NFT Rarity - What it Means and How to Calculate it?
A simple guide to understand everything about NFT Rarity Score and how it is calculated.
Token Metrics Team
5 minutes
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Non-Fungible Tokens, or NFTs, have exploded in popularity in recent years, with many people looking to invest in or collect these unique crypto tokens. However, not all NFTs are created equal – some are more valuable than others. One key factor that determines the value of an NFT is rarity. In this article, we will explore what NFT rarity is, how it works, and how to determine the rarity of an NFT. By understanding these concepts, investors can make more informed decisions when it comes to buying and selling NFTs.
What are Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)?
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are a type of cryptocurrency token, like Bitcoin or Dogecoin. However, what sets NFTs apart from other crypto tokens is their "non-fungibility," meaning that they cannot be mutually exchanged. In other words, every NFT is unique and has its own set of properties, making them distinct from one another.
NFTs have become a popular market, with some tokens having high value compared to others. This has led to a surge in interest in NFTs, with many people wanting to invest in or collect them.
What is NFT Rarity?
One factor that determines the value of an NFT is rarity. NFT rarity refers to how common a specific NFT is within a collection. Typically, the rarer the NFT, the higher its price.
In simple words, NFT rarity refers to the uniqueness or scarcity of a non-fungible token (NFT). Each NFT is created with a unique identifier that makes it distinct from all other NFTs. However, within a collection of NFTs, there can be variations in the rarity or scarcity of the different tokens.
These variations can be based on a variety of factors such as the number of tokens in a collection, the design or artwork of the token, or the properties and attributes assigned to the token. Rarity can impact the value of an NFT, as collectors and investors may be willing to pay more for a rare or highly sought-after NFT. Additionally, NFT creators and collectors may use rarity as a way to create excitement and interest in a particular collection or token.
How Does NFT Rarity Work?
To understand how NFT rarity works, it's important to know that when a new NFT is minted, it has a set of unique properties, known as traits, that cannot be changed. While NFTs can share a trait, no two NFTs are typically identical in a randomized collection.
NFTs with rarer features are more likely to sell for a higher price than those with more common features. As the floor price of a collection increases, the rarer NFTs also tend to increase more in value than the average of the entire collection.
How to Determine NFT Rarity?
Knowing how to spot rarity beforehand can give investors an advantage when it comes to NFT collecting. This can save them time and money, and give them an edge over other traders in the marketplace with information about the value trajectory of a specific type of NFT over time.
There are a few different ways to determine the rarity of an NFT. One way is to use NFT Rarity sites like Rarity Tools. This can help you find if an NFT is rare and in high demand.
Another option is to use a Rarity Ranks Extension, such as the Rarity Ranks extension. However, installing extensions may be risky and steal your confidential data.
Another way to determine NFT rarity is to use a tool like OpenSea, which allows users to create, buy, and sell NFTs. By viewing an entire collection when clicking on an NFT, users can get a sense of the rarity of a specific token. The average collection size is 10,000 items, though this can vary for different projects.
Best NFT Rarity Checker
Determining the rarity of an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) is an important aspect of the NFT market. It can help buyers make informed decisions about the value and potential appreciation of a particular NFT. While there are several NFT rarity checkers available, it's difficult to identify the "best" one as different checkers may use different algorithms and data sources. Some popular NFT rarity checkers include Rarity.tools and Rarity Sniper.
Rarity.tools is a widely used platform that allows users to check rarity scores for a variety of NFT collections. Rarity Sniper provides a rarity score for each NFT, along with data on its trading history and price trends. Ultimately, the best NFT rarity checker depends on individual preferences and needs.
Why is Rarity Important for NFTs?
Rarity is important in the NFT market because it can affect the value and demand for a specific token. Because each look is limited to a specific number across the collection, some are statistically harder to come by – just like a Shiny Pokémon in the Pokémon universe. An NFT with a combination of rare attributes is more likely to sell for a higher price than those with more common traits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NFT rarity is a key factor in determining the value of an NFT. By understanding how to spot and assess rarity, investors can make more informed decisions when it comes to buying and selling NFTs.
