Best Crypto Apps Better Than Coinbase in 2025

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Intro – Best Crypto Apps Better Than Coinbase in 2025

If you’re just starting out in crypto, you probably came across Coinbase. It’s easy to use, U.S.-regulated, and beginner-focused. But here’s the catch: by 2025, there are better options out there that give you more rewards, charge lower fees, and offer greater safety features—especially if you’re looking to earn passive income through staking or regular trading.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to three beginner-friendly crypto apps that beat Coinbase where it matters most: APY, fees, and safety. Whether you’re just starting with $100 or managing a growing portfolio, these apps offer more bang for your buck.

We’ll also include real user reviews, explain how to link your bank account, withdraw your funds securely, and give tips on how to choose the right app safely.

What Makes Crypto Apps Better Than Coinbase in 2025?

When I first entered the crypto space back in 2021, Coinbase was my starting point—and for good reason. It was clean, simple, and regulated in the U.S. But after a few months, I realized I was losing value in ways I didn’t fully understand at first. The trading interface had hidden spreads, staking rewards were lower than average, and I was paying over 1.49% in fees per trade—far more than other platforms.

By 2022, I had shifted to Kraken and later to Crypto.com. The difference was immediate: better APYs, lower fees, and more flexibility in how I moved and grew my assets. Now in 2025, the landscape has matured. Coinbase is still a solid option for beginners, but it’s been overtaken by platforms that offer more value and control—especially if you’re looking to earn passively or reduce costs.

Here’s what makes a crypto app better than Coinbase today:

• ✅ Higher APY for staking and holding: Whether it’s Ethereum, Polkadot, or stablecoins like USDC, better apps offer significantly higher staking rewards than Coinbase.
• ✅ Transparent, low fees: Apps like Kraken and Bitstamp have clear fee structures, with no hidden spreads or surprise charges.
• ✅ Beginner-friendly safety: Strong security doesn’t have to be complicated. Look for apps with cold storage, 2FA, and withdrawal protection.
• ✅ Easy, fast bank transfers: The best apps support instant bank linking (via ACH, UPI, SEPA, etc.) and allow safe, quick withdrawals within 1–3 days.

In short, a better crypto app is one that helps you grow your assets more efficiently while giving you peace of mind. Let’s break down the top 3 apps that beat Coinbase in all these areas.

1. Kraken – High Staking APY & Top-Tier Security

Why It’s Better Than Coinbase in 2025

Kraken has earned a solid reputation for being secure, transparent, and reward-focused. In 2025, it introduced a much more beginner-friendly mobile app that competes directly with Coinbase in terms of design and ease of use. But it still outshines Coinbase in the three areas that matter most.

APY Rewards

Kraken offers some of the highest staking APYs in the market:

• Polkadot (DOT): Up to 18%
• Ethereum (ETH): Around 4.5%
• Solana (SOL): Up to 7%

By comparison, Coinbase often provides lower returns. For example, ETH staking on Coinbase is currently around 3.1%, while Kraken gives over 4.5% for the same asset. That’s a significant difference for long-term holders.

Fees

Kraken uses a transparent maker-taker fee model:

• Trading fees start at 0.16% for makers and 0.26% for takers.
• The more you trade, the lower your fees.
• No hidden markups or spreads, unlike Coinbase’s basic interface.

Safety

Kraken is known for its uncompromising focus on security:

• 95% of assets are stored in offline cold wallets.
• They offer proof-of-reserves audits and operate under U.S. regulations.
• The platform has never been hacked.

Top User Feedback

A Reddit user posted in April 2025:

“Kraken didn’t freeze even during the $BTC rally. Coinbase was buggy, but Kraken stayed rock solid. Their staking also pays out like clockwork.”

How to Link Your Bank Account

• Go to “Funding” > “Add Account”
• Select your U.S. bank via Plaid or manual input
• Most accounts link within minutes

How to Withdraw Funds Safely

• Set up withdrawal whitelists for bank accounts
• Enable 2FA and withdrawal confirmation via email
• Funds via ACH reach your bank in 1–2 business days

2. Crypto.com – Best for Mobile & Earning on Stablecoins

Why It’s Better Than Coinbase in 2025

If you love using apps on your phone and want to earn interest on stablecoins like USDC, Crypto.com is a strong Coinbase alternative. It offers robust staking rewards, built-in DeFi, and a cashback Visa card.

