Exchange research

Crypto exchange comparisons

Centralised exchanges (CEXs) provide fiat ramps, order-book liquidity, and custodial convenience. On-chain DeFi provides self-custody, composable yield, and permissionless access via protocols like Aave and Uniswap. These guides compare major CEXs and explain when to move assets on-chain.

Exchange & custody comparisons

Complete index — 3 pages linked from this hub for crawlers and readers.

Binance vs Coinbase (2026)
The two largest centralised crypto exchanges compared on regulation, product breadth, fees, and DeFi integration paths.
Centralised Exchange vs On-Chain DeFi (2026)
When to use a CEX versus a non-custodial wallet and DeFi protocols — custody, fees, KYC, and composability compared.
Kraken vs Binance (2026)
Regulation-first exchange versus global volume leader — security track record, product set, and geographic access.

Related research

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Should I use a centralised exchange or DeFi?

Centralised exchanges (CEXs) like Binance and Coinbase are useful for fiat on-ramps, simple spot trading, and customer support. DeFi via a self-custody wallet suits users who want permissionless lending, swapping, and yield without surrendering private keys. Many users withdraw to a wallet after purchasing on a CEX.

What is the difference between Binance and Coinbase?

Binance typically offers deeper global liquidity and broader altcoin listings, while Coinbase emphasises US regulatory compliance, public-company transparency, and distribution through Base L2 and Coinbase Wallet for on-chain DeFi access.