HTX Crypto Exchange Review: Features, Fees, and Real User Experience in 2025
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HTX isn’t just another crypto exchange. It’s one of the few platforms that survived the 2018 bear market, the 2022 Terra collapse, and still grew to over 50 million users by mid-2025. But here’s the thing - if you’re looking for a simple place to buy Bitcoin and call it a day, HTX might overwhelm you. If you’re serious about trading, staking, or diving into altcoins, it’s one of the most powerful tools out there. Let’s cut through the noise and show you exactly what HTX offers - and where it falls short.
What HTX Actually Is in 2025
HTX used to be called Huobi. The name changed in early 2024 as part of a full rebranding to signal a shift from a top-down exchange to a community-owned platform. Today, HTX runs on a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) structure. That means token holders can vote on platform upgrades, fee changes, and even which new coins get listed. It’s not fully decentralized like Uniswap, but it’s a big step away from the old corporate model.
The platform supports over 700 cryptocurrencies - more than most competitors. You’ll find everything from Bitcoin and Ethereum to obscure memecoins and new Layer 2 tokens. That’s a huge plus if you’re into trading niche assets. HTX also offers spot trading, futures with up to 200x leverage, staking, NFT trading, and even dual-reward investment products that pay out in two different tokens at once.
Trading Fees: Competitive, But Not Always Fair
Spot trading fees are 0.2% for both makers and takers. That’s standard. But here’s where it gets interesting: futures trading fees are just 0.02% for makers and 0.05% for takers. That’s cheaper than Binance and Kraken. If you’re an active trader, that adds up fast.
But if you’re a casual user who only buys Bitcoin once a month? You’ll pay the same 0.2% - and you won’t get any volume discounts. HTX doesn’t have a tiered fee system based on trading volume like some rivals do. That’s a missed opportunity for small traders.
P2P trading is free. No fees. That’s great if you’re buying crypto with bank transfers or PayPal in countries where direct fiat on-ramps are limited. HTX’s P2P platform is active in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. But if you’re in the U.S., you’re out of luck - HTX doesn’t serve American users at all.
Security: Solid Infrastructure, But a Shaky Past
HTX uses a multi-tier cold storage system. Over 95% of user funds are kept offline. They publish monthly proof-of-reserves reports, showing they hold more crypto than they owe users. That’s transparency most exchanges still avoid.
They also offer two-factor authentication (2FA), withdrawal address whitelisting, and anti-phishing codes. All good.
But here’s the catch: HTX had a major security breach in 2018 where $13 million was stolen. It was never fully resolved, and the incident still haunts its reputation. Since then, they’ve improved dramatically - but if you’re risk-averse, you might still hesitate. Compare that to Coinbase, which has never had a major breach, or Kraken, which has a spotless security record. HTX’s security is now strong, but trust takes longer to rebuild than systems do.
Verification and KYC: The Biggest Pain Point
HTX has three verification levels:
- L1 (Basic): Just email and phone. Lets you trade up to 2 BTC per day.
- L2 (Standard): ID + selfie. Up to 100 BTC daily.
- L3 (Advanced): Proof of address + source of funds. Unrestricted trading.
Here’s the problem: the process is confusing. Users report being asked for documents they didn’t expect - like utility bills from 2023 or bank statements with redacted numbers. Some wait days for approval. Others get rejected without clear reasons.
Compare that to Binance or Kraken, where KYC is usually done in under 10 minutes. HTX’s system feels outdated, bureaucratic, and inconsistently enforced. If you’re in a hurry, this will frustrate you.
Customer Support: Slow, But Available
HTX offers 24/7 live chat and email support. That’s good on paper. But real users say response times vary wildly. Some get replies in 15 minutes. Others wait 48 hours - especially for withdrawal issues or account freezes.
There’s no phone support. No ticketing system that shows status updates. You’re stuck in a chat window with automated responses until a human picks it up. And if you’re not fluent in English, your options shrink. HTX supports Russian, Turkish, and Arabic - but not Spanish, French, or German well. That’s a problem for a platform claiming to be global.
Mobile App and Trading Tools
The HTX mobile app is clean, fast, and works smoothly on both iOS and Android. You can trade spot, futures, and stake assets with just a few taps. The interface is intuitive for beginners - but hides advanced features behind menus. That’s intentional. They want new users to feel safe, while pros can dig deeper.
