Home > 11 Best Crypto Futures Trading Platforms of 2025 > 11 Best Crypto Futures Trading Platforms of 2025
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Written by Michael Hayes
Michael Hayes, a seasoned finance professional, enhanced his expertise by attending executive education programs in Finance at the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. With a career spanning over 20 years, Michael has gained extensive experience in financial analysis, investment management, and strategic financial planning. His deep understanding of financial markets, coupled with his passion for continuous learning, has made him a trusted advisor in the field
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This article has been reviewed by crypto market experts at SCM to ensure all the content, sources, and claims adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
Last Updated on February 6, 2025
In the competitive landscape of cryptocurrency exchanges, KuCoin and Gate.io stand as two giants, each with its loyal user base and distinctive features.
As an enthusiast who has spent considerable time on both platforms, I’m excited to share my firsthand comparison in this article.
We’ll delve into the depths of their services, comparing aspects like liquidity, security, user interface, and customer support.
By examining the strengths and weaknesses of KuCoin and Gate.io, we’ll attempt to answer the pressing question: Is Gate.io truly better than KuCoin?
Our 2025's Recommendation 5/5 |
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When choosing a cryptocurrency exchange, comparing each platform’s features, fees, and services is essential. Below is a comparative table contrasting KuCoin and Gate.io.
Feature | KuCoin | Gate.io |
---|---|---|
Founded | 2017 | 2013 |
Founders | Michael Gan and Eric Don | Not Publicly Disclosed |
Supported Cryptocurrencies | 1000+ tokens | Extensive range, including altcoins |
Trading Fees | 0.1% per trade, with discounts for high-volume | 0.2% per trade |
Trading Options | Futures, perpetual swaps, automated trading via robots | Leveraged trading, options, inverse contracts, margin, and leveraged tokens |
Special Features | Demo account for practice trading | NFTs, investment products |
User Experience | Slick trading platform | Supports numerous trading pairs and products |
Ranking | Higher ranked among crypto brokers | Good ranking with a solid user base |
Native Token | KuCoin Shares (KCS) | GateToken (GT) |
Remember that fees and offerings vary, so you should check the latest details directly on the exchanges’ websites.
It’s noteworthy that KuCoin is considered to offer lower fees than Gate.io. However, Gate.io provides a broader range of services, especially for altcoin traders.
The choice between KuCoin and Gate.io may depend on your trading style and preferences.
When comparing KuCoin and Gate.io based on their products and services, you’ll notice that both platforms cater to a range of trader needs, yet they offer distinct features.
KuCoin is known for its user-friendly platform, which supports over 1,000 tokens. It stands out for its leveraged trading opportunities, offering futures and perpetual swaps.
An exceptional feature is its automated trading support, essential for deploying robotic strategies. For beginners, a demo account is available.
Gate.io, on the other hand, presents itself as a comprehensive solution for altcoin traders.
With over 400 trading pairs at your disposal for leveraged trading and access to options contracts and inverse contracts, your trading arsenal is significantly broadened.
Gate.io also introduces margin and leveraged tokens, signaling a solid position in variety.
KuCoin’s offering is more competitive in terms of fees, with a primary trade charge of only 0.1%, whereas Gate.io starts at 0.2% for spot trading. For those who trade in large volumes, KuCoin may prove more beneficial due to the additional fee discounts it offers.
Both exchanges highlight their NFT marketplaces and staking services, contributing to a comprehensive service offering.
While KuCoin and Gate.io are innovative platforms, user experience may differ based on individual traders’ familiarity with such products and their specific trading preferences.
When you examine the contract types offered by KuCoin and Gate.io, you’ll find both platforms cater to a range of trading strategies and preferences through different futures and options contracts. Here’s what you need to know.
KuCoin provides linear perpetual contracts, which are quoted and settled in USDT, making managing your funds straightforwardly without concern for underlying asset price fluctuations.
Inverse perpetual contracts are also available, with settlement in the cryptocurrency underlying the contract, allowing for direct exposure to the asset’s price movements.
In contrast, Gate.io offers a broader spectrum of contracts. You can access inverse perpetual contracts, linear perpetual contracts, and inverse futures contracts, which are settled in the underlying cryptocurrency.
Gate.io extends its services to include COIN-M futures, where margin and settlement are done in cryptocurrency. With margins and settlements in USDT, USD-M futures contracts provide an alternative to those looking for stability against crypto volatility.
