How We Review Crypto Exchanges

Our reviews are based on hands-on testing, not press releases. Here is exactly how we evaluate every exchange we cover, so you know what our ratings actually mean.

Our testing process

1. We open a real account and complete identity verification (KYC) to time the process and spot friction.
2. We fund and trade with real money to verify deposit methods, execution speed, and how fees are actually charged.
3. We test the beginner tools — demo accounts, copy trading, mobile apps — from a first-timer’s perspective.
4. We check withdrawals, because getting money out easily matters as much as getting in.

Our scoring criteria

• Fees (25%) — maker/taker rates, deposit/withdrawal costs, and referral discounts.
• Security & trust (25%) — track record, proof of reserves, insurance, regulatory standing.
• Beginner experience (20%) — sign-up simplicity, app clarity, practice tools, support.
• Features (15%) — product range, copy trading, liquidity, available markets.
• Reputation (15%) — real user feedback across independent communities.

How we stay honest

We accept affiliate commissions, but commissions never buy a higher score. Every review includes genuine cons, and we update ratings when fees, features, or an exchange’s reputation change. If an exchange becomes unsafe or unavailable, we say so — regardless of the commercial relationship. Read our full Editorial Policy & Disclosure.

See our methodology in action: Bybit review · Bitget review.