A centralized exchange (CEX), is a platform where people buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies. It’s more like a middleman between buyers and sellers.
Why Should You Use A CEX?
Many people would prefer centralized exchanges (CEX) over decentralized ones (DEX) because they’re simply easier to use. With a CEX, you can sign up quickly, trade fast, and get help if something goes wrong, which makes it great for beginners. There’s no need to manage complex wallets or worry about losing access to your hot wallet.
CEX platforms often offer extra features like staking, savings, and mobile apps all in one place. While DEXs give you more control and privacy, they usually require more crypto knowledge and can be slower or harder to navigate. That’s why CEX remains the go-to choice for most users around the world.
In the beginning, you simply need to create an account using your email or phone number, and in most cases, you’ll also be asked to upload your ID, often as part of complying with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and completing Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.
Then, you can deposit money or crypto into your account and start trading. The exchange keeps your funds in its own wallet, which means you don’t have to worry about managing private keys. But it also means the platform controls your coins while they’re stored there.
CEX platforms are run by private companies. They offer good customer support, trading apps, fast transactions, and sometimes even extra services like crypto staking or savings. But there is something that you need to pay attention to, since they hold your funds, there’s always a small risk if the exchange gets hacked or shuts down, exactly like what happened with FTX and Sam Bankman-Fried. Yet still, millions of people use them every day because they are quick, trusted, and easy to use. But the question is; What are the best 5 CEX to use?
The 5 CEX You Should Use in 2025
1) Binance
Binance is a platform launched in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ. In just a few months after its launch, it became the largest crypto exchange in the world by trading volume.Today over 170 million registered users across more than 100 countries. The platform supports 500+ cryptocurrencies, including major ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins and more than 1500+ trading pairs.
One of Binance’s biggest strengths is its low trading fees, starting at just 0.1%, which can go even lower if users pay them with Binance Coin (BNB). It also offers high liquidity, meaning users can buy or sell quickly without big price changes. The platform is considered the best for active traders, crypto investors, and even beginners.
Binance also offers a wide range of extra features, including staking, savings accounts, a crypto debit card, and its own blockchain ecosystem (BNB Chain). It also has a launchpad for new crypto projects.
2) Coinbase
Coinbase was founded in 2012 in the United States by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, making it one of the oldest and most trusted crypto exchanges in the world.
Coinbase has more than 110 million verified users in over 100 countries. It supports around 300 cryptocurrencies, including top assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many popular altcoins and stablecoins.
Relying on its beginner-friendly interface and strong regulatory compliance and the fact that it is fully licensed in multiple regions and is also a publicly listed company on the NASDAQ. Coinbase is best for new crypto users, long-term investors, and institutions who want a simple, safe, and transparent way to buy, sell, and hold digital assets.
In addition to basic trading, Coinbase offers staking, a secure wallet app, educational rewards that are called “learn-to-earn”, and a professional platform called Coinbase Advanced for serious traders.
Maybe the down part would be the high trading fees compared to some other platforms, but still many users choose Coinbase for its trustworthiness, security, and easy user experience.
3) OKX
OKX was launched in 2017 and is headquartered in Seychelles, with a strong presence in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. It serves over 50 million users already in more than 180 countries. The platform supports 300+ cryptocurrencies, including major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
OKX is known for its powerful trading tools, low fees, and fast, smooth user experience. It offers a wide range of services like spot trading, futures, options, and even copy trading. This makes it ideal for active traders, crypto-savvy users, and people looking to explore more advanced strategies. Its clean mobile app and detailed charts also make it appealing to users switching from beginner platforms to something more advanced.
OKX is not only about trading, it provides many extra features. These include a Web3 wallet, NFT marketplace, staking, DeFi access, and a launchpad for new crypto projects. It also runs its own blockchain called OKB Chain. The platform is building a strong ecosystem around decentralized finance while still offering the speed and support of a centralized exchange.
4) Bybit
Bybit was launched in 2018 and is registered in Dubai, with a strong presence across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. It has grown quickly and now serves over 25 million users in more than 160 countries as of 2025. Bybit supports trading in over 300 cryptocurrencies, including major coins, meme tokens, and DeFi assets.
Bybit’s key strength is its speed, user-friendly design, and strong focus on derivatives trading. It’s best known for offering zero downtime, even during high market volatility, something traders really appreciate. It also supports copy trading, letting users follow the moves of experienced traders.
Beyond trading, Bybit offers many extra features like staking, dual asset mining, an NFT marketplace, and its own Web3 wallet. While it’s not available in some regions like the U.S., it’s known for its fast growth, strong security, and community-focused approach.
5) KuCoin
KuCoin was launched in 2017 and like OKX it is based in Seychelles, with a global team and strong user base across Asia, Europe, and Africa. With more than 30 million users in over 200 countries and regions. The platform offers access to over 750 cryptocurrencies, making it one of the widest selections on the market.
What sets KuCoin apart is its focus on variety and accessibility. It’s known for listing promising new coins early, giving users the chance to get in before prices take off. The platform is well-suited for altcoin hunters, everyday traders, and users looking to explore beyond the usual big-name tokens. It also features low fees, a simple interface, and options for margin and futures trading.
KuCoin offers more than just trading. Users can earn passive income through staking, crypto lending, and even trading bots. It also runs KuCoin Wallet, supports NFTs, and features a community rewards system through its native token, KCS (KuCoin Shares). But the down part is it’s not licensed in the U.S.
Which Will You Choose?
Each of these five platforms brings something different to the table. Binance stands out with its huge selection, low fees, and powerful features for all levels. Coinbase is the go-to for beginners and institutions that want a secure, trusted, and easy start. OKX and Bybit are ideal for active traders who want speed, depth, and modern tools, while KuCoin is the place for those who love discovering new coins and earning passive income.
At the end of the day, the best CEX depends on what you’re looking for, whether it’s simplicity, variety, low costs, or advanced trading options. Whatever your level, these five exchanges are among the strongest and most trusted choices in the crypto world today.