APY Rewards

Crypto.com’s Crypto Earn program offers:

• USDC/USDT: Up to 10% APY
• BTC: Up to 5.5%
• ETH: Around 4.5%
• Bonus rewards for holding/staking CRO tokens

Coinbase only supports a few staking options and has much lower rewards—often around 3–4% even for stablecoins.

Fees

Crypto.com offers:

• 0.075% trading fees, even lower if you stake CRO.
• No deposit fees and competitive withdrawal fees.
• Frequent zero-fee trading promotions in 2025 for popular tokens.

Safety

The app is secure and fully licensed:

• $750 million cold wallet insurance
• 2FA, biometric login, and withdrawal whitelists
• Licensed in U.S., U.K., Singapore, and EU

Top User Feedback

On Trustpilot:

“The rewards are way better than Coinbase, and I get cashback on my Visa card too. Crypto.com is now my main crypto app.” – Reviewed May 2025.

How to Link Your Bank Account

• In the app, go to “Transfer” → “Fiat Wallet” → “Add Bank Account”
• Link via Plaid (U.S.) or UPI (India)
• Instant linking for most major banks

How to Withdraw Funds Safely

• Use “Withdraw” → “Fiat” and select your bank
• Turn on 2FA + biometric unlock
• Withdrawals via ACH or SEPA reach banks in 1–3 days

Want to deep into these two crypto apps comparison?, Here is article – Coinbase vs Robinhood vs BitGlide: Best U.S. Crypto Trading App Face-Off

3. Bitstamp – Low Fees and Built for Beginners

Why It’s Better Than Coinbase in 2025

Bitstamp has quietly become one of the most beginner-friendly crypto apps in 2025 after a complete app redesign. It combines low trading fees, simple staking, and a proven track record of security.

APY Rewards

Bitstamp offers:

• ETH staking: ~5%
• Algorand (ALGO): ~6%
• Cosmos (ATOM): ~7%

While not as high as Kraken or Crypto.com, the APYs are reliable, auto-compounding, and come with no lockup on most assets.

Fees

Bitstamp charges just 0.1% on spot trades, which is:

• Nearly 10x lower than Coinbase’s 1.49%
• No hidden spreads
• Transparent fee table and no surprise charges

Safety

• Bitstamp has never been hacked
• Uses BitGo for insured cold storage
• Fully regulated in EU, U.S., and U.K.
• Publishes monthly proof-of-reserves

Top User Feedback

On Twitter:

“Bitstamp is clean, simple, and fees are minimal. Great for dollar-cost averaging. No ads or meme coins cluttering the dashboard.” – @CryptoDad, March 2025

How to Link Your Bank Account

• Go to “Deposit” > Choose “Bank Transfer”
• Enter your ACH or IBAN/SWIFT details
• Usually verified within 1–2 business days

How to Withdraw Funds Safely

• Set up email confirmations and enable whitelisted bank accounts
• Withdraw through “Fiat Withdrawal” → “Bank Account”
• Funds arrive in 1–3 business days

Quick Comparison Table

🔢 Estimated Returns: What Could You Earn With Each App?

Understanding potential returns helps you make smarter crypto decisions. Here’s how much you could realistically earn by staking $1,000 for one year using these top crypto apps in 2025:

🟩 Kraken: High Staking Rewards Example

Let’s say you stake $1,000 worth of Polkadot (DOT) at Kraken’s advertised 18% APY:

Formula:
$1,000 × 18% = $180 return per year

• Monthly: ~$15
• Daily: ~$0.50
• Compounding boosts this slightly higher over time

🔍 If you staked $5,000, your return would be about $900/year.

Kraken also offers:

• ETH at ~4.5% → $1,000 = $45/year
• SOL at ~7% → $1,000 = $70/year

🟦 Crypto.com: Stablecoin Rewards Example

If you deposit $1,000 in USDC on Crypto.com at 10% APY:

Formula:
$1,000 × 10% = $100 return per year

• Monthly: ~$8.33
• Weekly: ~$1.92

Even better: this is in USD-backed stablecoins, meaning no price volatility.

Also:

• BTC at 5.5% → $1,000 = $55/year
• ETH at 4.5% → $1,000 = $45/year

✅ A user holding $10,000 in USDC could earn $1,000/year passively.

