8 Best Crypto Futures Exchanges

In this article, we share the best crypto futures exchanges based on their features and reputation. As experts on crypto futures trading, we have made a complete list of the top crypto futures trading platform picks that we have tested and reviewed.

From high-quality interfaces to robust security measures, different crypto and Bitcoin futures contracts, advanced trading features, and matching engines, these top platforms for crypto futures trading offer unique advantages that meet the requirements of our professional testing team.

Best crypto futures exchange list

After reviewing and analysing 40 crypto futures exchanges, here is our top list:

  1. BYDFi – Best crypto futures exchange overall (Accepts US traders)
  2. Bybit – Best crypto perpetual futures exchange
  3. Binance – Best largest crypto futures exchange
  4. Phemex – Best Bitcoin futures exchange
  5. Gate.io – Best app for trading crypto futures
  6. MEXC – Best futures demo trading account
  7. Bitget – Best crypto derivatives exchange
  8. Bit.com – Best multi-asset futures exchange

See more detailed information about each platform below.

Top 8 crypto futures trading platforms reviewed

In this section, we show a more detailed explanation of all the exchanges we have tested and what the conclusion of our own testing was.

We also break down the top features of these platform that we found helpful during our period of analyzing the platforms.

We have chosen the best crypto futures trading platform based on:

BYDFi – Best crypto futures exchange overall

BYDFi is ranked number 1 on our best crypto exchange for futures trading list and has gained significant recognition for its contracts and features in the crypto futures trading market. BYDFi offers crypto futures trading for all traders including US traders with up to 100x and 200x leverage. BYDFi’s trading fee for perpetual futures contracts is 0.06%.

As a top platform, BYDFi has established itself as a trusted and reliable exchange for both experienced traders and novices seeking to trade crypto futures.

One of the features that stood out to use during the testing of BYDFi is its user-friendly interface, which enables users to easily navigate and execute trades with efficiency without having much experience.

The platform’s intuitive design ensures that traders can access different futures contracts seamlessly no matter which crypto trading-pair you are trading. Additionally, BYDFi provides a wide range of trading tools and technical indicators to help both short-term and long-term traders find trade opportunities.

Security is a top priority for BYDFi, and the exchange has implemented strict measures to protect user funds and personal information which we see as a crucial component to a platforms overall stability. BYDFi can handle fast trading which is also why it ranks number one on our best exchange for scalping crypto list.

BYDFi utilizes advanced encryption protocols and cold storage solutions to protect assets from potential cyber threats. Also, the platform complies with the American regulatory body FinCEN and is currently regulated as a Money Service Business in the United States, making it a top crypto futures exchange in the USA.

While assessing the exchange, we found BYDFi’s diverse range of crypto futures contracts whichis another compelling aspect of the exchange. This variety allows users to diversify their portfolios and focus on both stability and riskier assets.

BYDFi key features

Why we like

BYDFi clearly stands out as the best crypto futures exchange and trading platform due to its user-friendly interface, robust security measures, diverse range of futures contracts, low trading fees, and advanced trading features. These are qualities that our review system picked up on and make BYDFi an excellent choice for day traders looking to engage in crypto futures trading while prioritizing security and flexibility.

The exchange also features high liquidity, enabling traders to enter and exit positions quickly without significant slippage, something that is seen as a problem with other derivatives exchanges. This liquidity was essential for us during the testing to be ablet to execute trades efficiently, particularly in the fast-paced environment of crypto futures trading.

Pros

  1. BYDFi offers an interface design that allows traders, both experienced and novice, to navigate the platform easily which we like a lot. The trading tools enable users to execute trades without much delay, even when switching between markets. This ease of use makes BYDFi a suitable choice for traders of all levels of expertise.
  2. BYDFi provides a big selection of crypto futures contracts, including popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, as well as emerging altcoins. This is something we found useful when testing the platform since we could test many different markets. These cryptocurrencies can be traded through perpetual contracts, inverse perpetual contracts, and lite futures contracts. These are contracts that we found that other exchanges simply didn’t offer.
  3. BYDFi maintains a robust monitoring system to detect and prevent suspicious activities or potential security breaches. They likely have measures in place to monitor network traffic, identify unusual behavior, and implement risk control mechanisms to safeguard user accounts and assets.

