If you’re looking for an exchange that prioritizes robust security, clear communication, and consistent access to funds, this guide will help you find the best HTX alternatives available in 2025—and explain why they stand out.
Why Some Traders Are Moving Away from HTX
Before we dive into alternatives, here’s a quick look at what has prompted users to look elsewhere:
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Lingering confidence concerns: Past Security Incidents: HTX experienced hacks in September 2023 ($7.9M) and November 2023 ($115M), both fully reimbursed via its $1.2B Investor Protection Fund. While no major incidents occurred in the following years, these events linger in some traders’ minds, raising caution about platform stability
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Regulatory Uncertainty: HTX is licensed in the British Virgin Islands and Dubai but remains unregulated in key markets like the U.S., UK, and Australia, limiting its appeal for traders prioritizing compliance. Its unavailability in the U.S. further restricts access for American users
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A shift in priorities: Despite monthly Proof of Reserves (PoR) reports showing 100%+ reserve ratios, some users report delays in customer support responses, leaving room for improved transparency and engagement
While HTX has largely restored trust among much of its user base, many traders are now expanding their horizons—exploring platforms that offer enhanced transparency, advanced features, and an even higher level of confidence. Let’s take a look at the top options available in 2025.
Top 5 HTX Alternatives for Security-Conscious Traders
We’ve evaluated dozens of exchanges against strict security, regulatory compliance, and user experience criteria to identify the most reliable HTX alternatives. In this review, we assess each platform’s security, compliance, and user experience. We’ll also mention what makes each exchange unique.
1. Binance - Best Overall Alternative
Despite recent regulatory challenges, Binance remains the go-to platform for most serious crypto traders looking for an HTX replacement. Binance is recognized as one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world.
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Security highlights: $1B SAFU insurance fund, advanced encryption, multi-signature wallets, a robust system for withdrawals and operations, and multiple regulatory licenses across various jurisdictions
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Trading features: 400+ cryptocurrencies, industry-lowest fees (0.1% standard, with reductions available), high liquidity across most pairs, and users can easily start buying and selling Bitcoin and hundreds of other cryptocurrencies
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User experience: Intuitive interface with both basic and advanced trading views. The Binance app offers excellent usability for both beginners and advanced traders.
Why choose Binance: If you need immediate access to deep liquidity and the widest range of trading options, Binance delivers everything HTX offered with superior security infrastructure.
2. Coinbase - Best for Regulatory Compliance
For traders prioritizing regulatory certainty and institutional-grade security:
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Security highlights: 98% of assets in cold storage, $255M insurance policy, SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 certified, strict adherence to the law and regulatory requirements
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Trading features: 240+ cryptocurrencies, transparent fee structure (though higher than some competitors), and deep USD liquidity
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User experience: Clean, beginner-friendly interface with advanced trading options available via Coinbase Advanced
Why choose Coinbase: If you want the peace of mind that comes with using a publicly-traded, US-regulated exchange with bank-level security measures, Coinbase is your best option.
3. Kraken - Best for Security Track Record
With zero security breaches since its 2011 founding, Kraken stands out for its impeccable security history:
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Security highlights: 95% of assets in air-gapped cold storage, penetration testing team, and global settings lock
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Trading features: 420+ cryptocurrencies, competitive fees (maker: 0.16%, taker: 0.26%), and strong fiat on-ramps
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User experience: Professional-grade interface with extensive educational resources
Why choose Kraken: If HTX’s history of hacks has made security your top priority, Kraken’s unblemished security history and conservative risk management approach make it a compelling choice. Kraken is proactive in educating users about the potential risks involved in trading, including leveraged trading and futures, helping traders understand and manage these risks effectively.
4. OKX - Most Similar to HTX
Former HTX users will find OKX’s interface and feature set most familiar:
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Security highlights: Proof of reserves verification, multi-signature wallets, and comprehensive insurance coverage
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Trading features: 350+ cryptocurrencies, competitive fees (0.08% maker/0.1% taker), extensive derivatives options, peer-to-peer (P2P) trading for direct crypto and fiat transactions, and advanced order types where traders can specify the quantity for precise execution
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User experience: Feature-rich platform with trading bots and advanced charting tools, simplifies complex trading features for users, and offers a user experience comparable to other platforms like Binance, Kraken, and KuCoin
Why choose OKX: If you appreciated HTX’s trading features and want the shortest learning curve when switching, OKX offers a similar experience with better security practices.
5. KuCoin - Best for Altcoin Trading
For traders focused on discovering emerging cryptocurrencies, KuCoin’s focus on listing new and promising crypto assets makes it a top choice:
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Security highlights: Dynamic multi-factor authentication, micro-withdrawal wallets, and regular security audits
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Trading features: 700+ cryptocurrencies (including many small-cap gems), competitive fees (0.1% standard), and trading bots (for example, the DCA bot for automated portfolio management)
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User experience: Feature-packed interface with extensive social trading options
Why choose KuCoin: If you’re primarily interested in early-stage altcoin opportunities with reasonable security guarantees, KuCoin offers the widest selection with better protection than HTX provided. KuCoin stands out among alternatives for its deep liquidity, innovative features, and strong focus on emerging sectors.
Key Trading Options Offered by Leading Alternatives
When searching for the best HTX alternative exchanges, it’s essential to consider the variety of trading options and features that top platforms provide. Leading exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken are designed to meet the diverse trading needs of users, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trader.
