Coinbase vs. Gemini: Which platform offers the best value for traders in 2025?
Sep 23, 2025・6 min read
One of the main selling points of cryptocurrencies is the ability to trade them via decentralized finance – or DeFi. However, doing so requires technical knowledge of things like blockchain networks, self-custody wallets, and DeFi protocols – skills that investors might not have the time or motivation to develop.
For that reason, centralized exchanges (CEXs) remain one of the most accessible ways to buy crypto. CEXs remove the complexities of digital assets and offer users an experience similar to that of traditional brokerage firms. Two of the most popular centralized exchanges in the United States are Coinbase and Gemini, each offering different advantages for those looking to build their crypto portfolio.
In this guide, we’ll explain the advantages and disadvantages of Coinbase versus Gemini to help you decide which exchange is best for you.
Coinbase vs. Gemini: Which platform offers the best value for traders?
Each cryptocurrency exchange has different pros and cons. When comparing Coinbase and Gemini – two of the most reputable crypto exchanges in the U.S. – the right choice ultimately depends on your personal priorities as an investor.
Whether you value security, lower fees, or ease of use, it’s important to weigh all factors to choose the platform that best fits your trading and investment goals. Here’s a general overview of the main features offered by each platform:
User interface
- Coinbase: Offers both a user-friendly platform and advanced trading tools
- Gemini: Known for a simple, clean design with a strong focus on security
Supported crypto
- Coinbase: Supports over 260 digital assets
- Gemini: Supports over 150 digital assets
Account minimum
- Coinbase: No account minimum required
- Gemini: No account minimum required
Fees
- Coinbase: Maker/taker fees up to 0.6%
- Gemini: Maker/taker fees up to 0.4%
Customer support
- Coinbase: Offer email and live chat support
- Gemini: Offer email and live chat support
Other crypto products
- Coinbase: Learn and Earn program, crypto staking
- Gemini: ActiveTrader platform, crypto staking
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Coinbase vs. Gemini: Fees
One of the main factors people consider when deciding which cryptocurrency exchange to use is the fees involved.
Coinbase
Coinbase charges higher fees for standard users, up to 1.49% per trade, when using its simplified trading interface. It also charges a spread fee on transactions when buying crypto with fiat currency.
For more experienced traders, Coinbase Advanced offers a tiered maker-taker fee model, which rewards users based on their monthly trading volume. Maker fees apply when you place an order that doesn’t fill immediately and stays on the order book – essentially, you’re "making" liquidity. Conversely, taker fees apply when your order is matched right away with an existing one – meaning you’re taking liquidity. In both cases, the more you trade, the lower your fees.
Here’s how Coinbase adjusts maker and taker fees (as of this writing) based on how much you trade each month:
$0–$10,000
- Maker fee: 0.40%
- Taker fee: 0.60%
$10,000–$50,000
- Maker fee: 0.25%
- Taker fee: 0.40%
$50,000–$100,000
- Maker fee: 0.15%
- Taker fee: 0.25%
$100,000–$1 million
- Maker fee: 0.10%
- Taker fee: 0.20%
$1 million–$15 million
- Maker fee: 0.08%
- Taker fee: 0.18%
$15 million–$75 million
- Maker fee: 0.06%
- Taker fee: 0.16%
$75 million–$250 million
- Maker fee: 0.03%
- Taker fee: 0.12%
$250 million–$400 million
- Maker fee: 0.00%
- Taker fee: 0.08%
$400 million and up
- Maker fee: 0.00%
- Taker fee: 0.05%
Gemini
Gemini’s trading fees are also higher when using the simplified layout than its advanced platform. Instant and recurring orders have a 1.49% transaction fee plus a 1% convenience fee, while limit orders charge the same 1.49% transaction fee but do not include a convenience fee.
For lower-cost trading, Gemini offers ActiveTrader, its advanced trading platform with a tiered maker-taker fee structure that’s competitive with other major exchanges. ActiveTrader also includes advanced charting tools and order types for experienced traders who want more control.
