Crypto Basics

Kraken vs Coinbase - Which One is Better for Investors?

Explore the key differences between Kraken and Coinbase. Understand the top features, pricing, support and discover which crypto exchange is better.
S. Vishwa
7 Minutes
MIN

Navigating the world of cryptocurrency can be overwhelming with the myriad of choices available. Two of the most renowned exchanges, Kraken and Coinbase, often emerge as top contenders when investors are weighing their options

In this comprehensive post, we will delve into a detailed comparison to help you decide which platform aligns with your investment goals.

What is Crypto Exchange?

A cryptocurrency exchange is a digital platform allowing users to buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrencies for digital or other traditional currencies like US dollars or euros. 

Acting as intermediaries, these exchanges help in increasing the accessibility and liquidity of cryptocurrencies, making the market dynamic and competitive.

Coinbase Overview

Founded in 2012, Coinbase has rapidly become one of the leading crypto exchanges globally. Known for its user-friendly interface, it caters predominantly to beginners. 

Coinbase isn’t just an exchange; it’s a holistic platform offering various features like an educational sector called Coinbase Earn and a professional trading platform known as Coinbase Pro.

Kraken Overview

Established in 2011, Kraken is among the world's largest and oldest Bitcoin exchanges. Celebrated for its robust security measures, it serves both novice traders and seasoned professionals.

Kraken boasts a range of features such as futures trading and a unique dark pool for discreet trading, marking its space in the crypto ecosystem.

Kraken vs Coinbase Comparison

Both Kraken and Coinbase are titans in the cryptocurrency exchange arena, each offering a unique array of features and benefits. While both platforms serve the primary function of facilitating crypto trading, their methodologies differ, necessitating a detailed comparative analysis.

Kraken vs Coinbase Features

Both Kraken and Coinbase have carved their niche by offering distinctive features tailored to diverse user needs.

Kraken stands out for its advanced trading mechanisms, encompassing futures trading, margin trading, and the unique provision of a dark pool, which allows traders to place large orders discreetly without revealing their intent to the market.

This is particularly useful for institutional or high-volume traders who wish to avoid impacting the market price.
Check
- Latest Offers from Kraken 

On the flip side, Coinbase shines with its dual-platform approach. The standard Coinbase platform is designed for newcomers, emphasizing ease-of-use and intuitive navigation. For seasoned traders, Coinbase Pro offers a more detailed trading experience. 

Additionally, Coinbase’s educational section, known as 'Coinbase Earn', is a novel initiative that empowers users to learn about different cryptocurrencies while earning rewards, bridging the knowledge gap in the crypto domain.

Currencies Supported

When considering major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Cardano, both Kraken and Coinbase have you covered. These platforms prominently feature most of the top 20 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, complemented by an assortment of niche coins and tokens. 

Whether you're interested in smart contract platforms, tokens tied to the gaming metaverse, or decentralized finance innovations, both exchanges cater to a broad spectrum.

Numerically, Coinbase slightly outperforms with a repertoire of over 210 digital assets, with a significant portion accessible to U.S. clientele. In contrast, Kraken boasts nearly 200 listings, though around 40 remain off-limits for U.S-based traders. 

While certain Coinbase offerings elude New York enthusiasts, Kraken doesn't cater to either New York or Washington. However, it's worth noting Coinbase's absence in Hawaii, highlighting the regional nuances in accessibility.

Security Review

For every cryptocurrency enthusiast, ensuring top-tier security is paramount, given the historical breaches in crypto platforms. Both Coinbase and Kraken are lauded for their stringent measures. Some highlights include:

Offline Safeguarding: Both exchanges prioritize storing a vast majority of assets in cold storage, significantly reducing cyber-attack risks. Notably, Kraken mentions that its servers are fortified within guarded enclosures.

Encouraging Ethical Hacking: Reward programs for ethical hackers are prevalent in both, urging the discovery of potential vulnerabilities.

User Safeguards: Multi-factor authentication and heightened withdrawal shields are standard across both platforms, enhancing user security.

Insurance Stance: Here's a distinction. While Kraken focuses on its role as a trading platform, sidelining third-party insurance, Coinbase commits to mitigating losses from specific incidents and ensures its U.S. dollar holdings (for U.S. residents) with FDIC insurance, though this doesn’t extend to cryptocurrencies. 

Remember, the security in crypto exchanges isn't analogous to traditional banks, where FDIC covers up to $250,000 in bank failures.

Fees

Kraken: Kraken's tiered fee structure based on the 30-day trading volume typically results in lower fees for high-volume trades. Check the updated pricing here.

