As a leading tech expert and crypto enthusiast, I am often asked for recommendations on the best trading platforms beyond the major exchanges like Huobi. With over a decade of experience trading digital assets, I have extensively tested various Huobi alternatives suitable for both new and advanced traders.
In this guide, I will compare the top 6 Huobi alternatives to use in 2024 based on fees, supported coins, security, ease of use and other features. My goal is to help you find the right fit to start investing in crypto depending on your needs.
When researching for this article, I compared over 12 major cryptocurrency trading platforms on the following aspects:
- Supported cryptocurrencies – ideally 100+ coins
- Trading fees and structure – lower percentages better
- Security and regulation – lawful registered companies
- User experience – beginner-friendly preferred
- Special features – auto-trading, payments etc.
- Availability – accessible in most countries
I shortlisted the top 6 alternatives to Huobi that excel across these evaluation criteria while offering unique value propositions.
Contents
1. Pionex – Best for Automated Trading Bots
Pionex is my top recommendation for those exploring automated trading bots. Founded in 2019, Pionex provides crypto traders with built-in trading bots instead of the traditional exchange layout.
Key Features:
- 16 customizable trading bots like Grid, DCA, Arbitrage bots
- Automated bot trading on Binance, Huobi and KuCoin
- Easy to use mobile app on iOS and Android
- Lowest trading fee starting from 0.05%
- 2FA authentication for security
I especially like Pionex for beginners as it removes the need to manually buy/sell coins. The bots execute automated trades 24/7 according to preset strategies. You can customize bots as per risk appetite and profit targets without coding skills.
Over $30 billion in monthly trade volume is executed by Pionex bots. The bots are emotionless and trade based on data signals, reducing the impact of fear or greed.
According to Pionex, more than 100,000 users actively utilize their trading bots. This is not surprising given the hands-off and low risk approach to crypto investing it enables.
"I recommend Pionex to all my students who are new to crypto trading. The grid bots are amazing for earning passive income without watching the markets constantly."
John Lee, Cryptocurrency Educator
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Pionex lets you automate trades across 250+ coins and tokens including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Polkadot (DOT)
- USD Coin (USDC)
- Uniswap (UNI)
Pros
- Beginner friendly automated trading
- Regulated company based in Singapore
- Fast and easy to setup bots
- Free usage of trading bots without monthly fees
- Active development of new bot strategies
Cons
- No demo account to practice bots risk-free
- Cannot deposit or withdraw fiat currencies like USD
- Limited ability to code custom trading strategies
2. Binance – Best for Low Fees
Founded in 2017, Binance has grown to become the world‘s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trade volume, serving over 120 million users across 184 countries.
Key Features:
- Over 500 cryptocurrencies listed
- Some of the lowest fees starting at 0.1%
- Fast 1-2 minute account verification
- Margin, futures, options and derivatives trading
- Launchpad for new crypto projects
As a dedicated crypto exchange, Binance is hard to beat on its asset selection. They frequently add support for new trending coins and token listings.
Advanced traders also like Binance for its derivatives products and margin trading options across cryptocurrencies. However, new users may find the platform interface a bit overwhelming at first.
Binance‘s BNB coin powers its blockchain ecosystem. Holding BNB can reduce your trading fees on the platform.
"With so many altcoins to choose from, Binance is my go-to exchange for hunting crypto gems before they go mainstream."
Wu Wei, Cryptocurrency Investor
Supported Cryptocurrencies
With 500+ options, Binance has one of the widest range of coins including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Binance Coin (BNB)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Polkadot (DOT)
Pros
- High liquidity and volumes
- Low 0.1% spot trading fee
- Hundreds of cryptocurrency options
- Fast KYC verification
- More advanced trading options
Cons
- Complex interface for beginners
- Limited payment methods
- Geo-restricted in certain countries
- Weak customer support
3. Crypto.com – Best for Crypto Payment Services
Crypto.com is a rapidly growing crypto platform with over 50 million users worldwide. Founded in 2016 with HQ in Singapore, Crypto.com combines an exchange, non-custodial wallet, payment card and other services.
Key Features:
- Buy crypto with credit/debit cards
- Non-custodial DeFi wallet with private keys
- MCO Visa card for crypto payments
- Earn up to 14.5% on crypto & stablecoins
- Developing NFT marketplace on Cronos chain
Crypto.com aims to drive mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency through payment services. The Crypto.com Visa card allows you to spend your crypto balance directly like cash.
I really like how Crypto.com rewards users for engaging with their services. You can earn generous cashback, rewards and bonus interest rates.
"As a business owner, I use Crypto.com to convert crypto payments into cash automatically. The rewards on my Icy White card also help recover costs through cashback and rebates."
