bank account or credit card directly to crypto apps? 

Copy link to section

Leading platforms like Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Cash App allow direct connections to your bank account via ACH or wire transfer. This lets you easily deposit and withdraw fiat currency. Some payment apps also facilitate direct crypto purchases with cards. We recommend using trusted apps with strong security such as eToro.

How long does account verification take on a crypto app?

Copy link to section

The process can take minutes to days, depending on the platform. KYC regulations legally require crypto apps to verify user identities. Some, like Coinbase and eToro allow instant verification, while others, like Kraken, may take 1-5 days to review documents manually. Almost all crypto apps now require you to verify your account before using its services.

Are there decentralised crypto apps without intermediaries? 

Copy link to section

Yes, decentralised exchanges like Uniswap, Pancakeswap and Sushiswap enable direct peer-to-peer crypto trading via smart contracts without a company as an intermediary custodian. They provide an alternative to centralised platforms, although are not as userfriendly, so may not be suitable for newbies. 

Choose a crypto app now

Methodology: How we choose the best cryptocurrency apps

Copy link to section

Helping people make better financial decisions is at the heart of our mission at Invezz. 

We periodically test more than 67 mobile apps to provide our users with clear, accessible guidance on the investing options available. All testing is carried out by our panel of crypto experts, analysts, and active traders who sign up to each app, conduct research, and score each service.

Our tests are designed to find apps that offer a beginner-friendly, secure crypto experience at a fair price. To supplement our practical testing and experience, we research each mobile app to gather any further relevant information. We read online customer reviews, app reviews on the Play Store and App Store, and conduct user surveys to get feedback from real people about what works, and what doesn’t.

Each mobile platform is awarded a final score based on 130+ data points across 8 ranking categories: cost, reliability, user experience, deposit & withdrawals, investing options, range of products/markets, research & analysis tools, and the availability of educational & learning resources.

We work closely with individual crypto brands to ensure all factual information displayed here is accurate. All data is then fact-checked by an independent reviewer. You can learn more about our expert panel and how we test, rate, and review platforms in our review process.

FAQs

Copy link to section
Can I use multiple crypto apps?
Are crypto apps legal?
Can I use cryptocurrency trading apps in the US?
Can I use cryptocurrency trading apps in the UK?
Can I use crypto apps on my phone?
Do I have to pay to use crypto apps?
Are there fees when buying cryptocurrency on an app?
Are crypto mobile apps safe?
Are crypto apps regulated?
Do I have to pay tax on any money I make on a Bitcoin app?
Do crypto apps integrate with online accounts?
What if I forget my password?
Will I lose my money if I uninstall a crypto app?
What are the risks of using cryptocurrency trading apps?
Can I use my PayPal account to deposit money on an app?
Which cryptocurrency app has the most coins? 
Which crypto app offers the highest sign-up bonus?
What features should I look for in a top cryptocurrency app?
Which are the best crypto apps for earning interest and staking rewards on holdings?
Are there any crypto apps that offer free crypto or airdrops? 
Okay, I’m ready to choose an app


Sources & references
Risk disclaimer
Charlie Hancox
Financial Writer
Charlie is a Financial Writer for Invezz. He covers commodities, cryptocurrencies, and breaking news. Prior to joining Invezz he helped grow Crux Investor into the fastest-growing... read more.
James Knight
Editor of Education
James is the Editor of Education for Invezz, where he covers topics from across the financial world, from the stock market, to cryptocurrency, to macroeconomic markets.... read more.