Kraken vs Bybit: Complete Comparison 2025
Quick Verdict
Kraken wins for US users with superior security and regulatory compliance, but Bybit offers lower fees and better derivatives trading for international traders.
Kraken and Bybit serve different markets with different strengths. Kraken is the security-focused US exchange, while Bybit excels in derivatives trading globally. Here’s my comparison.
Quick Summary
| Feature | Kraken | Bybit |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Fees | 0.16-0.26% | 0.10% |
| Cryptocurrencies | 185+ | 280+ |
| Founded | 2011 | 2018 |
| Best For | US security | Derivatives |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
| US Access | Full | Not available |
Fees Comparison
Kraken Pro: 0.16% maker / 0.26% taker Bybit Spot: 0.10% maker/taker Bybit Futures: 0.02% maker / 0.055% taker
For a $10,000 trade:
- Kraken: $26.00 (taker)
- Bybit: $10.00
Winner: Bybit - Lower fees across the board.
Security
Kraken:
- Never hacked since 2011 (14 years)
- Proof of Reserves
- Global Settings Lock
- Full US compliance
Bybit:
- Never hacked
- 100% cold storage claims
- Good security features
Winner: Kraken - 14-year track record and regulatory compliance.
Derivatives Trading
Kraken: Limited futures (up to 50x) Bybit: Comprehensive derivatives (up to 100x), copy trading, testnet
Winner: Bybit - Industry-leading derivatives platform.
Geographic Availability
Kraken: US fully supported (except NY, WA) Bybit: NOT available in US
Winner: Kraken for US users
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Kraken: US users, security-focused traders Choose Bybit: International derivatives traders
Last updated: January 2025. Affiliate links may provide compensation at no extra cost.
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