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Binance vs Coinbase

AUTHOR:
Kevin Groves
• Date Published:
September 27, 2024
In the blue corner, we have Coinbase; in the yellow corner, we have Binance. Who will reign supreme? Dive in to find out!
Binance vs Coinbase

Comparing Binance and Coinbase, two leading cryptocurrency trading exchanges, can help you determine which is best. In this guide, we'll assess these two crypto exchanges to help you determine which one aligns better with your requirements.

Here's Our Verdict

For people who want a crypto exchange equipped with a robust ecosystem of streamlined features and built upon cutting-edge blockchain technology, Binance is the answer. If you can get past the brief learning curve, the overall pros, including the value-for-money fees and features, will be appealing. You can even get a $100 bonus when you sign up with Binance.

Coinbase provides an exquisite service, albeit more straightforward, with fewer features and less clutter than Binance. 

Overall winner: Binance🏆

For more in-depth assessment, read our Binance and Coinbase reviews.

Binance vs Coinbase: Products, Services, & Features

Binance offers various products and services for a wide spectrum of crypto investors, traders, and enthusiasts. 

The Binance ecosystem of features is centred around the Binance Smart Chain (BSC). The network provides a platform for decentralised applications (dApps) and smart contracts, solidifying Binance's presence in the DeFi (Decentralized Finance) sector. It also has its native cryptocurrency, BNB, which can be used to reduce trading fees and participate in various platform activities.

Some of Binance’s notable markets and features include the following: noting that some may not be available in certain jurisdictions due to regulatory reasons. 

  • A Peer-to-Peer trading (P2P) platform where users can exchange digital currencies using various deposit methods and currencies without incurring fees. An escrow service ensures the security of funds until the transaction is finalised.
  • An advanced TradingView platform and a comprehensive suite of trading tools, indicators, and charting options. 
  • A cryptocurrency debit card enables users to convert and utilise digital currencies like a traditional debit card. 
  • Choose from the existing crypto trading bots offered, including spot grid, futures grid, arbitrage bot, rebalancing bot, and algo order. Additionally, the marketplace provides access to unique bots tailored for specific trading strategies.
  • A testnet demo account loaded with 3,000 USDT for virtual trading. It replicates the Binance trading platform and provides access to all the necessary trading tools, making it an ideal platform to practice cryptocurrency trading.

Binance’s copy-trading feature is well-equipped.

Coinbase, however, takes a more simplified approach, emphasising user-friendliness and accessibility. 

Its main advantage is its easy-to-use interface and smooth experience. It provides uncomplicated buying and selling options, staking services, and a straightforward yet effective "earn" feature that encourages users to learn about new cryptocurrencies. 

Additionally, Coinbase offers a secure and insured wallet for users who opt to store their digital assets on the platform. For institutional investors, there's Coinbase Pro, which offers more advanced trading features such as real-time order books, charting tools, and lower fees than the regular Coinbase platform. 

Coinbase’s Earn feature is limited compared to Binance’s offerings.

Furthermore, Coinbase has entered the NFT (Non-Fungible Token) space with its marketplace, making it a versatile platform for individuals interested in cryptocurrencies and digital collectibles.

Winner: Binance 🏆

Binance is an excellent option for those looking for its wider financial products and services. Simply put, there is something for everyone. On the other hand, Coinbase is ideal for those seeking a secure and straightforward way to enter the cryptocurrency market. It is recognised for its user-friendly interface and simplicity, which makes it a good crypto storage wallet.

Binance vs Coinbase: Deposit Methods

Binance offers diverse deposit methods to serve its global user base. Users can add funds through bank transfers (ACH, SEPA, SWIFT), credit/debit cards, and various other payment options based on their location. Binance's support for multiple fiat currencies, such as USD, EUR, GBP, and others, makes it a versatile platform for international users. 

Binance also allows direct deposits of cryptocurrencies, simplifying transferring funds from other exchanges or wallets. 

The platform has made significant progress in expanding its fiat on-ramp services, enabling users from different countries to deposit their local currencies effortlessly. 

