Cryptocurrency trading has exploded in popularity. More and more people are interested in cryptocurrency, from financial institutions to everyday investors. You need the best cryptocurrency app to buy and sell digital currencies, like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin, to get in on the action.

There are several ways and places to invest in cryptocurrency. The list considers the best app to buy a cryptocurrency and the best app for cryptocurrency trading. Even those familiar with more traditional investing platforms should be mindful that crypto often comes with different fee structures, narrower customer service options, and an increased role in investor insecurity.

This article will explore what cryptocurrency is, understand the cryptocurrency, what you should look for when choosing a crypto app, and the 25 best apps for beginners in 2022.

What is cryptocurrency?

A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency secured by cryptography, making it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. A defining feature of cryptocurrencies is that they are generally not issued by any central authority, rendering them theoretically immune to government interference or manipulation. Many cryptocurrencies are decentralized networks based on blockchain technology—a distributed ledger enforced by a disparate network of computers.

Understanding Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies underpinned by cryptographic systems. They enable secure online payments without the use of third-party intermediaries. "Crypto" refers to the various encryption algorithms and cryptographic techniques that safeguard these entries, such as elliptical curve encryption, public-private key pairs, and hashing functions.

Cryptocurrencies can be mined or purchased from cryptocurrency exchanges. Not all e-commerce sites allow purchases using cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies, even popular ones like Bitcoin, are hardly used for retail transactions. However, the skyrocketing value of cryptocurrencies has made them popular as trading instruments. To a limited extent, they are also used for cross-border transfers.

What Is a Crypto Exchange App and How Does It Work?

A crypto exchange is a marketplace where you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, Ether, or Dogecoin. Cryptocurrency exchanges work a lot like other trading platforms that you may be familiar with. They provide you with accounts to create different order types to buy, sell and speculate in the crypto market.

The best exchanges offer educational offerings to keep you up to date on all things crypto. Some crypto exchanges support advanced trading features like margin accounts and futures trading, although these are less commonly available to U.S.-based users. Others have features like crypto staking or crypto loans that allow you to earn interest on your crypto holdings.

25 Best Cryptocurrency App For Beginners

1. Binance

Binance app is a domestic exchange run by global crypto powerhouse Binance. It provides much of its parent company's pros, including industry-low fees and a broad range of cryptocurrencies available to trade.

More advanced users can take advantage of a myriad of trading order types, including limit, market, and stop-limit, and two powerful trading dashboards chock full of essential data, like spot price and 24-hour highs, lows, and trading volume. New users blissfully unaware of a candlestick graph (much less how to read one) may feel overwhelmed and should stick with the Buy Cryptocurrency tab until they get a better lay of the land.

Pros

• Low costs for spot and general trading.
• Wide range of cryptocurrencies is available for trading.
• High cybersecurity ranking and user reviews.

Cons

• Fewer coin options than its international parent company, Binance.
• It is not currently available in all U.S. states, including Texas and New York.
• Newcomers to crypto may want more educational tutorials.

2. Coinbase

Coinbase is the crypto exchange you may be most familiar with if you're just now getting interested in crypto. For a good reason: Coinbase Pro, the robust exchange powering Coinbase, is one of the largest and safest platforms. (In fact, Coinbase Pro was a top contender for our Best Overall Cryptocurrency Exchange.)

Coinbase stands out for its easy-to-use interface that makes one-time or recurring crypto investments a snap. But this convenience comes at a cost.

Its confusing fee structure charges you more than it would make the same purchase on the company's less beginner-friendly Coinbase Pro platform, which is also free to use.

If you're ready to level up and go to Pro, you'll probably find lower fees at most other major crypto exchanges unless you're trading above a million monthly.

Pros

• Beginner-friendly interface and easy purchase process.
• Strong user reviews and security ratings.
• It's an educational learning platform that rewards users with cryptocurrency when they learn about crypto.

Cons

• High fees for convenience.
• Must use a different, more complex platform to access a lower pricing structure.

3. eToro

eToro allows users to begin trading cryptocurrency for as little as $50, and its innovative trading platform lets investors mirror select traders with successful track records move-by-move. But consider the risks inherent in trading these highly speculative assets.

Pros

• Offers access to 17 cryptocurrencies.

• Low minimum to fund an account and begin investing.

• Social trading: Ability to match moves of famous traders.

Cons

• Service is only available in 44 U.S. states.

• While eToro has forex and equity trading available in other countries, U.S. eToro customers are limited to crypto trades.

4. Gemini

For casual investors, Gemini offers a trading platform that's easy for beginners but has a confusing fee structure that's higher than some cryptocurrency exchanges.

Pros

• More than 50 cryptocurrencies.

