The idea of a cryptocurrency gateway is quite simple. Basically, people need a way to get into the crypto environment, but they probably don’t have a Bitcoin holding dating back to the old days. That’s why gateway exchanges like Bitstamp, Kraken, Coinbase, and Gemini exist.

They don’t offer a vast array of digital assets but do offer the building block assets upon which the entire ecosystem depends. These so-called Blue Chip assets are the foundation for most of the crypto market’s value and are known by, more or less, everyone. Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, and Tether (depending on who you ask) are the fundamental assets all around.

Each of the aforementioned exchanges has a strong point. In the past, it would have been easy to say that since each serves a different geography set, they can’t be compared. However, the latest gesture for crypto exchanges is to go global. No one is satisfied with retaining a specific regional share anymore.

To that extent, the question becomes – which crypto gateway exchange offers the most simple and direct trading experience? Gateway exchanges are essentially built for complete beginners since advanced traders tend to migrate to exchanges with richer features. That makes simplicity and streamlined UI the real prize when comparing exchanges.

With ease of use the main feature that takes the cake, Coinbase wins hands down. The Coinbase app has been around for several years and was the most downloaded Apple app in 2017. No one else comes close – not even Bitstamp.

A better comparison would be to take a look at Bitstamp versus Kraken. Both started out primarily serving European audiences before Kraken began prioritizing its American presence. Between the two, Bitstamp rates higher in terms of ease and beginner-friendliness, whereas Kraken excels in terms of digital asset choice.

The Good and the Bad

Bitstamp puts a lot of emphasis on its longevity as a crypto exchange. That can’t be disregarded – other exchanges that started out at the same time were wiped off the map by unbelievable hacks totaling into the billions of dollars.