Who this exchange is better for
- altcoin traders who want strong token coverage and trading bots
- users who want built-in bot trading tools
- users who benefit from KCS token fee discounts
Comparison
KuCoin vs HTX (Huobi)
A side-by-side comparison of KuCoin and HTX (Huobi) across trading fees, supported features, product depth, and user fit. Spot fees start at 0.10% maker on KuCoin vs 0.20% on HTX (Huobi), while futures fees are 0.02%/0.06% and 0.02%/0.04% respectively. This page breaks down what actually matters for choosing between these two exchanges in 2026.
Quick Answer
KuCoin has lower spot trading fees (0.10%/0.10% maker/taker vs 0.20%/0.20%). HTX (Huobi) offers lower futures fees. KuCoin is generally better for altcoin traders who want strong token coverage and trading bots, 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
- US users who need a fully licensed domestic exchange
- users who prioritize full regulatory clarity in Western markets
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 | kucoin | htx |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | altcoin traders who want strong token coverage and trading bots; users who want built-in bot trading tools; users who benefit from KCS token fee discounts | 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 | US users who need a fully licensed domestic exchange; users who prioritize full regulatory clarity in Western markets | US or EU users who need clear regulatory compliance; users concerned about recent ownership and management changes |
| Region availability | Available globally but not fully licensed for US users; regulatory status varies by jurisdiction. | Strong presence in Asian markets; restricted or limited in the US and EU due to regulatory concerns. |
| Spot fees | 0.10% maker / 0.10% taker (KCS discount to 0.08%) | 0.20% maker / 0.20% taker (HT token discount) |
| Futures fees | 0.02% maker / 0.06% taker | 0.02% maker / 0.04% taker |
| BTC withdrawal fee | 0.0005 BTC | 0.0005 BTC |
| Copy trading | Available — Copy trading is available for futures trading with a lead trader marketplace. | Available — Copy trading is available for futures trading with a selection of lead traders. |
| API quality | KuCoin provides comprehensive REST and WebSocket API documentation for spot, margin, and futures. | HTX provides REST and WebSocket APIs for spot, futures, and margin trading. |
| Beginner friendliness | Trading bots provide a semi-automated entry point for beginners, though the overall platform complexity is moderate. | Moderate beginner friendliness; interface is functional but not the most streamlined for first-time users. |
| Advanced trader fit | Good advanced-user fit with API access, bot tools, and solid altcoin coverage, though broker and institutional tooling is less developed. | Competitive futures fees and API access serve advanced traders, though platform perception has shifted following ownership changes. |
| Product breadth | Broad product range including spot, futures, margin, lending, staking, and built-in trading bots (grid, DCA, smart rebalance). | Broad product range including spot, futures, margin, earn, staking, and launchpad offerings. |
Breakdown
Why the comparison lands this way
Trading Fees
The fee picture is split: KuCoin has the edge on spot fees, while HTX (Huobi) offers lower futures fees. Your choice should depend on whether you trade more spot or derivatives. Both exchanges offer VIP tier discounts and token-based fee reductions that can change the effective cost.
Futures and Derivatives
KuCoin: Futures fees are 0.020 percent maker and 0.060 percent taker at the base tier. HTX (Huobi): Futures fees are 0.020 percent maker and 0.040 percent taker at the base tier, competitive with major exchanges.
Copy Trading
Both KuCoin and HTX (Huobi) offer copy trading. KuCoin: Copy trading is available for futures trading with a lead trader marketplace. HTX (Huobi): Copy trading is available for futures trading with a selection of lead traders. Compare lead trader selection, profit-sharing models, and regional availability before choosing.
API and Advanced Features
KuCoin: KuCoin provides comprehensive REST and WebSocket API documentation for spot, margin, and futures. 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
KuCoin: Trading bots provide a semi-automated entry point for beginners, though the overall platform complexity is moderate. HTX (Huobi): Moderate beginner friendliness; interface is functional but not the most streamlined for first-time users.
Regional Availability
KuCoin: Available globally but not fully licensed for US users; regulatory status varies by jurisdiction. 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
KuCoin is the better starting point for beginners thanks to lower spot fees at 0.10% taker. Copy trading availability adds another beginner-friendly entry point. HTX (Huobi) remains a viable option if its feature set better matches your specific needs.
Intermediate
Intermediate traders should weigh the full fee picture: KuCoin charges 0.10% spot taker and 0.06% 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. KuCoin may still win on specific features: Good advanced-user fit with API access, bot tools, and solid altcoin coverage, though broker and institutional tooling is less developed.
FAQ
Questions this page should answer directly
Which has lower fees, KuCoin or HTX (Huobi)?
KuCoin has lower base spot fees at 0.10%/0.10% maker/taker compared to HTX (Huobi)'s 0.20%/0.20%. For futures, KuCoin charges 0.02%/0.06% vs HTX (Huobi)'s 0.02%/0.04%. Both offer VIP tiers and token discounts that can reduce effective costs.
Which is better for beginners, KuCoin or HTX (Huobi)?
KuCoin: Trading bots provide a semi-automated entry point for beginners, though the overall platform complexity is moderate. 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 KuCoin or HTX (Huobi) have better copy trading?
Both offer copy trading. KuCoin: Copy trading is available for futures trading with a lead trader marketplace. HTX (Huobi): Copy trading is available for futures trading with a selection of lead traders.
Are KuCoin and HTX (Huobi) available in my country?
KuCoin: Available globally but not fully licensed for US users; regulatory status varies by jurisdiction. 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, KuCoin or HTX (Huobi)?
KuCoin: Futures fees are 0.020 percent maker and 0.060 percent taker at the base tier. 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 KuCoin as the stronger fit hereRecommended for this page
Open KuCoin 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.