ActivTradesvs
KrakenCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two crypto brokers approach the market from different angles: ActivTrades offers regulated crypto CFDs under traditional oversight, while Kraken operates as a native exchange with a broader asset suite.
Our Verdict
Kraken winsClear Winner
Kraken scores higher overall, beating ActivTrades on security, reserve transparency, and broader coin coverage; ActivTrades remains a regulated option for crypto CFDs with UK protections.
Kraken
4.6/5
ActivTrades
3.7/5
Key Differences
- 1Kraken operates a native exchange; ActivTrades does not.
- 2Kraken lists around 200 coins, ActivTrades about 10.
- 3ActivTrades offers negative balance protection not available on Kraken.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs Kraken?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you value FCA regulation with FSCS protection up to GBP 1,000,000 and negative balance protection.
Choose Kraken if…
Choose Kraken if you want a native exchange with proof of reserves and a broader coin universe.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
Recommended
Kraken dominates security with a track record of zero hacks and verifiable reserves.
Best for low fees
Recommended
ActivTrades vs Kraken: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  ActivTrades |  Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.26% |
ActivTrades vs Kraken Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- FCA regulated with supplemental insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client, strongest fund protection among mid-tier brokers
- ActivTrader's volatility protection automatically cancels orders during extreme crypto market spikes
- Crypto CFDs available on ActivTrader and MT4 with no minimum deposit
- Negative balance protection and FSCS coverage for UK retail clients
Cons
- Limited coin selection (major tokens only, no altcoins or DeFi access)
ActivTrades vs Kraken: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
ActivTrades
criteria wins
3
Kraken
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Pass |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
ActivTrades vs Kraken: Frequently Asked Questions
Kraken rates 4.6/5 versus 3.7/5 for ActivTrades. Kraken edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
ActivTrades lists a spread from 0.5. Current spread data is not available for Kraken. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither ActivTrades nor Kraken requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
ActivTrades holds top-tier regulation (FCA, CMVM, SCB), providing stronger investor protections. Kraken may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, ActivTrades provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site before deciding.
ActivTrades offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Kraken's 5:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
Kraken charges $0.26 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ActivTrades are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while Kraken supports Kraken Pro. ActivTrades has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and ActivTrader. Kraken has exclusive access to Kraken Pro.
Kraken offers staking while ActivTrades does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check Kraken's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