• Site insurance of digital assets against exchange hacks.

• Available in all U.S. states.

Cons

• Higher fees than some other crypto exchanges.

5. Crypto.com

Crypto.com offers a massive selection of digital assets and has fees that can be pretty low. Though it doesn't support conventional crypto-to-crypto trading, advanced users may be interested in its DeFi offerings. Crypto.com could appeal to customers looking for a wide variety of cryptocurrencies and comfortable carrying out transactions on a mobile device using traditional currency.

Pros

• Large selection of crypto assets.

• Fees are low if you fund your account with cash transfers.

Cons

• Fees for credit and debit purchases are relatively high.

• Some services are not offered in the U.S.

• No crypto-to-crypto trading.

6. Kraken

Kraken is one of the oldest U.S. crypto exchanges, founded in the Paleolithic era of crypto (2011). Kraken offers a solid range of coins with low fees.

Pros

• Sophisticated trading features, like margin, may appeal to advanced users.
• High cybersecurity ratings.

Cons

• May be too complex for true beginner users.

7. BlockFi

The BlockFi exchange's fees are average among its competitors, but it may appeal to users interested in earning interest or borrowing against their bitcoin. Suppose you're interested in using your cryptocurrency to earn interest or are looking to free up some cash without selling your crypto assets. In that case, BlockFi's loans and interest products may be worth considering.

Pros

• Ability to earn interest on bitcoin.

• One free withdrawal each month.

Cons

• Services are limited in several states.

• Website is not easy to navigate.

8. FTX

FTX has low fees for cryptocurrency trading, with a decent selection of digital assets on offer. It also has some features for advanced traders, including trading between cryptocurrencies and multiple national currencies.

Pros

• Low withdrawal fees.

• Advanced trading options.

Cons

• Limited support options.

• Smaller selection of cryptocurrencies than some competitors.

9. Webull

If you're on a budget or simply looking to risk small amounts, Webull could be one of the best crypto apps for this purpose. Crucially, not only can you get started with a Webull account without needing to meet a minimum deposit, but you can buy and sell crypto for just $1 per trade. This allows you to get to grips with crypto trading with insignificant capital. Webull offers all of its markets on a spread-only basis regarding fees and commissions. We found that crypto trades come with a minimum spread of 1% - which isn't overly competitive. To fund your Webull account, you can choose from ACH or a bank wire. However, the latter will cost you $8 in fees to deposit and $25 when cashing out.

10. Gate.io

Gate.io gives users access to a prodigious more than 600 different coins, according to CoinMarketCap.com, making it better for advanced crypto traders on the hunt for less common altcoins.

Pros

• The huge array of tradable coins with low trading fees.
• Can lower trading fees further with large Gate stablecoin holdings.

Cons

• Trading is based on a U.S. dollar stablecoin, not fiat currency.
• Because of that, along with the more complex interface, beginners would probably be better served by another platform.

11. KuCoin

Another heavy hitter regarding the sheer amount of coins available, KuCoin provides access to a comprehensive library of altcoins at low fees.

Pros

• Hundreds of tradable cryptos with low fees.
• Can decrease trading fees by 20% by paying with KuCoin's proprietary KCS stablecoin.
• Automated and margin-based trading available.

Cons

• Trading relies on U.S. dollar stablecoins, not fiat currency.
• Though you can use U.S. dollars to buy best crypto, you must do so using an OTC, peer-to-peer market that may be too complex for beginner investors.

12. Bitstamp

An early entrant to the crypto exchange space, Bitstamp currently provides a relatively limited range of cryptos, though these may be enough to satisfy most traders.

Pros

• Advanced charting capabilities

Cons

• Lower cybersecurity ranking than many others on this list and was subject to a $5 million hack in 2015. The company now reports that 98% of customer assets are held offline, which may decrease the risk of future hacks.
• Higher trading fees than other leaders until you trade more than $10,000 a month in crypto.

13. Bittrex

Boasting a veritable cornucopia of coin options, Bittrex may be best suited to high-volume traders who can take advantage of its discounted fee schedule.

Pros

• Instant buy/sell platform with an easy interface for beginner traders.
• Hundreds of coins are available for advanced traders.

Cons

• High fees for low-volume traders.
• Lower cybersecurity score than other leaders in space.

14. bitFlyer

bitFlyer offers a minimal range of coins but very low trading costs, making it a strong fit for those who want to trade a lot (or a little) of a small variety of cryptos.

Pros

• Industry-low fees.
• May be too complex for beginners and lacks comprehensive educational resources.

Cons

• Very few cryptocurrencies are available to trade.
• Lowest cybersecurity score in this ranking.

