With the rise of cryptocurrency, there are hundreds of crypto apps available for Android and iOS. Some are wallets, others are exchanges. Yet others track prices or share cryptocurrency news. The average person, even if they are highly interested in cryptocurrency, will not download more than a handful of these. So, which are the best crypto apps in 2021? We’ve compiled a list of the top five apps, based on reputation, security, features, and popularity.
Binance
Binance prides itself on being the top crypto platform based on trader volume. It is worth noting that there is one version of Binance for United States residents and another version for all others. The mobile application provides most of the same features as the Binance website version that you would access on your computer.
Binance primarily serves as an exchange. One of its stand-out features that makes it so popular is the ability to buy various cryptocurrencies with a credit or debit card. Users can purchase Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and other cryptos with this method. From there, Binance offers access to more than 200 cryptocurrencies that can be traded.
A more recent addition to Binance’s services includes the ability to earn interest on cryptocurrency holdings. Binance Savings & Staking is integrated within the application and features interest rates of more than 5%.
Security is not typically a concern for Binance, as the platform has a Secure Asset Fund for Users. Traders of all experience levels can appreciate Binance, as it has both a Lite and Pro version. The Binance app also incorporates a crypto wallet that is intuitive to use.
BlockFi
BlockFi is somewhat different from the other crypto apps on this list. It lets users earn interest on cryptocurrency or borrow cash using cryptocurrency. It also allows for crypto trading, like many of the other top crypto apps.
The stand-out feature of BlockFi is the interest-earning accounts that feature industry-leading interest rates. Interest can be as high as 8.6% APY and it is compounded monthly. There is also no minimum balance for earning interest, making BlockFi accessible to everyone. Additionally, BlockFi lets users withdraw their interest-earning crypto at any time. The only caveat is that these BlockFi Interest Accounts are limited to Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, Tether, USD Coin, Gemini Dollar, Paxos Standard, and Paxos Gold.
Another unique feature is the ability to borrow USD, using cryptocurrency as collateral. These are same-day loans without prepayment penalties. They also have interest-only monthly payments for the first year.
For ease of use, BlockFi supports bank wire transfers. The dashboard is intuitive and the application allows for the user’s choice of biometric login methods. Gemini is the primary custodian for BlockFi. As the Gemini app also appears on this list, this is a secure option.
Blockfolio
Yet another type of crypto app, Blockfolio tracks the prices of cryptocurrencies. It also lets users track their crypto portfolios. The application provides data on more than 8,000 cryptocurrencies. There is also the ability to create a personalised crypto newsfeed and set up price alerts. This crypto app has millions of users.
The portfolio tracking abilities of Blockfolio are one of its key features. The application lets users track more than 8,000 coins, tokens, and altcoins as well as more than 100 fiat currencies. This means that users can track all of their assets in one location. The portfolio tracking even includes a personal portfolio graph to track users’ investments over time. The Transactions tab also features the ability to account for rewards, such as mining and airdrops, without entering a record.
Another of the key features is the live exchange prices with market analysis. Blockfolio gathers information from more than 300 crypto exchanges. Users can view candlestick charts and order books in real-time or set up price alerts.
For security, Blockfolio offers the option to hide user balances and lets users add a pin for extra security. There is also 24/7 support, which is common among the apps on this list.
Coinbase
Coinbase is among the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets, as well as the best crypto apps in 2021. Coinbase has more than 35 million users spread across 32 countries. It lets users securely buy, sell, or hold cryptocurrency. As with most of the other applications on this list, the Coinbase app is fully-featured, including the key components of the web platform.
Coinbase lets users purchase cryptocurrency using a debit card or bank account, offering various options to appeal to all users. It supports Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Ethereum Classic, Basic Attention Token, Litecoin, 0x, and USD Coin. This is fewer than some other crypto apps, but it covers the most popular ones.
The dashboard on Coinbase is intuitive, showing information such as value at a glance. Price alerts and automatic buys appeal to traders of varying experience levels.
For security, Coinbase stores more than 98% of its cryptocurrency offline. The remaining less than 2% features industry-leading security measures. In addition to two-factor authentication, Coinbase makes it easy to disable the phone’s application remotely from a computer. This is useful for stolen or lost phones.
Gemini
Gemini is another of the best crypto apps that primarily serves as a digital currency exchange. It also lets you store cryptocurrency, which you can then use in transactions. Other functions include the ability to set recurring buys and create price alerts.
One of Gemini’s stand-out features is its “security-first” mentality that has always been part of the platform, providing peace of mind. The wallet and crypto storage system were created by industry-leading experts in security. All accounts must have two-factor authentication for added security. Extra peace of mind comes from the fact that Gemini is based in New York and regulated.
Gemini lets users purchase cryptocurrencies by connecting their bank account and paying with fiat. There is also a Gemini Pay feature, which works with more than 30,000 retail locations. This feature lets users pay for transactions using cryptocurrencies instead of fiat.
In addition to being available on Android and iOS, Gemini is also available for Wear OS, meaning it is compatible with smartwatches.
Although these are the five best crypto apps in 2021, there are dozens of others worthy of consideration as well. Most exchanges and wallets now have their own apps, adding to the available mobile platforms.