Coinbase vs. Coinbase Pro – which is best? Both platform variants offer good opportunities for this. However, Coinbase is aimed primarily at beginners and the Pro version is tailor-made for the more ambitious and experienced traders. The direct comparison of Coinbase Pro vs. Coinbase shows where the differences lie.
Table of contents
- Side-by-side comparison
- Why are there two variants at all?
- How to use both platforms?
- Who offers more options?
- Who offers more features?
- Who offers more security?
- Who has the cheapest fees?
- Who offers faster login
- Who offers more ease of use?
- Who Offers More Extras – Coinbase or Coinbase Pro?
- Demo account?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Coinbase vs. Coinbase Pro – Comparison
Below is a side-by-side comparison of Coinbase versus Coinbase Pro:
Feature |
Coinbase |
Coinbase Pro |
---|---|---|
User Experience |
Beginner-friendly, intuitive interface |
Designed for experienced traders |
Available Cryptocurrencies |
Wide range of popular cryptocurrencies |
Expanded selection of cryptocurrencies |
Trading Fees |
Higher fees for simplicity |
Lower fees for frequent traders |
Advanced Trading Features |
Limited tools for advanced trading |
Extensive charting and trading options |
Payment Methods |
Debit/credit card, PayPal, bank transfer |
Bank transfer, cryptocurrency deposits |
Security Measures |
High security standards |
Advanced security options |
Mobile App |
Yes |
Yes |
Customer Support |
Responsive customer service |
Priority support for Pro users |
Fiat to Crypto Conversion |
Instant buy/sell options |
Limit, market, and stop orders |
Institutional Services |
Not available |
Available for institutional investors |
API Access |
Yes |
Yes |
Coinbase Pro vs. Coinbase – why are there two variants at all?
Coinbase has been active since 2012 and has steadily expanded its trading offerings since then. With the IPO in 2021, the Coinbase share was included in the Nasdaq. While the platform was aimed at all those interested in trading at the time, it is now more differentiated. In order to meet the requirements of beginners and professionals alike, the company decided on a division:
There are differences in the trading costs, the payment options, and the options for action. When it comes to the user-friendliness of the platform or the support, both are on an equal footing. In our Coinbase review, you can find all the important information about the platform, so that you can get a first impression.
Coinbase vs. Coinbase Pro – how to use both platforms?
In principle, it is possible to combine both platforms. Traders can conveniently transfer funds from Coinbase to Coinbase Pro and vice versa. If traders decide to switch from Coinbase to the Pro version, the transaction succeeds as follows:
- Go to Coinbase Pro and log in
- Choose deposits
- Determine currency type
- Enter amount
Important: Coinbase clearly displays the current account balances. However, only amounts marked as “Available to Deposit” are released for transaction.
Who offers more options?
A direct comparison of the two platforms shows that Coinbase Pro offers significantly more digital currency variety. While Coinbase provides more than 100 cryptocurrencies, the Pro version has more than 250.
For traders, this means even more choice, but also more pressure. After all, it’s not that easy to always keep an eye on the more than 250 currencies. There are some similarities in the comparison of the supported currencies.
Both platforms support fiat currencies like:
- EUR
- USD
- GBP
In addition, more than 50 altcoins are available for both. The difference: At Coinbase, traders can trade BSV, for example, but not LOOM or GNZT. This in turn is possible with Coinbase Pro, but no BSV.
Coinbase Pro vs. Coinbase – both platforms support the most important digital currencies: ETH, LTC , ADA, BCH, XLM, LINK, UNI and AAVE. Experience shows that the selection is constantly expanding, because the crypto market is also in flux.
Coinbase Pro vs. Coinbase – who offers more features?
Since both platforms are aimed at different trading types, the features are also different. The tools for chart analysis (including generating technical signals) are much more extensive in the Pro version. After all, the ambitious traders need more information and would like support in analyzing the more than 200 digital currencies.
In order to make a direct comparison of Coinbase vs. Coinbase Pro, it helps to focus on the following categories:
- Mobile application
- Wallet
- Training opportunities
The mobile application is well solved on both platforms. If you want, you can download the free app or use the mobile browser on your smartphone or tablet. The technical implementation is impeccable because delayed course displays or bugs are not recognizable. Regular updates ensure that the trading platforms also work reliably on mobile devices.
The wallet solution is available on both platforms. The advantage: Non-Coinbase users also have access to the digital wallet.
There are hardly any discernible differences in the further training opportunities, at least in terms of diversity. The learning content is adapted to the different target groups. Nevertheless, they are fortunately available at Coinbase and Coinbase Pro. Users have access to:
- videos
- knowledge base
- instructions
- guides
Both platforms also provide free information on the current market situation.
Coinbase Pro vs. Coinbase – this is what makes the Pro version better
There must be at least one difference between the platform for professionals and hobby traders. In practice, it becomes clear: the real-time charting tools are only available with the professional version. Traders also have access to trading history, pie charts and much more. This makes chart analysis much more precise.
Differences can also be seen in the transaction types in Coinbase vs. Coinbase Pro. Coinbase offers: buy, sell, send and receive transactions. With Coinbase Pro, traders can also use stop orders, limit orders and margin orders.
Who offers more security?
In principle, every platform should offer maximum security. Coinbase relies on cold storage. According to their own information, 98% of liquid customers are stored offline. 2% remain online, but protected by insurance.
Coinbase Pro also relies on cold storage of the coins and, like Coinbase, also offers 2-factor authentication. It is advisable for both platforms, offers maximum protection. In addition, with the Pro version, users can save their insoles individually offline.
Who has the cheapest fees?
The direct comparison of fees is not so easy for both variants. Since both platforms are aimed at different trader clientele, the fees are also variable.
