Key Takeaways
- Coinbase is a dedicated crypto exchange with far more coins, staking and advanced trading.
- Robinhood is convenient if you already invest in stocks there and want simple crypto exposure.
- Robinhood advertises commission-free crypto trades, but you still pay through the spread.
- Both now let you move crypto to an external wallet, but Coinbase offers more networks and features.
Coinbase and Robinhood are two of the most popular ways for Americans to buy crypto, but they're built for different users. Coinbase is a crypto-first exchange; Robinhood is an investing app where crypto sits alongside stocks and options. Here's how they compare.
Coinbase vs Robinhood at a glance
| Coinbase | Robinhood | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dedicated crypto exchange | Brokerage app with crypto |
| Coin selection | Hundreds of assets | A smaller, curated selection |
| Pricing | Fees plus spread on simple buys; maker/taker on Advanced | Commission-free, with costs built into the spread |
| Advanced trading | Coinbase Advanced with order books | Basic order types |
| Staking | Yes, on selected assets | Limited, varies by region |
| External transfers | Yes, many networks | Yes, for supported coins |
| Stocks in same app | No | Yes |
Fees and pricing
Coinbase's simple buy button charges a fee and a spread, which is expensive. Coinbase Advanced uses transparent maker/taker fees that are much cheaper, especially with limit orders. Robinhood advertises commission-free crypto trading, but it earns money from the spread between buy and sell prices, so you still pay an implicit cost. For small, occasional buys the difference may be modest; for larger or frequent trades, compare the actual price you receive. Read crypto fees explained.
Coin selection
Coinbase lists hundreds of cryptocurrencies across many networks. Robinhood offers a narrower selection focused on major coins such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and XRP. If you want access to smaller altcoins, Coinbase has the clear edge. Before chasing small coins, read what are altcoins.
Wallets and control
Both platforms let you withdraw supported coins to an external wallet, which is essential if you want to move savings to a hardware wallet. Coinbase supports more coins and networks for transfers and has a separate self-custody wallet. Robinhood also offers a separate self-custody wallet app. Learn how to send crypto safely.
Features
- Coinbase: recurring buys, staking, Coinbase Advanced with charts and order types, the Base network, educational content.
- Robinhood: crypto alongside stocks, ETFs and options in one app, recurring investments and a simple interface.
Remember that you can also get crypto exposure through spot ETFs in a brokerage account. See what is a Bitcoin ETF.
Security and regulation
Both are publicly listed US companies subject to regulation. Coinbase keeps most customer crypto in cold storage and supports security keys. Robinhood supports two-factor authentication and has added crypto-specific security features. Whichever you use, enable strong 2FA and keep long-term holdings in self-custody.
Which should you choose?
- Choose Coinbase if crypto is your main focus and you want more coins, staking, advanced trading and more transfer options.
- Choose Robinhood if you already use it for stocks and just want simple exposure to major coins in the same app.
Also compare Coinbase vs Kraken and see our best exchanges for beginners.
Frequently asked questions
Is Robinhood crypto really free?
Robinhood doesn't charge a commission, but you pay a spread built into the price, so trades aren't truly cost-free.
Can I transfer crypto out of Robinhood?
Yes, for supported coins and networks, to an external wallet.
Which is safer, Coinbase or Robinhood?
Both are regulated, publicly listed companies with strong security practices. The bigger risk is account takeover, so use strong 2FA on either.
This comparison is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Fees, coins and features change; confirm details on each company's official website.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and risky. Some links may be affiliate links — see our disclosure.