15. Coincheck

The Coincheck cryptocurrency exchange provides a comfortable trading terminal and all the main tools for trading cryptocurrencies in the global market. It is possible to exchange cryptocurrencies for the Japanese yen, and there is a blockchain investment system. Comprehensive verification is required (as one of the factors to ensure overall data security) to exchange and trade. There are many training materials on the platform.

Pros

• There's a convenient trading terminal (web version and application);
• There are almost all the most popular cryptocurrencies available;
• There's a high level of platform security;
• There's no trading commission;
• There's a large amount of training and explanatory materials.

Cons

• There's only Japanese yen among the fiats;
• Communication with the technical support service is exclusively through the ticket system.

16. Trust Wallet

Trust Wallet is another beginner-friendly mobile best cryptocurrency app you can use. Trusted by millions of users, Trust Wallet provides a secure place to keep, buy, and sell cryptocurrency. Fancy yourself a DeFi enthusiast? Trust Wallet allows you to buy tokens for popular golf DeFi platforms like CakeSwap (CAKE) and SushiSwap (SUSHI). Trust Wallet users can store different cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), and Ripple (XRP). Trust Wallet is arguably the best crypto hot wallet for your needs if you're looking for a simple option to secure crypto. You only need to install the app and follow the setup instructions to start receiving and sending crypto.

Trust Wallet has decent customer support, something new users will appreciate. You don't want to be stuck talking to a chatbot when you need quick solutions to a problem. Logging an issue with the support team is as simple as submitting a ticket and waiting for a response.

17. ZenGo

ZenGo is a cutting-edge mobile cryptocurrency app with innovative features, an easy-to-use interface, and top-tier security. The ZenGo wallet supports more than 70 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Ether (ETH), and many more.

ZenGo is among the best crypto hot wallets for security, as it doesn't use private keys or seed phrases. Users sign in using facial recognition technology, which is more convenient than typing in private keys or seed phrases.

Keyless access also prevents a single point of failure for your wallet. With no private keys or seed phrases that can be stolen, hackers cannot breach your crypto wallet. For crypto newbies looking for a secure wallet, ZenGo may do the trick.

Did we mention that you can trade and lend crypto directly from your ZenGo wallet? Using the built-in trading feature on ZenGo is an excellent tool for putting your crypto to work for you. With up to 5 percent APY on funds, ZenGo provides a risk-free way for you to earn more on crypto holdings. Given the lack of backup phrases on ZenGo, some may be concerned about retrieving their wallet. ZenGo uses a unique "encrypted secret key share" mechanism, storing one key on your device and another on the company's server. So, a face scan is all you need to access your wallet if your device gets stolen or misplaced.

18. Blockchain Wallet

One of the oldest products on this list, the Blockchain cryptocurrency app, has helped many buy their first cryptocurrencies. Blockchain Wallet is worth a shot if you want a reputable mobile wallet with industry-leading features.

Setting up a Blockchain Wallet is relatively easy for anyone to grasp. You'll need to create an account, verify your identity, and add your preferred method for buying cryptocurrencies. Blockchain Wallet has a suite of tools for newbie crypto traders. This includes a live price tracker and a secure means for swapping coins. You can also lock up some crypto in a Rewards account for the chance to earn up to 13 percent APY annually.

Like other models, Blockchain Wallet has a recovery feature to help users re-enter accounts in the event of device loss or theft. This is in the form of a 12-word backup phrase, which we advise you to keep carefully.

Notably, Blockchain Wallet offers 2FA authentication to bolster wallet security. 2FA-enabled accounts require a password and one-time passcode (OTP) generated through SMS, Google Authenticator, or Yubikey.

19. Guarda

Guarda is the Swiss Army knife of cryptocurrency app, offering web, desktop, mobile, and browser extension versions. Guarda bills itself as "the only wallet you'll ever need," and we like to think this is true, considering the multiple features.

The Guarda mobile wallet works on iOS and Android devices, supporting 50+ blockchains and thousands of cryptocurrencies. You can also buy, store, exchange, and stake crypto without leaving the application.

A desktop version is an excellent option for those who want better security and strict control of funds. The web wallet and browser extension are nice to have. The extension works well if you're going to pay for things online without repeatedly typing in your private keys. Guarda users can apply multi-signature protection to secure their wallets further. A multi-signature or multisig cryptocurrency app requires a combination of keys (2-of-3, 2-of-2, etc.) to authenticate wallet transactions.

Multisig protection is like an insurance for cryptocurrency apps. Even if someone stole one of your private keys, they could not move funds in your wallet without getting the other keys. You can store keys on separate devices, so your wallet remains safe even if one of your devices is compromised.