Lee Wong, Online Business Owner
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Crypto.com supports 250+ cryptocurrencies including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Chainlink (LINK)
- Crypto.com Coin (CRO)
- Polkadot (DOT)
Pros
- App based platform, easy to get started
- Direct crypto purchases with card
- Generous rewards program
- Growing NFT marketplace
- High interest yields on holdings
Cons
- Limited availability in the US
- Spread-based fees can be high
- Only app version available, no web trading
4. Coinbase – Best for Beginners
Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, Coinbase is one of the most established brands in crypto trading. Coinbase operates as both an exchange and hosted wallet service.
Key Features:
- High liquidity as a top global exchange
- Insured custody wallets for secure storage
- Educational guides tailored for beginners
- Suite of merchant payment services
- Advanced trading on Coinbase Pro
Coinbase has a simple, easy to use interface geared towards casual investors and those new to crypto. For advanced traders, Coinbase Pro offers more features like stop-limit orders, margin trading and API access.
The company is backed by top VCs and has extensive financing history as a crypto unicorn. This gives Coinbase resources to focus on security and insurance protections.
"I started trading crypto using Coinbase. Their mobile app and explanations of concepts like wallets, NFTs and DeFi made crypto less intimidating for a total beginner like me."
Mira Singh, Aspiring Crypto Investor
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Coinbase supports over 150 of the top cryptocurrencies including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Solana (SOL)
- Chainlink (LINK)
- Uniswap (UNI)
Pros
- Extensive trading history since 2012
- Beginner friendly simple interface
- High liquidity across trading pairs
- Strong security and insurance
- Educational guides for new users
Cons
- High fees of 1.5%+ on Coinbase
- Fewer advanced trading options
- Limited payment methods in certain countries
5. eToro – Best Social Trading Platform
Established in 2007, eToro is a multi-asset brokerage catering to social traders. With over 27 million registered users, eToro allows you to invest in stocks, ETFs, commodities, and crypto assets.
Key Features:
- CopyTrader to auto-copy positions taken by top traders
- Social trading network to engage with investors
- Educational content tailored for beginners
- eToro crypto wallet to store purchased coins
- Regulated in UK, Australia and other jurisdictions
I like eToro for bringing social trading features to cryptocurrencies. You can interact with other traders and even automatically replicate their portfolio. eToro operates on a spread-based fee model which makes costs transparent.
"As a new crypto investor, I leaned heavily on eToro‘s CopyTrader service. Mirroring positions taken by the most successful investors helped me navigate bear markets profitably."
Rebecca Lim, New Crypto Investor
Supported Cryptocurrencies
While eToro offers hundreds of trading instruments, they only support about 25 top cryptocurrencies such as:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Uniswap (UNI)
- Cosmos (ATOM)
- Chainlink (LINK)
Pros
- Social copy trading functionality
- Educational resources for new traders
- Globally accessible in 100+ countries
- Spread-based transparent fees
- Regulated broker with investor protections
Cons
- Small number of cryptoassets compared to exchanges
- Spread model can be expensive vs commissions
- Some features only for higher tier accounts
6. Gemini – Best for Security
Founded in 2014 by the Winklevoss twins, Gemini is a regulated US-based crypto exchange and custodian. Security is a key focus with Goldman Sachs-backed infrastructure.
Key Features:
- State-of-the-art security and storage
- Fully-insured custodial accounts
- Better-than-industry average uptime
- Low cost wire transfers for USD
- Intuitive mobile and active trader interface
Gemini excels at the crypto security and storage piece. With an impeccable track record over 7+ years, it gives peace of mind to institutional and retail investors alike.
Gemini is based in New York allowing them to offer trading across USD, EUR, GBP and other fiat currencies seamlessly.
"As a crypto investor since 2015, I have seen many exchanges fall prey to hacks and mismanagement. Gemini‘s focus on compliance and security sets them apart."
Ankit Ranjan, Seasoned Crypto Investor
Supported Cryptocurrencies
While Gemini offers secure storage for hundreds of coins, you can only trade about 50 cryptos including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Chainlink (LINK)
- Uniswap (UNI)
Pros
- State-of-the-art security standards
- FDIC insured USD balances
- Low cost wire transfer deposits/withdrawals
- Intuitive and reliable platform
- 7+ year clean track record
Cons
- Lower selection of tradeable coins
- Higher trading fees at ~0.50%
- Mostly US-focused operations
Conclusion
While Huobi helped cement crypto trading in Asia starting 2013, its complex interface and lack of fiat access now make it unsuitable for many new investors.
The 6 Huobi alternatives discussed here make buying, trading, and selling crypto far easier through more beginner-friendly and mainstream-ready platforms.
Pionex stands out with its auto-trading bots to grow your portfolio passively. Crypto.com, Coinbase and Gemini also offer unique advantages around payments, security and social engagement.
Evaluate each option against your preferences for fee structure, coin selection, regional availability and special features. I hope this guide helps you discover the best Huobi alternative to start your crypto investment journey!