Tools like the NFT Rarity App and the Rarity Ranks Extension can be helpful in determining the rarity of a specific NFT. With this knowledge, investors can make more strategic decisions about their NFT investments and potentially maximize their returns.
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/NFT 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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Token Metrics Team
The Token Metrics Team comprises blockchain and cryptocurrency experts dedicated to providing accurate information and empowering investors. Through our blog, we aim to educate and inspire readers to navigate the world of cryptocurrencies confidently.
Token Metrics Team
The Token Metrics Team comprises blockchain and cryptocurrency experts dedicated to providing accurate information and empowering investors. Through our blog, we aim to educate and inspire readers to navigate the world of cryptocurrencies confidently.
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Why Institutional Crypto Custody Providers Matter in September 2025
Institutional custody is the backbone of professional digital-asset operations. The right institutional custody provider can safeguard private keys, segregate client assets, streamline settlement, and enable workflows like staking, financing, and governance. In one sentence: an institutional crypto custodian is a regulated organization that safekeeps private keys and operationalizes secure asset movements for professional clients. In 2025, rising ETF inflows, tokenization pilots, and on-chain settlement networks make safe storage and compliant operations non-negotiable. This guide is for funds, treasuries, brokers, and corporates evaluating digital asset custody partners across the US, EU, and APAC. We compare security posture, regulatory status (e.g., qualified custodian where applicable), asset coverage, fees, and enterprise UX—so you can shortlist fast and execute confidently.
Support (5%): White-glove ops, SLAs, incident response, onboarding speed.
Data sources: Official product/docs, trust/security pages, regulatory/licensing pages, and custodian legal/fee disclosures. Market size/sentiment cross-checked with widely cited datasets; we did not link third parties in-body.
Last updated September 2025.
Top 10 Institutional Crypto Custody Providers in September 2025
Why Use It: Coinbase Custody Trust Company is a NY state-chartered trust and qualified custodian, integrated with Prime trading, staking, and Web3 workflows. Institutions get segregated cold storage, SOC 1/2 audits, and policy-driven approvals within a mature prime stack. Best For: US managers, ETF service providers, funds/treasuries that need deep liquidity + custody. Notable Features:
Qualified custodian (NY Banking Law) with SOC 1/2 audits
Vault architecture + policy engine; Prime integration
Staking and governance support via custody workflows.
Consider If: You want a single pane for execution and custody with US regulatory clarity. Alternatives: Fidelity Digital Assets, BitGo Fees/Notes: Enterprise bps on AUC; network fees pass-through. Regions: US/Global (eligibility varies).
Why Use It: A division of Fidelity with an integrated custody + execution stack designed for institutions, offering cold-storage execution without moving assets and traditional operational governance. Best For: Asset managers, pensions, corporates seeking a blue-chip brand and conservative controls. Notable Features:
Integrated custody + multi-venue execution
Operational governance and reporting ethos from TradFi
Institutional research and coverage expansion.
Consider If: You prioritize a legacy financial brand with institutional processes. Alternatives: BNY Mellon, Coinbase Prime Fees/Notes: Bespoke enterprise pricing. Regions: US/EU (eligibility varies).
Why Use It: BitGo operates qualified custody entities with coverage across North America, EMEA, and APAC, plus robust policy controls and detailed billing methodology for AUC. Best For: Funds, market makers, and enterprises needing global entity flexibility. Notable Features:
Qualified custodian entities; segregated wallets
Rich policy tooling and operational controls
Transparent AUC billing methodology (bps)
Consider If: You need multi-region setup or bespoke operational segregation. Alternatives: Komainu, Zodia Custody Fees/Notes: Tiered AUC bps; bespoke network ops. Regions: US/EU/APAC/MENA.
Why Use It: The only crypto-native bank with an OCC charter in the US; a qualified custodian with staking and governance alongside institutional custody. Best For: US institutions that want bank-level oversight and crypto-native tech.