Cons

  1. One of the only pitfalls that we found when trading on the BYDFi crypto futures exchange was a lack educational resources and materials to support traders in understanding and navigating the complexities of crypto futures trading. This can be a disadvantage, especially for novice traders who rely on educational content to enhance their knowledge and improve their trading strategies.
  2. Some users have reported limited customer support options on BYDFi. In case of technical issues or inquiries, users may face delays or challenges in reaching out to customer support for assistance. However, this never occurred during our testing period.

(The benefits and drawbacks of the BYDFi exchange are based on our own opinions from our testing and reviewing of the platform)

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Bybit – Best crypto perpetual futures exchange

Bybit is the best crypto perpetual futures exchange that specializes in offering advanced trading services for crypto futures. It has gained popularity among traders fast due to its robust platform, range of tradeable futures assets, and a variety of features that boosts trading efficiency. Bybit has a 0.06% futures contract trading fee.

After having tested and reviewed Bybit, we want to emphasis on the user experience and security features that the platform offer which further strengthen its position as a leading crypto perpetuals futures exchange.

One of the key strengths that stood ut to us after trading on the Bybit platform was its high-performance trading engine, capable of processing a large number of orders with minimal latency making it the best crypto exchange for day trading in our list of futures platforms.

Bybit allows for quick execution and efficient trading, ensuring that traders can capitalize on market opportunities without delays, something that we have seen that many other smaller platforms have problems with.

We didn’t experience any lag or slippage at all when analyzing the Bybit crypto perpetual futures exchange.

Bybit boasts plenty of cryptocurrencies that are seen as the most liquid coins such as Bitcoin, Eth, EOS, and LTC. These contracts come with different trading pairs and leverage options, providing traders with flexibility in their strategies something that we found helpful. We were able to change contracts and leverage ratios very quickly which made trading much easier than other similar platforms.

The exchange also supports several different derivatives contracts such as inverse contracts and perpetual contracts enabling traders to hold positions indefinitely, without the need for expiration dates.

Bybit key features

Why we like it

One thing in particular that we found very helpful during our testing was that Bybit offers advanced order types for crypto futures trading, such as stop-loss and take-profit orders, enabling traders to manage risks effectively and automate their trading strategies. These order types can be accessed directly from the charting interface where the Buy and Short buttons are. See our best crypto exchange with stop loss list to find more platforms with advanced order types.

Finally, the last thing that we want to highlight from our assessment of the Bybit exchange was its risk management system. It includes a sophisticated insurance fund and a flexible liquidation mechanism, designed to minimize the impact of market volatility.

Pros

  1. High-performance trading engine which makes fast trading seem very effortless which enables fast and lag-free trading. This was our favorite feature which passed all our tests om terms of slippage, speed, and stability.
  2. Wide range of crypto futures contracts, including perpetual contracts, provides flexibility for traders. Bybit has several crypto perpetual futures contracts that other top crypto futures exchange don’t have.
  3. Bybit is known for its high liquidity, which means there is a always enough volume of orders on the platform. This can result in faster order execution, and reduced slippage, especially during periods of high market volatility. When testing the platform, we were able to enter and exit positions well worth over $100.000 in the crypto perpetual futures market.

Cons

  1. Some countries such as the United States are not able to complete the KYC process on Bybit. This limitation can be a significant drawback for individuals looking to trade.
  2. The platform’s complex features may be overwhelming for beginners, requiring a learning curve to fully understand its capabilities. This stood out for us as a drawback since it took us some time to learn the ins and outs of the trading interface, something that beginners might struggle with.
  3. Bybit is not a regulated platform and many traders my shy away from hearing this. However, we never had any issues with the exchange in regards to safety when reviewing.

(The benefits and drawbacks of the Bybit exchange are based on our own opinions from our testing and reviewing of the platform)

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Binance – Best largest crypto futures exchange

After assessing the platform extensively, we consider Binance to be a top altcoins future exchange thanks to its large variety of altcoins available in the crypto futures market.

It has quickly become a popular choice among traders primarily due to its reputation but also thanks to its intuitive trading interface which is something that we are going to emphasis more on in this review. In our best altcoin exchange list you can find out more about similar altcoin trading platforms.

The crypto futures trading fee on Binance is 0.04%.

Binance offers several different crypto futures contracts, allowing traders to speculate on the future price movements of cryptocurrencies with leverage in both directions which is helpful if you are looking for new ways on how to short sell altcoins.

The exchange supports both perpetual futures contracts and traditional futures contracts with fixed expiry dates. We analyzed the perpetual futures contracts to see how it would perform under stress and we are happy to stay that it passed our testing.

