Coinbase vs. Coinbase Advanced - Which Platform Best Fits Your Needs?
I’ve used Coinbase for years, and when they introduced Coinbase Advanced, I wanted to see if it was actually better.
If you’re unsure which one to use, this guide will help. I’ll break down the key differences, fees, security, and features—so you can decide which platform suits you best.
Quick Answer: Which is Better?
Coinbase Overview
- Minimum Deposit: No fixed minimum (buy crypto from as little as £2 / $2)
- Buy, sell, and trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and hundreds of other cryptocurrencies
- Regulated in the US and trusted by over 100 million users worldwide
- User-friendly app and web platform with secure wallet storage
- Ideal for beginners and experienced investors seeking easy access to the crypto market
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
Coinbase and Coinbase Advanced Overview
Coinbase is a user-friendly crypto platform designed for buying, selling, and storing digital assets. It’s easy to use but comes with higher fees.
Coinbase Advanced (previously Coinbase Pro) is built for traders who want lower fees and advanced features. It offers more control over trades, including limit orders and detailed market analysis.
You may also like our in depth coinbase Review for UK users.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Coinbase | Coinbase Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | High (up to 3.99%) | Low (0.00%–0.40%) |
| Trading options | Buy/sell only | Market, limit, and stop orders |
| User experience | Simple | Advanced |
| Best for | Beginners | Experienced traders |
Both platforms are secure, but your choice depends on how much control you want over trades. If you only make occasional purchases, Coinbase is fine. If you trade regularly, Coinbase Advanced will save you money.
Coinbase vs Coinbase Advanced: Detailed Comparison
User Interface & Experience – Which One is More Beginner-Friendly?
I started using Coinbase because it was easy. The interface is clean, and buying crypto takes just a few clicks. You can pay with a debit card, which feels familiar if you’ve used online shopping.
Coinbase Advanced, on the other hand, looks like a professional trading platform. There are candlestick charts, order books, and different types of trades. If you’ve never traded before, it can be overwhelming. But once you get the hang of it, it gives you much more control.
User Interface Comparison
| Feature | Coinbase | Coinbase Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Best for beginners | Yes | No |
| Ease of use | Very simple | Requires learning |
| Buying process | One-click | Order types available |
| Trading charts | No | Yes (candlestick charts) |
Verdict: If you just want to buy crypto quickly, Coinbase is the better option. If you want to trade with more control, Coinbase Advanced is worth learning.
Fees can eat into your profits. I learned this the hard way when I used Coinbase’s Instant Buy feature and paid nearly 4% in fees without realising it. If you’re serious about saving money, Coinbase Advanced is a much cheaper option.
Coinbase vs Coinbase Advanced: Trading Fees
| Fee Type | Coinbase | Coinbase Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Buy Fee | Up to 3.99% | ❌ Not available |
| Maker Fee (low volume) | ❌ Not applicable | 0.40% |
| Taker Fee (low volume) | ❌ Not applicable | 0.60% |
| Maker Fee ($400M+ volume) | ❌ Not applicable | 0.00% |
| Taker Fee ($400M+ volume) | ❌ Not applicable | 0.05% |
| Spread Fee | 0.50% – 2.00% | ❌ None |
| UK Bank Transfer Deposit | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
| UK Bank Transfer Withdrawal | ✅ £1 GBP | ✅ £1 GBP |
How These Fees Work
- Instant Buy Fee (Coinbase only): Up to 3.99% if you use a debit card.
- Maker Fee: If your order adds liquidity (not filled immediately), Coinbase Advanced charges 0.00% to 0.40%, depending on your 30-day trading volume.
- Taker Fee: If your order removes liquidity (gets filled immediately), you pay 0.05% to 0.60%.
- Spread Fee (Coinbase only): Coinbase adds a hidden markup of 0.50% – 2.00% on top of market prices.
Verdict: If you’re making small, occasional purchases, the fees on Coinbase don’t matter as much. But if you plan to trade regularly, Coinbase Advanced can save you a lot of money.
Supported Cryptocurrencies – Which Has More Options?
Coinbase supports over 18,000 cryptocurrencies, but not all are available for trading. The most popular assets—Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL)—are listed, but some niche coins may be missing.
Notable Missing Coins
- BNB (Binance Coin) is not supported due to Binance competition.
- Privacy coins like Monero (XMR) are not listed, likely for regulatory reasons.
Verdict: Both platforms offer the same cryptocurrencies, but Coinbase Advanced provides better tools for trading those assets.
Security Measures – Is Coinbase Advanced Safer?
