Coinbase vs. Coinbase Advanced - Which Version Best Fits Your Needs?
I’ve used Coinbase for years, and the clever addition to the offering was Coinbase Advanced. This helps them reach a wider range of users with different priorities. The original being suited to beginners but has higher fees, the advanced version with a slightly more complicated interface but lower fees and more tools.
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.
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- credentials:
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How We Test
Real accounts. Real money. Real trades. No demo accounts or press releases.
What we measure:
- Spreads vs advertised rates
- Execution speed and slippage
- Hidden fees (overnight, withdrawal, conversion)
- Actual withdrawal times
Scoring:
Fees (25%) · Platform (20%) · Assets (15%) · Mobile (15%) · Tools (10%) · Support (10%) · Regulation (5%)
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FCA Register verification · FSCS protection
Testing team:
Adam Woodhead (investing since 2013), Thomas Drury (Chartered ACII, 2018), Dom Farnell (investing since 2013) — 50+ platforms with funded accounts
Quarterly reviews · Corrections: info@theinvestorscentre.co.uk
Disclaimer
Not financial advice. Educational content only. We're not FCA authorised. Consult a qualified advisor before investing.
Capital at risk. Investments can fall. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
CFD warning. 67-84% of retail accounts lose money trading CFDs. High risk due to leverage.
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Quick Answer: What is the difference between Coinbase and Coinbase Advanced?
Coinbase is designed for beginners, offering simple buying and higher fees. Coinbase Advanced targets experienced traders, with lower trading fees, advanced charts, and order types, while still using the same account and security infrastructure.
Which is Better?
If you're a beginner, Coinbase is the better choice. It's simple, but the fees are higher. If you want lower fees and advanced trading tools, Coinbase Advanced is the way to go.
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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.
How to Switch from Coinbase to Coinbase Advanced (Step-by-Step Guide)
Switching from Coinbase to Coinbase Advanced is free and uses the same account, balances, and security. There's no need to move funds or create a new profile.
Desktop
- Log in to your Coinbase account
- Click "Advanced" in the main navigation (or visit advanced.coinbase.com)
- Your existing balances will appear automatically
- Choose a trading pair and access lower fees, charts, and order types
Mobile
- Open the Coinbase app and log in
- Tap the menu or trade tab
- Select Coinbase Advanced
- Start trading with advanced tools using your existing funds
You can switch back to standard Coinbase at any time.
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: Is Coinbase Advanced free? Yes — 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.
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.
Coinbase vs Coinbase Advanced: Trading Fees
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.
| 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 and Staking) | Fewer features |
Customer Support – Which Offers Better Service?
Coinbase's customer support has a bad reputation. Going by Trustpilot Coinbase many users have experienced slow responses and unhelpful replies.
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.
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.