Additionally, options trading is available, providing further tools to manage risk and speculate on price movements.
While diverse contract types amplify your trading options, they also increase complexity and potential risk. Understanding each contract’s mechanism thoroughly is essential before engaging in trading activities.
When exploring KuCoin and Gate.io, your choice might heavily depend on the variety of cryptocurrencies you want to access. Both platforms offer extensive lists of supported cryptocurrencies, making them competitive.
KuCoin supports a vast selection of over 800 cryptocurrencies, which include:
Additionally, KuCoin provides opportunities for leveraged trading through futures and perpetual swaps. The most popular futures trading pairs on KuCoin include BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT, and LTC/USDT.
Gate.io, on the other hand, Gate.io offers an impressive array of cryptocurrencies.
While the exact number may fluctuate, KuCoin and Gate.io remain nearly on par regarding their offerings.
Gate.io facilitates crypto futures trading, and its prevalent futures pairs are akin to those found on KuCoin, ensuring you can trade preferred pairs like BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT.
Either exchange’s robust futures trading options could support your trading strategies.
However, considering that both exchanges support many cryptocurrencies, your decision may hinge on other factors, like specific coins offered, fee structures, or additional platform features, rather than just the sheer number available.
When looking to leverage and margin trade on cryptocurrency exchanges, KuCoin and Gate.io offer different options to amplify your trading positions.
Leverage trading essentially means using borrowed funds to increase your trading position beyond what would be available from your cash balance alone.
On KuCoin:
On Gate.io:
Remember, both platforms function on the principle that with greater leverage comes increased risk, including the potential for liquidation if the market turns unfavorable.
Thus, managing your positions and knowing the margin requirements and funding rates can impact your trading profitability, which is crucial.
Feature | KuCoin | Gate.io |
---|---|---|
Max Leverage | Up to 100x | Up to 100x |
Margin Trading | Yes | Yes |
Liquidation | High Risk | High Risk |
Funding Rates | Market-based | Market-based |
Before engaging in leverage or margin trading on either platform, due diligence is critical to ensure you understand the requirements and risks involved.
When evaluating KuCoin and Gate.io, their trading volume is essential for assessing their market impact and service quality. Trading volume directly influences your trading experience regarding liquidity, order execution speed, and slippage.
KuCoin:
Gate.io:
A higher trading volume, as seen with KuCoin, suggests deeper market liquidity, which can facilitate quicker trade execution for you and potentially less slippage.
Slippage refers to the difference between the expected price of a trade and the price at which the trade is executed. Lower slippage is significant when dealing with large orders or trading in a volatile market.
Gate.io, while having a lower trading volume than KuCoin, still sustains a high trading activity, signaling that you can expect substantial liquidity for most of the popular trading pairs.
Both exchanges are renowned for their deep liquidity pools for various altcoins, which is beneficial if you’re looking to trade less mainstream cryptocurrencies.
For an accurate representation of the exchanges’ trading volumes, sources like CoinMarketCap are commonly referenced due to their comprehensive tracking of exchange metrics.
It would be best to consider that trading volume could fluctuate due to market dynamics, news, and traders’ sentiments, possibly affecting the liquidity and order execution to some extent.
When trading futures on KuCoin, you’re charged a fee of 0.1% for makers and takers alike. This rate is advantageous if you’re looking for consistent and straightforward costs.
Additionally, KuCoin offers a tiered loyalty program that can further reduce your trading fees based on your monthly trading volume, potentially enhancing your profitability.
In contrast, Gate.io has a different fee structure. You’re subject to a 0.2% fee for both makers and takers. Although this is higher than KuCoin, knowing your overhead costs upfront can assist in managing your trading strategy.
Here’s a simple example:
Moreover, users who engage in substantial monthly trading volumes on KuCoin can benefit from fee discounts, which aren’t as readily available on Gate.io.
This can make a significant difference if you plan to trade frequently or in large volumes.
Regarding deposits and withdrawals, keep in mind that fees can vary depending on the method and the type of cryptocurrency.
Both exchanges charge fees for withdrawals, while deposits are typically free. It is essential to check the specific charges for each cryptocurrency, as these can affect the overall cost of trading.
Overall, analyze the fee structures and rewards of both platforms thoroughly.