Notable Features:
OCC-chartered bank; qualified custodian
Staking across major PoS assets
Institutional console + policy workflows
Consider If: You need federal oversight and staking inside custody. Alternatives: Coinbase Prime Custody, Fidelity Digital Assets Fees/Notes: Enterprise pricing; staking terms by asset. Regions: US (select global clients).
Why Use It: America’s oldest bank runs an institutional Digital Assets Platform for safekeeping and on-chain services, built on its global custody foundation—ideal for asset-servicing integrations. Best For: Asset servicers, traditional funds, and banks needing large-scale controls. Notable Features:
Integrated platform for safekeeping/servicing
Bank-grade controls and lifecycle tooling
Enterprise reporting and governance
Consider If: You prefer a global bank custodian with mature ops. Alternatives: Fidelity Digital Assets, Sygnum Bank Fees/Notes: Custom; bank service bundles. Regions: US/EU (eligibility varies).
Why Use It: Gemini Trust Company is a NY-chartered fiduciary and qualified custodian with air-gapped cold storage, role-based governance, and SOC reports—plus optional insurance coverage for certain assets. Best For: Managers and corporates prioritizing conservative cold storage. Notable Features:
Qualified custodian; segregated cold storage
Role-based governance and biometric access
Broad supported-asset list
Consider If: You need straightforward custody without bundled trading. Alternatives: BitGo, Coinbase Prime Custody Fees/Notes: Tailored plans; network fees apply. Regions: US/Global (eligibility varies).
7. Komainu — Best for regulated multi-hub custody (Jersey/UK/UAE/EU)
Why Use It: Nomura-backed Komainu operates regulated custody with segregation and staking, supported by licenses/registrations across Jersey, the UAE (Dubai VARA), the UK, and Italy—useful for cross-border institutions. Best For: Institutions needing EMEA/Middle East optionality and staking within custody. Notable Features:
Regulated, segregated custody
Institutional staking from custody
Governance & audit frameworks
Consider If: You require multi-jurisdiction regulatory coverage. Alternatives: Zodia Custody, BitGo Fees/Notes: Enterprise pricing on request. Regions: EU/UK/Middle East (global eligibility varies).
8. Zodia Custody — Best for bank-backed, multi-license EMEA coverage
Why Use It: Backed by Standard Chartered, Zodia provides institutional custody with air-gapped cold storage, standardized controls, and licensing/registrations across the UK, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Abu Dhabi (ADGM).
Best For: Asset managers and treasuries seeking bank-affiliated custody in EMEA. Notable Features:
Air-gapped cold storage & policy controls
Multi-region regulatory permissions (EMEA/MENA)
Institutional onboarding and reporting
Consider If: You want bank-backed governance and EU/Middle East reach. Alternatives: Komainu, BNY Mellon Fees/Notes: Custom pricing. Regions: UK/EU/MENA/APAC (per license/authorization).
9. Sygnum Bank — Best for Swiss banking-grade custody + settlement network
Why Use It: FINMA-regulated Swiss bank providing off-balance-sheet crypto custody, staking, and Sygnum Connect—a 24/7 instant settlement network for fiat, crypto, and stablecoins.
Best For: EU/Asia institutions valuing Swiss regulation and bank-grade controls.
Notable Features:
Off-balance-sheet, ring-fenced custody
Staking from custody and asset risk framework
Instant multi-asset settlement (Sygnum Connect)
Consider If: You want Swiss regulatory assurances + 24/7 settlement. Alternatives: AMINA Bank, BNY Mellon Fes/Notes: AUC bps; see price list. Regions: EU/APAC (CH/SG).
10. Hex Trust — Best for APAC institutions with MAS-licensed stack
Why Use It: A fully licensed APAC custodian offering on-chain segregation, role-segregated workflows, staking, and—in 2025—obtained a MAS Major Payment Institution license to offer DPT services in Singapore, rounding out custody + settlement. Best For: Funds, foundations, and corporates across Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Middle East.
