Kraken vs Kraken Pro: Which Crypto Platform is Best for You?

Are you trying to determine which crypto platform suits your needs: Kraken or Kraken Pro? Both platforms are well known amongst cryptocurrency users, but they serve different categories of users. 

Kraken is more suited for beginners as it offers easy-to-use tools and features, whereas more experienced traders will find seasoned features in Kraken Pro. This article will dwell on the differences between the two, such as trading features, their respective fees, distinguishing attributes, customer support, and app design. Moreover, learn how the proprietary environment of each platform can improve your trading experience.

Difference Between Kraken and Kraken Pro

Kraken

Kraken is one of the most reputable and easiest-to-use cryptocurrency platforms that one can find today. It is preferred by both novice and professional traders and provides a simple, easy-to-use crypto trading interface. Users can trade more than 200 crypto assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other different altcoins, with several funding options available, which include bank transfers, wire transfers, and credit or debit cards. 

Kraken also utilizes some of the best commercial security practices like two-factor authentication (2FA), encrypted cold storage, and continuous security audits to ensure user funds are safe, which enhances its reputation for strong security.

Here are some Key features of Kraken:

• Intuitive App: Kraken offers an easy-to-use app, ideal for beginners getting started with crypto.
• Educational Resources: Provides helpful guides and tutorials to assist new users in learning about cryptocurrency.
• Competitive Fees: Kraken features low fees, making it affordable for both beginners and experienced traders.
• Low Spreads: Enjoy tight spreads, reducing the cost of trades.
• Reliable Customer Support: 24/7 customer support to assist users with any issues or questions.
• User-Friendly Experience: Perfect for managing a portfolio or making your first crypto trade with ease.
• Welcome bonus: sign-up bonus using Kraken referral code

Kraken Pro

Tailored specifically to veteran traders, Kraken Pro offers advanced functionalities and elements; it is the upgraded version of Kraken. It offers a customizable user interface, providing extensive options for detailed charts, real-time access to market information, and a variety of order types, ranging from stop-loss to limit to margin orders. Additionally, this pro version also offers futures trading, which allows users to utilize margins for greater returns on investment. 

One of its unique features that sets it apart from its competitors is the deep liquidity markets, which provide better pricing and faster execution for bigger trading volumes.

Here are some Key features of Kraken Pro:

• Low Fees for High-Volume Traders: Kraken Pro offers competitive fees, especially beneficial for frequent traders.
• Easy Deposit & Withdrawal Management: Seamless integration with Kraken’s main platform for efficient fund management.
• Secure Environment: Features like Global Settings Lock and API management ensure a safe trading experience.
• Professional Trading Tools: Kraken Pro offers advanced features for serious traders.
• Web & Mobile Access: Enjoy a professional-grade trading experience on both desktop and mobile platforms.

Kraken vs Pro: A Comprehensive Comparison of Features

1. Trading Experience

Kraken and Kraken Pro serve different types of traders. With its straightforward, user-friendly design that makes trading accessible without needless complications, Kraken is perfect for beginners. It offers a simple trading experience ideal for novice traders and supports over 200 cryptocurrencies. 

Kraken Pro, on the other hand, caters to seasoned and professional traders and provides cutting-edge features, including real-time order books, margin trading, and customizable charting tools—all necessary for carrying out intricate plans.

Let’s explore the trading experience at Kraken and Kraken Pro:

Kraken

• Beginner-Friendly Interface: Designed with simplicity in mind, Kraken’s interface is easy to use for newcomers.
• 200+ Cryptocurrencies: Supports a wide variety of cryptocurrencies for buying, selling, and converting.
• Staking Services: Allows users to earn rewards by staking select cryptocurrencies.
• Ideal for Casual Traders: Best suited for those who prioritize simplicity over advanced features.

Kraken Pro

• Advanced Tools: Provides margin trading with leverage up to 5x, along with detailed charts and order books.
• 210+ Assets: Supports not just cryptocurrencies but also stablecoins and fiat currencies.
• Customizable Features: Traders can adjust chart layouts and indicators to fit their preferences.
• Professional Traders: Tailored for those who need more control and advanced trading options.

2. Fees

Different fee structures are available for different types of users on Kraken and Kraken Pro. Instant purchases on Kraken have higher fees, which is a feature that would appeal to infrequent users since it provides convenience. Conversely, the Kraken Pro trading platform uses a more economical, tiered fee structure that charges active traders lower fees based on their trading volume.

Let’s look at the fee structures for Kraken and Kraken Pro:

Kraken

• Instant Purchase Fees: Typically around 1.5%, depending on the payment method.
• Higher Fees for Casual Traders: Fees may be higher for those making frequent trades.
• Simple Fee Structure: Easy to understand for users who only make occasional trades.

