Coinbase is one of the oldest and most popular cryptocurrency exchanges. Coinbase Pro, rebranded as Coinbase Advanced Trade in 2022 is Coinbase’s advanced trading platform, designed to take your trading to the next level.
Both Coinbase and its premium model share similarities, but they also have big differences. That’s why choosing Coinbase vs Coinbase Pro can be tricky.
This Coinbase review breaks down the key differences, fees, features, pricing, and user experience so you can decide which platform best suits you.
Coinbase vs. Coinbase Pro – Which One is Better in 2025?
- Trade 240+ cryptos
- Deposit with debit card or bank transfer
- Trusted by over 110 million customers in 100+ countries
- Industry leading security and legal compliance
Coinbase versus Coinbase Pro – Quick summary
Coinbase and Coinbase Advanced Trade are built for different types of users.
Coinbase is best for beginners who want an easy way to buy and sell crypto, while Advanced Trade is geared toward experienced traders who need lower fees and advanced order types.
The major differences between them are commissions, trading tools, and order types. Here is a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Coinbase | Coinbase Pro (Advanced Trade) |
| Best for | Beginners & casual investors | Experienced traders |
| Interface | Simple, beginner-friendly UI | Advanced trading tools |
| Fees | Higher fees on trades | Lower fees, maker-taker model |
| Order types | Market orders only | Market, limit, and stop orders |
| Available assets | 240+ cryptocurrencies, 530+ trading pairs | 500+ cryptocurrencies, 552 trading pairs |
| Security | 2FA, cold storage, hosted wallet | 2FA, cold storage, hosted wallet |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
Now that you have an overview of the differences between the two platforms, let’s look at their features.
Coinbase Pro vs Coinbase – Features
While both Coinbase and Coinbase Advanced Trade allow users to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, their features cater to different types of investors. Let’s check them out:
Security measures
Both platforms share equivalent security features, including bank-level encryption and 2FA implementation. To prevent cyber threats, the majority of customer funds are kept in cold storage.
Users can store their assets in a hosted wallet, but those seeking extra security may prefer a hardware wallet for full control over their private keys.
In terms of compliance, both Coinbase and Coinbase Advanced Trade adhere to strict KYC and AML regulations, ensuring a secure trading environment.
However, while fiat currency deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000, crypto holdings do not have the same insurance coverage.
Trading options
Coinbase is built for ease of use, allowing users to buy and sell instantly with a bank account, debit card, or ACH transfer.
However, it only supports market orders, which means users must accept the current price at the time of purchase.
Coinbase Advanced Trade, on the other hand, offers market, limit, and stop orders, giving more experienced traders better price control. It also provides a broader suite of technical analysis indicators such as MACD and RSI.
Additionally, the platform includes advanced trading tools such as real-time order books and charting tools, making it suitable for professional crypto traders.
Available cryptocurrencies
Both Coinbase Simple Trade and Coinbase Advanced Trade offer a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, but Advanced Trade provides even more options.
As of now, Coinbase supports over 240 cryptocurrencies and 530+ trading pairs, including brand new Coinbase listings, making it a great choice for those looking to buy crypto with fiat currency.
However, Coinbase Advanced Trade expands on this, offering 500+ cryptocurrencies and 552 spot trading pairs, including 237 USDC pairs. This gives traders more flexibility, especially for crypto-to-crypto transactions.
Since both platforms share the same liquidity, users get seamless access to deep markets, but Advanced Trade unlocks a larger selection of assets than Coinbase Pro previously offered.
Coinbase vs Coinbase Pro – Features compared
| Feature | Coinbase | Coinbase Advanced Trade |
| Security measures | 2FA, cold storage, hosted wallet, fiat deposits insured up to $250,000 | 2FA, cold storage, hosted wallet, fiat deposits insured up to $250,000 |
| Trading options | Market orders only, instant purchases | Market, limit, and stop orders, advanced trading tools |
| Available cryptos | 240+ cryptocurrencies, 530+ trading pairs | 500+ cryptocurrencies, 552 trading pairs, including 237 USDC pairs |
If you need a deeper dive into Coinbase, read our Coinbase review to get a full breakdown of its pros, cons, and features.