Security is identical on both platforms. Coinbase is one of the safest exchanges, but no exchange is risk-free.
Security Features on Both Platforms
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds extra login security.
- Cold Storage: 98% of customer funds are kept offline.
- Insurance Policy: Covers assets against hacks (but not user errors).
Verdict: Both Coinbase and Coinbase Advanced are highly secure, but users should still enable 2FA and store large funds in a private wallet.
Trading Tools & Features – Which Offers More Control?
When I moved from Coinbase to Coinbase Advanced, I quickly realised how limited Coinbase’s trading features were. If you want better control, Coinbase Advanced is the clear winner.
Trading Features Comparison
| Feature | Coinbase | Coinbase Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Market orders | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Limit orders | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Stop-loss orders | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Candlestick charts | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Order book depth | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| API Access | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Key Differences
- Coinbase only allows market orders, meaning you buy crypto at whatever price is available.
- Coinbase Advanced lets you set buy/sell prices with limit orders and stop-losses.
- Advanced users can use APIs for automated trading strategies.
Verdict: If you just want to buy crypto easily, Coinbase is fine. If you want control over pricing and risk management, Coinbase Advanced is a must.
Desktop Platform Experience
| Feature | Binance Desktop | Coinbase Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Navigation | ❌ Complex for beginners | ✅ Simple layout |
| Advanced Charts | ✅ Yes (TradingView) | ❌ No advanced charts |
| Speed | ✅ Fast execution | ✅ Fast execution |
| Extra Features | ✅ Yes (Futures, Staking) | ❌ Fewer features |
Customer Support – Which Offers Better Service?
Coinbase’s customer support has a bad reputation. Going by Trust Pilot Coinbase many users have experienced slow responses and unhelpful replies.
How to Switch from Coinbase to Coinbase Advanced (Step-by-Step Guide)
Switching from Coinbase to Coinbase Advanced is quick and easy. If you already have a Coinbase account, you don’t need to sign up again.
Step-by-Step Guide to Switching
- Log in to Coinbase – Use your existing Coinbase account.
- Go to Coinbase Advanced – Visit advanced.coinbase.com. Or by hittle the Coinbase Advanced toggle button in the bottom left on the screen
- Fund Your Account – Your Coinbase balance is already available on Coinbase Advanced.
- Start Trading – Use limit orders, stop losses, and lower-fee trades.
Key Things to Know
- Your login, funds, and security settings remain the same.
- You can switch back anytime by using the regular Coinbase app.
- No extra fees for moving funds—your balance is shared across both platforms.
Verdict: Switching from Coinbase to Coinbase Advanced is instant, no cost and risk-free, so if you want lower fees, it’s worth making the move.
Final Thoughts – Which Should You Choose?
Both platforms have their place. Coinbase is best for beginners, while Coinbase Advanced is better for serious traders.
If you just want to buy crypto quickly, Coinbase is easier—but you’ll pay higher fees. If you trade regularly, switching to Coinbase Advanced will save you money.
Who Should Use Coinbase?
- Beginners who want a simple way to buy crypto.
- People who don’t mind paying higher fees for convenience.
- Casual investors who only make a few trades per year.
Who Should Use Coinbase Advanced?
- Active traders who want lower fees and advanced tools.
- Anyone trading over £1,000 per month (savings on fees add up fast).
- Users who want control over trade execution (limit orders, stop losses).
Looking for more options? Check out our list of the best uk crypto exchanges to find the right platform for your trading needs.
Buy, sell, and grow crypto simply
- Invest from £2
- Earn crypto rewards
- Stake & earn up to 6%
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
FAQs
Is Coinbase Advanced free to use?
Yes, Coinbase Advanced has no monthly fees. You only pay trading fees, which are much lower than regular Coinbase. There are no extra charges for switching from Coinbase to Coinbase Advanced.
Can I switch back from Coinbase Advanced to Coinbase?
Yes, you can use both platforms anytime. Your funds are shared between Coinbase and Coinbase Advanced, so you don’t need to transfer money back and forth.
Do I need a new account for Coinbase Advanced?
No, your Coinbase account works on both platforms. Just log in to advanced.coinbase.com, and you’re ready to trade.
How do trading fees compare to Binance or Kraken?
Coinbase Advanced fees are lower than regular Coinbase but still higher than Binance and Kraken. Binance charges 0.10% per trade, while Kraken’s fees start at 0.16%.
What happened to Coinbase Pro?
Coinbase Pro was rebranded as Coinbase Advanced. The trading tools and low fees are the same, but now everything is integrated into one Coinbase account.
