HTX isn’t just another crypto exchange. It’s a platform that grew from a 2013 startup into one of the world’s top 5 crypto trading platforms by volume, with over 50 million users and $6.4 billion in assets under custody as of mid-2025. But here’s the real question: Is it right for you? Whether you’re a beginner trying to buy your first Bitcoin or an active trader chasing 200x leverage, HTX offers a lot - but it also has serious flaws you need to know before depositing funds.
What HTX Actually Offers in 2025
HTX gives you access to over 700 cryptocurrencies, including everything from Bitcoin and Ethereum to obscure altcoins you won’t find on Coinbase or Kraken. That’s more than 200 coins more than Binance and nearly triple what Kraken supports. If you’re into niche tokens, HTX is one of the few places where you can trade them without switching platforms.
But it’s not just about listing count. HTX has built a full ecosystem: spot trading, futures with up to 200x leverage, staking with annual yields up to 15% on some coins, an NFT marketplace, and even dual-reward investment products that pay out in two different assets. You can also use TradingView directly on the platform for advanced charting - something most exchanges charge extra for.
The biggest shift since 2023? HTX dropped its old name, Huobi, and rebranded to HTX with a focus on becoming a "people’s exchange" through its HTX DAO. That means token holders can vote on platform changes - fee structures, new listings, even how reserve audits are done. It’s not full decentralization, but it’s a step toward community control that most centralized exchanges still ignore.
Trading Fees and Costs You Can’t Ignore
HTX’s fee structure looks great on paper - 0.2% for both maker and taker on spot trades. That’s average. But here’s where it gets messy: futures trading is way cheaper at 0.02% maker and 0.05% taker. That’s competitive with Binance, and it’s designed to lure active traders.
But if you’re not trading every day, those fees don’t matter as much as withdrawal costs. HTX charges different withdrawal fees for every coin. For example, withdrawing Bitcoin might cost 0.0005 BTC, while Ethereum could be 0.01 ETH. That’s fine if you’re moving large amounts, but if you’re trying to cash out $50 worth of Solana, you could lose 10% of your balance just in fees. There’s no flat fee structure - you have to check each coin individually.
On the bright side, P2P trading is completely free. If you want to buy crypto with bank transfer or PayPal, HTX’s peer-to-peer marketplace lets you trade directly with other users with zero platform fees. That’s a huge plus for users in regions with limited fiat access.
Security: Strong Infrastructure, Shaky Reputation
HTX uses multi-signature wallets, cold storage for 95% of assets, and proof of reserves that’s updated monthly. It also offers two-factor authentication, withdrawal address whitelisting, and anti-phishing codes. On paper, it’s as secure as any top-tier exchange.
But history matters. Huobi - HTX’s former name - was involved in a major security breach in 2018 that led to $13 million in losses. While the platform has improved drastically since then, some long-time crypto users still hesitate. The rebranding to HTX in 2023 felt like an attempt to reset trust, and while the tech is solid now, the brand carries baggage.
Also, HTX doesn’t offer insurance like Coinbase’s FDIC-like coverage for USD balances. If something goes wrong, you’re relying on their reserves - not a government-backed safety net.
Verification and KYC: A Major Pain Point
HTX has three verification levels: L1 (basic), L2 (standard), and L3 (advanced). L1 lets you trade up to 2 BTC per day. L2 unlocks higher limits and staking. L3 is needed for futures and large withdrawals.
Here’s the problem: the process is confusing. You’re asked for ID, proof of address, a selfie, and sometimes a video call. Unlike Binance, which walks you through it with clear prompts, HTX’s system is cluttered, with instructions scattered across multiple pages. Users report waiting 3-7 days for approval - sometimes longer if your documents don’t meet their strict formatting rules.
And if you’re from the U.S., Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, or China? You can’t use HTX at all. The platform has officially blocked users in those regions. So if you’re in Halifax, Toronto, or Vancouver, you’re out of luck. That’s not a technical issue - it’s a regulatory choice. HTX doesn’t have the licenses to operate there.
Customer Support: Slow, But Available
HTX offers 24/7 live chat and email support. That sounds good - until you try it. Multiple user reports from Reddit and Trustpilot describe response times of 12 to 48 hours for non-urgent issues. For comparison, Kraken and Binance often reply within 2-4 hours.
