Coinbase vs. Robinhood: 2024 Comparison

When it comes to buying cryptocurrencies, Coinbase has the upper hand for a few reasons.
Andy Rosen
By Andy Rosen 
Updated
Edited by Chris Davis

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The main difference between Coinbase and Robinhood is that Coinbase is a full-service crypto exchange, while Robinhood is a traditional stockbroker that also offers a limited set of cryptocurrency options.

Long story short: If you want advanced digital asset options such as crypto-to-crypto trades and staking, Coinbase has a wider selection of those options. But if you want access to other asset classes such as stocks in the same place you're trading crypto, then Robinhood offers a serviceable, low-cost alternative to dedicated crypto exchanges.

Here are some of the key points for crypto users to consider when deciding between Coinbase and Robinhood.

Robinhood is best for:

  • No-fee crypto trading.

  • Existing Robinhood customers who want dabble in crypto.

Robinhood at a glance

Minimum trade

$1.

Trading and transaction fees

$0.

Number of cryptocurrencies

15.

Crypto-to-crypto trading pairs

None.

Website transparency

Important information, including investment minimums, supported assets and how to close the account, can be easily found on the website.

Storage offering

Customers can use their own digital wallet, but service lacks much of the functionality that pure-play crypto exchanges provide.

Staking offering

Not available.

Mobile app

Smooth trading interface with access to charts, news and data.

Customer service

24/7 phone support for logged-in customers.

Coinbase is best for:

  • Cryptocurrency traders looking for convenience.

  • Traders who want to easily convert one cryptocurrency to another.

Coinbase at a glance

Minimum trade

$2.

Trading and transaction fees

Varies depending on payment method, cryptocurrency type, transaction size and platform. $2.99 for $200 Bitcoin purchase, or about 1.5%.

Number of cryptocurrencies

More than 200

Crypto-to-crypto trading pairs

More than 400.

Website transparency

Important information, including investment minimums, supported assets and how to close the account, can be easily found on the website.

Storage offering

Customers can use their own crypto wallets, and Coinbase has some insurance against cybercrime.

Staking offering

Rewards on a handful of coins, with rates up to about 10%

Mobile app

Coinbase's highly rated apps have options suited to both beginners and advanced users.

Customer service

Phone, email and chat.

So which is better, Robinhood or Coinbase?

When it comes to cryptocurrencies, Coinbase is the clear winner here. Robinhood’s free trading is nice, but it doesn’t make up for the lack of crypto capabilities and the short list of cryptocurrencies to invest in.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Looking for more detail? Read our full reviews of Robinhood or Coinbase.

If you value trading stocks and crypto on the same service, or if you want to start with a small, more curated selection of digital assets, then Robinhood could be a better fit, given the free trades.

NerdWallet rating 

3.9

/5
NerdWallet rating 

4.8

/5

Fees 

$0

per trade

Fees 

0% - 3.99%

varies by type of transaction; other fees may apply

Account minimum 

$0

Account minimum 

$0

Promotion 

None

no promotion available at this time

Promotion 

Get $200 in crypto

when you sign up. Terms Apply.

Track your finances all in one place
Get started by signing up and linking an account.
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Robinhood
NerdWallet rating 

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