HTX Crypto Exchange Review: Features, Fees, and Real User Experience in 2025

HTX isn’t just another crypto exchange. It’s one of the few platforms that survived the 2018 crypto winter, the 2022 Terra collapse, and the wave of regulatory crackdowns - and came out stronger. Originally known as Huobi, it rebranded to HTX in 2023 to signal a shift: from a top-down exchange to a people’s exchange powered by its own DAO. By mid-2025, it had over 50 million users and $6.4 billion in assets under custody. But does it actually work for you? Let’s break it down.

What You Can Trade on HTX

HTX offers over 700 cryptocurrencies - more than most exchanges. You’ll find Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and all the major coins. But it’s the altcoins that stand out. Tokens like $TIA, $SEI, $RNDR, and newer Layer 2 projects appear here before they hit Binance or Coinbase. If you’re into early-stage trading, HTX gives you access to assets that larger platforms ignore.

Spot trading is straightforward. Futures? You can go up to 200x leverage. That’s not for beginners. One wrong move and you can lose your entire position in minutes. But for experienced traders, the low fees - 0.02% for makers, 0.05% for takers - make it attractive. There’s also a built-in NFT marketplace, staking for over 150 coins, and dual-reward products that pay you in both the underlying asset and HTX’s native token, HT.

Fees: Cheap for Traders, Costly for Casual Users

Spot trading fees are flat at 0.2% for both maker and taker. That’s average. But here’s where HTX shines: futures trading. At 0.02% maker and 0.05% taker, it’s cheaper than Kraken and close to Bybit. If you’re trading in volume, this saves you hundreds a month.

P2P trading? Zero fees. You can buy BTC or USDT directly from other users using bank transfers, PayPal, or even gift cards. It’s a lifesaver in countries where direct fiat deposits are blocked.

But watch out for withdrawal fees. They vary wildly. Withdrawing ETH might cost $2.50. Pulling out a lesser-known token like $AGIX could cost $15. There’s no transparency on the fee schedule - you only see the cost when you click ‘Withdraw.’ And the minimum withdrawal is 1 USDT, which is low, but not all coins allow it. Some require $10 or more just to move out.

Security: Strong Infrastructure, Questionable Past

HTX uses a multi-tier cold storage system. Over 95% of user funds are kept offline. They publish monthly proof-of-reserves reports - a rarity among exchanges. Their system is audited by third parties, and they’ve never suffered a major hack since 2020.

But here’s the catch: HTX had security issues in its early years. In 2018 and 2019, it was linked to several phishing attacks and internal breaches. While those are old news, some users still worry. The rebranding to HTX was partly an attempt to reset trust. Whether it worked? Only time will tell. Still, today’s security setup - two-factor authentication, withdrawal whitelisting, and anti-phishing codes - is industry-leading.

User Experience: Easy to Start, Hard to Master

The app and website are clean. The interface is intuitive for spot trading. Charts are powered by TradingView, so technical analysts feel right at home. The mobile app loads fast, supports biometric login, and lets you stake, trade, and check balances in under 30 seconds.

But the verification process? A nightmare. L1 (basic) lets you trade up to 2 BTC per day. L2 (standard) unlocks futures and higher limits. L3 (advanced) requires proof of address, selfie with ID, and sometimes a video call. Users report waits of 3-7 days. Some say they’ve waited over two weeks. Customer support doesn’t give clear timelines. If you’re in a hurry, this will frustrate you.

Customer service is available 24/7 via live chat and email. But response times vary. On busy days, it takes 8-12 hours for a reply. Compare that to Binance’s 2-hour average. HTX’s support team is knowledgeable but understaffed. You’ll get accurate answers - eventually.

Staking and Passive Income: Where HTX Really Shines

If you’re not actively trading, HTX is still worth your time. Their staking program offers yields between 3% and 18% APY, depending on the coin. You can stake ETH, DOT, ADA, SOL, and even newer tokens like $PENDLE and $AR. The rewards are paid daily, and there’s no lock-up period for most coins.

Even better: dual-reward staking. Stake $HTX and earn both $HTX and another token - like $BTC or $ETH - as a bonus. It’s a smart way to compound earnings without selling your core holdings. Node staking is also available for blockchain validators. You don’t need to run a server. HTX handles the infrastructure. You just stake and earn.

Who Should Use HTX? Who Should Avoid It?

Use HTX if:

• You trade altcoins and want access to 700+ tokens
• You’re an active futures trader looking for low fees
• You want to earn passive income with staking and dual rewards
• You live outside the U.S., EU, or China and have limited exchange options
• You prefer P2P trading with no fees

Avoid HTX if:

• You’re in the U.S., Canada, UK, Singapore, or Australia - access is blocked
• You hate long verification waits
• You want simple, instant fiat deposits (HTX doesn’t offer bank card deposits)
• You need 24/7 fast customer support
• You’re a beginner who doesn’t understand leverage or risk

HTX vs. the Competition

HTX doesn’t beat Binance on fiat on-ramps or Coinbase on ease of use. It doesn’t match Kraken on regulatory clarity. But here’s what it does better:

HTX wins on asset diversity and leverage. It loses on fiat access and support speed. If you’re outside regulated markets and want deep trading tools, HTX is one of the few options left.

The DAO Difference

HTX isn’t just a company anymore. It’s a DAO. Users can vote on new listings, fee structures, and platform upgrades using HT tokens. In 2025, over 12 million users participated in governance votes. One vote decided to add $WIF to spot trading - it went live in under 48 hours. Another vote lowered futures fees by 10% after community pressure.

This is new. Most exchanges are controlled by CEOs and boards. HTX listens. It’s not perfect - big holders still dominate votes - but it’s a step toward real decentralization. If you care about having a say in how your exchange runs, HTX is one of the few places where you actually can.

Final Verdict

HTX is not for everyone. If you’re in the U.S. or Europe and want to buy crypto with a credit card, keep looking. But if you’re a global trader, an altcoin enthusiast, or someone who values community control over corporate decisions - HTX is one of the most powerful tools available.

It’s fast, cheap for active traders, packed with features, and genuinely trying to become decentralized. The verification process is painful. Support is slow. Fees on withdrawals are unpredictable. But for those who can get past those hurdles, HTX delivers unmatched depth in trading options and earning potential.

In 2025, it’s not the biggest exchange. But it’s one of the most interesting. And in crypto, that often matters more than size.