Notable Features:
On-chain segregated accounts; auditability
Policy controls with granular sub-accounts
Staking & integrated markets services
Consider If: You want APAC-native licensing and operational depth. Alternatives: Sygnum Bank, Komainu Fees/Notes: Enterprise pricing; insurance program noted. Regions: APAC/Middle East (licensing dependent).
Decision Guide: Best By Use Case
US-regulated & ETF-adjacent: Coinbase Prime Custody; Anchorage Digital Bank; Fidelity Digital Assets.
Bank-backed in EMEA: BNY Mellon; Zodia Custody.
Multi-jurisdiction flexibility: BitGo; Komainu.
Swiss banking model: Sygnum Bank (and consider AMINA Bank).
APAC-first compliance: Hex Trust.
Cold-storage emphasis with simple pricing: Gemini Custody.
How to Choose the Right Institutional Custody Provider (Checklist)
Regulatory fit: Qualified custodian or bank charter where required by your advisors/LPAs.
Asset coverage: BTC/ETH + the specific long-tail tokens or staking assets you need.
Operational controls: Policy rules, role segregation, whitelists, hardware/MPC key security.
Settlement & liquidity: RFQ/OTC rails, prime integration, or instant networks.
Focusing only on fees without evaluating security controls.
Mixing trading and custody without strong policy separation.
FAQs
What is a qualified custodian in crypto? A qualified custodian is a regulated entity (e.g., trust company or bank) authorized to hold client assets with segregation and audited controls, often required for investment advisers. Look for clear disclosures, SOC reports, and trust/bank charters on official pages.
Do I need a qualified custodian for my fund? Many US advisers and institutions require qualified custody under their compliance frameworks; your legal counsel should confirm. When in doubt, choose a trust/bank chartered provider with documented segregation and audits.
Which providers support staking from custody? Anchorage, Coinbase Prime, Komainu, Sygnum, and Hex Trust offer staking workflows from custody (asset lists vary). Confirm asset-by-asset support and commissions.
How are fees structured? Most providers price custody in annualized basis points (bps) on average assets under custody; some publish methodologies or fee schedules. Network fees are usually passed through.
Can I keep assets off-exchange and still trade? Yes—prime/custody integrations and instant-settlement networks let you trade while keeping keys in custody, reducing counterparty risk. Examples include Coinbase Prime and Sygnum Connect.
Are there regional restrictions I should know about? Licensing/availability varies (e.g., Hex Trust operates under MAS MPI in Singapore; Zodia holds permissions across UK/EU/ADGM). Always confirm eligibility for your entity and region.
Conclusion + Related Reads
If you operate in the US with strict compliance needs, start with Coinbase Prime, Fidelity, or Anchorage. For bank-backed EMEA coverage, look to BNY Mellon or Zodia. For Swiss banking controls and instant settlement, Sygnum stands out; in APAC, Hex Trust offers strong licensing and workflows. BitGo and Komainu excel when you need multi-jurisdiction flexibility.
Why Retail Crypto Wallets (Mobile/Web) Matter in September 2025
Retail-friendly mobile and web wallets make crypto usable—on your phone and in your browser—without relying on a centralized custodian. This guide ranks the best retail crypto wallets for 2025 so you can safely store, send, swap, and explore Web3. A crypto wallet is software that holds your keys and lets you sign transactions; self-custody means you control those keys. We focus on practical needs: everyday buys, swaps, NFT viewing, multi-chain coverage, and clear fees. Expect mainstream names alongside rising multichain players. Secondary considerations include mobile crypto wallet UX, web3 wallet dapp access, and self-custody wallet security. If you’re new, start with a wallet that offers simple onboarding and robust recovery. If you’re advanced, look for pre-transaction risk checks, multichain swaps, and hardware support.
How We Picked (Methodology & Scoring)
Liquidity (30%) – depth and routing quality for in-wallet swaps/bridging; reliable asset movement.
Support (5%) – docs, help centers, in-app support channels.
