HTX (formerly known as Huobi Global) is a well-established centralised cryptocurrency exchange with a long track record in the crypto markets. Originally launched in 2013, the platform has rebranded and expanded its product suite to offer spot trading, futures/perpetuals, margin, staking, and other financial products. HTX serves millions of users globally and supports a wide range of assets and markets. This review examines the platform’s features, fees, supported markets, user experience, and key considerations for traders in 2026.

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Quick Overview

Founded: 2013 (as Huobi; rebranded to HTX)

Exchange Type: Centralised (CEX)

Markets: Spot, Futures / Perpetuals, Margin, Earn Products

Approx. Supported Assets: ~700+ cryptocurrencies

Approx. Supported Spot Pairs: ~900+ trading pairs

Approx. Futures Markets: 300+ perpetual futures markets

KYC Required: Yes (tiered limits & features)

Supported Users: UK* & International (*limited access to some services)

HTX has a broad global footprint, with availability in 170+ countries and multi-language support, although spot and futures services may be restricted in certain regions (including the UK for some products).

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Key Features

Wide Asset Selection: Spot trading supports 700+ coins with more than 900 markets, including major and emerging tokens.

Derivatives & Leverage: Futures markets with leverage up to 200× on select perpetual contracts make it attractive for advanced traders.

Staking & Earn Products: Options to earn yields, savings products, and staking opportunities are integrated into the platform.

Margin Trading: Cross-margin and isolated margin options with leverage up to 5× on major assets.

P2P & Fiat: Peer-to-peer fiat trading is available with zero fees, and limited bank/card options exist in some regions.

Security Measures: Cold storage, two-factor authentication, and proof-of-reserves mechanisms support asset safety.

Mobile & Desktop Platforms: Full-featured apps and web interface with advanced order types, charting and customization.

HTX’s product set extends beyond basic trading to include ecosystem features like copy trading, NFT markets, and launchpad access for new token projects.

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Trading Fees

HTX uses a tiered maker-taker fee model, where costs decrease with higher trading volume and VIP status. Discounts are available for holding the platform’s native tokens (HTX/HT).

Spot Trading Fees

Maker: ~0.20% base

Taker: ~0.20% base

Fee reductions possible with higher volume or HTX token holdings.

Futures Trading Fees

Maker: ~0.02%

Taker: ~0.06%

High-volume traders can achieve lower rates with VIP tier benefits.

Other Fees

Crypto Deposits: Free (network fees apply)

Withdrawals: Network-dependent fees vary by asset.

Margin & Other Costs: Margin interest and funding rates apply for leveraged positions.

Overall, spot fees are slightly above the industry average, while derivatives fees are competitive with peers like Binance and Bybit.

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Available Markets

Spot Markets

Over 900+ trading pairs across a wide selection of major and emerging cryptocurrencies.

Futures Markets

300+ perpetual futures markets with various leverage options.

Other Markets

Margin trading, P2P fiat, staking/earn products, and OTC desks.

Market depth and liquidity on major pairs (e.g., BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT) are generally solid, though liquidity can be thinner on niche tokens compared with the very largest exchanges.

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User Experience & Interface

HTX has a feature-rich trading interface that caters to both beginner and advanced users. The platform offers basic and pro dashboards, advanced charting tools, custom layouts, and mobile access.

The tiered KYC process unlocks higher withdrawal limits and access to more features, but onboarding can take time depending on documentation and region.

Customer support options include live chat and email, but third-party review platforms often cite slow responses and inconsistent service quality.

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Security & Trust Considerations

HTX has historically stressed security features, such as cold storage and custodial reserves designed to protect user funds.

That said, the platform lacks Tier 1 regulatory oversight in major jurisdictions, and multiple past security incidents and operational complaints have been documented by community sources — including withdrawal delays, account lock issues, and regulatory actions (e.g., FCA legal action in the UK).

These factors mean users should weigh assets custodially held on the platform carefully and consider risk management strategies.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

Broad asset support with 700+ cryptocurrencies and 900+ market pairs.

Competitive futures trading fees for derivatives traders.

Additional products such as staking, margin, P2P and earn features.

Strong global footprint with multi-language support.

Cons

Spot trading fees are higher than some competitors’ base rates.

Regulatory uncertainty in major markets, including UK access restrictions.

Mixed user feedback on customer support and account issues.

No access for users in the US and certain other jurisdictions.

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Who Is HTX Best For?

HTX is best suited for intermediate and advanced traders who want access to a wide variety of assets and active derivatives trading. Its extensive features, futures markets, and earning products can be beneficial for traders looking beyond basic spot trading.

It may be less suitable for beginners, cost-sensitive traders, or users who prioritise strong regulatory protections and simple onboarding.

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Final Verdict

HTX remains a major global exchange with deep product breadth — from spot and futures markets to margin, staking, and P2P fiat trading. Its competitive futures fees and diverse market access make it a compelling platform for active traders.

However, higher spot fees, regulatory uncertainty, and mixed service reviews are important factors to consider when choosing HTX as your primary trading venue. Users seeking strong regulatory compliance, UK authorisations, or simpler experiences may prefer alternatives. As always, practice prudent risk management and start with smaller balances to evaluate fit.