Best Crypto Platforms in 2025

What is a cryptocurrency?

A cryptocurrency is a digital form of money that exists only online and is not issued by any government or physical authority. Unlike traditional currencies such as the Philippine Peso, cryptocurrencies are not managed by banks or central institutions. Their value is determined by supply and demand on the open market, and they are exchanged electronically through computers or smartphones.

Transactions with cryptocurrencies are based on a decentralized system, meaning there is no middleman like a bank involved. Instead, transactions take place directly between individuals on a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. Each transaction is recorded in a shared digital ledger called the blockchain, which is accessible to everyone and helps make the system trustworthy, transparent, and difficult to tamper with.

To keep the network secure and reliable, special participants called miners or validators check and confirm each transaction before it’s added to the blockchain. They make sure that coins aren’t spent twice and that all rules are respected, helping protect the system from fraud or errors. This process is key to maintaining the safety and functioning of cryptocurrencies, making them a trustworthy way to transfer value in the digital age.

Which platforms can be used to invest in cryptocurrency?

Many investors in the Philippines looking to enter the crypto market discover there are two main types of platforms: crypto exchanges and crypto brokers (offering CFDs and other derivatives). These two solutions match different needs and investor profiles. Exchanges let you buy and own cryptocurrencies directly (“spot” market), ideal for those wanting long-term exposure. On the other hand, brokers allow trading on crypto price movements through derivatives like CFDs, which are suitable for active traders seeking flexibility, leverage, and short-term strategies.

Bon à savoir : What is a crypto CFD?

A CFD (Contract for Difference) on crypto is a type of financial derivative. Unlike buying real crypto, a CFD allows you to speculate on the price changes of a cryptocurrency without ever owning the actual coins. With CFDs, you can profit from both rising and falling markets. One key feature is leverage—you can control larger positions with a smaller initial amount—but this also means higher risk. CFDs are typically used for short-term trading.

Comparative Table

Exchange crypto

A crypto exchange is a platform where you can buy, sell, and hold real cryptocurrencies. Once purchased, you own the actual coins, which you can keep on the exchange, transfer to a private wallet, or use in staking to earn rewards. Exchanges are the go-to option for those wanting to invest long term, build a portfolio, or simply hold cryptos securely.

• Investing for the long-term (“buy and hold”)
• Storing your assets safely (either on exchange or in a personal wallet)
• Participating in staking or earning interest

Example: Investment via an exchange

Suppose you buy ₱60,000 (~€1,000) worth of Ethereum on an exchange. You now own the equivalent amount of ETH, which you can hold as a long-term investment. If Ethereum’s value increases in the future, your holdings could grow accordingly. You have full control: you can withdraw your ETH to your own wallet whenever you like.

Broker crypto

A crypto broker offering CFDs lets you trade on the price movements of cryptocurrencies, without ever owning the actual coins. You open positions predicting if prices will go up or down, and can use leverage (borrowed funds) to increase your exposure. Brokers often provide advanced trading tools like stop-loss/take-profit orders and very fast execution. This approach is popular among traders seeking to capitalize on short-term market volatility.

• Trade both rising and falling markets
• Use leverage for bigger exposure (higher risk/reward)
• Quick execution and advanced order types

Example: Investment via a broker

Imagine you believe Bitcoin will rise in the short term. Through a broker, you open a position worth ₱50,000 with a x5 leverage (risking ₱10,000 of your own money). If Bitcoin’s price increases by 5%, your profit would be five times larger than if you had just used your own amount—but losses would be magnified the same way. You’re trading to profit from the movement, without owning any real BTC.

What are the fees charged by crypto brokers and platforms?

Trading cryptocurrencies involves several types of fees, which differ depending on the platform, the chosen investment method (such as spot trading or CFDs), and how often you trade. Understanding these costs is essential, as they can affect your returns—some fees are direct, while others are charged in more subtle ways. Here is a comparison of the main fees you’re likely to encounter on cryptocurrency exchanges and broker platforms:

Good to know

Investors who are beginners or trade infrequently should pay close attention to deposit, withdrawal, and inactivity fees, as these can impact your balance even with minimal activity. In contrast, active traders are particularly affected by trading fees, spreads, and overnight/swap fees—since these add up with frequent transactions or leveraged strategies. Always review a platform’s full fee schedule before making your choice.

What services are offered by crypto platforms?

More than just buying or selling cryptocurrencies, today’s leading crypto platforms provide a wide range of innovative services. These offer users the chance to optimise returns, diversify their investments, and join the growing Web3 ecosystem. Whether you want to earn passive income, access everyday payments, or explore DeFi and NFTs, the latest platforms cater to a broad spectrum of financial goals.