Top 10 Retail Crypto Wallets (Mobile/Web) in September 2025
1. MetaMask — Best for EVM & massive dapp coverage
Why Use It: The most ubiquitous Web3 wallet, MetaMask balances power and familiarity. It’s everywhere dapps are, with mobile + browser extension, good network support, and strong swap/bridge routing in-app. Smart Transactions and built-in security alerts improve reliability for everyday users.
Notable Features: Smart Transactions; Swaps/Bridge aggregator; MetaMask Learn; mobile + major browsers.
Consider If: You want explicit fee transparency—MetaMask Swaps includes a 0.875% service fee (plus network gas).
Alternatives: Trust Wallet, OKX Wallet.
Regions: Global.
Fees Notes: Network fees; MetaMask Swaps service fee 0.875%.
2. Trust Wallet — Best all-rounder for mobile + extension
Why Use It: Trust Wallet offers a simple, one-stop experience: buy, send, swap, stake, and manage NFTs across many chains. Its mobile app is fast, and the extension integrates with popular EVM and non-EVM chains.
Why Use It: Rebranded as the Base app, the former Coinbase Wallet keeps familiar self-custody features while embracing Base/L2 culture and onchain social/activity. If you already use Coinbase products, onboarding is straightforward while staying self-custodial.
Consider If: You prefer chain-agnostic advanced tooling—others may offer deeper multichain utilities today.
Alternatives: MetaMask, Rainbow.
Regions: Global.
Fees Notes: Network fees; third-party swap/partner fees where used.
4. Phantom — Best for Solana + solid multichain UX
Why Use It: Phantom started Solana-first and has grown into a polished multichain wallet (Solana, Ethereum, and more). The interface is clean, with strong NFT views and transaction clarity—great for newcomers to Solana and cross-chain dabblers. Best For: Solana users, NFT traders, multichain retail.
Notable Features: In-wallet swaps and bridging; gasless swaps on Solana (select cases); robust notifications/history. Consider If: You want the lowest possible swap fees—Phantom lists 0.85% on select pairs, with separate gas/bridge fees. Alternatives: OKX Wallet, Trust Wallet.
Regions: Global.
Fees Notes: Network fees; Phantom fee 0.85% on select swaps; gasless-swap fee rules apply on Solana.
5. OKX Wallet — Best for power users who want DEX depth
Why Use It: OKX Wallet (extension + mobile) plugs you into OKX’s DEX aggregator, NFT marketplace, and DeFi. It offers multiple swap modes and solid routing—useful when chasing best execution across chains. Best For: DeFi users seeking liquidity routing; cross-chain swappers; NFT traders.
Notable Features: Multi-mode swaps; DEX aggregator; marketplace; Earn/Discover sections. Consider If: You need crystal-clear fee schedules—OKX lists DEX interface fee tiers up to 0.85% depending on pair groups. Alternatives: MetaMask, Bitget Wallet.
6. Exodus — Best for design & easy portfolio views
Why Use It: Exodus is a long-standing, self-custodial wallet with a beautifully designed UI across desktop and mobile. Portfolio tracking and NFT galleries are polished, and its Web3 Wallet extends multichain support. Best For: Newcomers who want clarity; portfolio-first users; multi-device use.
Notable Features: Multichain Web3 Wallet; thousands of swap pairs; simple buy/sell integrations. Consider If: You want explicit fee details—Exodus doesn’t charge send/receive wallet fees, but network and partner fees still apply. Alternatives: Crypto.com Onchain, ZenGo.
Regions: Global.
Fees Notes: No Exodus send/receive fees; network fees + third-party swap/fiat fees may apply.
Why Use It: Formerly known as the DeFi Wallet experience, Crypto.com Onchain is a self-custodial app with multichain support, in-wallet trading, and dapp access. It’s friendly for users who like Crypto.com’s ecosystem but want self-custody keys. Best For: Mobile-first users; staking/earn explorers; Crypto.com ecosystem fans.
Notable Features: Local key encryption; import via 12/18/24-word phrases; multichain trading & dapp browser.
Consider If: You prefer a purely chain-agnostic wallet without exchange brand ties—others may feel “lighter.”
Alternatives: Trust Wallet, Exodus.
