Who this exchange is better for
- security-conscious users who value a strong track record
- users who want strong staking options
- users who prioritize a regulated and trusted exchange
Comparison
Kraken vs HTX (Huobi)
A side-by-side comparison of Kraken and HTX (Huobi) across trading fees, supported features, product depth, and user fit. Spot fees start at 0.16% maker on Kraken vs 0.20% on HTX (Huobi), while futures fees are 0.02%/0.05% and 0.02%/0.04% respectively. This page breaks down what actually matters for choosing between these two exchanges in 2026.
Quick Answer
HTX (Huobi) has lower spot trading fees (0.20%/0.20% maker/taker vs 0.16%/0.26%). HTX (Huobi) offers lower futures fees. Kraken is generally better for security-conscious users who value a strong track record, while HTX (Huobi) stands out for Asian market traders who want a platform with strong regional presence. Check the full breakdown below for details on features, regional availability, and which exchange fits your trading style.
Who this exchange is better for
- Asian market traders who want a platform with strong regional presence
- users who want diverse product offerings including spot, futures, and earn products
Who should probably skip side A
- users who want copy trading features
- mobile-first users who need the most polished app experience
- users who want the widest altcoin selection
Who should probably skip side B
- US or EU users who need clear regulatory compliance
- users concerned about recent ownership and management changes
Comparison table
Decision-first summary
| label | kraken | htx |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | security-conscious users who value a strong track record; users who want strong staking options; users who prioritize a regulated and trusted exchange | Asian market traders who want a platform with strong regional presence; users who want diverse product offerings including spot, futures, and earn products |
| Not ideal for | users who want copy trading features; mobile-first users who need the most polished app experience; users who want the widest altcoin selection | US or EU users who need clear regulatory compliance; users concerned about recent ownership and management changes |
| Region availability | Regulated in the US and EU; available in many countries with good compliance track record. | Strong presence in Asian markets; restricted or limited in the US and EU due to regulatory concerns. |
| Spot fees | 0.16% maker / 0.26% taker (Pro rates shown) | 0.20% maker / 0.20% taker (HT token discount) |
| Futures fees | 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker | 0.02% maker / 0.04% taker |
| BTC withdrawal fee | 0.00015 BTC | 0.0005 BTC |
| Copy trading | Not available | Available — Copy trading is available for futures trading with a selection of lead traders. |
| API quality | Kraken provides comprehensive REST and WebSocket APIs for spot and futures trading with strong documentation. | HTX provides REST and WebSocket APIs for spot, futures, and margin trading. |
| Beginner friendliness | Clean interface with educational resources, but the overall experience is more oriented toward intermediate and advanced users. | Moderate beginner friendliness; interface is functional but not the most streamlined for first-time users. |
| Advanced trader fit | Strong security, competitive futures fees, and solid API make Kraken a good fit for security-conscious advanced traders. | Competitive futures fees and API access serve advanced traders, though platform perception has shifted following ownership changes. |
| Product breadth | Spot, futures, margin, staking, and NFT marketplace. Product range is solid but narrower than the largest offshore exchanges. | Broad product range including spot, futures, margin, earn, staking, and launchpad offerings. |
Breakdown
Why the comparison lands this way
Trading Fees
HTX (Huobi) has lower fees across both spot and futures trading. Spot fees are 0.20% taker vs 0.26%, and futures taker fees are 0.04% vs 0.05%. Kraken can partially close this gap through VIP tiers and token-based discounts.
Futures and Derivatives
Kraken: Futures fees are 0.020 percent maker and 0.050 percent taker, competitive with major offshore exchanges. HTX (Huobi): Futures fees are 0.020 percent maker and 0.040 percent taker at the base tier, competitive with major exchanges.
Copy Trading
HTX (Huobi) offers copy trading while Kraken does not. If copy trading is important to your strategy, HTX (Huobi) is the clear choice here. Copy trading is available for futures trading with a selection of lead traders.
