ThePathMark · Compare
Crypto platforms, without the pitch.
Quick reference tables for exchanges, staking, hardware wallets, and on-chain trading. No sign-up links — do your own homework before you trust anyone with your money.
Where to buy your first crypto
Centralized exchanges for beginners
| Platform | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solid starting point Coinbase | Beginner friendly | Regulated in many countries, simple interface, good for your first purchase. |
| Crypto.com | Card rewards | Exchange plus a Visa card that pays crypto cashback on everyday spending. |
| Binance | Most pairs | Huge selection of coins and trading pairs. More complex than you need on day one. |
| Bybit | Earn products | Strong earn and staking products if you already know what you're doing. |
Where to stake
Platforms and self-custody options
| Platform | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solid starting point Coinbase | Beginner friendly | One-click staking on a handful of coins. You never touch the technical details. |
| Bybit | Higher rates | Competitive earn rates, especially on stablecoins — with more platform risk. |
| Ledger | Self-custody | Stake from your own hardware wallet. More control, more steps. |
Hardware wallets
Offline storage for long-term holdings
| Platform | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solid starting point Ledger | Industry standard | Hardware wallet with a long track record. Coins stay offline until you approve a transaction. |
| Trezor | Open source | Another reputable hardware wallet. Different design, same core idea: keys never touch the internet. |
Decentralized trading
On-chain exchanges and perps
| Platform | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solid starting point Hyperliquid | On-chain trading | Decentralized spot and perpetuals with an order book plus an EVM app side. More advanced — see the Hyperliquid guide before depositing. |
New to Hyperliquid? Read the guide or the field note before you deposit.
⚑ One honest flag
← Back to guides These tables are opinion, not gospel. Regulation varies by country, platforms change their terms, and "beginner friendly" doesn't mean "risk free." Check what's legal where you live before you deposit a cent.