Bybit vs Kucoin 2025: Which Is the Better Crypto Exchange?

In comparing Bybit vs Kucoin, we must consider a couple of factors like their features, fees, security, regulation compliance, and so on. This will enable you to pick which exchange works for you depending on your trading needs.  Both exchanges are among the top 10 in the market and in this article, we’ll be analyzing them to see how they compare. 

Key Takeaways

• Bybit is ideal for derivatives trading and beginners with its user-friendly interface, while KuCoin shines for altcoin traders with over 900 coins and diverse features.
• KuCoin offers lower fees with a KCS discount and higher affiliate commissions, but Bybit provides broader fiat deposit support and a more accessible referral program.
• Bybit’s $1.5 billion hack in February 2025 dents its security reputation

Bybit vs Kucoin: Overview

According to CoinMarketCap, Bybit and Kucoin are the 2nd and 8th largest exchanges respectively. Bybit boasts of a trading volume of about $8 billion. The exchange serves over 60 million users in 160 countries. It also has over 1700 coins listed. 

In contrast, Kucoin records a trading volume of over $3 billion and serves 39 million users in 170 countries. It offers a broader selection, with more than 900 coins available for trading.

What is Bybit?

Kucoin is a cryptocurrency exchange that was launched in 2017 and has then gone on to become one of the top exchanges out there offering services for both newbie and expert traders. It offers a wide range of coins, including popular ones like Bitcoin and new projects. 

Bybit is best known for its derivatives trading, like futures with high leverage, making it a favorite among advanced traders. For a more in-depth analysis, check out our Bybit review.

Pros and Cons of Bybit

Who is Bybit suitable for?

Bybit is especially suitable for advanced traders who are interested in derivatives trading. The exchange is known for offering futures contracts with high leverage—up to 100x on some pairs.

What is Kucoin?

KuCoin was launched in 2017 and it is now known for its variety of coins, from big names to hidden gems. The exchange offers a lot of features like spot trading, staking to earn rewards, and a trading bot to automate your trades. 

KuCoin also has a launchpad for new coin projects, attracting people who want to get in early. 

Pros and Cons of Kucoin

Who is Kucoin suitable for?

KuCoin is a fantastic choice for altcoin hunters who love exploring cryptocurrencies beyond the big names like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The exchange offers a mix of popular tokens and hidden gems that you won’t find on every exchange. 

Bybit vs Kucoin: Trading Tools & Features

In this category, Bybit is the better option because it offers more trading features like Spot ETF, Options trading, and Copy trading. 

Besides the features already mentioned, Bybit also has these extras:  

• TradeGPT: This is a smart AI tool to help you trade better. It gives you market tips, mood analysis, risk advice, predictions, and trading ideas.  
• Islamic Account: Bybit includes a special account for Muslims that follows Shariah rules and has no interest.

Bybit vs Kucoin: Coins Supported, Liquidity & Volume

Bybit is the obvious winner in this category with more coins listed, trading pairs, higher liquidity, and more fiat supported for direct deposit. 

Bybit vs Kucoin: Fees & Charges

Again, Bybit has the upper hand when it comes to baseline trading fees. Although withdrawal fee varies on both exchanges depending on cryptocurrency and network, because they’re tied to blockchain transaction costs, not fixed by the exchanges. 

However, considering that Kucoin offers a 20% discount when paying with KCS, this kind of levels the field. 

Bybit vs Kucoin: Security & Compliance

Both exchanges have security measures in place to protect your account and funds. However, they have both had major hacks in the past.

Bybit experienced a $1.5 billion hack on February 21, 2025, targeting its Ethereum cold wallet, with CEO Ben Zhou securing a loan to cover losses despite the breach by suspected North Korean hackers. 

KuCoin’s $285 million hack on September 25, 2020, hit its hot wallets, but CEO Johnny Lyu recovered $222 million and used insurance to cover the rest, fully protecting users.

Bybit vs Kucoin: User Experience

Both exchanges have easy-to-use websites and apps. However, Bybit has a more beginner-friendly interface. Its clean, simple design avoids overwhelming new users with options, making it easier to focus on learning core trading tasks.

Bybit vs Kucoin: Customer Support

According to user reviews, Bybit takes the lead in customer support. Its faster response times, higher-rated resolution quality, and slightly better user feedback give it an edge over KuCoin. 

While KuCoin offers comparable channels and a solid knowledge base, its occasional delays in handling complex issues tip the scales.

Bybit vs Kucoin: Referral & Affiliate Programs

Bybit has the better referral and affiliate program overall. Its higher base commission (up to 30% vs. 20%), sub-affiliate earnings, and simpler structure make it more rewarding and accessible for the average user.

Conclusion

While Bybit takes the lead in almost every category, the choice is still up to you. Also, after its recent hack, Bybit took a major hit in security. It is also important to note that this hack was managed well by the Bybit team. 

FAQs

Is Bybit a reliable exchange?

Yes, ByBit is a reliable exchange. 

Are there any exchanges better than Kucoin?

There are other exchanges you might want to check out. But what’s better depends on your needs. You can also check out this Bybit vs Binance review.

Which is more beginner-friendly, Bybit or Kucoin?

Bybit is more beginner-friendly.

Which exchange has lower fees?

KuCoin has lower fees.

Which exchange offers better security?

KuCoin offers better security as of now. Before the hack, Bybit had 100% cold storage and a higher security rating. But, the February 2025 breach exposed a critical vulnerability in its multi-signature process.

Which exchange has more trading pairs and higher liquidity?

Bitget has more trading pairs and higher liquidity.