Kraken vs Binance: Which Crypto Platform Should You Choose?

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If you're looking for a platform to buy or trade cryptocurrencies, you've likely encountered the names Binance and Kraken. Both are major players, but which one is the right choice for you? Our team has thoroughly tested and compared these two online brokers. Here are the detailed findings from this Kraken vs Binance face-off.

To ensure a fair comparison, we evaluated numerous aspects: features, available cryptocurrencies, website and app quality, fees, security, customer support, and more. Nothing was left to chance. Let's dive into the specifics.

Features: Kraken vs Binance

We begin by examining the features offered by both platforms. Which one provides more functionality? Let's find out.

Kraken

Kraken offers the main features you'd expect from a crypto exchange. Through its website or app, you can buy, sell, or store cryptocurrencies. For trading, you'll need to use the Kraken Pro interface. Only through this interface can you engage in advanced trading or apply leverage (use at your own risk).

Additionally, Kraken allows you to stake certain cryptocurrencies to generate interest. However, the selection is relatively limited, which is a downside.

Notably, Kraken lacks a payment card and an NFT marketplace. You'll understand why this matters when you read about Binance.

Binance

Does Binance measure up to Kraken in terms of features? We believe it more than holds its own. By choosing Binance, you gain access to significantly more features and opportunities than with Kraken.

Here's a non-exhaustive list of what Binance offers:

As you can see, the options are much broader than Kraken's. Binance also regularly introduces new features, keeping the platform innovative.

👉 Explore advanced trading features

Binance wins the first round against Kraken. The broker is known for its constant innovations. With Binance, you can do everything: buy/sell cryptos, save, trade futures, deal in NFTs, get a crypto card, or even secure a loan. Kraken lags behind and struggles to catch up. If you want to avoid missing opportunities, Binance is clearly the better choice.

Available Cryptocurrencies

This is a critical factor when choosing a crypto platform. How many cryptocurrencies can you buy? After analysis, here's how Kraken and Binance stack up.

Kraken

Let's be direct: Kraken is not ideal if you want access to hundreds of cryptocurrencies. Although new assets are added regularly, you'll have fewer than 100 options.

Yes, you can buy Bitcoin, Ether, Polkadot tokens, Cardano, and others. But we noticed many top-100 market cap cryptocurrencies are missing. For example, at the time of writing, you can't buy Luna tokens, NEAR, Ripple, and several others.

If this is a drawback for you, pay close attention to Binance's offering.

Binance

Regardless of which cryptocurrencies you want to buy, Binance is a much better choice than Kraken. No other crypto broker offers as wide a selection. In total, you can invest in hundreds of cryptocurrencies.

You'll find the vast majority of assets in the top 100 by market cap. Even better, Binance allows investment in lesser-known and newer projects. The platform constantly adds new cryptocurrencies, so it's unlikely Kraken will catch up soon.

There's simply no platform that matches Binance in the number of available cryptocurrencies. Kraken is no exception. As evident, Binance wins again.

On one side (Binance), you get hundreds of cryptocurrencies; on the other (Kraken), you'll be frustrated by the absence of many popular cryptos in 2025. If you seek maximum diversification and early investment opportunities, Binance is the clear choice.

Security: Kraken vs Binance

Before choosing between Kraken and Binance, you must consider the security measures in place to protect investors and their investments.

What are the best practices? Ideally, the broker should safeguard your cryptocurrencies (via cold storage and other internal measures). Also, it's crucial to protect your account with two-factor authentication (2FA). Let's see how both platforms fare.

Kraken

Kraken implements many measures to secure its platform, clients, and investments. This is undeniable.

First, most client assets are stored in offline cold storage. The goal is to protect investments in case of a security breach. Kraken also has dedicated teams constantly searching for and fixing potential vulnerabilities.

For account security, Kraken allows you to set up 2FA. We highly recommend enabling this—it's important. Several methods are supported: SMS codes, apps like Google Authenticator, or security keys like YubiKey. Prefer the last two methods for the highest security.

Binance

Is Binance on par with Kraken regarding security? As noted in our analysis, Binance does everything necessary to ensure your security and that of your investments.

But, as with Kraken, you must do your part. This means setting a complex password for your Binance account and, importantly, adopting 2FA. Yes, it adds a step and slows account access slightly, but it only takes a few extra seconds.

Binance supports 2FA via SMS, apps like Google Authenticator, and physical security keys.

For the first time in this comparison, it's a tie between Kraken and Binance. Both platforms implement necessary measures to secure your investments and account.

Regardless of your choice, you can be assured. Binance and Kraken are reliable crypto platforms that prioritize asset security. Just remember to use a strong password and enable 2FA (preferably with a security key or authenticator app).

Fees: Kraken vs Binance

When buying cryptocurrencies, you'll pay fees on each transaction, and these fees vary by platform. Naturally, you want the broker with the most attractive fees.

So, who offers better fees—Binance or Kraken?

Kraken

Fees on Kraken depend on what you're doing. For example, using Kraken Pro for trading, fees range from 0% to 0.26%, which is reasonable.

But if you're a beginner and use the instant buy option (which is simpler), prepare for exorbitant fees. Instant purchases incur a 3.75% processing fee + €0.25 fixed fee, plus a 1.5% broker fee.