Regions: Global (feature availability can vary).
Fees Notes: Network/partner fees; self-custody (no custodial withdrawal fees).
Why Use It: ZenGo uses MPC to remove single-point seed phrase risks while keeping you in self-custody. That makes setup and recovery less nerve-wracking for new users, without buying hardware.
Notable Features: Seed-phrase-free MPC; in-app buy/swap; staking for select assets.
Consider If: You want classic seed control or advanced on-chain tooling—some power features are simpler by design.
Alternatives: Ledger Live (with hardware), Trust Wallet.
Regions: Global.
Fees Notes: Network fees; partner fees for buy/swap as quoted in-app.
9. Bitget Wallet — Best for active swappers & airdrop hunters
Why Use It: Formerly BitKeep, Bitget Wallet has grown into a large multichain wallet with DEX aggregation, dapp discovery, and memecoin-friendly flows. It’s geared for on-chain traders who want routing and token coverage across 65+ chains.
Best For: Power users in DeFi; memecoin and airdrop participants; cross-chain swaps. Notable Features: Multichain DEX aggregator; dapp hub; iOS/Android + Chrome extension. Consider If: You prefer a simpler, beginner-first interface—others above are more hand-holding. Alternatives: OKX Wallet, MetaMask. Regions: Global.
Fees Notes: Network fees; interface/partner fees vary by route/pair.
10. Ledger Live — Best for hardware-backed mobile/desktop security
Why Use It: Ledger Live is the companion app to Ledger hardware wallets; it brings buy, swap, stake, and portfolio monitoring into a single interface while private keys stay in the hardware device. Great for retail users who want a mobile/desktop app but insist on offline signing. Best For: Long-term holders; high-value accounts; users planning to add hardware.
Notable Features: Buy/sell/swap/stake modules; multi-asset support; iOS/Android + desktop. Consider If: You don’t own hardware—full security benefits require a Ledger device.
Alternatives: ZenGo (MPC), Trezor Suite (with hardware).
Regions: Global.
Fees Notes: Network fees; partner fees for buy/swap as quoted in-app.
Decision Guide: Best By Use Case
Regulated U.S. on-ramp familiarity: Base app (formerly Coinbase Wallet)
Global multichain coverage + liquidity routing: OKX Wallet, Bitget Wallet
Enable biometrics + 2FA (where available) and set a strong passcode.
Back up recovery materials: seed phrase metal card, or MPC recovery kits.
Prefer hardware signing for larger balances.
Use transaction previews and simulation/risk checks before signing.
Keep software updated; download only from official sites/app stores.
This article is for research/education, not financial advice.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Saving seed phrases in cloud notes/screenshots.
Sending coins to the wrong chain or address format.
Ignoring fee settings or slippage in swaps.
Approving unlimited token allowances without review.
Falling for phishing domains and fake extensions.
FAQs
What is a retail crypto wallet (mobile/web)? A mobile/web retail wallet is software that stores your private keys and lets you sign transactions from your phone or browser. Most are self-custodial, meaning you—not an exchange—control your keys.
Is a self-custody wallet safer than keeping coins on an exchange? Self-custody removes exchange counterparty risk. However, you must protect recovery methods (seed phrase, MPC recovery) and your device. Hardware or MPC-based options can add protection.
Which wallet is best for beginners? For simplicity: Trust Wallet, Exodus, or ZenGo. They have straightforward onboarding, clear portfolio views, and solid docs. Advanced users might prefer MetaMask, Phantom, or OKX Wallet for deeper on-chain tooling.
What fees should I expect? You’ll always pay network gas. Some wallets add interface/service fees on swaps/bridges (e.g., MetaMask 0.875%; Phantom 0.85% on select pairs; OKX DEX 0–0.85% depending on token groups).
Do I need hardware for mobile/web wallets? No. Many work fine without hardware. For higher balances, pairing a mobile/web app with a hardware wallet (e.g., via Ledger Live) can reduce signing risk.
Can I use one wallet across multiple chains? Yes—most featured wallets are multichain. Check chain lists and NFT support before migrating.
