This HTX review covers the exchange formerly known as Huobi — rebranded to HTX in 2023 — including its current fee structure, native token discount programme, product range, regulatory history, and practical suitability for traders in 2026. Huobi was founded in 2013 in China and was, for a period in 2017–2018, one of the three largest global exchanges by volume alongside Binance and OKEx. Regulatory pressure in China from 2017 onwards and subsequent operational changes reduced the platform’s relative standing, and the 2023 rebranding to HTX accompanied a further change in ownership structure and operational focus.
In 2026, HTX operates as a mid-tier global exchange with spot and futures products, an HT native token that provides fee discounts, and a focus on Asian markets alongside a broader international user base. Its fee structure is above industry average at base tier for spot but competitive for futures, and its history and regulatory posture require thorough assessment before committing significant capital.
Key Takeaways
- Spot fees: 0.20% maker / 0.20% taker at base; reduced by 25% when HT token or TRX is used for fees (to ~0.15%).
- Futures fees: 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker at base — in line with major competitors.
- HTX (formerly Huobi) was founded in 2013 — one of the longest-operating exchanges in the market.
- HTX underwent multiple ownership changes including acquisition by Justin Sun-linked entities in 2022–2023.
- The platform is not available to US users and does not hold an FCA or SEC licence.
- HTX has faced regulatory pressure in multiple jurisdictions given its history and ownership structure.
What Is HTX?
HTX is the rebrand of Huobi Global, one of the original major cryptocurrency exchanges. Founded in 2013 by Leon Li in Beijing, Huobi grew rapidly during the 2017 bull market to become one of the three largest exchanges globally. Chinese regulatory crackdowns in 2017 and 2021 pushed the exchange to relocate operations to multiple offshore jurisdictions. In 2022, Justin Sun-linked investment entities acquired a significant stake in Huobi, and the rebranding to HTX in 2023 followed.
HTX operates spot and futures markets across hundreds of trading pairs, with a product range that includes leveraged tokens, OTC trading, earn products, and a launchpad. The platform’s native token, HT, provides fee discounts and other platform benefits. For context on how HTX compares to current alternatives, see the exchange directory.
HTX Trading Fees
| Market / Condition | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Spot (base tier) | 0.20% | 0.20% |
| Spot (HT or TRX fee payment) | ~0.15% | ~0.15% |
| USDT Futures (base) | 0.02% | 0.05% |
| Coin-margined Futures (base) | 0.02% | 0.06% |
HTX’s base spot fees of 0.20% place it alongside Gate.io as one of the higher-cost options at entry level among the exchanges covered in this directory. The HT token discount provides a 25% reduction, bringing spot fees to approximately 0.15% — still above Binance (0.10%), OKX (0.08%), and MEXC (0.00% maker). Futures fees are competitive at 0.02%/0.05% and bring HTX’s derivatives cost in line with major competitors at base tier.
Ownership and Regulatory Considerations
HTX’s current ownership structure involving Justin Sun-linked entities represents a due diligence consideration that differentiates it from independently operated exchanges. Justin Sun is the founder of the TRON blockchain and has been the subject of ongoing SEC enforcement actions in the US since 2023, alleging securities fraud and market manipulation involving TRX and other assets. Sun has denied these allegations and the case remained in progress as of mid-2026.
HTX itself has not been named as a defendant in these proceedings, but the connection to an entity under regulatory scrutiny is context traders should assess. HTX does not hold US regulatory licences and is not accessible to US users. The exchange publishes proof-of-reserves data and has continued normal operations through the period of its ownership transition and rebranding.
HTX Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Long operating history since 2013 — one of the oldest continuously operating exchanges.
- Futures fees at 0.02%/0.05% base are competitive with tier-one competitors.
- Broad product range including spot, futures, leveraged tokens, OTC, and earn products.
- HT token provides a 25% discount on spot fees without volume requirements.
Limitations
- Base spot fees of 0.20% are well above competitors — even with HT discount, effective rate (0.15%) exceeds Binance, OKX, and MEXC.
- Ownership by Justin Sun-linked entities adds regulatory and reputational risk context not present at independently operated exchanges.
- Not available to US users; limited FCA and EU regulatory coverage.
- Platform has been through multiple ownership changes, relocations, and a rebranding — ongoing institutional stability is harder to assess than for independently operated peers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Huobi and HTX?
HTX is the rebranded name for what was previously Huobi Global. The exchange rebranded in 2023 following changes in ownership structure. The platform’s trading infrastructure, user accounts, and asset holdings carried over from Huobi; the brand and management changed.
What are HTX’s trading fees?
Spot: 0.20% maker/taker at base; ~0.15% with HT or TRX fee payment (25% discount). Futures USDT: 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker at base. Coin-margined futures: 0.02% maker / 0.06% taker.
Trade on HTX
One of the oldest exchanges, operating since 2013. Competitive 0.02%/0.05% futures fees. HT token provides 25% spot fee discount.
HT token 25% fee discount. 0.02%/0.05% futures base. Not available to US residents. Assess ownership context before depositing. Capital at risk.