Here’s how Gemini’s fees are structured based on monthly trading volume:
$0
- Maker fee: 0.20%
- Taker fee: 0.40%
Less than $10,000
- Maker fee: 0.15%
- Taker fee: 0.30%
$10,000–$50,000
- Maker fee: 0.10%
- Taker fee: 0.25%
$50,000–$100,000
- Maker fee: 0.08%
- Taker fee: 0.20%
$100,000–$1 million
- Maker fee: 0.05%
- Taker fee: 0.15%
$1 million–$5 million
- Maker fee: 0.03%
- Taker fee: 0.10%
$5 million–$10 million
- Maker fee: 0.02%
- Taker fee: 0.08%
$10 million–$50 million
- Maker fee: 0.00%
- Taker fee: 0.05%
$50 million–$100 million
- Maker fee: 0.00%
- Taker fee: 0.04%
$100 million–$250 million
- Maker fee: 0.00%
- Taker fee: 0.03%
Coinbase vs. Gemini: Supported cryptocurrencies
Having access to a wide range of cryptocurrencies is another important factor to consider when choosing an exchange.
Coinbase
Coinbase currently leads the U.S. market in supported tokens, with more than 260 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL). It also offers access to a broad mix of popular and niche altcoins and DeFi tokens – such as Cardano (ADA) and Dash (DASH) – that aren’t available on Gemini.
Historically, Coinbase has maintained a more active listing schedule than Gemini and often supports projects backed by Coinbase Ventures, its in-house investment arm. This connection can lead to earlier or more frequent listings of newer tokens. The broader selection of altcoins also makes Coinbase a better fit for users seeking more specialized or emerging crypto investments.
Gemini
On the other hand, Gemini currently supports over 150 cryptocurrencies. While the platform offers fewer altcoins than Coinbase, its lineup includes all major digital assets, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP (XRP), and Solana.
One of the main differences that sets Gemini apart from Coinbase is its focus on institutional investors. It offers lower fees for high-volume trades, which makes it more cost-effective for certain investors. It also supports a wider range of fiat currencies, which adds flexibility for international users.
Coinbase vs. Gemini: Staking
Staking is the process of locking up tokens on a blockchain network to help validate transactions and maintain the network. Both Coinbase and Gemini offer staking services that let users earn rewards by locking their tokens through the exchange. The platform then stakes those tokens on the blockchain to support transaction validation.
Coinbase
Coinbase supports staking for a variety of tokens, including Ethereum, Tezos (XTZ), Algorand (ALGO), and Solana. Many consider the platform more beginner-friendly than Gemini, offering a simplified staking experience that’s easy to navigate. Users can also earn additional crypto by watching Coinbase Earn educational videos.
Gemini
Conversely, Gemini offers staking services for Ethereum and Polygon (MATIC), and the interface is designed more for experienced users who want greater control over their staking options. Gemini also allows users to earn interest on their crypto holdings, often at competitive rates that outperform traditional savings accounts.
Coinbase vs. Gemini: Security
With hackers and other bad actors constantly targeting digital assets, it’s natural to wonder whether Coinbase and Gemini are safe for crypto storage.
Both platforms are considered highly secure. They store the majority of customer assets in cold wallets, support two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometric logins, and undergo regular independent security audits.
Coinbase is fully regulated in the U.S. and offers FDIC insurance on USD balances up to $250,000. Gemini is also fully regulated and goes a step further by insuring digital assets held on the platform. It also holds SOC 2 Type 2 certification, reflecting strong compliance with data security standards.
Coinbase vs. Gemini: Weighing the pros and cons
Both Coinbase and Gemini are popular platforms, and the right choice ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.
To help you decide, here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of each exchange:
Coinbase pros
- Token variety: Supports over 260 cryptos, including popular options not available on Gemini
- Global accessibility: Available in over 100 countries, offering more international reach with services in over 100 countries
- User experience: Offers a beginner-friendly interface and a more advanced platform for experienced traders
Coinbase cons
- Limited features for institutions: Fewer advanced tools for institutional investors
- Customer support: Offers fewer customer support options than Gemini
- Credit card fees: Higher fees for purchases made with credit cards
- Fiat support: Only supports three fiat currencies: USD, GBP, and EUR
Gemini pros
- Asset protection: Insurance on cryptocurrencies stored in the Gemini Wallet
- Lower fees at scale: Competitive fee structure for high-volume traders via ActiveTrader
- Institutional tools: Offers a suite of advanced tools, including API integrations
- Fiat variety: Supports seven fiat currencies: USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP, SGD, and HKD
Gemini cons
- Fewer coins: Supports fewer cryptocurrencies than Coinbase
- Global reach: Offers services in just over 60 countries – significantly fewer than Coinbase
- Higher fees for casual users: Less cost-effective for low-volume traders
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Disclaimer: This post is informational only and is not intended as tax advice. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.