Coinbase: Transactions on Coinbase involve a spread of approximately 0.50%, with additional fees that vary based on transaction size and payment method.

Ease Of Use

Kraken: With its detailed trading tools, Kraken might appear complex to new entrants but is highly revered by professional traders.

Coinbase: Its intuitive interface ensures even those new to the crypto space can trade with ease. This simplicity has contributed immensely to its global popularity.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice between Kraken and Coinbase should align with your trading expertise and requirements. If you prioritize an easy-to-use interface and educational tools, Coinbase is your best bet. 

On the other hand, if advanced trading tools and potentially lower fees resonate more with you, Kraken could be your go-to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the customer support options available for Kraken and Coinbase?

While both Kraken and Coinbase offer extensive online support documentation and email support, Coinbase also provides phone support for immediate account concerns. Users should always go through official channels and beware of potential scams on third-party platforms.

Q2. Do Kraken and Coinbase offer mobile applications for trading on-the-go?

Yes, both exchanges have mobile apps available for iOS and Android. These apps allow users to manage their portfolios, execute trades, and monitor the market seamlessly.

Q3. How do the withdrawal and deposit fees compare between Kraken and Coinbase?

While both exchanges have competitive fee structures, they differ based on the method and amount of the transaction. It's recommended to check their official websites for detailed and up-to-date fee information.

Q4. Can I stake my cryptocurrencies on Kraken and Coinbase?

Both Kraken and Coinbase have introduced staking for certain cryptocurrencies. Staking allows users to earn rewards by holding and supporting the operations of a blockchain network.

Q5. Is there a minimum deposit requirement to start trading on Kraken or Coinbase?

The minimum deposit varies based on the cryptocurrency. Both platforms aim to keep the entry barrier low, but it's always best to check the specifics before initiating a deposit.

Q6. Do Kraken and Coinbase offer any educational resources for beginners?

Coinbase has a dedicated section called 'Coinbase Earn' where users can learn about cryptocurrencies and earn rewards. Kraken also provides a plethora of informational articles and guides through its support center and blog.

Q7. How do Kraken and Coinbase handle hard forks in the cryptocurrency market?

Both exchanges have policies in place to handle hard forks, aiming to protect user interests. However, their support for new coins resulting from hard forks varies and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Q8. Are there any geographical restrictions for using Kraken or Coinbase?

While both platforms cater to a global audience, there are certain regions where their services are restricted or modified due to regulatory requirements. For instance, Kraken doesn't operate in New York or Washington, and Coinbase isn't available in Hawaii.

Conclusion

The Kraken vs. Coinbase debate doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer. Both platforms, with their distinct features, cater to different segments of traders. 

It's pivotal to ascertain your trading preferences and financial goals before choosing an exchange. Remember, staying informed and updated is key in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency trading. Happy investing!

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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Crypto Basics

What is Shiba Inu (SHIB) Coin and is it a Good Investment?

Token Metrics Team
6 minutes
MIN

Shiba Inu (SHIB) is an Ethereum-based altcoin in the world of cryptocurrencies and has recently gained attention. It is a meme-inspired project based on the "Dogecoin" meme featuring the Shiba Inu dog as its mascot.

SHIB has been launched as a decentralized cryptocurrency built on the Ethereum blockchain. It is a deflationary token designed to be used as a medium of exchange and store of value. SHIB has a total supply of 1,000,000,000,000 tokens and is currently being traded on major exchanges such as Binance, OKEx, and Huobi.

SHIB has seen a huge surge in price and popularity since its launch in May 2021 and has become one of the most talked about cryptocurrencies in the market, with arguably the largest community than Bitcoin.

In this article, we will look at Shiba Inu coin, its features, and its potential for investors.

History Of Shiba Inu

Originally, Shiba Inu was launched as a direct competitor of Dogecoin as a joke. Both Shiba Inu and Dogecoin come under the category of meme coins. The meme coin originated from a 2013 meme featuring the Japanese breed dog of the same name. What began as a community-driven token representing a meme became a multi-billion dollar crypto project.

In 2020, an anonymous person or group called "Ryoshi” created a token named after the animal to continue the series of dog meme cryptocurrencies. After gaining full traction in 2021, it was declared the official rival of Dogecoin, leading Floki Inu, Akita Inu, and Dogelon Mars.

From its creation to up until October 2021, the SHIB coin raised from a low of $0.000000000056 to an all-time high of $0.00008616, rising an incredible 150 million percent.

Also, the generous donation of $1 billion in SHIB was a crucial moment in the coin's history that Ethereum's lead engineer and co-founder Vitalik Buterin granted to help fight the devastating spread of COVID-19 in India, making it the largest donation ever given in history. 