Crypto staking

Crypto staking involves locking up your cryptocurrencies to help secure proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchains like Ethereum or Solana. In return, you’re rewarded with additional tokens, similar to earning interest in a savings account. Platforms may offer flexible staking (withdraw anytime) or fixed/locked staking (rewards are higher if you commit for a period). Staking is an easy way for Filipino investors to grow their crypto passively.

Typical annual yields by popular coins:

• Flexible staking: withdraw at any time, lower yield.
• Locked staking: higher reward, funds are locked for a fixed duration.

Crypto lending

Crypto lending lets you lend your assets (often stablecoins) in exchange for interest, similar to a loan. This is popular for those looking to earn passive returns without selling their crypto. Lending is typically done via centralized platforms or DeFi protocols. For Philippine users, stablecoins like USDT or DAI are often chosen to avoid crypto price volatility.

Indicative annual yields for major assets:

• Stablecoins typically offer predictable returns and lower risk of price swings.

Crypto mining and farming

Crypto mining: Mining uses computing hardware (often ASICs or GPUs) to solve complex cryptographic problems, validate network transactions, and receive new coins as rewards. It requires significant upfront investment in equipment, access to stable and affordable electricity, and ongoing maintenance. In the Philippines, electricity cost can impact profitability, so location is key.

Yield farming: Yield farming is a DeFi practice where you supply crypto assets to liquidity pools (smart contracts) on platforms like Uniswap or PancakeSwap. In return, you earn a share of transaction fees and sometimes governance tokens. Yields can be higher than staking or lending but come with risks like impermanent loss and the volatility of token prices.

Typical yields:

NFT

NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are unique digital assets you can buy, sell, or create directly on many crypto platforms. Popular blockchains for NFTs include Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana. Each transaction may incur network fees—on Ethereum these can sometimes be high (“gas fees”), while Solana or Polygon are much cheaper. NFTs can represent digital art, music, collectibles, or in-game assets. Filipino users can participate by collecting, speculating, or minting their own NFT creations. Always consider creator royalties and market fees when trading NFTs.

Which cryptocurrencies can be traded on an online platform?

The world’s leading crypto trading platforms give you access to thousands of digital assets, offering a wide range of opportunities for both new and experienced investors. By 2025, over 10,000 cryptocurrencies are listed on the markets, but only a select group stand out with characteristics that make them suitable for trading—such as strong liquidity, pronounced volatility, or robust fundamental value. To help you spot the most relevant crypto categories available on popular platforms, here’s a summary table of major asset families and their trading interest.

Before choosing a cryptocurrency to trade, it’s critical to assess a few key indicators that can help you gauge potential risk and opportunity:

• Daily trading volume: Assets with daily volumes above 500 million USD (or PHP converted) generally offer better liquidity, allowing you to enter and exit positions more easily and with tighter spreads.
• Historical volatility: Some coins, like SOL or DOGE, are known for sharp price moves (5% to 20% daily), creating both opportunity and risk for active traders.
• Market capitalization: Cryptos in the top 20 by market cap tend to show greater stability and are less prone to price manipulation than “small-cap” assets.
• Real-world utility: Coins used for payments, smart contracts, or as core components in DeFi often have a stronger value foundation and greater potential to sustain their market importance over time.

Carefully analyzing these aspects can help you identify which crypto assets fit your trading goals and risk appetite on your chosen platform.

How to choose a cryptocurrency platform?

Choosing the right crypto exchange platform is a key decision that should be based on several factors, including your experience level, investment objectives—whether short-term trading or long-term holding—and the features you require. Some exchanges are designed for the mass market with user-friendly interfaces, while others focus on advanced trading tools for active traders, or on providing simple solutions best suited for beginners. Understanding these differences is essential to find a platform matching your needs, expectations, and preferences.

• Regulation and legal registration (ensure the platform is registered with trusted Philippine authorities or globally recognized regulators)
• Number of available cryptocurrencies for purchase or trading
• Transaction fees (including commissions, spreads, and withdrawal fees)
• Quality of the user interface (usability, speed, clarity)
• Trading tools offered (leverage, advanced order types, technical indicators)
• Staking or lending options available for earning passive income
• Reliable and high-performing mobile application
• Platform reputation (user reviews, security track record)
• Accepted deposit methods (bank transfers, cards, stablecoins)
• Customer support (local language availability, hours, responsiveness)

By evaluating these key criteria, you will be able to identify the crypto platform that best matches your profile—whether you are a long-term investor, an active trader, or a casual user.