Coinbase vs Coinbase Pro – Fees
Coinbase trading fees are higher due to a flat fee plus a spread, making frequent trading more expensive.
In contrast, Coinbase Advanced Trade offers volume-based trading fees similar to those on Coinbase Pro.
It uses a maker-taker model, where makers (who add liquidity) pay lower fees than takers (who remove liquidity). This structure benefits active traders who want lower fees.
Coinbase also applies higher fees for debit card purchases and instant buys, while bank transfers (ACH) are free on both platforms.
Coinbase Pro/Advanced Trade users can further reduce costs by increasing trading volume, as the platform’s tiered fee structure rewards high-volume traders with progressively lower rates.
Coinbase’s simplicity may be worth the cost for occasional investors, but advanced traders will find Coinbase Advanced Trade significantly cheaper.
Coinbase vs Coinbase Pro – Fees compared
| Transaction type | Coinbase fees | Coinbase Pro trading fees |
| Instant Buy/Sell | 1.49% – 4.5% | Not available |
| Maker fee | Not applicable | 0.00% – 0.40% |
| Taker fee | Not applicable | 0.05% – 0.60% |
| Bank transfers (ACH) | Free | Free |
| Debit card purchases | Up to 3.99% | Not available |
Below, we will look in more detail at how fees are structured on each platform and how this affects pricing.
Coinbase vs Coinbase Pro – Pricing
Coinbase operates on a fee-per-trade model, whereas Advanced Trade uses a tiered pricing system based on trading volume. Let’s see how each of them works:
Coinbase fee structure
Coinbase operates on a per-trade fee model, where users pay a variable fee depending on factors such as payment method, transaction size, and market conditions.
| Transaction amount | Bank account (ACH) fee | Debit/Credit card fee | PayPal fee | Instant card withdrawal fee |
| Up to $10 | $0.99 | $0.99 | $0.99 | 1.5% (minimum $0.55) |
| $10 – $25 | $1.49 | $1.49 | $1.49 | 1.5% (minimum $0.55) |
| $25 – $50 | $1.99 | $1.99 | $1.99 | 1.5% (minimum $0.55) |
| $50 – $200 | $2.99 | $2.99 | $2.99 | 1.5% (minimum $0.55) |
| Over $200 | 1.49% of the transaction | 3.99% of the transaction | 3.99% | 1.5% (minimum $0.55) |
Coinbase also applies a spread of approximately 0.50% for cryptocurrency purchases and sales, though this may fluctuate due to market conditions.
Coinbase Advanced Trade fee structure
On the other hand, Coinbase Advanced Trade uses a tiered pricing structure based on trading volume.
This means active traders pay progressively lower rates as their 30-day volume increases, making it a more cost-effective option for high-volume transactions.
| 30-day trading volume | Maker fee | Taker fee |
| $0 – $10K | 0.40% | 0.60% |
| $10K – $50K | 0.25% | 0.40% |
| $50K – $100K | 0.15% | 0.25% |
| $100K – $1M | 0.10% | 0.20% |
| $1M – $15M | 0.08% | 0.18% |
| $15M – $75M | 0.06% | 0.16% |
| $75M – $250M | 0.03% | 0.12% |
| $250M – $400M | 0.00% | 0.08% |
| $400M+ | 0.00% | 0.05% |
Coinbase vs Coinbase Pro – User experience
When it comes to ease of use, Coinbase is the clear winner. Its clean, beginner-friendly interface makes buying and selling crypto straightforward, even for those new to digital assets.
The platform keeps things simple by focusing on instant transactions and easy navigation.
Coinbase Advanced Trade, on the other hand, is built for traders who need more control. The platform includes advanced charts, order books, and customization options, but the interface is more complex, which may initially feel overwhelming.
While both platforms have mobile apps, Coinbase’s is more intuitive, whereas Advanced Trade’s detailed trading tools make it better suited for desktop users.