The option to trade crypto with leverage on Binance is what has made it so popular over the years and I myself have played around with it. I used the crypto margin trading exchange with up to 50x leverage while trading PepeCoin and DogeCoin during the latest bullrun and made.

One key advantage of Binance as a crypto futures exchange is its high liquidity. With a large user base and extensive trading volumes, Binance makes sure that traders can enter and exit positions swiftly without significant slippage, even if you are a large trader. This liquidity was crucial during our review of Binance since we know that many day traders trade large positions and they rely on good entries and exits to profit. We are happy to say that Binance passed the test with flying numbers.

Binance key features

Why we like it

Binance offers advanced trading features that enhance the trading experience for professional crypto futures traders. These include various order types such as limit orders, market orders, and stop orders among many many more which you can find directly in the charting interface.

Additionally, Binance made it to our best crypto exchange for futures trading list because it provides great charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and real-time market data, something that we found very helpful during our testing of the platform.

Pros

  1. Competitive fees: Binance offers a competitive fee structure for crypto futures trading, with reduced fees for users holding the native BNB token. This fee structure helps traders increase their profitability and reduce transaction costs. This was by far the best feature of Binance that stood out to use during the assessment of the platform.
  2. Robust security measures: Binance prioritizes the security of user funds by implementing industry-standard security practices such as cold storage wallets, two-factor authentication, and regular security audits. Even though Binance is a non-regualted crypto futures exchange, you can rest assured that your funds are safe on the platform as long as you activate the correct security features.
  3. Diverse range of futures contracts: Binance supports a wide array of crypto futures contracts, including major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), as well as a large pool altcoins. As we analyzed the Binance exchange, we found that Binance has the biggest selections of altcoins out of any of the platforms we have reviewed.

Cons

  1. Regulatory uncertainties: As with any cryptocurrency exchange, Binance operates in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, however, without a government regulation. This can create uncertainties and potential restrictions that may impact the availability and usability of this top crypto futures trading platform.
  2. Binance has experienced technical glitches and system overload in the past, resulting in temporary service disruptions and trading outages. This was never the case during our testing of the crypto futures trading exchange. However, these issues can prevent users from executing trades effectively during periods of extreme volatility.
  3. Restricted access for certain jurisdictions: Binance has implemented restrictions for users from specific jurisdictions such as the United States due to regulatory requirements. Traders from these regions will not be able to pass the KYC process.

(The benefits and drawbacks of the Binance exchange are based on our own opinions from our testing and reviewing of the platform)

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Phemex – Best Bitcoin futures exchange

Phemex ranks number four on our best Bitcoin futures trading platform list. It offers several different features tailored to meet the demands of professional traders and novice traders who are trading Bitcoin futures. Phemex stood out to use during our testing of the platform due to its impressive performance, advanced trading tools, and exceptional security measures.

Phemex charges a futures contract fee of 0.06%.

One of the key strengths of Phemex is its high-performance trading engine, which is something that we noticed when analysing the trading capacity of the exchange. The platform boasts an industry-leading matching engine capable of handling up to 300,000 transactions per second, ensuring fast order execution and minimal latency. This is particularly advantageous for Bitcoin futures traders who rely on accurate execution. This was by far the most impressive feature that Phemex had to offer during our review.

Furthermore, Phemex provides a wide range of trading instruments, including perpetual contracts and traditional futures contracts. These contracts enable traders to speculate on the price movements of various cryptocurrencies with leverage in both directions.

Phemex key features

Why we like it

Phemex’s trading platform offers a range of advanced tools and features designed to improve trading strategies for crypto futures. These include customizable trading dashboards, real-time market data, advanced order types (such as stop-loss and take-profit), and an intuitive charting interface with technical analysis indicators.

These tools helped us execute complex trading strategies during our assessment of Phemex. They will also help beginner traders amek informed decisions based on market trends and price patterns when trading crypto futures.

Pros

  1. Efficient trading engine: Phemex’s high-performance matching engine ensures fast order execution and low latency, something that was often a problem on other exchanges during our reviews, but not on Phemex.
  2. Diverse trading instruments: The platform supports a wide range of crypto futures contracts, including perpetual contracts, providing traders with all the options for diversifying both long-term and short-term portfolios making it one of the best Bitcoin futures exchanges on the market.
  3. Advanced trading tools: Phemex offers a suite of sophisticated trading tools, including customizable dashboards which lets you move things around, and advanced order types, helping traders with greater control and flexibility.