The Limelight Of SHIB

Having the support of Elon Musk is like getting the blue tick certification. Elon and his tweets have an extreme market sentiment influence which can make or break the deal for a cryptocurrency.

Shiba Inu is one such outrageously positive outcome of his tweets. When he first posted the Shiba Inu dog image, it gave the first major push to the SHIB token, powering it up by nearly 300%.

Some of the SHIB supporters believe it to be the "Dogecoin-Killer," too.

Top Features of SHIB

SHIB is a deflationary token designed to be used as a medium of exchange and store of value. It is a privacy-enabled decentralized peer-to-peer blockchain network. 

Three types of tokens affect the SHIB ecosystem:

  1. Shiba Inu (SHIB): This is the predominant currency of this project, which sums up to a total supply of 1 quadrillion tokens when it was launched. It can be exchanged with any of the ERC20 tokens of the Ethereum ecosystem.
  2. Leash (LEASH): It is the second token in the Shiba Inu ecosystem, with a total supply of only 107,646 tokens, and was initially a rebase token tied to the price of Dogecoin. A rebase token has a flexible monetary base in that its supply is set to increase or decrease to adjust the token price without affecting the value of anyone's share of coins. The rebase function was later switched off for good, and the token returned to its ERC20 design. 
  3. Bone (BONE): With a total supply of 250,000,000 tokens, only available on ShibaSwap, BONE is intended to fill up the circulation supply gap between the other two tokens. It is a kind of governance token that will allow the ShibArmy to vote on proposals. The more BONE users possess, the more weight their vote will carry in the decision process of future projects.

What are the Benefits of Investing in SHIB?

A Meme-Inspired Cryptocurrency - The core feature of SHIB is that it is a meme-inspired cryptocurrency launched on the Ethereum blockchain. It is a deflationary token designed to be used as a medium of exchange and store of value.

A Lower Price - SHIB is a low-priced token worth in pennies, which is easier for most people to invest in compared to something like Bitcoin.‍

A Decentralized Network - SHIB aims to be a decentralized network to keep on running, without any reasons for halting.‍

An Easy-To-Use Wallet - The SHIB blockchain network has been designed to be easy to use. This makes it a preferred option for most users. Three different wallets are available for use: Android, iOS, and Web.

How to Purchase SHIB Token?

SHIB and LEASH can be bought and sold on ShibaSwap, Uniswap, and a growing number of centralized exchanges (CEXs). On September 16, 2021, Coinbase listed SHIB, joining popular CEXs like Binance, Huobi, and Kucoin in trading the token. 

However, Robinhood, a U.S. financial services platform, has yet to list SHIB due to concerns over its security, as stated by its CEO. In contrast, Robinhood's rival Public.com listed SHIB in October 2021.

Is SHIB Token a Good Investment in 2023?

Shiba Inu's growth largely depends on market sentiment. During extremely fearful times, Shiba Inu underperforms; however, during euphoric times, Shiba Inu has the potential to explode in popularity.

While you analyze Shiba Inu's market position, make it a point to distinguish between market capitalization and price. SHIB's low price can deceive new investors, causing them to inaccurately gauge SHIB's price potential. Market capitalization is usually calculated by multiplying the total circulating supply of coins by the current market price of a single coin, which is useful for determining growth potential. 

At the time of writing, SHIB's price is roughly $0.000012. Therefore, if SHIB were to reach $0.01, investors would experience a return of over 800x. However, more importantly, to reach $0.01, Shiba Inu would need to reach a whopping market value north of $5 trillion. This value is greater than the market value of Apple, Google, and Bitcoin combined. As a result, when making realistic price predictions, it's paramount to consider market capitalization.

SHIB Price and Market Capitalization

As of Feb 1st,2023, Shiba Inu is trading at $0.000012 USD. The current market capitalization of the SHIB token is over $6.70B. This makes SHIB rank 81st in terms of market capitalization among all cryptocurrencies.

The Bottom Line

The Shiba Inu developing team is quite secretive about the coin roadmap. Therefore, it's rather difficult to anticipate what's in the cards for the cryptocurrency in the near future.

The developers might decide to burn other coins to make SHIB more deflationary than it is now and help with a price appreciation. We recently learned that Shiba is preparing to enter the Metaverse and will be burning more SHIB soon, further reducing the total supply.

Crypto Basics

What is Litecoin (LTC) - A Comprehensive Guide

Token Metrics Team
5 minutes
MIN

Litecoin (LTC)is a digital currency that has gained traction in the cryptocurrency space. Its primary purpose is to serve as an alternative to Bitcoin, and it has been gaining popularity due to its relative affordability and security.