Understand how maker and taker fees differ and explore additional costs, like withdrawal charges. Factor these into your trading strategy to optimize for cost-efficiency and potential rewards.
When choosing between KuCoin and Gate.io, the flexibility in funding your account is a significant factor.
Both exchanges offer a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, but variances in currencies, processing times, and transaction limits can influence your experience.
KuCoin:
Gate.io:
Both exchanges ensure your funds are available for trading as promptly as possible.
However, you might find that specific payment methods or currencies offer more convenience on one platform over the other.
Consider the fees associated with each option, as they can impact the total cost of your transactions and, thus, your ultimate trading outcomes.
KuCoin and Gate.io are prominent cryptocurrency exchanges offering native tokens with unique advantages.
KuCoin Shares (KCS) is the native token of KuCoin. As a KCS holder, you benefit from trading fee discounts, which can reduce your costs significantly when you engage in frequent trading on the platform.
Moreover, holding KCS can yield additional value, such as participation in token sales on KuCoin Spotlight and a share in the exchange’s daily trading fee revenue.
GateToken (GT) serves as Gate.io’s native token. GT provides a similar range of in-exchange utilities. You can use GT to obtain VIP status tiers with lower trading fees.
Also, GT can be used for exclusive activities such as token sales on Gate.io’s platform, making GT a means of payment and a tool for engagement within the Gate.io ecosystem.
Both tokens offer a form of staking or earning rewards by holding the native token:
In summary, your experience with KuCoin or Gate.io can be enhanced by utilizing their native tokens, each conferring unique benefits and in-exchange utilities designed to improve your trading strategy and unlock additional platform features.
When deciding between KuCoin and Gate.io for your cryptocurrency trading needs, understanding their Know Your Customer (KYC) policies is crucial for assessing privacy, security, and platform accessibility.
KuCoin:
KuCoin does not enforce mandatory KYC verification for all users. This means you can engage in transactions without providing personal information. However, there are limitations if you do not complete KYC verification:
To increase these limits, you must complete KYC verification, which requires submitting documentation such as a government-issued ID, proof of address, and a facial verification check.
Gate.io:
On the other hand, Gate.io has mandatory KYC requirements for its users. To ensure the security of transactions and comply with regulatory standards, you must verify your identity. Here’s what this entails:
Gate.io’s strict KYC policy reinforces its commitment to security and increases the entry threshold for new users, impacting privacy and accessibility.
For both exchanges, KYC levels directly affect your deposit, withdrawal, and trading limits, with higher verification levels granting you higher thresholds. Consider your need for anonymity against the desire for higher transaction limits when choosing your preferred exchange.
When comparing the user experience between KuCoin and Gate.io, your interaction with their platforms is paramount.
KuCoin’s web interface is praised for its sleek design and customization options, allowing you to adapt the layout to your preferences.
Its interface is visually appealing and offers a straightforward navigation system, making it easier to find and use trading tools.
On the other hand, Gate.io provides a more practical design, which is functional but arguably less appealing from an aesthetic standpoint.
However, it remains intuitive with clear and easy-to-use menus, ensuring you have what you need to trade effectively.
Regarding mobile apps, both KuCoin and Gate.io offer applications for iOS and Android devices, focusing on providing you with on-the-go trading capabilities. Users generally find KuCoin’s app to maintain the same efficiency as the web interface, carrying over the clean design and speed.
Speed and functionality are crucial for trading, especially on mobile platforms where you expect quick and reliable access.
Both platforms are comparable in these aspects, though your personal design preference might lead you to favor KuCoin’s more modern-looking application.
In terms of features, both exchanges provide a range of tools and options; KuCoin offers a slight edge with its advanced trading features, like robots for automated strategies, which can enhance your trading experience if you utilize them.
You can check out the KuCoin and Gate.io futures trading tutorials to learn more about these platforms.
When trading cryptocurrencies, the variety and complexity of order types available can significantly impact your trading strategy and risk management. At KuCoin and Gate.io, you can access a range of order types designed to give you more control over your trades.
KuCoin excels with its straightforward order types, which include:
In addition, KuCoin supports advanced order types like stop-limit orders and trailing stop orders, which can give you even more precision and flexibility.
