5 Best Gemini Alternatives
Gemini is a US-based exchange known for its regulatory compliance and institutional-grade custody services. This crypto venue offers spot markets, recurring buys, and a streamlined interface designed with security in mind.
However, its coverage is limited to around 118 coins and availability in 60+ countries. Therefore, users looking for broader asset access, lower fees, and more flexible payment options might consider a Gemini crypto alternative that better suits retail and global traders.

What is Gemini, and how does it work?
Gemini is a US-based exchange known for its regulatory compliance and institutional-grade custody services. This crypto venue offers spot markets, recurring buys, and a streamlined interface designed with security in mind.
However, its coverage is limited to around 118 coins and availability in 60+ countries. Therefore, users looking for broader asset access, lower fees, and more flexible payment options might consider a Gemini crypto alternative that better suits retail and global traders.
Best Gemini Alternatives Summary
To help you quickly see how these Gemini alternatives stack up, here’s a side-by-side look at their fees, coin listings, and global availability.
CEX.IO
CEX.IO takes the top spot as our preferred Gemini alternative, largely because it has grown from a small London-based exchange in 2013 into a global platform serving millions of customers.
What impressed us most is the mix of stability and innovation: a platform that feels secure and regulated, yet keeps adding new tools and payment methods.
Customer support is responsive, and the registration process is far easier than on some larger exchanges, making CEX.IO one of the most approachable gateways into crypto in 2025.
Why do Users like CEX.IO?
Many users consider it the best Gemini alternative because it combines simplicity with depth. Spot Trading is clean and easy to use, and even if you’ve never seen a trading interface before, you’ll feel like an expert in no time.
There’s also Margin Trading, which allows exposure with up to 20x leverage, more than Kraken offers, and on par with Gemini’s higher-tier services.
A free CEX.IO wallet is automatically created upon signup, saving you the trouble of connecting a third-party app. We also liked the flexibility across devices: the web platform feels polished, and the iOS/Android apps mirror the same responsive design.
If you want to find out more about a specific asset before you buy it on CEX.IO, there’s a handy cryptocurrency price page that allows you to explore its current market value, prices across different time allotments, and hottest trading pairs.
Beyond the basics, CEX.IO continues to expand. The Crypto Debit Card (available in the EEA) lets users spend crypto for in-store and online purchases just like fiat. Meanwhile, CEX.IO Pay makes transferring funds between users instant and fee-free. These additions make it more than a place to buy and sell; it’s a complete ecosystem.
CEX.IO Pros and Cons
Compared to Gemini’s narrower selection and stricter design, CEX.IO feels far more versatile. The wide payment coverage and helpful extras make it an exchange we kept returning to. The only downside was occasional notification delays in the mobile app.
Pros:
- Global reach (195 countries).
- 300+ coins supported.
- Simple Spot and Margin Trading interface.
- Free, integrated CEX.IO wallet.
- Multiple payment methods, including PayPal (U.S.).
- Extra features like CEX.IO Pay and Crypto Debit Card.
Cons:
- Mobile notifications can lag.
- Charting tools may be basic for heavy traders.
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Binance
Binance is a household name in the crypto industry, and while Gemini emphasizes compliance, Binance stands out for liquidity and breadth of features.
As a leading Gemini competitor, it supports more than 400 cryptocurrencies and operates in 180+ countries. The first thing we noticed when testing Binance is how quickly orders fill. Its liquidity across pairs is unmatched.
Beyond trading volume, Binance offers features Gemini lacks, such as a peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace, Launchpad projects, and a BNB-based ecosystem that rewards loyal users with discounts. Its ecosystem extends well beyond an exchange, including DeFi integrations and yield tools, which makes it attractive to users seeking more than basic buy-and-sell functions.
Binance Pros and Cons
In practice, Binance feels feature-rich and resourceful, but also overwhelming. We appreciated its ability to execute trades at lightning speed, something that stood out compared to Gemini’s leaner environment. Fees are also highly competitive, especially when using BNB tokens, whereas Gemini’s flat fees often feel heavier for frequent trades.
On the downside, the depth of Binance can intimidate newcomers, and its regulatory challenges in some countries can restrict access. By contrast, CEX.IO struck us as more beginner-friendly, with simpler fiat gateways.
Pros:
- 400+ supported cryptocurrencies.
- Deep liquidity and fast execution.
- P2P marketplace and Launchpad projects.
- Fee discounts through BNB usage.
- An expansive ecosystem beyond trading.
Cons:
- Complex interface for beginners.
- Regulatory hurdles limit access in some regions.
MEXC
MEXC earns its spot as a strong Gemini alternative thanks to its astonishing breadth. With more than 3,000 listed cryptocurrencies, it dwarfs Gemini’s curated selection of about 118. When using MEXC, the sheer number of available tokens immediately stands out. It caters to explorers who want access to both major coins and niche projects.
The fee system also adds appeal. MEXC provides 20% deductions for users paying with MX tokens, and a 50% discount if holdings exceed set thresholds. While Gemini favors transparency over discounts, MEXC rewards active participation, though the multiple tiers can feel confusing at times.
MEXC Pros and Cons
In our experience, MEXC is excellent for those who prioritize choice. Trading pairs are abundant, and fees can be attractive if you commit to MX holdings.
Compared to Gemini, however, it lacks the same compliance-first structure, and its customer service isn’t always as responsive as CEX.IO or Kraken.
Pros:
- 3,000+ supported assets.