Kraken Pro

• Tiered Fees: Maker fees start at 0.16% and can drop to 0.00% for high-volume traders.
• Taker Fees: Range from 0.26% to 0.10%, based on trading volume.
• Cost-Effective for Active Traders: Offers lower fees as users increase their trading activity.

3. Other Features

Kraken and Kraken Pro serve different market segments by meeting respective user needs throughout the cryptocurrency spectrum. Through their available features, these platforms maximize opportunities for trading. At the same time, they both are allowing investment and passive earnings. 

Kraken has a more straightforward mobile app, an innovative NFT marketplace, and the ability to stake cryptos for passive income. At the same time, Kraken Pro is meant for those who require more advanced features, such as margin trading or real-time market data for adverts.

Let’s explore more details of the other features offered by Kraken and Kraken Pro:

Other Features of Kraken (For Casual and Intermediate Users)

Kraken enables users to experience powerful trading while extending its capabilities beyond basic crypto exchange features through additional services.

Integrated NFT Marketplace

• Users can manage, purchase, and sell NFTs by using Kraken’s marketplace platform.
• This platform enables users to conduct deals through crypto alongside 8 fiat currencies (GBP, AUD, USD, EUR, CAD, JPY, CHF, and AED) and over 200 cryptocurrencies which expand its user base.
• Users benefit from Kraken’s unique policy of free NFT trading costs throughout platform NFT transactions.
• Users can access more than 200 NFT collections through an expanding inventory of new NFT offerings.

Staking Rewards (Earn Passive Income)

Users who stake their cryptocurrencies at Kraken can generate income through its staking service.

• Under Kraken users can stake more than sixteen different cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Polkadot (DOT).
• Users can earn rewards at different APY levels ranging from 26% per year based on what cryptocurrency they stake.
• Traditional staking services lack the same flexibility because Kraken users can recover assets at any time.

Simple Mobile App

The interface targets both novice and experienced users with a friendly interface. Users can do quick trades of cryptos through a simplified system that avoids complicated trading interfaces.

The platform assists more than 200 different cryptocurrencies which enable effortless portfolio expansion for its users. Through this platform, users gain access to real-time price tracking and automatic alerts that notify them about market changes.

Kraken Pro Features (For Advanced Traders)

Professional traders can utilize Kraken Pro because this sophisticated platform provides both sophisticated tools alongside low prices and enhanced market intelligence.

Margin Trading (Leverage Up to 50x)

Customers who use this feature experience enhanced trading positions by a factor of up to five times their original value. Users can apply trading strategies for both directional market moves and corrective trends because this platform supports short and long-term approaches.

Kraken Pro presents marginal fees that remain lower than those of Binance and Coinbase Pro so users receive superior cost-effectiveness.

Advanced Charting Tools

Customers access continuous market information while receiving advanced analytical trading tools:

• Provides real-time market data and in-depth technical analysis tools.
• Includes features like candlestick charts, trend indicators, volume analysis, and customizable charting options.
• Supports multiple order types, including limit orders, stop-loss orders, and take-profit orders.
• Integrates TradingView, a leading charting platform used by professional traders.

Advanced Mobile App

Users who demand instant market data can design their screen view through this feature of Kraken Pro:

• Features a customizable interface for traders who need real-time insights.
• Supports API integration, allowing traders to use automated trading bots and third-party trading tools.
• Includes real-time market updates, allowing traders to react instantly to price movements.
• Offers lower fees compared to the standard Kraken platform, with maker-taker fees starting from 0.10% to at 0.25% when trading large volumes.

4. Interface, Customer Service, and App

Kraken and Kraken Pro have adopted different approaches regarding interface design and customer service. With its elegant and organized interface, Kraken is designed primarily for novice users, while new users are provided with a detailed interface and advanced charting options with Kraken Pro trading. Both offer round-the-clock customer support.

Let’s compare the interfaces and support for both platforms:

Kraken

• Simple Interface: Designed for ease of use, ideal for beginners.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Live agents are available to help with any issues or questions.
• Mobile App: User-friendly app that mirrors the simplicity of the web platform.

Kraken Pro

• Advanced Interface: Offers detailed features like real-time order books, customizable charts, and advanced trading tools.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Live support to assist with more complex trading needs.
• Mobile App: Offers advanced features for professional traders, including real-time charts and customizable tools.

5. Kraken and Kraken Pro: A Detailed Ecosystem Overview

Kraken is one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, providing a secure and user-friendly trading environment for every trader. They both cater to different trading needs!

Below is a detailed breakdown of the ecosystem of both platforms:

Kraken Ecosystem

The Kraken platform is designed for users who prefer a straightforward approach to cryptocurrency trading. It is ideal for beginners and casual traders due to its intuitive interface and simple trading options.

