Bittrex vs Kraken: Which Crypto Exchange Is Better?

Choosing Between Top Crypto Exchanges: Bittrex vs Kraken

With over 300 cryptocurrency exchanges currently operating globally, choosing where to trade your digital assets has never been more complex or consequential. These cryptocurrency exchange platforms each offer unique features, fees, and security measures, making the selection process challenging. According to recent industry data, nearly 40% of crypto traders maintain accounts on multiple exchanges, often switching between platforms to access specific coins or better trading conditions.

The decision between Bittrex and Kraken matters now more than ever as regulatory scrutiny intensifies and market volatility demands platforms with robust security and reliable execution. Both companies have weathered market cycles and regulatory changes since their founding (Kraken as a company in 2011, Bittrex as a company in 2014), positioning them as established players in a rapidly evolving landscape.

In this comprehensive exchange comparison article, we’ll dissect the key differences between these two major exchanges across ten critical dimensions: supported cryptocurrencies, security measures, fee structures, fiat funding options, trading volume, user experience, customer support, geographical restrictions, platform interfaces, and access to altcoins. Many factors, such as fee structures and trading volume, influence the choice between Bittrex and Kraken. By the end, you’ll know exactly which exchange best suits your specific trading needs.

1. Supported Cryptocurrencies and Trading Pairs

The cryptocurrency selection offered by an exchange directly impacts your portfolio diversification options and trading strategies. Both Bittrex and Kraken support a wide range of cryptos, giving traders access to numerous cryptocurrencies and alt-coins for greater flexibility. Here’s how Bittrex and Kraken stack up:

Bittrex Cryptocurrency Support

• Total cryptocurrencies: Over 250

• Notable feature: Extensive selection of emerging and niche altcoins

• Trading pair variety: Numerous BTC, ETH, and USD pairs

• Listing policy: More open to listing newer projects with potential

Kraken Cryptocurrency Support

• Total cryptocurrencies: Approximately 47

• Notable feature: Carefully curated selection focused on established coins

• Trading pair variety: Fewer pairs but with greater liquidity depth

• Listing policy: Stricter vetting process prioritizing established projects

The cryptocurrency count differential reveals fundamentally different exchange philosophies. Bittrex casts a wider net, giving you access to many smaller-cap projects with higher risk/reward profiles. This approach makes Bittrex particularly attractive if you're hunting for the next breakout token before it reaches larger exchanges.

Kraken takes the opposite approach, focusing on quality over quantity. While offering fewer coins, Kraken ensures each listed asset meets stringent security and credibility standards. This curation benefits you if you prefer trading established cryptocurrencies with proven track records and deeper liquidity.

For traders building diversified portfolios with exposure to emerging projects, Bittrex's extensive selection provides a clear advantage. However, if your strategy centers on major cryptocurrencies and you value exchange vetting, Kraken's focused approach may better serve your needs.

2. Security Features and Hack History

When it comes to cryptocurrency exchanges, security isn’t just a feature—it’s the foundation of trust. Strong internal control is essential to prevent security breaches and ensure the safety of user assets. Both Bittrex and Kraken have implemented comprehensive security measures, but with notable differences in approach and execution.

Bittrex Security Framework

• Cold storage: 80-90% of assets stored offline

• Two-factor authentication: Mandatory for all accounts

• Additional security: IP address whitelisting, SSL encryption

• KYC process: Required for all trading activities

• Hack history: No major security breaches affecting user funds

Kraken Security Framework

• Cold storage: 95% of all assets stored in air-gapped, geographically distributed cold wallets

• Two-factor authentication: Multiple options including TOTP and YubiKey

• Additional security: Global Settings Lock, configurable account timeout

• Penetration testing: Regular testing with external security experts

• KYC process: Tiered verification system with increasing privileges

• Hack history: No successful breaches affecting customer funds since founding in 2011

The security comparison reveals Kraken's more conservative and comprehensive approach. By keeping 95% of assets in cold storage—compared to Bittrex's 80-90%—Kraken minimizes the potential impact of any hot wallet compromise. Additionally, Kraken's regular third-party penetration testing represents an extra layer of security validation that Bittrex doesn't explicitly advertise.

Both exchanges deserve credit for maintaining clean security records in an industry plagued by high-profile hacks. Neither Bittrex nor Kraken has suffered major breaches resulting in customer fund losses, placing them among the most trusted exchanges from a security perspective.

