The Best Cryptocurrency Investments and Apps for 2025
2025 is shaping up to be a big year for crypto. With Bitcoin breaking past $100,000, a more supportive regulatory environment, and growing interest from investors, the demand for cryptocurrency is surging. According to our Motley Fool Money 2025 Cryptocurrency Investor Trends Survey, 42% of people say they're likely to buy crypto in the next year.
If you're considering taking the plunge, you're in the right place. And if you're feeling a little overwhelmed by all the options -- figuring out which exchange to use, understanding security, or just how to get started -- you're not alone.
With nine years of crypto investing experience under my belt, I can say I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly that the industry offers. I've been researching and writing crypto content at The Motley Fool for three years, making sure our members only receive the "good," and know how to avoid the "bad" and the "ugly." Below, I've rounded up the top crypto exchanges that can help you get started, confidently and securely.
Best cryptocurrency trading platforms
Best for no-fee crypto trading: Robinhood
What I like: Gemini stands out for its strong focus on security and educational resources. The platform offers both beginner-friendly and advanced options. If you're new to crypto, you can explore Gemini's cryptopedia, which is a great resource for learning.
What to know: Gemini's trading fees can be high, particularly for small transactions. The platform also faced challenges when Genesis, the company behind its Gemini Earn program, collapsed. However, Gemini worked to make its investors whole and settled with the SEC.
Best for broad crypto mix and trading tools: Kraken
What I like: Kraken is one of the oldest crypto platforms, providing a secure and reliable option for investors of all experience levels. With the widest selection of cryptocurrencies, lower fees than its competitors, and advanced trading tools, Kraken is perfect for enthusiasts. It also offers margin trading for qualifying high-net-worth U.S. individuals and institutional clients.
Having been a Kraken customer for over nine years, I can confidently say they have the best security and customer support crew, and a very Foolish brand to top things off!
What to know: Kraken's instant buy feature can be expensive compared to its Pro fees. Additionally, Kraken is not available in New York, Washington State, or Maine.
Best for social traders and community-driven investing: eToro
What I like: eToro's social trading feature lets you interact with other investors and even copy their successful trades. It's a great platform for those who want to learn from others or replicate strategies used by experienced traders.
What to know: eToro charges a commission on crypto trades, which is higher than some other platforms on this list. Additionally, its selection of cryptocurrencies is more limited compared to larger exchanges.
Security and regulation
As seen in our 2025 Cryptocurrency Investor Trends Survey, 36% of respondents cite security concerns as a key barrier to investing in crypto. So when choosing a crypto exchange, security and regulation should be your top priority.
A common crypto adage is "not your keys, not your coins," which serves to remind users of the fact that their assets are in the hands of centralized exchanges. This can be further applied to staking and "deposit and earn" programs, of which should be scrutinized to understand where assets are held.
The best exchanges employ advanced security measures, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for assets, provide proof of asset reserves, and insurance coverage to protect your funds. Additionally, ensuring that the exchange is compliant with local regulations can provide peace of mind that it's operating within the law and maintaining a high standard of security.
Fees and costs
While many exchanges offer low trading fees, you should also pay attention to deposit and withdrawal fees, as these can quickly add up. Some exchanges may also have hidden charges, such as withdrawal limits or inactivity fees, so be sure to read the fine print before committing. One pro tip for all exchanges is to utilize limit orders instead of market orders to save on trading fees, though this may take a bit of research and practice to understand.
Cryptocurrency availability
Some exchanges support a wide range of digital assets, while others are more limited. If you're interested in a diverse portfolio, look for platforms that offer a broad selection of coins and tokens, including popular altcoins beyond just Bitcoin and Ethereum.
This is increasingly important as 42% of respondents in our survey indicated that they plan to buy cryptocurrency in the next year, with many interested in a wider array of digital assets to invest in.
As a result, many crypto investors will set up accounts across several exchanges to cast the widest net on availability.
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