Most of these HTX alternative exchanges offer a comprehensive suite of trading options, including spot trading for straightforward buy and sell operations, margin trading for those looking to leverage their positions, and futures trading for advanced strategies. This flexibility allows users to tailor their trading approach to their risk tolerance and market outlook.
One of the key points that sets the best HTX alternative exchanges apart is their commitment to lower fees. By minimizing trading costs, these platforms make it more attractive for users to trade cryptocurrencies frequently or in larger volumes. Higher liquidity is another major advantage, ensuring that users can execute trades quickly and efficiently, even during periods of high market volatility.
Top platforms also provide excellent options for automated trading bots and advanced trading tools, empowering users to optimize their strategies and react to market movements in real time. These features are especially valuable for those interested in algorithmic trading or managing a diverse portfolio of digital assets.
Security remains a top priority for these exchanges. Robust measures such as multi-factor authentication, cold storage of funds, and regular security audits help protect user assets and provide peace of mind. Many of these platforms also support multiple blockchain networks, giving users access to a wide range of digital assets and new projects.
While the HTX exchange offered a variety of trading options, its alternatives often go further by providing additional services like staking, lending, and other crypto financial products. This expanded offering allows users to earn rewards or diversify their holdings beyond simple trading.
When evaluating HTX alternative exchanges, consider these key points:
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Fees: Look for platforms with transparent, competitive fee structures.
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Liquidity: Higher liquidity means faster, more reliable trades.
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Security: Prioritize exchanges with a proven track record and strong security protocols.
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Trading options: Ensure the platform supports the types of trading you need, from spot to futures and staking.
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Customer support: Responsive, knowledgeable support can make a big difference, especially for beginners.
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Compliance: Choose exchanges that adhere to relevant regulations for added protection.
By focusing on these factors, you can find the best HTX alternative exchange to suit your trading needs—whether you want to buy, sell, or stake cryptocurrencies, or simply access a wider range of digital assets with better security and lower fees. The right platform will offer the tools, support, and peace of mind you need to trade confidently in today’s fast-moving crypto market.
Security Comparison: How These Alternatives Stack Up
When comparing the security features of each platform, it is important to consider that each cryptocurrency exchange offers different levels of protection, asset management, and user experience.
| Exchange | Cold Storage % | Insurance | Regulatory Status | Security Incidents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binance | 90% | $1B SAFU fund | Licensed in multiple jurisdictions | Minor breach in 2019 |
| Coinbase | 98% | $255M policy | Publicly traded, US-regulated | No major breaches |
| Kraken | 95% | Undisclosed amount | Licensed in multiple jurisdictions | No breaches since 2011 |
| OKX | 95% | Comprehensive coverage | Licensed in multiple jurisdictions | No major breaches |
| Kucoin | 90% | Insurance fund | Seychelles-based | $281M hack in 2020 (fully reimbursed) |
| HTX (for comparison) |
95%+ |
$1.2B Investor Protection Fund | Licensed in BVI, Dubai; unregulated in many regions |
$7.9M hack & $115M hack in 2023 (fully reimbursed) |
Beyond Exchanges: Self-Custody Options to Consider
The HTX situation reminds us of the crypto mantra: “not your keys, not your coins.” Consider these non-exchange alternatives:
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Hardware wallets: Ledger Nano or Trezor provide maximum security for long-term holdings; always ensure you download installation files only from official sources to avoid security risks
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Non-custodial trading platforms: dYdX and Uniswap allow trading without surrendering asset custody
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Hybrid solutions: MetaMask paired with hardware wallet for both security and accessibility
For maximum security, consider keeping only trading capital on exchanges and storing the majority of your portfolio in self-custody solutions.
Making the Switch: Practical Migration Steps
Follow this process to safely transition from HTX to your chosen alternative:
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Create and verify your account on the new platform before initiating any transfers
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Enable all security features including 2FA, withdrawal whitelists, and anti-phishing codes
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Test with small transfers before moving substantial assets
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Update your trading records for tax purposes, documenting the transition
Take your time with this process—security should never be sacrificed for speed.
Final Verdict: Which HTX Alternative Is Right For You?
The best HTX replacement depends on your specific needs:
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For most traders: Binance offers the most comprehensive replacement with superior security
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For security maximalists: Kraken's perfect security record speaks for itself
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For regulatory certainty: Coinbase provides the most transparent, compliant option
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For minimal adjustment: OKX offers the most familiar experience for HTX users
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For altcoin enthusiasts: KuCoin provides the widest selection of cryptocurrencies
Remember that diversification applies to exchanges too—consider using multiple platforms rather than concentrating all assets in one place.
The Bigger Lesson: Trust But Verify
Past events surrounding HTX serve as a timely reminder of an essential principle in crypto: even trusted platforms require thoughtful oversight. As you choose your next trading platform, maintain healthy skepticism:
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Regularly check proof of reserves
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Monitor regulatory developments
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Maintain proper security hygiene with strong passwords and 2FA
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Only keep trading capital on exchanges
The most balanced strategy often includes using reputable exchanges for active trading, while relying on self-custody solutions—like hardware wallets—for long-term storage.
Have you reconsidered your exchange setup recently? What factors matter most to you when evaluating alternatives? The path to greater crypto security starts with small, consistent decisions rooted in knowledge and caution.