For security-conscious traders, especially those holding significant cryptocurrency assets, Kraken's more robust security infrastructure and higher cold storage percentage provide additional peace of mind. However, both platforms maintain security standards well above industry averages.

3. Trading Fees Comparison

The trading fee you pay directly impacts your bottom line, especially if you’re an active trader. Here’s how the fee structures at Bittrex and Kraken compare:

The fee comparison reveals nuanced differences that affect different trading styles. For casual traders with lower volumes, Kraken offers more competitive maker fees (0.16% vs. Bittrex’s 0.20%), benefiting those who add liquidity to the order book. However, Bittrex’s identical maker and taker fees at lower volumes create a flat fee model, offering a simpler fee structure for beginners who may not understand the distinction.

For high-volume traders exceeding $100,000 in monthly volume, Bittrex becomes more competitive with its uniform 0.10% fee, compared to Kraken’s 0.12% maker and 0.22% taker fees. This difference can result in significant savings for active traders, particularly those executing larger orders.

At the highest volume tiers, both exchanges offer substantial discounts, with Bittrex reaching as low as 0.05% for makers and 0.08% for takers. Kraken’s minimum fees bottom out at 0.08% for makers and 0.18% for takers, making Bittrex potentially more economical for institutional-level trading activity.

The practical impact of these fee differences depends entirely on your trading habits. Many factors, such as trade volume and fee structure, influence the overall cost of trading on each platform. If you primarily place limit orders and trade modest volumes, Kraken’s lower starting maker fee gives you a slight edge. For high-frequency trading with substantial volume, Bittrex’s more aggressive fee reductions could save you considerably over time.

4. Fiat Funding and Withdrawal Methods

The ability to move traditional currency in and out of an exchange directly impacts your trading flexibility and costs. Kraken and Bittrex differ significantly in their approach to fiat currency support:

Kraken allows users to make deposits using a debit card, providing a convenient way to fund your account instantly. You can also link your bank account to facilitate fiat deposits and withdrawals, ensuring secure and straightforward transfers. Bittrex, on the other hand, supports various deposit methods, including fee-free USD deposits and instant Visa deposits, making it easy to add funds. Both platforms offer multiple options for deposits, but the specific methods and associated fees may vary.

4. Fiat Funding and Withdrawal Methods

The ability to move traditional currency in and out of an exchange directly impacts your trading flexibility and costs. Kraken and Bittrex differ significantly in their approach to fiat currency support:

Kraken Fiat Funding Options

• Supported fiat currencies: USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, CHF, AUD
• Deposit methods:
  • Wire transfers (domestic and international)
  • SEPA transfers (EU)
  • Fedwire (US)
  • Bank transfers
  • Credit/debit cards in select regions
• Withdrawal methods:
  • Wire transfers
  • SEPA transfers (EU)
  • FPS (UK)
• Verification requirements: Tier 3 verification required for fiat funding (full ID verification + proof of residence)

Bittrex Fiat Funding Options

• Supported fiat currencies: USD, EUR (limited)
• Deposit methods:
  • Wire transfers (limited)
  • Credit/debit cards
• Withdrawal methods:
  • Wire transfers (USD only)
• Verification requirements: Enhanced verification required for fiat transactions

The fiat funding comparison reveals Kraken's clear superiority in this category. With support for seven major fiat currencies and multiple deposit methods, Kraken offers significantly more flexibility for getting your traditional currency onto the platform. This advantage is particularly valuable for beginners who are just entering the crypto space and need straightforward fiat onramps.

Bittrex, by contrast, was designed primarily as a crypto-to-crypto exchange. While it has added limited fiat functionality, its options remain restricted compared to Kraken. Most Bittrex users still find it more practical to first purchase cryptocurrency elsewhere and then transfer those digital assets to Bittrex for trading.

If direct fiat access is important to your trading strategy, especially if you regularly move money between traditional banking and crypto, Kraken's robust fiat support makes it the substantially better choice. For traders who primarily deal with crypto-to-crypto transactions and rarely need fiat conversions, Bittrex's limitations in this area may be less relevant.