Conclusion + Related Reads
If you want maximum dapp coverage, go MetaMask; Solana-centric with great UX, pick Phantom; for exchange-adjacent simplicity, choose Base app or Crypto.com Onchain; for hardware-backed security, Ledger Live. Power users chasing routing and airdrops may prefer OKX Wallet or Bitget Wallet, while newcomers should consider Trust Wallet, Exodus, or ZenGo.
If you trade crypto futures and options, picking the right derivatives platforms can make or break your results. In this guide, we sort the top exchanges and on-chain venues by liquidity, security, costs, and product depth so you can match your strategy to the right venue—fast. You’ll find quick answers near the top, deeper context below, and links to official resources. We cover crypto futures, crypto options, and perpetual swaps for both centralized and decentralized platforms.
Quick answer: The best platform for you depends on region/eligibility, contract types (perps, dated futures, options), fee structure, margin system, and support quality. Below we score each provider and map them to common use cases.
How We Picked (Methodology & Scoring)
We scored each provider using the weights below (0–100 total):
Liquidity (30%) – Depth, spreads, and market resilience during volatility.
Support (5%) – Docs, status pages, client service, institutional access.
Sources: Official platform pages, help centers, and product docs; public disclosures and product catalogs; our hands-on review and long-term coverage of derivatives venues. Last updated September 2025.
Top 10 Derivatives Platforms in September 2025
Each summary includes why it stands out, who it’s best for, and what to consider. Always check regional eligibility.
Why Use It: Binance Futures offers some of the deepest books and widest perp listings, with robust APIs and portfolio margin. It’s a go-to for active traders who need speed and breadth. Best For: High-frequency/active traders; systematic/API users; altcoin perp explorers. Notable Features: Perpetuals and dated futures, options module, copy trading, portfolio margin. Consider If: You need U.S.-regulated access—availability may vary by region. Alternatives: OKX, Bybit.
Why Use It: Strong product coverage (perps, dated futures, options) with solid liquidity and a polished interface. Good balance of features for discretionary and API traders. Best For: Multi-instrument traders; users wanting options + perps under one roof. Notable Features: Unified account, options chain, pre-market perps, apps and API. Consider If: Region/eligibility and KYC rules may limit access. Alternatives: Binance Futures, Bybit.
Why Use It: Competitive fees, broad perp markets, solid tooling, and a large user base make Bybit attractive for day traders and swing traders alike. Best For: Perps power users; copy-trading and mobile-first traders. Notable Features: USDT/USDC coin-margined perps, options, demo trading, OpenAPI. Consider If: Check your local rules—service availability varies by region. Alternatives: Binance Futures, Bitget.
Why Use It: Deribit is the reference venue for crypto options on BTC and ETH, with deep liquidity across maturities and strikes; it also offers futures. Best For: Options traders (directional, spreads, volatility) and institutions. Notable Features: Options analytics, block trading tools, test environment, 24/7 support. Consider If: Regional access may be limited; primarily majors vs. broad alt coverage. Alternatives: Aevo (on-chain), CME (regulated futures/options).
5. CME Group — Best for U.S.-regulated institutional futures
Why Use It: For institutions needing CFTC-regulated access, margin efficiency, and robust market infrastructure, CME is the standard for BTC/ETH futures and options. Best For: Funds, corporates, and professionals with FCM relationships. Notable Features: Standard and micro contracts, options, benchmarks, data tools. Consider If: Requires brokerage/FCM onboarding; no altcoin perps. Alternatives: Coinbase Derivatives (U.S.), Kraken Futures (institutions).
Why Use It: dYdX v4 runs on its own chain with on-chain settlement and pro tooling. Traders who want non-custodial perps and transparent mechanics gravitate here. Best For: DeFi-native traders; users prioritizing self-custody and transparency. Notable Features: On-chain orderbook, staking & trading rewards, API, incentives. Consider If: Wallet/key management and gas/network dynamics add complexity. Alternatives: Aevo (options + perps), GMX (alt DEX perps).