The fee table at Coinbase is much more complex (if not to say more complicated) compared to the Pro version. The direct price comparison at Coinbase Pro vs. Coinbase also brings something amazing: Coinbase is more expensive. For example, the base rate for buying and selling in the US is 2%. Fees are additional and may vary depending on payment method and location.
Coinbase Pro relies on a simplified fee model, which is designed according to trading volume. As an example:
- Transactions under $10,000 in volume will incur a 0.50% fee
- Transactions between $10,000 and $50,000 incur a 0.35% fee
- Transactions from $50,000 to $100,000 incur a 0.25% fee
- Transactions over $100,000-$1,000,000 incur a 0.20% fee
Who offers faster login?
There is noticeable that there are differences in the hurdles for registration. If you want to register, you can do so conveniently online on both platforms. It only takes a few minutes to complete the registration form.
The structure differs in a few points, because more business-related information is required in the Pro version. For example, future traders at Coinbase Pro must specify how many employees their company has or which business they run. In addition, questions about previous trading experience and trading volume are required.
Who offers more ease of use?
Ease of use is particularly important to most users. After all, it’s about them finding their way around the app or the desktop version quickly. No long loading times, no cumbersome search in the menu structure or for interesting trading offers – that’s how a trading platform should convince.
Coinbase and the Pro version can be used comfortably on the PC without the need for a download. A plus, because this saves storage space. If you want to access the platform using your mobile device, you don’t need an app. Coinbase and Coinbase Pro were designed for mobile use. Access via the mobile browser makes the app redundant.
If you still prefer apps, you don’t have to do without Coinbase. Both applications can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple or Google store. What does Coinbase Pro offer?
The app convinces with:
- Real-time quotes
- Access to order book
- Extended order form
- Various market orders
In the Coinbase app, users can conveniently trade and even stake the digital currencies on offer.
Who Offers More Extras?
For ambitious traders, the various tools and features for price analysis are definitely a big win. But Coinbase doesn’t have to hide, because even less ambitious traders will find something special here: staking. A broker comparison (also with the review of Bitpanda vs. Coinbase) shows that staking is not yet widespread. Coinbase offers its users this opportunity to make money.
This requires the ETH wallet, in which users have to keep their coins. Anyone who decides to do so will receive a credit of up to 5%. Customers in Nigeria have the opportunity to buy directly on the platform and automatically stake for, among others:
- Tezos
- Cosmos
The advantage: Thanks to the staking pool, Coinbase users can stake and earn money from as little as $1.
How do staking payouts work on Coinbase?
The conditions for the payouts are adjusted again and again, because Coinbase is constantly expanding the staking offers. Anyone who is interested in the additional option to earn money has a one-time waiting period of between 7-40 days, depending on the currency selected, including:
- XTZ: waiting period between 35-40 days
- ATOM: waiting period between 7-14 days
Anyone who has completed the waiting period will receive a credit payment to their account every three days. For example, it is 5% annually for Cosmos and 4.63% for Tezos.
However, not all of the profits generated are paid out. Coinbase keeps a small percentage as adjusted for profit and time. Users should always find out how high the current commission fees are from the user agreements.
Coinbase vs. Coinbase Pro – where is a demo account?
Many traders are unsure at first. The result is hesitant action on the crypto market. Wouldn’t it be nice if a demo account was waiting to get started? Coinbase and Coinbase Pro offer little variety in account variants.
Those who register on the platforms can only choose from one account variant. On the one hand, this makes the selection easier and saves time. On the other hand, there are no demo accounts with virtual funds. This is disadvantageous for everyone who initially acts without risk and wants to look around the crypto market.
Conclusion
The direct comparison Coinbase Pro vs. Coinbase is not easy due to the different target groups. Coinbase is a particularly good platform for beginners. The Pro version, with its various trading options, is aimed at ambitious and experienced traders. There are also clear differences in the selection of available coins.
The Pro version is ahead with more than 250 coins. The same applies to fees, because traders pay around 1.5% when buying via bank transfer and around 4% when buying with a credit card. The average trading fees at Coinbase are usually higher. In terms of usability and support, both platforms score top marks.
FAQ
- How is Coinbase vs Coinbase Pro different?
The platforms are primarily aimed at different users. While the Pro version is aimed at ambitious traders, Coinbase is aimed at beginners. The differences are also evident in the currencies offered, as well as trading opportunities and trading costs. When it comes to price analysis, the Pro version has a lot more support. At Coinbase, users buy and sell. Significantly more trade types are used in the Pro version.
- Who offers more account solutions?
Both platforms do not provide variety in the choice of choices. Anyone who registers can only register for one account model. The frequently used demo account with virtual credit is also missing from Coinbase and Coinbase Pro. If you want to try out your options on the crypto market without risk, you should look around for broker alternatives.
- Which platform has further training opportunities?
Free training material would be desirable, especially for trading beginners. Coinbase offers an extensive FAQ area with many explanations of basic terms and trading-related topics. However, trading instructions or tips from professionals are missing. The same applies to the Pro version.
- Where can users download the app?
Coinbase and Coinbase Pro have a free app. It can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play. As with the trading offers, there are clear differences in functionality. When it comes to the user-friendliness of the app, however, both platforms are on an equal footing. If you don’t want to download the app, you can use your mobile browser.
- Who Offers Better Support – Coinbase Pro vs. Coinbase?
The support for Coinbase and Coinbase Pro comes from the same provider. That means: When it comes to support quality, both meet on an equal footing. If users have questions, you will find numerous important answers in the FAQ area. If you still need support, you can contact the team via email or the online form. The questions will be answered promptly, but can take much longer, especially on weekends.