• Supported Cryptocurrencies: Kraken provides access to over 200 digital assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Cardano (ADA), as well as stablecoins like USDT and USDC.
• Fiat Support: It allows deposits and withdrawals in multiple fiat currencies, including USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, and AUD.
• Instant Buy and Sell: Users can purchase cryptocurrencies using credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and Apple Pay/Google Pay.
• Staking Services: Kraken offers staking options on various cryptocurrencies, allowing users to earn passive income.
• Security Measures: Kraken is known for its strong security, employing cold storage for funds, two-factor authentication (2FA), and encryption protocols to protect user assets.
• Regulatory Compliance: Kraken is registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN in the United States and complies with regulatory requirements in multiple countries.

Kraken Fees

Kraken charges different fees based on the type of transaction:

Instant Buy Fee:

• 1.5% for standard cryptocurrencies
• 0.9% for stablecoins
• 3.75% of order value+0.25 Euros+ Instant buy fees for buying with Debit/Credit Card

Deposit Fees:

• Bank transfer fees vary depending on the region and currency. Some options, like SEPA transfers, are free, while others may have a small fee.

Withdrawal Fees:

• Withdrawals depend on the cryptocurrency or fiat method. For example, Bitcoin withdrawals cost 0.0002 BTC, with a minimum withdrawal amount of 0.0004 BTC.
• While fiat withdrawals may have a fee of $0.10 to $35 depending on your chosen payment method.

Kraken Pro Ecosystem

For more experienced traders, Kraken Pro offers an advanced trading platform with powerful features and lower fees. Unlike the standard Kraken platform, which focuses on ease of use, Kraken Pro is designed for high-volume traders, institutions, and professional investors.

Kraken Pro offers:

Advanced Trading Interface:

• Spot trading, margin trading, and futures contracts with leverage options of up to 5x.
• Real-time order book, depth charts, and customizable trading views for in-depth market analysis.

Lower Trading Fees:

• Kraken Pro operates on a maker-taker fee model, where fees decrease as trading volume increases.

API Integration:

• Advanced traders and developers can use Kraken’s REST API and WebSocket API to automate trades and analyze market data.

Multiple Trading Pairs:

• Supports over 600 trading pairs across crypto and fiat markets.

Mobile & Desktop Access:

• Available as a web platform, mobile app (iOS and Android), and a desktop application for seamless trading across devices.

Kraken Pro Fee Structure

Kraken Pro charges significantly lower fees compared to the standard Kraken platform. Fees are based on a 30-day trading volume and follow a maker-taker model. For high-volume traders exceeding $10 million, Kraken Pro offers custom fee structures with even lower rates.

Summarizing the features:

Kraken

• NFT Marketplace: Offers a platform to buy, sell, and manage NFTs.
• 200+ Cryptocurrencies: Provides a wide range of digital assets for trading.
• Staking Services: Allows users to stake cryptocurrencies and earn rewards.
• Beginner-Friendly Ecosystem: Ideal for users looking for simplicity and easy access to digital assets.

Kraken Pro

• 210+ Assets: Supports cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and fiat currencies.
• Margin Trading: Allows traders to use leverage up to 5x for margin trading.
• Advanced Trading Features: Includes advanced order types, customizable charting, and real-time data.
• Professional Ecosystem: Perfect for traders who require flexibility and advanced trading tools.

Kraken vs Kraken Pro – Comparison Table

Kraken vs Kraken Pro: Who Wins the Battle?

Choosing the winner between Kraken Pro and Kraken depends on what users want!

Kraken is the better platform for those who want a user-friendly, secure platform for crypto trading with little fees. The intuitive interface and educational tools provide a great experience for beginners. On the other hand, advanced traders will benefit more from the pro platform. For true professionals who require greater control and precision in their trading strategies, Kraken Pro offers margin trading, advanced charting, customizable tools, and lower fees for high-volume traders. 

Frequent traders will find it more seamless and easy to integrate into the main Kraken platform. Once again, Kraken is where you should start if you are new to crypto. However, Kraken Pro offers unparalleled tools and resources for users who wish to get deeper into the trading realm.

Conclusion

To summarize, the selection between Kraken and Kraken Pro comes down to your level of experience and the features of the exchange you use. Kraken is best for beginners due to its simple, convenient-to-use platform, security, and reasonable fees. It provides basic services to allow traders or novices of crypto to use the platform with ease. 

Conversely, Kraken Pro is meant for experienced traders and offers sophisticated tools, lower fees for volume traders, margin trading, and more customizability. If trading is something that you take seriously and require professional-grade features, then Kraken Pro is a better option for you. If you are looking for a more straightforward experience, then Kraken is the one to choose.

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