Cons

  1. Limited cryptocurrency selection: While Phemex supports major cryptocurrencies, the exchange has a narrower selection compared to some other platforms, which could limit trading opportunities for certain tokens.
  2. Restricted geographic availability: Phemex’s services are not available in all regions, which may restrict access for traders in certain countries.
  3. Learning curve for beginners: Phemex’s advanced features and trading tools may be overwhelming for novice traders, requiring a steeper learning curve to fully use the platform’s capabilities.

(The benefits and drawbacks of the Phemex exchange are based on our own opinions from our testing and reviewing of the platform)

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Gate.io – Best crypto futures trading app

Gate.io is a top crypto futures trading app and ranks number five on our list our of all the 40 exchanges that we have reviewed. With different features aim directly at the futures market and a very robust infrastructure, Gate.io stands out to us as a reliable exchange for traders looking to engage in crypto futures trading.

One of the key strengths of Gate.io as a top crypto futures app is its advanced trading engine and platform.

The fee for trading crypto futures on Gate.io is 0.05%.

The platform leverages cutting-edge technology to provide low-latency order matching, ensuring instant execution and reduced slippage. This feature was one of the strongest selling-points to us when testing the Gate.io ap. Timely executions and nearly zero slippage is guaranteed according to our test period.

Gate.io also offers a wide range of futures trading instruments ranging from smaller altcoins to larger legacy coins. This lets traders get into the hottens coins through the futures pit directly as they hit the exchange, something that is a big benefit compared to the other top apps we have reviewed.

Gate.io key features

Why we like it

The platform offers advanced charting capabilities with charts imported from TradingView, which lets traders analyze price trends, apply technical indicators, draw directly in the charts using the latest technology.

Additionally, Gate.io offers the highest liquidity of all top crypto futures apps on the market making it possible for you to trade large positions on the go. This was verified by our testing group when we analayzed the trading platform of Gate.io.

Pros

  1. Robust trading engine: Gate.io’s advanced trading engine ensures fast order matching and execution, reducing slippage and enhancing trading efficiency.
  2. Diverse futures contracts: With a wide range of cryptocurrency futures contracts available, traders can choose to either trade standard contracts of perpetual contracts that have no expiry.
  3. Advanced trading tools: Gate.io offers advanced charting capabilities and supports TradingView charting mode, making charting completely effortless and 100% free from lag.

Cons

  1. Limited fiat support: Gate.io primarily focuses on cryptocurrency trading, so the availability of fiat currency trading pairs may be limited compared to dedicated fiat-crypto exchanges.
  2. Regulatory uncertainty: As with any cryptocurrency exchange, regulatory uncertainties is a problem and it is not much different with Gate.io. This is the biggest downside of the app according to our testing team.
  3. User interface complexity: While Gate.io provides a range of features, the platform’s interface may appear overwhelming to new traders, it might take some time to get used to the different interfaces.

(The benefits and drawbacks of the Gate.io exchange are based on our own opinions from our testing and reviewing of the platform)

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MEXC – Best for futures demo trading

MEXC has a large user base and global liquidity, ensuring that traders have access to sufficient trading volume. This high liquidity means tighter bid-ask spreads and better price execution, reducing the impact of slippage and improving overall trading efficiency, which is one it has reached our best crypto futures trading platform list.

MEXC has both perpetual and traditional futures contracts, meeting the needs of several different traders. With perpetual contracts, traders can trade without expiry dates, while traditional futures contracts provide opportunities for longer-term positions.

MEXC charges 0.01% taker fee for crypto futures trading.

One key advantage that we realized while testing MEXC is its advanced trading engine, capable of handling high trading volumes with low latency. This secures quick order execution and reduces the risk of slippage, providing traders with a trading experience that many other similar platforms simply don’t offer.

Why we like it

The platform offers the most important order types, including market orders, limit orders, and stop orders, enabling users to implement various trading strategies and manage their risk effectively while trading crypto futures.

Even though MEXC is not regulated, they take security very seriously. The exchange implements industry-standard security measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for funds, and regular security audits to protect user assets. Additionally, MEXC have super-strict but fast KYC (know your customer) process, which improves the overall security and compliance of the platform.