Coinbase has established itself as a more user-friendly option, especially for beginners. Coinbase supports bank transfers (ACH in the U.S., SEPA in Europe), credit/debit cards, PayPal (for withdrawals in some regions), and direct cryptocurrency deposits. One of the standout features of Coinbase is its instant buy option, which allows users to purchase cryptocurrencies instantly using their debit or credit cards. 

Winner: Coinbase 🏆

Coinbase and Binance both provide a range of deposit options, but Coinbase is slightly more convenient and user-friendly, catering to a larger audience. On the other hand, Binance offers a broader selection of deposit methods and supports more fiat currencies, making it a preferable option for users seeking greater flexibility and global accessibility.

Binance vs Coinbase: Supported Cryptocurrencies and Trading Pairs

Binance is renowned for its extensive selection of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs. The platform supports 418 cryptocurrencies, including all the major ones, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Binance Coin (BNB), as well as a wide array of altcoins and tokens from new projects. 

Additionally, Binance offers many trading pairs, including crypto-to-crypto pairs, fiat-to-crypto pairs, and some unique pairs unavailable on other exchanges. 

Coinbase, in contrast, takes a more conservative approach to listing cryptocurrencies. Currently, Coinbase supports 253 cryptocurrencies, which, while significantly fewer than Binance, still cover the market's most popular and established coins. 

While Coinbase offers fewer trading pairs than Binance, it does provide the most commonly traded pairs, including BTC/USD, ETH/USD, and other fiat-to-crypto pairs. 

Winner: Binance🏆

Binance offers more supported cryptocurrencies and trading pairs than Coinbase, making it an ideal choice for users who want access to diverse market opportunities. 

Binance vs Coinbase: Ease of Use

Binance's platform offers features suitable for a wide range of experience levels, though it may require some time to become familiar with. It caters to diverse trading needs, including spot trading, futures, margin trading, and staking. 

While these options provide extensive functionality, they might be overwhelming for some. Binance has attempted to address this by offering different interface modes, such as basic and advanced views, allowing users to select what suits them best. 

The Binance spot trading interface.

However, the wide array of options, tools, and features can make Binance appear complex and intimidating to new users. Nevertheless, for those committed to learning, Binance offers a robust platform that satisfies all a trader's requirements.

Coinbase is widely recognised for its user-friendly design and simplicity, which makes it an excellent choice for individuals new to cryptocurrency. The platform features an uncluttered and easy-to-navigate layout, with all essential features readily accessible from the main dashboard. 

The Advanced trading interface on Coinbase is still simpler than Binance’s. 

Coinbase's straightforward design streamlines buying, selling, and managing cryptocurrency portfolios, ensuring users are able to handle complex tools and options.

Winner: Binance 🏆

Binance offers advanced tools but has a steep learning curve, while Coinbase is user-friendly and great for the general public.

Binance vs Coinbase: Fees

Binance is known for its fee structure, making it an excellent choice for active traders conscious of costs. Its spot maker and taker fees start at 0.1% and can be reduced using Binance Coin (BNB), the platform's native cryptocurrency. Additionally, fees decrease with higher trading volumes, which is particularly appealing for frequent traders.

For futures trading, Binance charges a 0.02% maker fee and a 0.05% taker fee. 

Coinbase's fee system is more intricate and confusing than Binance's, especially for smaller transactions. 

Coinbase charges a spread of approximately 0.50% and an additional flat fee that varies depending on the transaction amount when purchasing and selling cryptocurrencies. 

For instance, transactions under $10 will incur a $0.99 fee, while those between $10 and $25 will incur a $1.49 fee. These costs can accumulate, particularly for smaller trades. 

Coinbase Pro, the exchange's more advanced trading platform, provides a reduced fee system featuring a 0.50% maker/taker fee that decreases with higher trading volumes. 

Winner: Binance 🏆

Binance is simply a cheaper option with a less-confusing fee structure. 

Binance vs Coinbase: Markets & Trading

Binance is a powerhouse for active traders, providing access to various markets and trading pairs. With 418 cryptocurrencies available across 1,625 trading markets, Binance is a superior option. 