This article will explain Litecoin, its benefits, uses, mining, and more.

What is Litecoin?‍

Developed in 2011, Litecoin is a decentralized, peer-to-peer, open-source cryptocurrency, meaning any government or financial institution does not manage it.

Litecoin is based on the same technology as Bitcoin but uses a different algorithm called 'scrypt,' which requires a larger amount of memory and is believed to be more secure. It is also easier to mine than Bitcoin, meaning users can create new Litecoins more quickly and easily.

Unlike traditional currency, Litecoin is not backed by any government or central bank but is managed and held in a digital wallet. Transactions are then recorded on a public ledger, meaning that all transactions are transparent and secure. Litecoin is an ideal digital currency for those looking for an alternative to traditional money, as it provides users with an easy, secure, and affordable way to transfer funds.

It is designed to function like "silver to Bitcoin's gold."

How is Litecoin Different from Bitcoin?

Like Bitcoin, Litecoin is a decentralized, open-source currency that uses blockchain technology to facilitate secure and anonymous digital transfers. However, there are some key differences between the two cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin Litecoin
Bitcoin is designed to be used as a store of value. Litecoin is designed to be used as a payment method.
Bitcoin's supply cap is 21 million. Litecoin can ever be mined is 84 million.
Bitcoin transactions can take 10 minutes. Litecoin transactions are confirmed in 2.5 minutes.
Bitcoin uses the more secure algorithm 'SHA-256' Litecoin uses an open-source algorithm called 'scrypt'
Bitcoin is portable to some extent. Litecoin is more portable than Bitcoin.
Bitcoin might be a little challenging to mine. Litecoin is easier to mine.
You might need a third party to inter-device fund transfer. You can transfer your funds from one device to another without relying on a third party.
Bitcoins are generated at a slower rate. Litecoins are generated at a faster rate.


What is Litecoin Mining?

Mining is a process by which new Litecoins are created and added to the blockchain.

Computers around the world 'mine' new blocks by solving complex algorithms.

This process helps them to earn new crypto coins and add them to the blockchain.

To mine, a computer must use special software and run it on high-end hardware. This can take up a lot of energy.

What is a Litecoin Wallet?

A Litecoin wallet is a physical or digital location where you store your LTC. The easiest way to think of a Litecoin wallet is as a place to store your LTC. Most wallets are online, but you can also download them to your phone or computer.

You can store LTC in a wallet like Coinbase or Exodus, or you can store it in a paper or hardware wallet.

It is advised that you should only store it in a wallet you control, such as your own.

Most wallets allow you to control multiple addresses, which can be useful when accepting payments from multiple people.

Benefits of Using Litecoin

Following are some of the benefits of using Litecoin LTC:

Instant transfers - There's no waiting for a bank or service to transfer funds like with PayPal. You can transfer funds instantly between two addresses.‍

Low transaction fees - Unlike Bitcoin transactions, which can cost hundreds of dollars, your Litecoin transactions cost less than 2 cents each. ‍

Mobile compatibility - You can access your Litecoin wallet on all your devices, which is helpful when completing transactions on the go. ‍

Privacy - Bitcoin and other digital currencies like Litecoin are designed to be private and secure. ‍

Easier to store - Like Bitcoin, Litecoin can be stored on various devices, including laptops, PCs, and smartphones. ‍

Escrow service - You can use a service like Escrow.com to hold LTC for you until both parties agree to the terms.

How to Buy Litecoin?

There are several exchanges where you can buy, sell, or trade LTC on, including

  • Coinbase
  • Kraken
  • Gemini
  • Binance
  • KuCoin

What is the Future of Litecoin?

Litecoin has been gaining a lot of popularity recently and is expected to continue growing in use. It can be a very profitable investment due to its relatively low price, which is expected to rise in the future.

Litecoin is easier to mine than Bitcoin, and mining costs less, making mining it more attractive. The block reward is also expected to reduce, further incentivizing mining. Litecoin is also more portable than Bitcoin because it can be stored on various devices, making it easier to use.

Bottom Line

Although Litecoin is still in a race for popularity in the crypto world, it's strictly advisable to do your own research and analysis before getting to business. As with any cryptocurrency, it is highly speculative and subject to high volatility, initially making it a high-risk investment.

Whether it is wise to invest in Litecoin depends on individual circumstances, risk tolerance, and investment goals. Before investing in any cryptocurrency, it is important to carefully consider factors such as the technology behind it, market adoption, regulatory environment, and competition. 

Crypto Basics

What are 3D NFTs and How Do They Work?