MEXC key features

Pros

  1. Variety of futures contracts: MEXC offers the most important futures contracts which has its own tab in the main menu.
  2. Demo trading: MEXC is one of few crypto futures trading platforms that offers demo trading. This is very favorable for new traders since their on-ramp will be much smoother since they don’t have to risk their own capital to start.
  3. Copy trading: A big benefit of the MEXC platform that we found very helpful during our assessment of the exchange was the copy trading feature for crypto futures. Here you can copy some of the best crypto futures traders in an instant.

Cons

  1. Customer support: Some users have reported experiencing delays in responses from MEXC’s customer support team. This can be frustrating for traders who require timely assistance or encounter issues with their accounts or trades.
  2. Counterparty Risk: When trading crypto futures contracts on MEXC, users are exposed to counterparty risk. If MEXC were to face financial difficulties or insolvency, traders could potentially suffer losses. While MEXC takes measures to mitigate this risk, it’s important to be aware of the inherent counterparty risk associated with trading on any centralized exchange.

(The benefits and drawbacks of the MEXC exchange are based on our own opinions from our testing and reviewing of the platform)

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Bitget – Best crypto derivatives exchange

Bitget ranks number seven on our best crypto futures exchange lsit, however, it is known for having significant trading volume and liquidity, ensuring that traders have access to ample liquidity and competitive pricing. This high liquidity facilitates faster trade execution and helps prevent slippage, enabling traders to enter and exit positions efficiently.

Bitget also offers both perpetual and quarterly futures contracts, enabling traders to choose the most suitable contract type for their trading strategies. This is something that our testing team found very helpful as it opens the door for both long-term investors and short-term crypto futures traders.

The crypto futures trading fee on Bitget is 0.06%.

Why we like it

Bitget provides surprisingly great educational resources and tutorials to help users understand futures trading concepts, strategies, and platform functionalities. These resources are priceless for beginners and we recommend that you spend some time reading though them just as we did when we reviewed the Bitget exchange.

Bitget key features

Pros:

  1. Advanced trading tools: Bitget offers a comprehensive suite of trading tools, including customizable charts, technical analysis, lag-free charts, drawing tools, and most complex order types.
  2. Demo account: Bitget offers a demo trading feature that allows users to practice with the platform without risking real money. This feature is especially beneficial for new traders who want to gain experience and test different trading strategies before committing actual capital.
  3. Risk management features: Bitget places a strong emphasis on risk management. The platform offers features like stop-loss orders, take-profit orders, and liquidation mechanisms to help traders reduce the risk of losing money.

Cons:

  1. Limited regional availability: Bitget’s availability is restricted in certain regions, which may limit access for some traders. It’s essential to check if the platform is accessible in your location before considering it for crypto futures trading.
  2. Regulation: Bitget operates in a relatively unregulated space, which may expose users to potential risks. The lack of regulatory oversight means that there may be limited protection for traders in case of market manipulation or loss of funds. If you seek a regulated crypto futures exchange, try BYDFi instead.

(The benefits and drawbacks of the Bitget exchange are based on our own opinions from our testing and reviewing of the platform)

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Bit.com – Best multi-asset futures exchange

Bit.com maintains a transparent fee structure, with clear and competitive fees for crypto futures trading. This transparency allows traders to accurately calculate and assess the costs associated with their trades to not let fees take over in high-volume markets.

One of the key advantages of Bit.com is that it’s a high volume crypto futures exchange, ensuring that traders have access to ample trading volume. This high liquidity leads to tighter bid-ask spreads and much better price execution, minimizing slippage of both long-term and short-term trades. Additionally, Bit.com supports perpetual futures contracts giving traders the opton to hold their trades without being stopped by an expiration date.

The Bit.com platform offers plenty of risk mitigation tools, including stop-loss orders, take-profit orders, and trailing stops (which we used during our testing). These features allow traders to set predefined exit points and automate their trading strategies, minimizing potential losses and maximizing profits.

Bit.com charges a fee of 0.03% for crypto futures trading.

Why we like it

Bit.com has a highly secure trading environment. The platform utilizes industry-standard security protocols, including two-factor authentication (2FA) and cold storage for user funds. It also conducts regular security audits to ensure the safety of user assets. Due to its security, Bit.com ranks number 8 as the most trusted crypto futures trading platform on the market.

Bit.com key features

Pros:

  1. Risk management tools: Bit.com’s advanced risk management tools such as live-charts and the ability to visualize profit and loss scenarios though technical drawing tools. These tools assist traders in assessing and managing the potential risks associated with their crypto futures positions.
  2. Customer support: During our testing of over 40 futures platforms we are happy to say that our team is very satisfied with the support team of the Bit.com exchange. The answers are fast and on point, something that we saw as a huge plus during our assessment of the platform.
  3. High security: Bit.com’s industry-standard security practices are of the highest level, including 2FA and cold storage, which ensures the safety of user funds and cements the trustworthiness of the platform.