5. Trading Volume and Liquidity

Liquidity—the ability to execute trades quickly without significant price impact—directly affects your trading experience and execution quality. The comparison between Kraken and Bittrex reveals substantial differences:

Kraken Trading Volume

• Daily trading volume: Consistently ranks in the top 5 global exchanges
• Average 24-hour volume: Approximately $500 million to $1 billion (varies with market conditions)
• Market depth: Deep order books for major pairs like BTC/USD, ETH/USD
• Slippage on major pairs: Minimal for orders under $100,000

Bittrex Trading Volume

• Daily trading volume: Typically ranks in the top 20-30 global exchanges
• Average 24-hour volume: Approximately $50-100 million (roughly 1/10th of Kraken's volume)
• Market depth: Moderate for major pairs, thinner for altcoins
• Slippage on major pairs: More noticeable for orders over $50,000

The volume comparison highlights Kraken's significant liquidity advantage. With approximately ten times the trading volume of Bittrex, Kraken offers tighter spreads and better price execution, especially for larger trades. This liquidity difference means you'll typically experience less slippage (the difference between expected and actual execution price) when trading on Kraken.

For high-frequency traders and those executing larger orders, Kraken's superior liquidity translates to real cost savings and more reliable execution. The deeper order books mean your larger trades are less likely to cause significant price movements against your position.

Bittrex's lower liquidity is particularly noticeable in its altcoin markets. While its diversity of coins is impressive, many of the lesser-known tokens have relatively thin order books. This can result in wider spreads and more significant price impact when trading these assets, especially during volatile market conditions.

If your trading strategy focuses on major cryptocurrencies and involves larger position sizes, Kraken's liquidity advantage makes it the better choice. However, if you're primarily interested in smaller altcoins that are only available on Bittrex, you may need to accept the trade-off of lower liquidity for access to those specific assets.

6. User-Friendliness and Learning Curve

The user experience directly impacts how efficiently you can trade and how quickly you can adapt to a platform. Each site’s user interface, including the layout, navigation, and visual elements, plays a crucial role in making trading accessible for both beginners and experienced users.

Both Bittrex and Kraken offer educational resources to help users get started. Their website guides and FAQ sections are designed to improve the user experience by providing step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and answers to common questions. Comprehensive guides and FAQ sections on the websites of both exchanges can enhance customer support and overall satisfaction, ensuring users feel confident and secure while trading.

Here’s how Bittrex and Kraken compare for user-friendliness:

Kraken User Experience

• Interface design: Clean, modern interface with intuitive navigation
• Beginner resources: Extensive educational content, guides, and videos
• Account setup: Straightforward but thorough verification process
• Trading interface: Basic and advanced options available (Kraken Pro)
• Mobile experience: Well-designed app with full trading functionality

Bittrex User Experience

• Interface design: Functional but more technically oriented
• Beginner resources: Limited educational content compared to Kraken
• Account setup: Multi-step verification with occasional delays
• Trading interface: Designed with experienced traders in mind
• Mobile experience: Functional but less intuitive than Kraken's app

Kraken offers a more beginner-friendly experience overall, with clearer navigation and more comprehensive educational resources. The platform has made significant investments in user experience design, creating an interface that balances functionality with accessibility. This design philosophy extends to Kraken's mobile app, which replicates most desktop functionality in a thumb-friendly format.

Bittrex's interface, while functional and reliable, has a steeper learning curve. The platform was built by technical founders for technically-minded traders, and this engineering-first approach is evident throughout the user experience. Navigation requires more clicks, and the trading interface presents more information simultaneously, which can overwhelm beginners.

For crypto newcomers, Kraken's superior educational resources make a significant difference. The platform offers detailed guides, video tutorials, and a comprehensive knowledge base that helps new users understand not just how to use the platform, but also the fundamentals of cryptocurrency trading.

If you're new to cryptocurrency trading or value intuitive design, Kraken provides a more accessible entry point. Experienced traders who prioritize functionality over aesthetics may find Bittrex's no-frills approach perfectly adequate for their needs.

7. Customer Support - Quality and Access

Responsive customer support becomes crucial for customers when dealing with technical issues or account problems. Here’s how support services compare between these exchanges:

Kraken Customer Support

• Support channels:
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Ticket-based email system
  • Extensive knowledge base
  • Active social media support
• Response times: Typically within hours for most issues
• Support quality: Consistently rated highly in user reviews
• Languages supported: Multiple languages including English, German, French, Spanish

Bittrex Customer Support

• Support channels:
  • Ticket-based email system
  • Basic knowledge base
  • Limited social media support
• Response times: Can range from 1-3 days for non-urgent issues
• Support quality: Mixed reviews, with some users reporting frustrations
• Languages supported: Primarily English

The support comparison reveals Kraken's significant advantage in this critical area. Kraken's 24/7 live chat support provides immediate assistance for many common issues, while their multilingual support staff can address concerns for a global user base. This responsiveness becomes particularly valuable during market volatility or when facing account access issues.