Binance offers extensive trading options, including spot trading, margin trading, futures contracts, and options trading. Binance Futures supports the following markets:

  • Futures contracts on USDS-M are available as perpetual or quarterly contracts and are settled in USDT or BUSD.
  • Coin-M Futures contracts come in perpetual or quarterly varieties and are settled using cryptocurrency.
  • Leveraged Tokens allow for trading with leverage without the need for collateral, maintaining margin levels, or worrying about liquidation.
  • Options are contracts settled in cash that have the potential to be exercised before their expiration.

Binance also supports various order types, such as market, limit, and stop-limit orders, giving traders the flexibility to execute complex trading strategies. 

The platform’s liquidity is among the highest in the industry (869, according to CoinMarketCap), ensuring minimal slippage and tighter spreads, which is crucial for high-frequency traders and those dealing with large volumes.

Coinbase Pro, a more advanced trading platform within the Coinbase family, provides features such as real-time order books, charting tools, and lower fees than the standard Coinbase platform. 

However, even with Coinbase Pro, the variety of available cryptocurrencies and trading pairs is more restricted than Binance. To illustrate, Coinbase has 253 crypto assets across only 401 markets. The main focus is delivering a secure and user-friendly trading experience rather than catering to traders' requirements.

Winner: Binance 🏆

Binance is ideal for traders seeking diverse markets, advanced trading tools, and the potential to engage in sophisticated trading strategies. Coinbase is better suited for those who prefer a more straightforward and secure trading environment.

Binance vs Coinbase: Mobile Apps

Binance's mobile app comes with a wide range of functions, making it a valuable tool for traders who desire complete access to the exchange's capabilities from their mobile devices. The app provides support for all the key features offered on the desktop platform, such as spot trading, margin trading, futures trading, staking, and more. 

The app includes advanced charting tools, various order types, and real-time market data. It is accessible on both iOS and Android devices and undergoes regular updates to enhance performance and introduce new features.

Due to its extensive functionality, Binance's mobile app may be overwhelming for beginners, but it provides a significant advantage. While it may require a learning curve, it offers seasoned traders everything they need to manage trades and investments from anywhere.

Coinbase's mobile app is intentionally simple and has a clean, intuitive interface, perfect for beginners. It offers easy access to buying and selling cryptocurrencies, checking balances, and setting up recurring purchases. The app also provides educational materials about cryptocurrencies.

Coinbase’s mobile app provides biometric verification and push alerts for secure account management, prioritizing simplicity and security over advanced trading features.

Winner: Tie

Binance’s mobile app is best suited for traders who need a comprehensive and feature-rich tool to manage their portfolios on the go. Coinbase also allows this, so there isn’t much significant difference between the two.

Binance vs Coinbase: Customer Service

Binance offers various ways for customers to get help, such as a detailed help centre, support through email, and live chat. If you need more direct help, Binance's live chat feature is accessible at any time, although the time it takes to receive a response may depend on the number of inquiries. 

It may not be surprising that Binance’s customer service has been criticised for slow response times and a lack of personalised support. 

Coinbase is known for its strong focus on customer support. It offers a variety of support options, including a comprehensive help centre, email support, live chat, and phone support. The availability of phone support is a pro over Binance

Winner: Coinbase 🏆

Binance provides a variety of customer service options, but its support may not be consistent and slow. On the other hand, Coinbase offers more user-friendly and accessible support options. This includes phone support, a feature Binance doesn’t offer. 

Binance vs Coinbase: Comparison Outcomes

In conclusion, Binance is the better choice for advanced traders due to its extensive features, lower fees, and broader cryptocurrency selection. While it offers a comprehensive platform for experienced users, Coinbase excels in simplicity and user-friendliness, making it ideal for beginners. Binance has a more competitive fee structure, but Coinbase provides better customer service, including phone support. Both have strong mobile apps, with Binance suited for seasoned traders and Coinbase offering ease of use. Ultimately, Binance offers greater flexibility and options, while Coinbase provides a secure, beginner-friendly entry point into crypto.

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We aim to publish information that is factual and accurate as of the date of publication. For specific information about a cryptocurrency exchange or trading platform please visit that provider’s website. This information is general in nature and is for educational purposes only. We do not provide financial advice nor does it take into account your personal financial situation. We encourage you to seek financial advice from an independent financial advisor where appropriate and make your own inquiries.

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