HTX and Phemex pair off in a battle of asset depth, regulatory posture, and pricing models. The axis of tension centers on security, cost, and platform breadth.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
HTX: Choose HTX for broader asset depth and higher max leverage. HTX also operates under VARA, AUSTRAC and CIMA oversight. Phemex: Choose Phemex if you want a zero-maker-fee spot option with premium membership. You get a fast 300,000 TPS matching engine.
Choose if…
HTX: Choose HTX for broader asset depth and higher max leverage. HTX also operates under VARA, AUSTRAC and CIMA oversight. Phemex: Choose Phemex if you want a zero-maker-fee spot option with premium membership. You get a fast 300,000 TPS matching engine.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | N/A | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 0.20% | 0.10%▼ lower |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | HTX | Phemex |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Fail | Fail |
| 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 | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Fail |
The scores are close: HTX rates 3.8/5 and Phemex rates 3.9/5. Phemex 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 HTX nor Phemex requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
HTX is regulated by AUSTRAC, CIMA. Phemex is regulated by authorities listed on their website. 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.
HTX offers up to 200:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Phemex's 100:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
Phemex charges $0.1 per trade, lower than HTX's $0.2 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.
HTX supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Phemex supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile.
HTX and Phemex show similar security profiles in our data. For both exchanges, verify their current cold storage policy and whether they publish proof of reserves before depositing funds.
Both HTX and Phemex offer staking according to our data. Compare the supported coins, lock-up periods, and estimated annual yields on each exchange before committing funds.
HTX lists 500+ coins while Phemex does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, HTX has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
HTX is stronger for security due to VARA/AUSTRAC/CIMA regulation and proof of reserves.
HTX benefits beginners via regulatory oversight and longer operating history.
Both HTX and Phemex offer staking and yield-earning features, making them equally suited for passive crypto income strategies.
Phemex is strongest for low fees with zero-maker-fee spot via premium membership.
Equally matched on DeFi and Web3 capabilities.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit card | CryptoCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | CryptoBank transfer | Crypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee only | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | AUSTRAC CIMA VARA | — |
|---|
| Cold Storage | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Staking | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | Yes | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | 2 offers |
|---|
HTX and Phemex are closely matched overall; the clearest differentiator is asset depth and regulation, with HTX offering 600+ assets and VARA/AUSTRAC/CIMA oversight, while Phemex emphasizes zero-maker-fee options.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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