API and Advanced Features
Kraken: Kraken provides comprehensive REST and WebSocket APIs for spot and futures trading with strong documentation. HTX (Huobi): HTX provides REST and WebSocket APIs for spot, futures, and margin trading. For bot builders and algorithmic traders, API quality, documentation depth, and rate limits all matter.
Beginner Friendliness
Kraken: Clean interface with educational resources, but the overall experience is more oriented toward intermediate and advanced users. HTX (Huobi): Moderate beginner friendliness; interface is functional but not the most streamlined for first-time users.
Regional Availability
Kraken: Regulated in the US and EU; available in many countries with good compliance track record. HTX (Huobi): Strong presence in Asian markets; restricted or limited in the US and EU due to regulatory concerns. Always check that the products you need are available in your jurisdiction before signing up.
Verdict by user type
Recommendations should shift by trading style
Beginner
HTX (Huobi) is the better starting point for beginners thanks to lower spot fees at 0.20% taker. Copy trading availability adds another beginner-friendly entry point. Kraken remains a viable option if its feature set better matches your specific needs.
Intermediate
Intermediate traders should weigh the full fee picture: Kraken charges 0.26% spot taker and 0.05% futures taker, while HTX (Huobi) charges 0.20% and 0.04% respectively. Consider which platform's product breadth, VIP tiers, and available tools best match your evolving trading strategy.
Advanced
Advanced traders will appreciate HTX (Huobi)'s lower futures fees at 0.04% taker. Competitive futures fees and API access serve advanced traders, though platform perception has shifted following ownership changes. Kraken may still win on specific features: Strong security, competitive futures fees, and solid API make Kraken a good fit for security-conscious advanced traders.
FAQ
Questions this page should answer directly
Which has lower fees, Kraken or HTX (Huobi)?
HTX (Huobi) has lower base spot fees at 0.20%/0.20% maker/taker compared to Kraken's 0.16%/0.26%. For futures, HTX (Huobi) charges 0.02%/0.04% vs Kraken's 0.02%/0.05%. Both offer VIP tiers and token discounts that can reduce effective costs.
Which is better for beginners, Kraken or HTX (Huobi)?
Kraken: Clean interface with educational resources, but the overall experience is more oriented toward intermediate and advanced users. HTX (Huobi): Moderate beginner friendliness; interface is functional but not the most streamlined for first-time users. Your choice should also consider regional availability and whether copy trading access matters to you.
Does Kraken or HTX (Huobi) have better copy trading?
Only HTX (Huobi) offers copy trading. Copy trading is available for futures trading with a selection of lead traders. Kraken does not currently support copy trading.
Are Kraken and HTX (Huobi) available in my country?
Kraken: Regulated in the US and EU; available in many countries with good compliance track record. HTX (Huobi): Strong presence in Asian markets; restricted or limited in the US and EU due to regulatory concerns. Always verify product availability in your specific jurisdiction before creating an account.
Which is better for futures trading, Kraken or HTX (Huobi)?
Kraken: Futures fees are 0.020 percent maker and 0.050 percent taker, competitive with major offshore exchanges. HTX (Huobi): Futures fees are 0.020 percent maker and 0.040 percent taker at the base tier, competitive with major exchanges. Consider not just fees but also available contract types, leverage options, and liquidation mechanics.
Next step
Open the exchange that fits your trading style
Use the comparison above first, then continue with the exchange that best matches your use case and region.
Open Kraken as the stronger fit hereRecommended for this page
Open Kraken as the stronger fit here: Check current signup offer
Open HTX: Check current signup offer
This site may earn commissions from affiliate partnerships. Recommendations are based on structured comparison criteria, not paid placement alone.
Exchange profiles
Read the deeper profile pages
Last Reviewed
2026-03-23
Sources
Disclosure
This site may earn commissions from affiliate partnerships.