- 170+ countries covered.
- MX token fee discounts.
- Wide spot and futures markets.
- Large, active community.
Cons:
- Less regulatory clarity than Gemini.
- Support can be slower than competitors.
KuCoin
KuCoin is another alternative, particularly appealing for users who enjoy experimenting with different tools. With more than 750 supported cryptocurrencies and coverage in over 200 countries, it’s a playground for altcoin enthusiasts.
Unlike Gemini’s clean but limited interface, KuCoin offers features like trading bots, margin, futures, and staking.
What stood out during our testing was the strong community vibe. KuCoin’s social trading and copy trading functions are unique, encouraging collaboration between traders. Its native KCS token also brings significant fee discounts, even offering negative maker fees for high-volume VIPs, something Gemini doesn’t provide.
KuCoin Pros and Cons
We found KuCoin exciting for discovery and advanced strategies, though it comes at a cost. The platform isn’t as straightforward as CEX.IO or Coinbase, and regulatory support is less robust than Gemini’s. While Gemini reassures institutional and cautious users, KuCoin caters to risk-takers.
Pros:
- 750+ supported cryptocurrencies.
- Advanced tools (bots, copy trading).
- Fee discounts with the KCS token.
- Negative maker fees at high tiers.
- Large global community.
Cons:
- Complex for first-time users.
- Limited regulatory oversight.
Kraken
Kraken has long been regarded as one of the safest exchanges in the world, making it a natural choice for those prioritizing compliance and security. With nearly 300 coins and coverage in over 190 countries, it’s one of the best alternatives to Gemini.
Where Gemini excels in institutional credibility, Kraken complements it with a slightly broader asset base and additional tools. Futures and staking markets, along with margin trading up to 5x (less than CEX.IO, for comparison), make it more versatile than its counterpart. In our testing, Kraken felt like a professional-grade platform that still keeps safety central.
Kraken Pros and Cons
We appreciated Kraken’s strong compliance framework and asset variety. Compared to Gemini, its fee model felt clearer, especially for high-volume traders.
However, Kraken’s interface can feel more complex than Coinbase or CEX.IO, making it less suitable for absolute beginners.
Pros:
- 290+ supported coins.
- Strong global licensing and compliance.
- Margin and futures trading.
- Staking options available.
- Transparent fee model.
Cons:
- The interface is less intuitive for new users.
- Onboarding can be slower than rivals.
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FAQ
Who are the top competing crypto projects to Gemini?
The strongest Gemini crypto alternative exchanges in 2025 include CEX.IO, Binance, MEXC, KuCoin, and Kraken. Among them, CEX.IO stands out as the best choice thanks to its global availability, wide payment methods like PayPal in the US, and beginner-friendly tools such as Instant Buy, Convert, and a free wallet.
How to Choose a Gemini Alternative?
When choosing a Gemini competitor, look at what Gemini lacks: broader asset coverage, lower fees, and flexible payment methods. Platforms like Binance and KuCoin excel in coin variety, but CEX.IO is often the strongest choice for most users. It offers compliance, simplicity, and global reach, making onboarding and everyday trading much easier.
How to buy crypto without Gemini?
You can buy crypto through multiple exchanges beyond Gemini, with many offering equal or even greater benefits. Platforms like CEX.IO provide global access, responsive mobile apps, and broad payment support, including PayPal in the US. These features make buying, trading, and storing digital assets straightforward without relying on Gemini.
Who has lower fees than Gemini?
Several platforms offer lower fees than Gemini. For example, Binance starts at 0.10% maker/taker, KuCoin at 0.10% with discounts down to negative maker rates, and CEX.IO drops to 0.10% maker/taker at higher volumes. By contrast, Gemini charges around 1.49% for instant orders, making these alternatives significantly cheaper.
Are all these platforms regulated in the US?
Not all of them. CEX.IO, Gemini, Coinbase, and Kraken maintain US regulatory licensing, while Binance (Binance US, as a separate entity available for US-based users), MEXC, and KuCoin face restrictions. US-based customers should check availability and compliance before registering, as access may vary by state or exchange.
Is CEX safe and reliable in 2025?
Yes. CEX.IO is safe and reliable thanks to its long history, strong compliance standards, and robust security framework. It maintains dozens of Money Transmitter Licenses in the US and offers features like integrated wallets and 24/7 support, making it a trustworthy choice in 2025.
How do I choose the right crypto exchange?
Consider fees, supported coins, payment flexibility, and regulatory coverage. Look for exchanges with proven security and transparent pricing. A platform like CEX.IO, with its simple interface and broad fiat support, is often a safer and more practical starting point than complex or lightly regulated competitors.
Which is better, OKX or Gemini?
Gemini offers strong compliance and custody solutions, but OKX provides broader access with 350+ cryptocurrencies and lower entry-level fees (0.08%/0.10% vs Gemini’s ~1.49% instant). While Gemini appeals to institutions, OKX caters to traders looking for variety and advanced features.
Which country is Gemini banned in?
Gemini operates in over 60 countries but is unavailable in certain regions due to local regulations. Customers should always check Gemini’s official availability page to confirm coverage before registering.
Does Gemini have a wallet?
Yes. Gemini provides a custodial wallet, allowing users to store and transfer supported cryptocurrencies. While secure, it offers less flexibility compared to non-custodial solutions. By contrast, the free CEX.IO wallet integrates seamlessly with its trading platform, giving users both safe storage and direct trading access without needing third-party apps.