🟨 Bitstamp: Reliable, Mid-Level Returns Example

If you stake $1,000 in Ethereum (ETH) on Bitstamp at 5% APY:

Formula:
$1,000 × 5% = $50 return per year

• Monthly: ~$4.17
• Daily: ~$0.14

Bitstamp’s simple staking options are ideal for hands-off investors.

Other examples:

• ALGO at ~6% → $1,000 = $60/year
• ATOM at ~7% → $1,000 = $70/year

⚠️ Note:

• These are approximate estimates, assuming no price fluctuations.
• Returns may vary slightly based on lock-up period, token performance, and platform terms.
• Always check latest rates on the app before staking.

Also read: Palmer Luckey: From VR Prodigy to Anduril Founder

How to Choose Safely in 2025

Choosing your first crypto app can feel overwhelming. But the right platform depends on your goals and experience level.

• If you’re looking to maximize earnings, Kraken and Crypto.com offer better staking returns than Coinbase.
• If low fees and transparency are your priority, Bitstamp is a solid pick—especially for small and frequent investors.
• If you prefer a mobile-first experience, Crypto.com gives you the edge with cashback cards and a DeFi wallet.
• For those who prioritize security, both Kraken and Bitstamp are industry leaders.

✅ Tips to stay safe:

• Always enable 2FA and biometric logins
• Use whitelisting for withdrawals
• Test with small amounts first
• Avoid clicking on email links—always access apps directly

✅ Trusted Quotes for Kraken (2025)

🔹 CoinDesk (March 2025):

“Kraken remains one of the most secure and regulation-forward exchanges globally, with consistent uptime even during high volatility events.”
Source: [CoinDesk Exchange Review 2025]

🔹 Forbes (February 2025):

“Kraken’s staking rewards continue to lead the U.S. market in APY for DOT, SOL, and ETH—offering nearly 40% higher returns than Coinbase on average.”
Source: [Forbes Crypto Yield Report]

🔹 Bloomberg (January 2025):

“In terms of institutional trust, Kraken is second only to Binance in global exchange reliability and transparency.”

✅ Trusted Quotes for Crypto.com (2025)

🔹 The Block (April 2025):

“Crypto.com’s mobile-first design, generous cashback Visa card, and high APY stablecoin staking make it one of the most versatile crypto apps for retail users.”
Source: [The Block App Analysis]

🔹 TechCrunch (March 2025):

“With over 100 million users and $750M in insurance protection, Crypto.com is now a dominant force in the global mobile crypto wallet space.”

🔹 Investopedia (February 2025):

“Crypto.com offers some of the highest flexible yields on USDC, making it an excellent alternative to traditional savings apps.”

✅ Trusted Quotes for Bitstamp (2025)

🔹 Nasdaq.com (February 2025):

“Bitstamp has been a model of stability and transparency in a market full of noise. Its revamped beginner-focused interface is a refreshing change.”

🔹 Reuters (January 2025):

“With a history dating back to 2011, Bitstamp remains one of the only major exchanges never to suffer a breach, earning it top marks for security.”

🔹 CryptoCompare Exchange Benchmark Report (2025):

“Bitstamp ranks in the top 5 globally for transparency, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.”

🟩 Kraken – Honest User Reviews (2025)

🔸 Reddit – u/CryptoFlex101 (April 2025):

“Kraken is rock solid when it comes to uptime and staking. I love the transparency. But the interface still feels a bit clunky for casual users.”

🔸 Trustpilot – March 2025
⭐ 4.3/5

“Great for serious crypto investors. The security is excellent, and staking rewards are the best I’ve seen. Just wish they had more altcoins listed.”

🔸 Twitter – @StackingSats (May 2025):

“Switched from Coinbase to Kraken and haven’t looked back. Way lower fees, and I earn more from staking. But they really need to upgrade the app UI.”

🟢 Common Praise:

• Best-in-class security
• Higher APY than Coinbase
• Regulated and trustworthy

🔴 Common Complaints:

Limited token listings compared to Binance

Not the most beginner-friendly

Mobile app could be smoother

🟦 Crypto.com – Honest User Reviews (2025)

🔸 Trustpilot – April 2025
⭐ 4.0/5

“The cashback Visa card and 10% on USDC made me a fan. But sometimes the app is slow or has minor bugs after updates.”

🔸 Reddit – u/DeFiBegins (February 2025):

“Good app for stablecoin yield and payments. However, fees can be confusing if you don’t stake CRO, and support is a bit slow.”