20. Exodus

Exodus is a hot wallet software product compatible with hardware wallets like Trezor. Most reviews from industry-leading publications, including 99Bitcoins and Investopedia, praise the wallet's security, intuitive interface, and ease of use.

Exodus is available as a mobile or desktop application. And it's got a native decentralized exchange (DEX) platform for trading 150+ cryptocurrencies. If you fancy some DeFi action, Exodus allows you to stake Algorand ($ALGO), Cosmos ($COSMOS), and other popular tokens.

Being a non-custodial wallet, Exodus doesn't hold your data on its platform. Knowing hackers cannot pilfer your keys or identity data from a centralized server, you can sleep better at night. Users can access crypto kept in cold storage through a partnership with leading hardware wallet company Trezor. A cold wallet may be difficult to use, especially if you need to exchange or trade frequently. Pairing it with a crypto hot wallet solves the problem while keeping your money safe.

21. Atomic Wallet

Atomic Wallet is one of the most accessible desktop wallet software. With no KYC requirement or complex account setup, Atomic Wallet is a sensible option for any beginner.

When you get started in crypto, you can HODL and wait for the value of your funds to grow. Or, you can actively raise your money through trading, exchanging, and staking. Whatever option you choose, Atomic Wallet has all the tools you need to get started.

Atomic wallet supports Atomic Swaps, a new technology for swapping some cryptocurrencies without using a third-party service (like an exchange). You can exchange other cryptocurrencies with built-in services from popular exchanges like ShapeShift and Changelly.

New cryptocurrency users may need help using a cryptocurrency wallet, but not all wallet providers provide customer support. Atomic Wallet promises 24/7 live support, which is a big plus.

22. Mycelium

For years, buying Bitcoin (BTC) has been a rite of initiation into the cryptocurrency community. If you wish to start your crypto investment journey with a BTC purchase, a Bitcoin-only wallet like Mycelium is what you need.

Mycelium is an open-source, reproducible wallet, meaning anyone can duplicate its source code and check for vulnerabilities. WalletScrutiny estimates that many crypto wallets are non-reproducible, putting Mycelium in a league of its own.

Privacy enthusiasts will love Mycelium for its anonymity features. The application won't ask for any identification, nor does it have any data collection procedures. You can even use the TOR network to mask your IP address and location.

With Mycelium's self-custody option, users have total control over wallet funds. If you want to earn returns on your holdings, you can use the in-app exchange to trade and exchange Bitcoin, Ether, and other altcoins.

23. MetaMask

Built by Ethereum solutions company ConsenSys, MetaMask is a digital wallet for storing Ether and other ERC-20 tokens. You can also interact with the Ethereum blockchain, Binance Smart Chain, and other testnets using the MetaMask browser extension.

While MetaMask is useful for securing tokens, its main appeal comes from its access to decentralized applications (DApps). With MetaMask, you can use decentralized exchanges (DEXs), play play-to-earn (P2E) games, and participate in DeFi lending and staking.

If you want to immerse yourself into the fantastic world of decentralized internet technologies, a MetaMask wallet is the best hot crypto wallet available. Navigating DApps is more accessible and safer since you can authenticate currency transfers without having to provide your private keys.

Like every decent wallet, MetaMask has a 12-word seed phrase to help you recover your account. It is advisable to write the seed phrase on paper or store it in a device like a thumb drive.

24. Bybit

Bybit is a cryptocurrency derivatives exchange with a wide range of advanced trading tools. It has top-notch security and a no-downtime commitment, but it's unavailable in the U.S.

Bybit is different from many cryptocurrency exchanges as it is a derivatives exchange. Experienced traders can use derivatives for potentially lucrative trades, but be careful as the risk is much higher.

Pros

• Up to 100x leverage on crypto
• Risk-free test environment to learn and experiment
• Educational resources

Cons

• Not available in the U.S.
• May share your data with third parties for marketing.

25. OKX

OKX is a cryptocurrency company offering a crypto exchange and additional services. The Seychelles-based exchange is widely available to users worldwide but notably unavailable in the United States. OKX may be a good choice for global cryptocurrency traders looking to buy and sell with low exchange fees.

With an account at OKX, you can easily buy crypto using a card, bank account, or mobile wallet. It also offers exceptionally high yields in some cases when participating in staking or saving features.

Conclusion

Choosing a cryptocurrency app requires a deep understanding of your needs as a user. Rarely will you find a cryptocurrency exchange app that caters to every need, so this is an important step.

Ease of use is another critical consideration for anyone just getting into crypto. Ideally, the application should be easy to navigate, whether a web app, mobile application, or browser extension. Finally, security should always be paramount when picking a crypto app.