Coinbase vs Coinbase Pro – User experience Compared
| Category | Coinbase | Coinbase Advanced Trade |
| Ease of Use | Simple and beginner-friendly | More complex, requires experience |
| Trading Tools | Basic charts, instant orders | Advanced charts, order books, customization |
| Mobile App | Clean and easy to navigate | Feature-rich but harder to use on mobile |
How to transfer from Coinbase to Coinbase Pro
Transferring funds from Coinbase to Coinbase Pro (Advanced Trade) is quick and free, and it allows you to take advantage of lower fees and advanced trading features.
Since both platforms operate under the same Coinbase account, you can move your crypto assets instantly without paying transaction fees.
Follow these steps to transfer funds seamlessly:
Log in to Coinbase Advanced Trade
Go to Coinbase Advanced Trade and sign in using your existing Coinbase credentials. There’s no need to create a new account since both platforms are linked.
Open the deposit menu
Once inside, click “Portfolio” and select “Deposit”. This will open a menu where you can choose the asset you want to transfer.
Select the asset to transfer
Choose the cryptocurrency or fiat currency you’d like to move. Make sure the asset is available on both platforms before proceeding.
Choose “Coinbase.com” as the source
When asked where the funds should come from, select “Coinbase.com” as the source. This ensures the transfer is instant and free.
Confirm and complete the transfer
Double-check the details, then click “Confirm”. Your funds will appear in your Coinbase Pro account immediately, ready for trading.
Recommendation: If you’re moving funds for the first time, start with a small amount to ensure everything works smoothly.
Coinbase alternatives
While Coinbase is a solid option for buying and selling crypto, there are many other exchanges that might better suit your needs.
Here are three top alternatives and how they compare to Coinbase.
Kraken – Stronger security & lower trading fees
If security and lower fees matter to you, Kraken is a strong alternative. It’s known for its strict security measures, including proof-of-reserves audits, cold storage for most funds, and advanced encryption to protect user data.
Kraken also charges lower trading fees than Coinbase, especially for users who deposit and withdraw using a bank account. Plus, it supports margin trading and futures, which Coinbase doesn’t offer.
As a downside, Kraken’s interface isn’t as beginner-friendly as Coinbase, so it may take some time to get used to.
OKX – More trading pairs & DeFi features
OKX is a great pick if you’re looking for a wider range of cryptocurrencies and deeper integration with DeFi.
It supports more trading pairs than Coinbase, making it ideal if you want access to lesser-known altcoins.
Another highlight of OKX is its built-in decentralized applications and staking rewards, allowing users to earn passive income on their crypto holdings.
However, OKX’s interface is more complex, and it may not be the best choice if you’re completely new to crypto trading.
Binance – Lowest fees & highest liquidity
Binance remains the largest crypto exchange in the world, offering low trading fees, high liquidity, and an advanced trading platform. If you’re an active trader, Binance is hard to beat.
It has one of the most competitive fee structures, plus a wide selection of trading tools, including advanced charting, futures, and options trading.
You’ll also find more trading pairs than on Coinbase, plus some of the most profitable cryptocurrencies that could offer strong potential.
However, Binance isn’t fully available in all countries, and its regulatory status varies, so make sure it operates in your region before signing up.
Conclusion – Coinbase or Coinbase Pro: which one is best for you?
Choosing between Coinbase and Coinbase Pro is about finding what fits your trading style and goals.
If you’re new to crypto and want a simple, stress-free experience, Coinbase makes it easy to buy, sell, and store digital assets. But convenience comes at a cost, with higher fees on trades and limited order types.
On the other hand, if you trade frequently or want more control, Coinbase Pro (Advanced Trade) is the smarter choice. It offers lower fees, advanced charts, and flexible trading options, making it ideal for those who want to optimize their trades and reduce costs.
Also, remember that you have more alternatives for trading crypto besides these two. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your needs.
Coinbase vs. Coinbase Pro – Which One is Better in 2025?
- Trade 240+ cryptos
- Deposit with debit card or bank transfer
- Trusted by over 110 million customers in 100+ countries
- Industry leading security and legal compliance