Bittrex relies primarily on a ticket-based system, which can result in longer wait times for resolution. During periods of high demand or market stress, some users have reported waiting several days for responses to non-urgent tickets. While Bittrex does maintain a knowledge base, it's less comprehensive than Kraken's educational resources.

User feedback consistently highlights the difference in support quality. Kraken users frequently mention helpful, knowledgeable support staff who resolve issues efficiently. Bittrex reviews more commonly mention frustration with response times and resolution quality, particularly for complex account issues.

If you value responsive customer service and potential access to live support, Kraken offers a significantly better experience. This advantage becomes especially important for newer traders who may need more guidance or anyone facing time-sensitive account issues.

8. Geographic and Regulatory Limitations

Regulatory compliance directly impacts where and how you can use these exchanges, especially considering the different rules in the USA compared to the rest of the world. Here’s how Bittrex and Kraken compare regarding geographical accessibility and the operation of their services:

Kraken Geographic Coverage

• Countries served: 190+ countries worldwide
• U.S. availability: Available in most U.S. states (except Washington and New York)
• Restricted regions: Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria
• Regulatory compliance: FinCEN registered MSB, multiple state licenses
• KYC requirements: Tiered verification system with increasing privileges

Bittrex Geographic Coverage

• Countries served: 43 countries currently
• U.S. availability: Available in most U.S. states (with some restrictions)
• Restricted regions: More extensive list including many developing nations
• Regulatory compliance: FinCEN registered, compliance with U.S. regulations
• KYC requirements: Identity verification required for all users

Kraken maintains a significantly broader global footprint, serving over 190 countries compared to Bittrex's more limited coverage of 43 countries. This difference reflects Kraken's more aggressive international expansion strategy and its earlier investment in adapting to various regulatory frameworks worldwide.

For U.S. residents, both exchanges offer service in most states, with some notable exceptions. Kraken doesn't currently operate in Washington and New York due to specific regulatory requirements in those states. Bittrex has similar state-specific restrictions that evolve as regulations change.

Both exchanges implement mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, but Kraken's tiered verification system offers more flexibility. Lower verification tiers on Kraken allow limited functionality without completing the most extensive identity checks, while Bittrex generally requires full verification before trading.

If you're located outside the U.S., particularly in developing markets, Kraken is much more likely to be available in your region. For U.S. traders, the availability difference is less significant, though specific state regulations may impact your access to either platform.

9. Mobile App and Desktop Trading Features

As mobile trading continues to grow in popularity, the quality of exchange apps becomes increasingly important. It's also important to consider that assets stored online on the exchange platform may be more vulnerable to security breaches or hacking attempts. Here’s how the trading interfaces compare:

Kraken Trading Platforms

• Mobile app rating: 4.5/5 stars average across app stores
• Mobile features:
  • Full trading functionality
  • Real-time price alerts
  • Portfolio tracking
  • Biometric security options
  • Staking directly from app
• Desktop platform: Kraken and Kraken Pro (advanced trading interface)
• Advanced tools: Multiple order types, customizable charts, depth visualization

Bittrex Trading Platforms

• Mobile app rating: 3.8/5 stars average across app stores
• Mobile features:
  • Basic trading functionality
  • Account management
  • Price alerts
  • Limited charting capabilities
• Desktop platform: Single interface with standard and advanced viewing options
• Advanced tools: Multiple order types, basic charting tools

Kraken offers a more refined trading experience across both mobile and desktop platforms. Its mobile app receives consistently higher ratings from users, who praise its intuitive design, reliability, and comprehensive feature set. The app successfully translates complex trading functionality into a mobile-friendly format without sacrificing essential capabilities.

Bittrex's mobile offering, while functional, lacks some of the polish and features found in Kraken's app. Users frequently mention interface inconsistencies and occasional performance issues. The app provides core trading functionality but doesn't offer the same depth of features or customization options available on Kraken's mobile platform.

On desktop, both exchanges offer comprehensive trading interfaces, but Kraken's dual-platform approach provides more flexibility. Regular users can use the standard Kraken interface, while advanced traders can switch to Kraken Pro for more sophisticated tools and customization options.