Token Metrics Team
6 minutes
MIN

‍3D NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, are the latest trend in digital asset ownership. They are a form of digital asset that is unique, completely non-fungible, and immutable, allowing anyone to securely own and trade digital assets in a brand new way.

3D NFTs are created using 3D modeling tools such as Blender and 3D Studio Max, and stored on the blockchain, making them secure, transparent, and immutable. It’s now possible to own and trade digital assets in a new way. This article will take a closer look at what 3D NFTs are, how they work, and how you can use them to your advantage.

How Do 3D NFTs Work?

In order to own a 3D NFT, you will need a digital wallet that supports the creation and trade of 3D NFTs. These wallets will store your 3D NFTs, making them easy to trade with others and view your ownership rights in the blockchain. If you want to trade your 3D NFTs, you can easily do so by sending your 3D NFTs from your wallet to the wallet of the individual you want to trade with.

How are 3D NFTs Different from Other Digital Assets?

3D NFTs are different than other digital assets in that they are completely non-fungible. This means that each 3D NFT is completely one of a kind, making each one completely different from the next. Because each 3D NFT is one of a kind, each one will have its own value that can fluctuate depending on the demand for that 3D NFT.

Benefits of 3D NFTs

There are many benefits to using 3D NFTs over other digital assets. First and foremost, each 3D NFT is completely one of a kind, making them completely unique and interesting. This makes them much more exciting to collect, trade, and own. Since each 3D NFT is completely one of a kind and can be anything, they are much more interesting to own than other digital assets.

3D NFTs are also secure, transparent, and immutable, meaning that they can’t be hacked, all ownership rights can be seen by anyone, and they can’t be changed or manipulated in any way. Finally, they are also easy to create and trade, meaning anyone can start collecting and trading these digital assets.

How to Create 3D NFTs?

To create a 3D NFT, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Create or obtain a 3D model: You can create a 3D model from scratch using software like Blender or obtain one from an online marketplace.
  2. Convert the 3D model into a GLTF file format: This format is supported by most NFT marketplaces and makes it easier to display and view the 3D model in various environments.
  3. Mint the NFT: Minting is the process of creating a unique, one-of-a-kind token on the blockchain. You will need to use a blockchain platform like Ethereum and a tool like OpenSea to mint your 3D NFT.
  4. List the NFT for sale: Once you have minted your NFT, you can list it on various marketplaces such as SuperRare, Rarible, or OpenSea.

Where to Buy and Sell 3D NFTs?

There are various places where you can purchase and sell 3D NFTs, making them easy to trade with others. You can purchase 3D NFTs from online 3D asset marketplaces, such as Rarible, which allow you to purchase and sell unique 3D NFTs.

You can also use other known marketplaces, such as OpenSea or Magic Eden, to easily purchase and sell 3D NFTs.

How to Store 3D NFTs?

You will need to store your 3D NFTs in a digital wallet that supports 3D NFTs. Several different wallets support 3D NFTs; many even have mobile apps that make it easy to trade and collect your 3D NFTs.

How to Use 3D NFTs for Your Business?

If you want to use 3D NFTs in your business, they can be a great way to engage with your customers.

You can create your own 3D NFTs to give to customers, allowing them to trade and show off their digital assets.

You can also sell unique 3D NFTs, allowing customers to own rare, one-of-a-kind assets.

You can also use 3D NFTs as a loyalty reward, giving your customers a unique digital asset to show their loyalty to your brand.

The possibilities are endless. Reddit is a good example of this.

Types of 3D NFTs

There are various types of 3D NFTs you can collect and trade. You can collect unique video game characters, unique pieces of art, limited-edition sneakers, or even use 3D NFTs for marketing campaigns.

No matter what type of 3D NFT you collect, they will all be completely one of a kind, making them much more interesting to collect and trade than traditional digital assets. Also, 3D NFT projects are numerous and range from digital art to virtual real estate. 

Some of the most popular 3D NFT projects include:

  1. Decentraland: A virtual world where users can buy, sell, and build on virtual real estate using NFTs.
  2. Axie Infinity: A game where players can breed, battle, and trade creatures called Axies using NFTs.
  3. Bored Ape Yacht Club: A collectible game where players can own and trade unique, cartoon-style apes as NFTs.

Legal implications of 3D NFTs

There are very few legal implications to collecting and trading 3D NFTs. While you should always research to ensure you follow all applicable laws, most of these laws focus on trading and selling 3D NFTs rather than collecting and owning them.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, 3D NFTs are a new and exciting development in the world of digital assets, providing a way to prove ownership and authenticity of 3D models and monetize digital art, games, and virtual assets. With the potential for limitless applications, 3D NFTs are poised to revolutionize the way we think about and trade digital assets.

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