Cons:

  1. Limited cryptocurrency selection: Bit.com’s offering may be somewhat limited compared to other exchanges, with a narrower selection of cryptocurrencies available for futures trading.
  2. Relatively new exchange: As a relatively new platform, Bit.com may lack the established reputation and track record of some other exchanges in the crypto futures trading space such as BYDFi, Bybit, and Binance.
  3. Availability: Bit.com’s availability may be restricted in certain regions, limiting access for traders from USA and other foreign countries.

(The benefits and drawbacks of the Bit.com exchange are based on our own opinions from our testing and reviewing of the platform)

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What is a crypto futures exchange?

A crypto futures exchange is a specialized platform that facilitates the trading of cryptocurrency futures contracts. Futures contracts are derivative financial instruments that allow traders to speculate on the future price of cryptocurrencies without owning the underlying assets.

These contracts typically have predetermined expiration dates and set prices (unless a perpetual contract is used), enabling traders to profit from both rising and falling cryptocurrency prices.

Traders can take both long and short positions in crypto futures contracts. In our best exchange to short crypto list your can read more about where to short crypto. Going long means expecting the price of the cryptocurrency to rise, while going short means anticipating a price decline. By taking short positions, traders can potentially profit from market downturns.

Standout features are:

Crypto futures exchanges allow traders to use leverage to amplify their potential profits. Leverage is a loan provided by the exchange, enabling traders to control larger positions with a smaller amount of capital. Margin requirements determine the minimum amount of collateral needed to open and maintain a leveraged position.

Crypto futures exchanges often have higher trading volumes and liquidity compared to spot exchanges, as they attract a larger number of active traders and speculators.

The best crypto futures exchange in our list is BYDFi which qualifies as a top platform after rigorous testing and reviewing.

What makes a crypto exchange good for futures trading?

There are several technical specifications that we look for when we analyze and review the best crypto futures exchanges. Our team of crypto futures specialists have years of experience in testing and assessing the top platforms to see whether they hold up to certain standards.

When reviewing the top exchanges in this guide we have looked at 25 important features that a crypto futures exchange should have.

Below are the 10 most important aspects:

  1. Trading platform: A reliable crypto exchange for futures trading should have a dedicated platform or section specifically designed for trading futures contracts. This platform should offer a wide variety of futures contracts for different cryptocurrencies.
  2. Leverage control: The exchange should support controlled leveraged trading, allowing traders to change the leverage in futures contracts. This feature provides traders the ability to adjust their positions based on their own risk preference and market conditions.
  3. Order types and trading tools: A top crypto futures trading platform should provide all the necessary order types, including market orders, limit orders, and stop orders, among others. Additionally, it should offer advanced trading tools such as professional charting, technical indicators, and risk management tools to improve the trading experience and facilitate a safe environment for beginners
  4. Liquidity: Liquidity is of utmost importance in crypto futures trading as it ensures there is sufficient trading volume to enter and exit positions at desired prices without significant slippage, even for traders who like to size up. A good Bitcoin futures exchange, for example, should have high liquidity with active participation from a large user base.
  5. Risk management: Professional risk management tools are essential for trading crypto futures contracts. These tools may include stop-loss orders, take-profit orders, trailing stops, and position size calculators. They assist traders in managing their risks and setting specific parameters for their trades.
  6. Robust matching engine: A futures exchange needs a strong and fast matching engine to handle high trading volumes and execute trades swiftly. A reliable matching engine reduces latency, minimizes the possibility of order execution delays, and ensures a smooth trading experience.
  7. Security: Security is a top priority for any top crypto futures exchange. Every platform should implement strict security protocols such as encryption protocols, two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for user funds, regular security audits, and other industry best practices to safeguard user assets and personal information. Government regulation is always a huge plus as we saw on the BYDFi exchange when analyzing its regulatory status.
  8. Scalable infrastructure: The exchange’s infrastructure should be dependable and scalable to allow for increasing user demand and trading activity. This includes ensuring server stability, providing uptime guarantees, and having the capacity to handle high-frequency trading without compromising performance. All of the platforms in our best crypto futures trading platform list was rated high on this topic.
  9. API integrations: An exchange offering an Application Programming Interface (API) allows users to develop custom trading bots, integrate with third-party trading platforms, and access market data for advanced analysis. Proper API documentation and support are crucial for developers and institutional traders. This is an advanced functionality that only experienced crypto futures traders will have use for but it is an essential tool for professionals.
  10. Regulatory compliance: A regulated crypto futures exchange operates within a legal and regulatory framework to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Adherence to regulatory requirements provides users with added protection against potential fraudulent activities.