If mobile trading is an important part of your strategy, Kraken's superior app provides a significant advantage. For desktop-focused traders, both platforms offer adequate tools, though Kraken's Pro interface provides more advanced features for technical analysis and trade execution.

10. Access to Lesser-Known Altcoins

For many traders, access to emerging cryptocurrencies represents a key factor in exchange selection. In light of Bittrex Global's regulatory challenges and its operational history, a bittrex comparison with Kraken is especially relevant for users evaluating altcoin access.

Here’s how Bittrex and Kraken compare for altcoin availability, considering the intended approach of each platform: Bittrex has historically aimed to list a wide variety of altcoins to attract users seeking diversity, while Kraken’s intended strategy focuses on a more selective listing process to maintain higher compliance and security standards.

Bittrex Altcoin Access

• Total altcoins: 240+ beyond major cryptocurrencies
• Unique offerings: Many coins not available on other major exchanges
• Listing approach: More open to emerging projects with potential
• Altcoin liquidity: Varies significantly, with some pairs having limited volume

Kraken Altcoin Access

• Total altcoins: Approximately 40 beyond major cryptocurrencies
• Unique offerings: Few exclusive listings, focus on established projects
• Listing approach: Highly selective with emphasis on project credibility
• Altcoin liquidity: Generally stronger for the limited selection offered

Bittrex stands out as the clear leader for altcoin diversity and access to emerging projects. With over 240 altcoins beyond major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, Bittrex offers traders exposure to a much wider range of potential investments. This selection includes many projects in earlier development stages that may offer higher growth potential (along with higher risk).

Kraken takes a fundamentally different approach, focusing on quality over quantity. Its more limited selection emphasizes established projects with proven track records and stronger fundamentals. While this means fewer speculative opportunities, it also reduces exposure to the higher failure rate common among newer cryptocurrency projects.

The difference in altcoin strategies reflects the core philosophy of each exchange. Bittrex positions itself as a platform for cryptocurrency enthusiasts who want to explore the broader ecosystem, including niche projects. Kraken caters more to traders focused on established assets with higher market capitalizations and liquidity.

If discovering and investing in emerging cryptocurrencies is central to your strategy, Bittrex offers unmatched advantages in the U.S. regulated exchange market. For traders primarily concerned with major cryptocurrencies and established altcoins, Kraken's curated approach may better align with your needs.

Conclusion: Which Exchange Is Right For You?

After thoroughly comparing Bittrex and Kraken across ten critical dimensions, clear patterns emerge that can guide your exchange selection based on your specific needs:

Choose Kraken if you:

• Prioritize security above all else (95% cold storage, regular security audits)

• Need robust fiat currency on/off-ramps (multiple currencies and deposit methods)

• Value responsive customer support with live chat options

• Trade primarily major cryptocurrencies and need deep liquidity

• Are new to cryptocurrency trading and need an intuitive interface

• Trade frequently on mobile devices and need a reliable, feature-rich app

The main benefit of using Kraken is its strong focus on security, high liquidity, and user-friendly experience, which are especially valuable for beginners and those trading major cryptocurrencies.

Choose Bittrex if you:

• Want access to a much wider range of altcoins (250+ cryptocurrencies)

• Are hunting for emerging projects before they reach larger exchanges

• Prefer a uniform fee structure across maker and taker orders

• Are an experienced trader comfortable with a more technical interface

• Trade primarily crypto-to-crypto pairs rather than fiat conversions

• Need a specific altcoin that’s only available on Bittrex

The benefit of Bittrex lies in its extensive selection of altcoins and opportunities to discover new projects, making it ideal for experienced traders seeking asset diversity.

For most users—especially beginners and those focused on mainstream cryptocurrencies—Kraken offers the more complete package with superior security, better liquidity, and more responsive support. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive educational resources make it particularly well-suited for those newer to crypto trading.

Bittrex remains a compelling choice for altcoin enthusiasts and experienced traders who value asset diversity over other factors. Its extensive cryptocurrency selection provides access to a broader range of investment opportunities, albeit with generally lower liquidity and less user-friendly interfaces.

As an example, a trader might use Kraken to benefit from its secure fiat deposits and deep liquidity when buying or selling major cryptocurrencies, while also maintaining a Bittrex account to access and trade newly listed altcoins not available elsewhere. This approach allows users to maximize their trading opportunities by leveraging the unique strengths of both platforms.