The real standout? The built-in TradingView integration. You get professional-grade charts, indicators, drawing tools, and alerts - all inside the app. No need to switch platforms. That’s a huge advantage for day traders and swing traders. You can even set up automated trading bots directly on HTX using their API.
Staking and Earning: Where HTX Shines
If you’re not trading, HTX has you covered with passive income tools. You can stake over 100 Proof-of-Stake coins - including Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano - and earn between 3% and 15% APY, depending on the asset.
They also offer “dual investment” products. For example, you lock up $1,000 in USDT and get paid in both Bitcoin and Ethereum. If BTC rises, you get more BTC. If ETH rises, you get more ETH. It’s a hedge against volatility. Many users call this their favorite feature.
There’s also node staking - where you earn rewards by helping secure blockchains like Polkadot or Avalanche. You don’t need to run a server. HTX handles it all. Just deposit, earn, and withdraw.
Who Should Use HTX? Who Should Avoid It?
Use HTX if:
- You trade altcoins or niche tokens (700+ options)
- You’re an active trader who uses futures or leverage
- You want advanced charting tools without switching platforms
- You’re in a region with limited fiat access and use P2P
- You care about DAO governance and community control
Avoid HTX if:
- You’re in the U.S., Canada, Singapore, or China (blocked)
- You want quick, simple KYC
- You need 24/7 phone support
- You’re a beginner who just wants to buy Bitcoin
- You’re sensitive to past security issues
Final Verdict: Powerful, But Not Perfect
HTX is a powerhouse for serious traders. The asset selection, low futures fees, TradingView integration, and staking options make it one of the most feature-rich exchanges in 2025. It’s growing fast, innovating with DAO governance, and handling billions in assets without major incidents lately.
But it’s not user-friendly for everyone. The KYC process is a mess. Support is slow. And if you’re in a restricted country, you can’t even sign up.
For experienced traders outside the U.S. and EU? HTX is a top-tier choice. For casual investors? Stick with Coinbase or Kraken. They’re simpler, safer, and more reliable - even if they don’t offer 200x leverage or 700 coins.
HTX isn’t for everyone. But if you know what you’re doing, it’s one of the best tools on the market.
Is HTX safe to use in 2025?
HTX is technically secure - it uses cold storage, proof of reserves, and multi-factor authentication. It hasn’t had a major breach since 2018, and its security practices are now industry-standard. However, its past breaches and lack of regulatory licensing in major markets mean it carries higher reputational risk than exchanges like Coinbase or Kraken. Use it if you understand the trade-offs.
Can I use HTX in the United States?
No. HTX does not serve users in the United States, nor does it offer fiat on-ramps for U.S. residents. The platform is blocked for users with U.S. IP addresses or U.S.-issued IDs. If you’re in the U.S., look at Coinbase, Kraken, or Gemini instead.
What are the withdrawal fees on HTX?
Withdrawal fees vary by cryptocurrency. For example, withdrawing Bitcoin costs around 0.0005 BTC, while Ethereum withdrawals are about 0.01 ETH. Stablecoins like USDT usually cost less than $0.50. HTX doesn’t charge platform fees, but you pay the blockchain network fee - which changes based on congestion. Check the withdrawal page before sending - fees are listed clearly there.
Does HTX offer fiat currency deposits?
HTX does not offer direct bank transfers or credit card purchases for fiat. Instead, it relies on its P2P marketplace, where users trade crypto for local currencies like USD, EUR, or BRL via bank transfer, PayPal, or cash. This works well in emerging markets but is less convenient than direct on-ramps on exchanges like Binance or Coinbase.
How does HTX’s DAO governance work?
HTX token holders can vote on key platform decisions - like listing new coins, changing fees, or updating security protocols. Each HTX token equals one vote. The more tokens you hold, the more influence you have. Proposals are submitted by the team or community, then voted on over a 7-day period. This system gives users real control, unlike most centralized exchanges where decisions are made by executives alone.
Is HTX better than Binance?
HTX has more altcoins and lower futures fees, but Binance has better fiat on-ramps, faster KYC, superior customer support, and operates in more countries. Binance also has a larger user base and more liquidity. If you’re in a supported region and want simplicity, Binance wins. If you’re a high-volume trader in an emerging market and want DAO control, HTX might be better.