Bybitvs
KrakenCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two native exchanges face off on safety, asset breadth, and cost clarity. The axis of tension reveals which strengths better align with user priorities.
Our Verdict
Kraken winsby 0.3 pts
Kraken wins on editorial score, outperforming Bybit in security and regulation.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1NFT trading available on Bybit only.
- 2Bybit lists about 500 coins; Kraken about 200.
- 3Kraken holds client funds in segregated accounts.
Who should choose Bybit vs Kraken?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
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 wins for security due to its track record and segregated client funds.
Best for coin selection
Recommended
Bybit vs Kraken: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Bybit |  Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | N/A | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 0.10%▼ lower | 0.26% |
Bybit vs Kraken Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- Top-3 derivatives liquidity (BTC/ETH perps)
- VARA-regulated (Dubai)
- Monthly Proof of Reserves published
- Full-featured copy trading with complete performance data
- Maker rebates on linear perpetuals
- No deposit fees
Bybit vs Kraken: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
Bybit
criteria wins
1
Kraken
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | Bybit | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Fail | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Pass | Pass |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Pass | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Fail |
Bybit vs Kraken: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Bybit rates 4.3/5 and Kraken rates 4.6/5. Kraken has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Neither Bybit nor Kraken requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Bybit is regulated by VARA, MiCA. Kraken is regulated by FCA, NYDFS. Confirm a exchange's current regulatory status on the relevant regulator's public register before opening an account.
Minimum deposit and negative balance protection data are not confirmed for this pair. Check the regulatory body for each exchange, as the licence tier is a reliable proxy for client fund safety. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site.
Bybit offers up to 100:1 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.
Bybit charges $0.1 per trade, lower than Kraken's $0.26 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. 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.
Bybit supports Bybit, while Kraken supports Kraken Pro. Bybit has exclusive access to Bybit. Kraken has exclusive access to Kraken Pro.
Kraken scores higher on security criteria, with cold storage and proof of reserves and segregated client funds. For crypto, cold storage and proof of reserves are key indicators that client assets are protected against exchange failure or hacks.
Both Bybit and Kraken offer staking according to our data. Compare the supported coins, lock-up periods, and estimated annual yields on each exchange before committing funds.
Bybit lists 500+ coins while Kraken does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, Bybit has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
In our data: Bybit supports NFT trading. DeFi and NFT features vary between platforms. Check each exchange's current Web3 integrations and supported chains before making a decision.