Gate.io offers a comparable suite of options, tailoring your trading execution to both bear and bull markets with:
While both platforms provide you with the essential tools needed for effective trading, Gate.io adds layers of complexity with additional derivatives like options contracts, allowing for more sophisticated strategies.
Understanding and utilizing these diverse order types can lead to more intelligent and informed trading decisions on either platform.
When examining the security measures of both KuCoin and Gate.io, you will find that they implement a range of features to enhance the safety of their users’ funds and data.
KuCoin Security Features:
Gate.io Security Features:
Regarding Reliability:
Both KuCoin and Gate.io have had to manage security incidents in the past.
For instance, KuCoin experienced a significant hack in September 2020, affecting approximately $280 million. KuCoin responded promptly, recovering most of the stolen funds and enhancing its security measures to prevent future incidents.
Gate.io has been the subject of security concerns as well. Still, it is worth noting that they have passed several third-party security audits, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining high-security standards.
While past incidents may bring security measures into question, it’s essential to acknowledge the steps both exchanges have taken post-incident to rebuild and enhance their security infrastructures, aiming to provide a more secure trading environment for their users.
When evaluating cryptocurrency exchanges like KuCoin and Gate.io, you should consider the security measures in place, including insurance funds. Such funds are crucial as they protect your assets against potential losses due to security breaches.
KuCoin has established a Safety Insurance Fund. This fund is designed to cover losses in exceptional circumstances, such as theft by hackers. The insurance comes into play only if the platform’s internal safeguards fail, providing an additional safety net for your investments.
Gate.io, on the other hand, also emphasizes the safety of your assets.
While specific details on a standalone insurance fund are not mentioned, their robust security measures focus on preemptively protecting your funds. In the event of a risk event, Gate.io has mechanisms in place that are geared towards mitigating losses.
Here is a summary:
Aspect | KuCoin | Gate.io |
---|---|---|
Insurance Fund | Safety Insurance Fund to cover losses | Unspecified; relies on robust security practices |
Purpose | Protection against theft and breaches | Prevention and risk mitigation |
Benefit | Acts as a safety net for your investments | Focuses on security and user protection |
When choosing an exchange, your asset security is paramount. Take the time to understand these funds’ specific terms and conditions as part of your decision-making process.
When trading on cryptocurrency exchanges like KuCoin and Gate.io, customer support can be a crucial aspect of your trading experience. Here’s what you need to know about their customer support services.
KuCoin:
Gate.io:
Response Comparison:
In your trading adventures, the accessibility and quality of support offered by these platforms should be considered to ensure a smooth and efficient trading process. Trying out customer service before engaging in extensive trading activities is always recommended.
When comparing KuCoin and Gate.io regarding regulatory compliance, you should know each platform’s efforts to adhere to global regulations. Both exchanges operate internationally and must navigate complex rules and standards.
KuCoin:
Gate.io:
Security Certification:
Jurisdiction Challenges:
Controversies:
Your understanding of their compliance is based on the information they make available. As the regulatory landscape evolves, so do the compliance measures of KuCoin and Gate.io. It would be best to stay informed about the current regulatory news and updates associated with the exchanges you use.
When choosing between KuCoin and Gate.io, your decision depends on which features fit your trading preferences.
Fees: KuCoin’s 0.1% trading fee is lower than Gate.io’s 0.2%, which is especially beneficial if you have a high monthly trading volume and qualify for discounts.
Trading Options and Tools: KuCoin offers 1000+ tokens, leverage, futures, and automated trading bots, which are ideal for those who enjoy using varied strategies.
User Experience: Both platforms are user-friendly for beginners. Gate.io also offers fee discounts based on 30-day trading volume, similar to KuCoin.
Liquidity: KuCoin has a slight edge in liquidity with a score of 598, but both perform well for large-cap pairs.
In summary, KuCoin is better for lower fees, higher liquidity, and more advanced tools, while Gate.io appeals if you prefer a simple platform with competitive costs and diverse cryptocurrencies. Choose the one that best suits your trading needs.
Compare KuCoin and Gate.io with other significant exchanges
Michael Hayes, a seasoned finance professional, enhanced his expertise by attending executive education programs in Finance at the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. With a career spanning over 20 years, Michael has gained extensive experience in financial analysis, investment management, and strategic financial planning. His deep understanding of financial markets, coupled with his passion for continuous learning, has made him a trusted advisor in the field
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