If you deposited via SEPA transfer, you'll only pay the 1.5% fee. Still, these fees are too high in our opinion.

Also, for crypto conversions (e.g., Ether to Bitcoin), the platform charges between 0.9% and 1.5%, depending on the currencies.

Binance

Binance's fees are much more reasonable than Kraken's. For each trade (buy or sell), the fee is just 0.1%. Yes, you read correctly! Even better, you can reduce these fees further.

👉 Get low-fee trading strategies

This is possible by buying BNB tokens (Binance's native crypto) or by trading large volumes regularly.

That said, note that Binance charges deposit fees. For example, card deposits incur a 1.8% fee. However, you can use a bank transfer via partner platform Advcash with a fixed fee of €1.

Unsurprisingly, Binance wins against Kraken. The fees charged by Kraken are significantly higher.

Simply put, Binance offers the lowest fees in the market. As noted, you can reduce them further by holding BNB or trading frequently and in large volumes. The more you trade, the lower the fees.

Website, App Quality, and Ease of Use

This comparison wouldn't be complete without analyzing the websites and apps of both brokers. It's important to have qualitative interfaces that are easy to understand yet comprehensive.

So, who offers better guarantees here—Binance or Kraken?

Kraken

Kraken's standard website is relatively simple to use. But there's also a "Pro" version for advanced trading. Unfortunately, the Pro interface is not easy to grasp.

Moreover, we found Kraken's website relatively unstable during market volatility. At times, it was impossible to buy or sell cryptocurrencies.

As for the mobile app, it's available on Android and iOS. The user experience is relatively good, but the fact that it's not fully translated into French tarnishes our opinion.

Binance

Binance's website can be overwhelming if you're new to crypto investing. Due to the many features, there's a lot of information on each interface.

The key is to focus on what you want to do and not get distracted. This is especially true for trading interfaces. That said, after a few days, you'll find your way around.

The mobile app, however, is a different story. It's not in our top 3 best crypto apps by chance. Unlike the website, it's simple to use and extremely comprehensive. The app is available on both Android and iOS.

Although Binance isn't perfect (we find its website a bit complicated for beginners), we give it an extra point in this comparison with Kraken.

The reason is simple: Kraken's website has too many problems, especially during high market volatility. Plus, its mobile app isn't fully translated, and the Kraken Pro interface is far from user-friendly.

Customer Support: Kraken vs Binance

Although not the most critical point, we wanted to address customer support. You'll rarely need it, but when you do, you'll appreciate a responsive, always-available service.

Here's what each platform offers.

Kraken

Kraken's customer support is far from a market reference. However, it's available 24/7 via online chat. You can also open a ticket if preferred.

Based on our experience, you might need patience. That said, the responses are satisfactory. Before contacting support, we recommend checking Kraken's knowledge base. It's translated into French and answers frequently asked questions. Many tutorials are also available.

Binance

The responsiveness of Binance's customer support is similar to Kraken's—patience is required. However, the responses are satisfactory, and it's easy to reach an agent.

You can open a ticket directly via the live chat function.

Binance stands out compared to Kraken in terms of resources. Its knowledge base is much more comprehensive. Additionally, the Academy section on its site is a goldmine. It includes guides, tutorials, explanatory articles, and technical analyses on crypto-related projects. If you want to improve your understanding of the blockchain ecosystem, this is an invaluable free resource.

This duel ends with a victory for Binance. Although its support isn't the most responsive, you'll always get satisfactory answers.

Where Binance's support outshines Kraken's is in the resources provided. You won't find anything better than Binance Academy and its knowledge base. These resources help you find answers to questions and problems while educating you about cryptocurrencies and blockchain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which platform is better for beginners, Kraken or Binance?
Binance is generally better due to its extensive educational resources, user-friendly mobile app, and wider range of features. However, beginners might find Kraken's standard interface simpler, though its Pro platform can be complex.

Can I reduce trading fees on Binance?
Yes, you can lower trading fees on Binance by holding BNB tokens (its native cryptocurrency) or by increasing your trading volume. The more you trade, the lower your fee tier.

Is Kraken more secure than Binance?
Both platforms employ robust security measures, including cold storage for assets and support for two-factor authentication (2FA). We consider security a tie between Kraken and Binance.

Does Kraken offer more cryptocurrencies than Binance?
No, Binance offers significantly more cryptocurrencies than Kraken. Kraken provides fewer than 100 options, while Binance supports hundreds, including many top-100 market cap assets.

Which platform has better customer support?
Binance edges out Kraken due to its comprehensive knowledge base and educational Academy. Both platforms offer 24/7 support via chat, but responses may require patience.

Are there any hidden fees on these platforms?
Both platforms disclose their fee structures. Kraken charges high fees for instant buys, while Binance has low trading fees but charges for certain deposits. Always review the fee schedule before trading.

Conclusion: Which One to Choose, Kraken or Binance?

If you've been keeping score, you'll notice a clear winner. Binance proves to be a much better choice than Kraken. This holds for the most important aspects: features, number of available cryptocurrencies, and fees.

By winning five of the six comparison points, Binance is logically declared the winner. By choosing Binance, you can invest in a wider variety of cryptocurrencies, enjoy more features, and benefit from lower fees. For these reasons, it makes sense to trust this online broker.