Using an app can make buying and selling cryptoassets easier through a more user-friendly interface and often stripped-down platform. It also makes trading from your phone much easier and could potentially allow you to be more nimble with how you manage your portfolio.
Of course, there are also limitations to using a crypto app. Many potential users will have justifiable concerns around security and whether the range of features from the desktop platform match the app version. On this page, you can see what we think are the 5 best crypto apps for UK traders. We have included all of the key features and any shortcomings you should be aware of before signing up.
What is a crypto trading app?
There are a seemingly ever-growing number of companies that offer to host the buying, selling and trading of cryptocurrencies and other cryptoassets. Many of these platforms also incorporate a mobile app to make managing your crypto portfolio easier. Instead of logging into a desktop site, you have an app on your phone with a more mobile-friendly version of the platform. While the app may not always have the full range of the desktop site, you should still be able to carry out all of the essential tasks of managing your crypto, including selling any of your holdings and buying more. If you feel that a major barrier to investing in crypto is a sense that platforms are too complicated and hard to understand, the stripped-down nature of a crypto trading app may simplify things for you.
One of the main concerns for many people when it comes to finding the best crypto apps will undoubtedly be security. There may be a fear that using an app will be less secure than a browser, or that your crypto will be less secure in a wallet that can be accessed through an app. However, while there is an inherent security risk baked in with crypto, the apps on this page all employ security measures to protect user accounts and holdings. It would be wrong to assume that the desktop versions of all crypto trading platforms are more secure than their app counterparts, but the level of security will vary from company to company.
The 5 best crypto apps for UK traders
Below you can find what we think are the 5 best crypto apps for UK traders, including typical transaction fees, the number of supported cryptocurrencies, whether or not they have an integrated wallet, what each one is best for and how well-reviewed the app is with the major operating systems.
| Platform | Fees | Number of cryptocurrencies | Wallet | Best for | App Store rating | Google Play rating |
| eToro | 1% | 100+ | Yes | Diversification | 4.2 | 3.4 |
| Coinbase | 0% - 0.60% | 250+ | Yes | Beginner investors | 4.7 | 4.0 |
| Gemini | 0% - 0.40% | 150+ | Yes | Security | 4.8 | 4.0 |
| Kraken | 0% - 0.26% | 200+ | Yes | Advanced investors | 4.7 | 4.2 |
| CEX.IO | 0% - 0.25% | 200+ | Yes | Low fees | 4.4 | 4.3 |
The key features of the 5 best crypto apps for UK traders
eToro
- More than 100 different cryptocurrencies
- Personalised cryptocurrency wallet
- Offers a wide selection of stocks and ETF trading alongside cryptocurrency
- Forums and feeds to engage with other users
- Enhanced security features, including two-factor authentication
- Currency conversion fee for non-USD deposits
- Higher fees than some competitors
Coinbase
- Over 250 cryptocurrency options
- Fast buy and sell journey
- Integrated digital wallet
- Comprehensive analysis tools available with advanced options
- Extensive learning section of tips and tutorials
- Learning Rewards feature lets users earn free crypto
- Strong security measures, including two-factor authentication
- Own US dollar-backed stablecoin (USD Coin)
- Higher fees than some competitors
Gemini
- More than 150 different cryptocurrencies
- Robust security infrastructure including cold storage options, insurance against certain losses, multisig wallets, two-factor authentication and high security at data centres
- Advanced wallet security available through Gemini Custody
- High-performance trading tools through ActiveTrader
- Users can earn free crypto on spending through the Gemini credit card
- Staking options
- Crypto payment system, Gemini Pay
- Complex fee structure
Kraken
- More than 200 different cryptocurrencies
- Two different apps for standard users and 'Pro' subscribers
- Security features include SSL encryption, offline coin storage, real-time monitoring, two-factor authentication, crypto address whitelisting and regular penetration testing
- Learning section includes detailed guides, videos and podcasts
- Low cost of entry for new users
- Offers margin trading, staking rewards and short positions
- Well reviewed on the App Store and Google Play, especially for customer service
CEX.IO
- More than 200 different cryptocurrencies
- Users can earn cryptocurrency through staking
- Allows users to access fiat currency without liquidating their assets through crypto-collateralised loans
- Extensive range of services
- Lower liquidity than some competitors
- Majority of funds stored in cold wallets for better security
- Two-factor authentication
- Excellent online reviews
How to pick the best crypto app
Choosing between the best crypto apps on this page can be tricky, though they are all good options. To maximise the benefit you get from whatever app you choose, there are four key features to look out for. The first is user experience, the second is the cost, the third is the range of coins and the fourth – and most important – is security.
User experience
It is important that your chosen app has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, especially if you are only beginning to invest in cryptoassets. The trading experience should be smooth and intuitive, with quick buy and sell options. It should be easy to find what you are looking for and monitor the value of your portfolio, as well as access essential information and customer support. Some apps do not have the full functionality of the desktop browser platform, so make sure your app covers the features that are important to you. The whole point of using an app is convenience, so being able to navigate the platform efficiently is an important box to tick.
Cost
Make sure you understand the fee structure of the platform. Fees vary dramatically across different crypto exchanges, and may be calculated in different ways from one app to the next. Many platforms have different fee models for different types of accounts, such as maker/taker fees, flat fees, trading fees, deposit fees, withdrawal fees and even some hidden charges. While small differences in fees may not seem significant at first, over time they can compound into significant payments as your portfolio grows. This means it is crucial to ensure your chosen app's fees represent good value for money for the quality and range of service you are receiving.
Range of cryptoassets
The overwhelming majority of platforms will support trading bitcoin, plus major altcoins such as Litecoin or Ethereum. Less mainstream cryptocurrencies will not necessarily be available on your chosen app, so make sure to check that the crypto you want is actually available before you sign up for an account. You can find the range of different cryptocurrencies available from our 5 best crypto apps for UK traders on this page, but keep in mind that a platform having a wide range of coins is no guarantee that the specific coin you want will be available. We include a list of some of the supported altcoins in our reviews of Coinbase, Gemini and Kraken.
Security
Your chosen app needs to be an easy-to-use tool to fit your trading needs, the platform needs to be good value for money and it has to have the coins you want. However, in the mostly unregulated cryptoasset sector, security is still king. You need to ensure that the money going into your crypto investments is safe and secure. While most crypto exchanges take security very seriously, stories of hackers bypassing security measures and accessing customer holdings are far from unheard of. Research the measures your chosen app has in place to protect your cryptoassets and check out our article on how cryptocurrency is regulated in the UK to find the FCA-approved crypto exchanges in the UK. Keep in mind that even if an exchange is authorised by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), cryptocurrency remains an unregulated investment and customers do not receive any protection from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
How to learn more about crypto
It is important to make sure you have all of the information you need before you start trading. We cover the basics of crypto in our article 'A beginner’s guide to investing in bitcoin and cryptocurrency'. We go into depth on crypto wallets and how to mine cryptocurrency in 'What is a cryptocurrency wallet?' and 'Cryptocurrency mining: What it is, how it works and how to mine bitcoin', and give a step-by-step guide on how to buy bitcoin in 'How to buy bitcoin in the UK step-by-step: A guide to buying quickly and safely'.
We also have an article on how cryptocurrency is regulated in the UK, which covers the lack of regulatory protection to help you if things go wrong. This is important reading because cryptoassets are a highly volatile investment option. Investing in cryptoassets is suited only to those investors who understand these risks and are prepared to lose all the money they invest.