These technical specifications collectively contribute to a robust and efficient futures trading experience on a crypto exchange. Traders should consider these factors when evaluating the suitability of an exchange for futures trading.

How to choose a crypto futures trading platform

When selecting a crypto futures trading platform, several factors should be considered to ensure a seamless trading experience. First and foremost, it’s crucial to evaluate the platform’s reliability and security measures. Look for exchanges that have a solid track record of safeguarding user funds and employing stringent security protocols, such as cold storage for cryptocurrencies and two-factor authentication.

Another important aspect to consider is the range of available trading instruments. The best crypto futures exchange should offer a diverse selection of futures contracts for different cryptocurrencies, including major ones like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as altcoins. This allows traders to have a wider range of options and better exposure to various crypto markets.

Additionally, liquidity plays a vital role in futures trading. Opt for exchanges that have sufficient trading volume and a healthy order book depth to ensure easy execution of trades at desired prices. A highly liquid market reduces the risk of slippage and enhances trading efficiency.

Lastly, consider the user interface and trading tools offered by the platform. A user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation and comprehensive charting tools can greatly enhance the trading experience. Advanced features like stop-loss orders, trailing stops, and customizable trading indicators are also valuable for executing effective trading strategies.

By evaluating these factors, traders can choose a top crypto futures trading platform that meets their specific requirements and provides a secure and efficient environment for executing trades.

How to sign up and start trading crypto futures

Signing up and starting on a crypto futures trading platform is typically a straightforward process. Here are the general steps to get started:

  1. Choose an exchange: Research and select a the best crypto futures trading platform from our list that aligns with your requirements and preferences.
  2. Sign up: Visit the exchange’s website (we recommend BYDFi or Bybit) and locate the registration or sign-up page.
  3. Account verification: Some exchanges may require you to complete a verification process to comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. This process usually involves submitting identification documents, such as a passport or driver’s license, and proof of address.
  4. Fund your account: Once your account is verified, you can deposit funds into your trading account. Most exchanges support deposits in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, as well as fiat currencies like USD or EUR.
  5. Explore the platform: Familiarize yourself with the trading platform’s features, including order types, trading pairs, charts, and other tools that can assist in your trading activities.
  6. Develop a trading strategy: Before placing trades, it’s important to have a well-defined trading strategy. Research various strategies, analyze market trends to optimize your trading approach.
  7. Start trading: With your account funded and strategy in place, you can begin trading crypto futures contracts. Execute trades based on your analysis and monitor market movements closely to make informed decisions.

How we selected and reviewed these exchanges

The selection and review process for the best crypto futures exchanges and trading platforms involved thorough research and analysis of various key factors by our own professional testing team.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, we considered the following criteria:

How does crypto futures trading work?

Crypto futures trading involves speculating on the future price movements of cryptocurrencies through the use of crypto futures contracts. These contracts are agreements to buy or sell a particular cryptocurrency at a predetermined price at a specified time in the future, except for when perpetual contracts are used. Perpetual contracts don’t have an expiration time and can be held open indefinitely.

Through one of the platforms in our best crypto perpetual futures exchange list raders can take two positions in crypto futures trading: long (buying) or short (selling).

A long position anticipates the price of the underlying cryptocurrency to increase, while a short position speculates on the price decrease. The profit or loss in futures trading is determined by the price difference between the contract’s entry and exit points.

To start in crypto futures trading, traders need to open an account with a crypto futures exchange that offers these contracts. Once an account is created and funded, traders can select the desired futures contracts, specify the position (long or short), and choose the leverage level they wish to utilize.

Leverage is the tool that traders use to amplify their exposure to the market by borrowing funds from the exchange which is already built into the contracts. It enables traders to control a larger position size with a smaller amount of capital.

It’s important to note that crypto futures trading is highly speculative and involves risks. Traders should thoroughly understand the market dynamics, employ appropriate risk management strategies, and stay updated on market news and trends to make informed trading decisions.

