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Cryptocurrency traders have more options than ever before to buy and sell tokens – but experts advise doing careful research before making a selection.
Popular options include secure crypto exchange apps like Best Wallet, which allow users to trade and store their assets, as well as well-known exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken.
The guide below has all the details that crypto enthusiasts need to know about the best apps for buying and selling crypto.
How to start crypto trading today
Download a trusted exchange app — Start by choosing a licensed crypto exchange. We recommend starting with the Best Wallet app, available for both iOS and Android.
Create and verify your account — Sign up using your email, Google, or Apple ID. To complete registration, you’ll need to verify your identity with a government-issued ID and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
Fund your account — Deposit money into your account by linking a bank account or credit card or even using gift cards. Choose an option that best fits your lifestyle.
Buy your first cryptocurrency — Use the app’s marketplace or swap tool to purchase crypto by entering the ticker symbol — like BTC for Bitcoin or ETH for Ethereum — and follow the prompts to complete the transaction.
Choose how to store your crypto — Decide whether you’ll keep your crypto in the exchange, move it to a digital wallet (hot wallet), or store it offline (cold wallet) for extra protection.
What are the best crypto apps to use?
When deciding which trading platform to use, crypto investors should focus on platforms that “prioritize usability, security, and features,” according to Peter C. Earle, senior economist at the American Institute for Economic Research.
“A good platform should have a clean, intuitive interface, strong regulatory compliance, and robust security protocols,” Earle said.
There are sizable crypto communities on social media platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter, and Reddit. Galeno – stock.adobe.comWell-known platforms like Coinbase, Kraken and Strike are all good options because they offer a “good balance of private property rights, usability, and legal accountability,” he added.
Nic Puckrin, an industry analyst and founder of Coin Bureau, also pointed to Coinbase and Kraken as strong options for US-based users.
Kraken is especially good for “those concerned about security, as it has had a very strong track record,” he said.
“It’s not flashy, but does the job, and makes it quite easy to bring fiat into crypto and sell back into fiat again,” Puckrin said.
Best crypto apps for beginners?
For those who are just getting their feet wet in the world of crypto, Earle recommends looking for platforms that “offer educational tools and offer easy fiat onramps.”
“Beginners should stay clear of obscure or offshore apps without strong reputations, as those may compromise either legal safety or private keys,” Earle said.
Puckrin said Coinbase is the easiest platform for beginners looking to get involved.
“It’s easy to use, looks clean and doesn’t have too many features to get bogged down in,” Puckrin said. “The trade-off, though, is that the fees are relatively high.
Sites like CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko organize new coins by price, market cap, volume and blockchain. Volodymyr – stock.adobe.comCoinbase is also known for having a large number of tutorials and informational blogs for users who want to learn more.
Best crypto apps for Android and iPhone users?
Most mainstream crypto apps, including Coinbase, Crypto.com and Kraken, have both an Android and an iOS version of their apps. That means users of both phone types should be able to use them seamlessly.
Best crypto apps for meme coins?
So-called “meme coins” are considered highly risky and speculative, so traders should use caution. Some of the most popular meme coins include Elon Musk’s favorite Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Pepe (PEPE) but new ones spring up all the time.
Apps like Kraken, Coinbase, Binance and Best Wallet all offer meme coins on their platforms.
Dogecoin is still down significantly from its all-time high last May. REUTERSBest crypto apps for buying bitcoin?
For traders who are solely focused on acquiring bitcoin, Earle recommends finding platforms that “support fast, low-fee transactions and seamless mobile integration.”
Best crypto apps for staking?
The practice of “staking” involves locking your tokens to a blockchain network for a specific period of time in exchange for benefits. The practice is lucrative, but can be risky due to frequent fluctuations in token prices.
Platforms like Coinbase, Kraken and Crypto.com all offer staking options in specific states – though rewards are generally subject to large commission fees, so users should shop around for the best option in their states.
Staking isn’t legal in every US state, so users should be careful to follow local rules.
New York Post Approved
The Best Wallet app puts security first with biometric logins, two-factor authentication, and full non-custodial control — so you hold your keys, not just your coins. With support for thousands of altcoins across 60+ blockchains, it pairs top-tier security with powerful, user-friendly tools — making it the safest, most innovative way to HODL, swap, and manage your crypto.
Coinbase is building a more inclusive financial future for over a billion people, enabling them to trade, stake, spend, and transfer crypto on a secure and trusted platform. It powers the on-chain economy with essential infrastructure, global access, and a commitment to fair, responsible innovation.
Kraken takes crypto security seriously, with FIDO2-compliant Passkey logins, encrypted communications, and customizable API permissions that keep your account firmly in your control. With no phone-based recovery, time-locked global settings, and real-time threat monitoring, it’s built to protect your assets at every layer.
Robinhood Crypto offers a user-friendly platform for trading and transferring digital assets, including the ability to securely and easily send and receive crypto to and from external wallets. With its self-custody Robinhood Wallet, it manages crypto holdings across multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Solana.
Ledger is a leading provider of secure hardware wallets, offering devices like the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Stax that protect private keys offline using industry-leading Secure Element chips and a proprietary operating system. Paired with the Ledger Live app, manage over 5,500 digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
Crypto.com lets you buy, sell and trade over 400 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, with zero-fee USD deposits, wire, and Apple/Google Pay. With a user base exceeding 140 million, the platform gives advanced trading options, a self-custodial wallet through Crypto.com Onchain, and industry-leading security certifications.
Uphold is a multi-asset trading platform that enables users to buy, sell, and swap over 360 cryptocurrencies, 27 fiat currencies, and four precious metals, all in a single step. With features like assisted self-custody via the Uphold Vault, staking rewards up to 16.8%, and real-time reserve transparency, it offers a secure and versatile experience for both beginners and seasoned investors.