Worse, support agents frequently give generic answers. If you’re having trouble with a withdrawal, you might get a link to the FAQ instead of a real solution. There’s no phone support, no priority tiers for high-volume users, and no clear escalation path.
It’s not broken - it’s just slow and impersonal. If you’re a casual trader who rarely needs help, you might not notice. But if you’re actively trading and hit a problem during volatile markets, those delays can cost you money.
Staking and Earning: Where HTX Shines
One area HTX truly outperforms competitors is passive income. You can stake over 150 cryptocurrencies directly on the platform. Rewards are paid daily, and yields vary by coin. For example:
- Cardano (ADA): ~4.5% APY
- Polkadot (DOT): ~8.2% APY
- Tezos (XTZ): ~6.1% APY
- HTX’s own token (HT): Up to 15% APY with dual rewards
They also offer "dual investment" products - essentially structured crypto notes that pay you in two assets. For example, you lock up $1,000 in USDT and get paid back in BTC and ETH based on price movements. It’s complex, but for experienced users, it’s a way to earn even if the market doesn’t go up.
Plus, you can run nodes for Proof-of-Stake blockchains and earn block rewards without running your own hardware. HTX handles the technical side - you just stake your coins.
Who Should Use HTX? Who Should Avoid It?
Use HTX if:
- You trade altcoins and need access to 700+ assets
- You’re an active futures trader looking for 200x leverage
- You want to earn high yields through staking or dual-reward products
- You’re outside the U.S., Canada, EU, or China and need a global exchange
- You’re comfortable with a slower, less polished support system
Avoid HTX if:
- You’re in the U.S., Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, or China
- You’re a beginner who wants simple, guided onboarding
- You need fast customer support for urgent issues
- You hate unpredictable withdrawal fees
- You want fiat on-ramps with credit cards or bank transfers (HTX doesn’t offer them directly)
Final Verdict: Powerful, But Not for Everyone
HTX is not the easiest exchange to use. It’s not the most user-friendly. It doesn’t have the brand trust of Coinbase or the global regulatory coverage of Binance.
But if you’re a serious trader who needs deep liquidity, wide asset selection, and advanced earning tools - HTX is one of the few platforms that delivers all of that. Its 92% user growth in the first half of 2025 didn’t happen by accident. People are moving there because it offers what others don’t.
Just know the trade-offs: slow support, high withdrawal fees on small amounts, and a blocked user base in key markets. If you’re outside those restrictions and you’re ready to dig into the details, HTX is a powerful tool. But if you want simplicity and safety first, look elsewhere.
Is HTX legal in Canada?
No, HTX is not available to users in Canada. The platform has blocked access from Canadian IP addresses due to regulatory restrictions. Canadian residents should use exchanges licensed by FINTRAC, such as Newton, Bitbuy, or Coinsquare.
Does HTX have a mobile app?
Yes, HTX has official mobile apps for iOS and Android. The app supports all major features: spot trading, futures, staking, and P2P. It’s well-rated on both app stores, with users praising the clean interface and fast order execution. However, some report occasional login issues with two-factor authentication on mobile.
How does HTX compare to Binance?
HTX has more altcoins (700+ vs. Binance’s 600+) and better staking yields on some tokens. Binance, however, has stronger fiat on-ramps, faster support, lower withdrawal fees across the board, and is available in more countries. Binance also offers a native debit card and more educational content. If you’re a global trader with complex needs, HTX wins on asset depth. For most users, Binance is simpler and more reliable.
Can I stake Bitcoin on HTX?
No, you cannot stake Bitcoin directly on HTX because Bitcoin uses Proof-of-Work, not Proof-of-Stake. However, HTX offers a "BTC Staking" product that’s actually a yield-bearing derivative - you lock BTC and earn interest in USDT or HT. It’s not true staking, but it’s a way to earn passive income on Bitcoin holdings.
What’s the minimum deposit on HTX?
There’s no minimum deposit to start trading on HTX. You can deposit as little as $1 worth of crypto. However, to access advanced features like futures trading or higher withdrawal limits, you need to complete L2 or L3 verification, which requires a minimum deposit of $100 in crypto or equivalent.
Are HTX’s trading fees the lowest available?
No, HTX’s spot trading fees (0.2%) are average. Binance, KuCoin, and Bybit all offer lower fees, especially if you use their native tokens for discounts. HTX’s advantage is in futures trading, where its 0.02% maker fee is among the lowest in the industry. For high-frequency traders, that matters more than spot fees.
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