How do you trade crypto futures contracts?

Trading crypto futures contracts follows a similar process to trading traditional futures contracts. Here are the general steps to trade crypto futures:

  1. Select an exchange: Choose a top crypto futures exchange that offers the specific futures contracts you are interested in trading.
  2. Account funding: Deposit funds into your trading account on the exchange. Most platforms support deposits in cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies.
  3. Choose a futures contract: Identify the cryptocurrency futures contract you want to trade. Consider factors such as expiration date, underlying cryptocurrency, contract size, and leverage ratios.
  4. Determine your position: Decide whether you want to take a long or short position based on your market analysis and trading strategy. A long position expects the price to rise, while a short position is used in falling markets.
  5. Set leverage and order parameters: Select the leverage level you wish to utilize for your trade, we recommend starting with no more than 1:50 leverage. Set parameters for your order, such as entry price, exit price, and stop-loss level to manage your risk.
  6. Place the order: Enter the order details on the trading platform. Add your take profit and stop loss. Review the order information and confirm the trade. Once executed, the contract will be added to your portfolio.
  7. Monitor and manage the trade: Keep a close eye on the market and monitor the price movements of the futures contract you are trading. Adjust your stop-loss and take-profit levels as necessary to manage risk and secure profits.
  8. Close the position: When you are ready to exit the trade, place an order to sell (if you are long) or buy (if you are short) the same futures contract. Closing the position will realize your profit or loss based on the price difference from the entry point. You can also use the close market order for instant execution.

Top crypto futures trading strategies

Our team of experienced crypto futures traders has made a list of the top strategies below:

Which market is best to trade crypto futures in?

The best market to trade crypto futures in depends on several factors, including liquidity, trading volume, regulatory environment, and personal preferences. Here are some markets commonly chosen by crypto futures traders:

FAQ

What crypto exchange has futures?

All the platforms in our top list above offer crypto futures contracts. BYDFi and Bybit are the two recommended platforms in the list. Some of the exchange also offer contracts without expiration dates.

Which crypto future exchange has the lowest fee?

The fee structures vary among exchanges, but some popular options with low fees include BYDFi, Bybit, and Binance.

Which crypto exchange offer perpetual futures?

Many exchanges offer perpetual futures contracts, including BYDFi, Bybit, and MEXC.

Can you trade futures on Binance?

Yes, Binance offers a futures trading platform where you can trade various futures contracts.

Can you trade futures in crypto?

Yes, crypto futures trading allows you to trade futures contracts based on the price movements of cryptocurrencies.

Is crypto futures trading profitable?

Crypto futures trading can be profitable, but it also carries risks. Profits depend on accurate predictions of price movements and effective trading strategies. It is usually the amount of leverage used that predicts the risks.

What are the fees for trading crypto futures?

Fees vary by exchange and can include trading fees, management/overnight fees, and funding fees. It’s important to check the fee structure of each exchange.

What is the difference between a perpetual and standard futures exchange?

Perpetual futures contracts do not have an expiration date, while standard futures contracts have a set expiration date.

What will happen if a crypto futures contract expire?

When a crypto futures contract expires, the positions are settled, and the profits or losses are realized based on the contract’s final price.

What is the best Binance futures alternative?

Some popular alternatives to Binance futures include Bybit, BYDFi, MEXC, and Phemex’s futures trading platform.

Is trading Futures on Binance safe?

Binance is a well-established and reputable exchange. Even though it is not regulated it has a great track record for keeping customer fund safe. However, as with any trading activity, there are inherent risks, so it’s important to exercise caution and follow best security practices.

Conclusion

BYDFi is recognized as the best crypto futures exchange overall in our list, offering a user-friendly interface, robust security measures, and a diverse range of futures contracts. Bybit is highlighted as the best exchange for crypto perpetual futures, with its high-performance trading engine and advanced trading features.

Binance stands out as the best altcoin futures trading platform, providing a wide range of futures contracts and high liquidity. Phemex is recognized as the best Bitcoin futures exchange, offering impressive performance, advanced trading tools, and exceptional security measures. Gate.io is considered the best crypto futures app, with its advanced trading engine and diverse futures contracts.

MEXC is highlighted as the best platform for futures demo trading, offering a variety of futures contracts and a strong focus on security. Lastly, Bitget is recognized as the best crypto derivatives exchange, with its advanced trading interface and comprehensive range of derivatives contracts.

 

 
Image by Bianca Holland from Pixabay

 

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