🔸 App Store Review – March 2025

“Great design, easy to use, and staking pays out like clockwork. Just be prepared to learn the CRO system if you want max benefits.”

🟢 Common Praise:

• Top APY for USDC/USDT
• Stylish app + Visa rewards
• Excellent for mobile users

🔴 Common Complaints:

Customer support delays

Complicated CRO staking tiers

App glitches occasionally

🟨 Bitstamp – Honest User Reviews (2025)

🔸 Reddit – u/HodlVibes (January 2025):

“Bitstamp is boring in the best way. No ads, no meme coins, just a clean interface and cheap trades.”

🔸 Trustpilot – February 2025
⭐ 4.5/5

“I’ve used Bitstamp since 2022. The UI is clean, and fees are super low. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable and great for beginners.”

🔸 Crypto Twitter – @FiatToMoon (March 2025):

“Love Bitstamp for DCA. Zero distractions. Wish they had a better mobile staking dashboard though.”

🟢 Common Praise:

• Super low fees (0.1%)
• Clean UI without distractions
• Regulated and never hacked

🔴 Common Complaints:

Slower innovation compared to newer apps

Not many tokens

Lacks bells and whistles (no cards, limited DeFi tools)

Full Review of this crypto app, Check out this blog – Edge Wallet App Review: Trade Bitcoin and Altcoins Safely in 2025

🌐 Follow These Crypto Giants on Social Media

Want real-time updates, market alerts, and staking opportunities? Follow the official handles of these top crypto apps to stay ahead of the game. 👇

🟩 Kraken – The OG of Secure Crypto Trading

🕊️ Want market updates with a side of witty memes? Kraken has you covered.

• 🐦 Twitter (X): @krakenfx
• 📸 Instagram: @krakenfx
• 💼 LinkedIn: Kraken Exchange
• 📺 YouTube: Kraken YouTube Channel
• 👍 Facebook: Kraken FX

🟦 Crypto.com – Built for Mobile, Loved Worldwide

🔥 From UFC partnerships to Visa rewards—Crypto.com keeps it bold.

• 🐦 Twitter (X): @cryptocom
• 📸 Instagram: @cryptocomofficial
• 💼 LinkedIn: Crypto.com
• 📺 YouTube: Crypto.com Official
• 👍 Facebook: CryptoCom Official

🟨 Bitstamp – Quietly Reliable Since 2011

🛡️ The no-fluff platform for serious investors. Follow for clean updates.

• 🐦 Twitter (X): @Bitstamp
• 📸 Instagram: @bitstamp
• 💼 LinkedIn: Bitstamp
• 📺 YouTube: Bitstamp Exchange
• 👍 Facebook: Bitstamp

🚀 Bonus Tip:
Following these platforms can get you early access to new token listings, APY boosts, and exclusive giveaways. 👀 So go hit that follow button!

Final Thoughts

In 2025, Coinbase is no longer your only option—and definitely not the best one. Whether you want higher APY, lower trading fees, or rock-solid safety, these 3 crypto apps—Kraken, Crypto.com, and Bitstamp—outperform Coinbase in different ways.

If you’re serious about crypto, don’t settle. Choose wisely, start small, and grow smart.

Got questions? Tweet us at @CryptoTrendd and we’ll help you pick the best app for your goals!

FAQs – Crypto Apps Better Than Coinbase in 2025

❓ Which app gives the highest staking APY?

Kraken, with up to 25% on DOT and other assets.

❓ Is Crypto.com safe?

Yes. Fully licensed and insured up to $750 million.

❓ How long do withdrawals take?

• Kraken: 1–2 days
• Crypto.com: 1–3 days
• Bitstamp: 1–2 days

❓ Can I use these apps in India?

Yes! Crypto.com supports UPI, and Kraken/Bitstamp support global banking options.

❓ Is Bitstamp good for daily trades?

Yes—very low fees and excellent reliability.

✅ Ready to Earn More from Crypto?

Stop overpaying for fees and missing out on rewards.

👉 Try one of these 3 apps today:

• Sign up for Kraken for top staking rewards
• Use Crypto.com to earn on your stablecoins
• Trade fee-free with Bitstamp’s 0.1% fee model

Still unsure? DM us at @CryptoTrendd or comment below—we’ll help you pick the best app for your needs

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