7. Kraken Futures — Best for compliance-minded access incl. U.S. roll-out
Why Use It: Kraken offers crypto futures for eligible regions, with a growing U.S. footprint via Kraken Derivatives US and established institutional services. Best For: Traders who value brand trust, support, and clear documentation. Notable Features: Pro interface, institutional onboarding, status and support resources. Consider If: Product scope and leverage limits can differ by jurisdiction. Alternatives: Coinbase Derivatives, CME.
Why Use It: NFA-supervised futures for eligible U.S. customers and resources that explain contract types. Outside the U.S., Coinbase also offers derivatives via separate entities. Best For: U.S. traders needing regulated access; Coinbase ecosystem users. Notable Features: Nano BTC/ETH contracts, 24/7 trading, learn content, FCM/FCM-like flows. Consider If: Contract lineup is narrower than global offshore venues. Alternatives: CME (institutional), Kraken Futures.
9. Bitget — Best for alt-perps variety + copy trading
Why Use It: Bitget emphasizes a wide perp catalog, social/copy features, and frequent product updates—useful for traders rotating across narratives. Best For: Altcoin perp explorers; copy-trading users; mobile-first traders. Notable Features: USDT/USDC-margined perps, copy trading, frequent listings, guides. Consider If: Check eligibility and risk—breadth can mean uneven depth in tail assets. Alternatives: Bybit, OKX.
10. Aevo — Best on-chain options + perps with unified margin
Why Use It: Aevo runs a custom L2 (OP-stack based) and offers options, perps, and pre-launch futures with unified margin—bridging CEX-like speed with on-chain settlement. Best For: Options/perps traders who want DeFi custody with pro tools. Notable Features: Unified margin, off-chain matching + on-chain settlement, pre-launch markets, detailed docs and fee specs. Consider If: On-chain workflows (bridging, gas) and product scope differ from CEXs. Alternatives: Deribit (options liquidity), dYdX (perps DEX).
Decision Guide: Best By Use Case
Deep global perp liquidity: Binance Futures, OKX, Bybit.
Enable 2FA, withdrawal allow-lists, and API key scopes/rotations.
For DEXs, practice wallet hygiene (hardware wallet, clean approvals).
Use proper KYC/AML where required; understand tax obligations.
If using options or leverage, set pre-trade max loss and test position sizing.
For block/OTC execution, compare quotes and confirm settlement instructions.
This article is for research/education, not financial advice.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Trading perps without understanding funding and how it impacts P&L.
Ignoring region restrictions and onboarding to non-eligible venues.
Oversizing positions without a liquidation buffer.
Mixing custodial and self-custodial workflows without a key plan.
Chasing low-liquidity alts where slippage can erase edge.
FAQs
What’s the difference between perps and traditional futures? Perpetual swaps have no expiry, so you don’t roll contracts; instead, a funding rate nudges perp prices toward spot. Dated futures expire and may require roll management.
Where can U.S. traders access regulated crypto futures? Through CFTC/NFA-supervised venues like CME (via FCMs) and Coinbase Derivatives for eligible customers; availability and contract lists vary by account type.
What’s the leading venue for BTC/ETH options liquidity? Deribit has long been the primary market for BTC/ETH options liquidity used by pros and market makers.
Which DEXs offer serious perps trading? dYdX is purpose-built for on-chain perps with a pro workflow; Aevo blends options + perps with unified margin on a custom L2.
How do I keep fees under control? Use maker orders where possible, seek fee tier discounts/rebates, and compare funding rates over your expected holding time. Each venue publishes fee schedules and specs.
Conclusion + Related Reads
If you want deep global perps, start with Binance, OKX, or Bybit. For BTC/ETH options, Deribit remains the benchmark. If you need U.S.-regulated access, look at CME via an FCM or Coinbase Derivatives; Kraken is expanding its futures footprint. Prefer self-custody? dYdX and Aevo are solid on-chain choices. Match the venue to your region, contracts, and risk process—then let Token Metrics surface signals and manage the watchlist.