What is the best crypto platform based on experience level?

Choosing the right crypto platform depends largely on your level of experience. Each trader profile—beginner, active trader, and advanced user—has different needs when it comes to ease of use, features, security, and support. Understanding which type of platform best fits your skills and goals will help you trade more confidently and efficiently.

Best Crypto Platform for Beginners

Beginners are new to crypto investing, often making their first trades. Their main needs are simplicity, safety, and educational support.

• Intuitive interface that is easy to navigate
• Clear instructions on buying and selling
• Strong security measures to protect funds
• Comprehensive customer support and FAQs
• Access to educational materials and tutorials

Informations importantes

Example: A new user in the Philippines downloads a user-friendly app, follows clear step-by-step instructions, and uses built-in guides to buy their first Bitcoin safely.

Best Crypto Platform for Active Traders

Active traders make frequent transactions and monitor the markets closely. They need advanced features without sacrificing performance or reliability.

• Fast and stable order execution
• Competitive trading fees for frequent trades
• Real-time charting and analytical tools
• Support for a wide range of cryptocurrencies
• Advanced order types and risk management features

Informations importantes

Example: An active trader tracks the Philippine crypto market daily, using advanced charts and placing multiple fast trades a day on a platform with low fees and reliable performance.

Best Crypto Platform for Experienced Traders

Experienced traders require professional-grade tools and customization. They often manage large portfolios and expect in-depth analytics and integration options.

• Advanced technical analysis and trading tools
• High liquidity and deep order books
• API access for algorithmic trading
• Customizable user interface and dashboards
• Priority customer support and security features

Informations importantes

Example: A professional trader in the Philippines connects their own trading bots via API, uses in-depth charting tools, and values having priority support to quickly resolve any issues.

Which crypto platforms are registered in PH?

In the Philippines, any company offering crypto-asset services—such as buying, selling, custody, or trading—must be registered with the local competent authority, specifically the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), or operate under an equivalent international authorization. Local registration ensures at least a minimum level of compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) obligations, operational security, and transparency for investors.

Registered Crypto Brokers in the Philippines

Platforms that are officially registered in the Philippines operate under the Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) framework supervised by the BSP. These entities have fulfilled local requirements for licensing, compliance, and reporting, similar to how PSANs are supervised in France or VASPs elsewhere.

Warning

Warning: Registration status is not a guarantee of capital protection, nor is it equivalent to a banking or asset management license.

Other Reliable Regulations in the Philippines

Some platforms are not locally registered as VASPs with the BSP but operate in the Philippine market under robust regulatory frameworks from the European Union or other respected international regulators. These firms may utilize passporting or equivalent legal mechanisms to offer their services.

These regulatory regimes enforce high standards regarding the security of funds, transparency, and fair treatment for clients, comparable with strong investor protection rules in the European Union.

What strategies are there for investing in cryptocurrencies?

Investing in cryptocurrencies can be approached in several ways, depending on how involved you wish to be, your investment timeline, and your comfort with risk. Whether you are looking for a hands-off strategy or prefer to actively manage your assets, understanding these options will help you find the method that matches your goals and profile.

What taxation applies to income from crypto trading in PH?

The taxation of crypto-assets in the Philippines is governed by current financial and tax regulations. The fiscal treatment of your crypto activities will depend both on whether your operations are occasional or professional and on the nature of the income generated (capital gains, interests, or others). It is important to understand how the different types of crypto transactions are taxed to ensure full compliance with local requirements.

Additional Information

• The capital gain is generally calculated as (Selling price – Cost basis per unit × Quantity sold).
• Taxpayers are responsible for declaring all crypto transactions in their annual income tax returns, including relevant details on capital gains or business income.
• If you have accounts on foreign crypto platforms, you may be required to declare these, especially for anti-money laundering and tax compliance purposes.
• Losses incurred from crypto transactions may potentially be offset against capital gains in future years, but only within the general loss-carry-over period (usually within 3 years after the loss was incurred) and provided proper documentation is kept.
• The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has increased oversight on crypto activities, so accurate record-keeping is essential.
• When receiving crypto as payment, both value-added tax (VAT) and income tax may apply, depending on the type of goods/services rendered.

This summary reflects the current practice and guidance from Philippine tax authorities regarding crypto-assets and may be updated as new regulations emerge. Always consult a qualified tax advisor for personal assessment.

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.