With the rise of cryptocurrency, hundreds of crypto apps are now available for Android and iOS. Some serve as wallets, others act as exchanges, while many focus on price tracking or delivering crypto news. Most users, even those deeply interested in crypto, typically install only a handful of apps. Which ones stand out in 2021? Below is a curated list of five top crypto apps, selected for reputation, security, features, and popularity.
Binance
Binance promotes itself as the leading crypto platform by trading volume. There are separate versions of Binance for U.S. residents and for international users. The mobile app mirrors most of the functionality found on the desktop website, giving users access to a broad range of trading features on the go.
Primarily an exchange, Binance is popular partly because it allows users to buy cryptocurrencies using credit or debit cards. Users can purchase Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and other major coins via card payments, then trade among more than 200 listed cryptocurrencies. This breadth of markets makes Binance attractive for traders who want many options.
Binance has expanded its services to include ways to earn interest on crypto holdings. Binance Savings and Staking are integrated into the app and offer competitive interest rates that can exceed 5%, depending on the product and asset.
Security remains a priority: Binance maintains a Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU) as an additional safeguard. The platform caters to both beginners and experienced traders with a Lite and Pro mode, while the built-in wallet is designed to be easy to use.
BlockFi
BlockFi differs from many crypto apps by focusing on interest-earning accounts and lending rather than just trading. Users can earn interest on crypto balances or borrow U.S. dollars using crypto as collateral, in addition to executing trading transactions.
BlockFi’s standout feature is its interest-bearing accounts, which offer competitive APYs. Rates can be as high as 8.6% APY for certain products, with interest compounded monthly. There is no minimum balance required to earn interest, and users can typically withdraw interest-bearing crypto at any time. These interest accounts currently support a set of assets that includes Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, Tether, USD Coin, Gemini Dollar, Paxos Standard, and Paxos Gold.
On the lending side, BlockFi offers USD loans secured by crypto collateral. These loans can be issued the same day and generally include no prepayment penalties, with options such as interest-only monthly payments during the first year.
BlockFi supports standard banking transfers and an intuitive dashboard, and the app offers biometric login options. Gemini acts as the primary custodian for BlockFi, adding another layer of custody security given Gemini’s reputation.
Blockfolio
Blockfolio (now also known as FTX’s portfolio app historically) focuses on portfolio tracking and price monitoring rather than custody or exchange services. The app provides data for thousands of cryptocurrencies and helps users track holdings across many coins, tokens, and fiat currencies. It also offers a personalized newsfeed and price alerts, making it popular among active portfolio managers.
One of Blockfolio’s core strengths is its comprehensive portfolio tracking. The app supports tracking for thousands of assets and more than 100 fiat currencies, allowing users to consolidate their crypto positions in one place. A portfolio graph visualizes performance over time, and the Transactions tab can account for rewards such as mining or airdrops without requiring manual entries.
Blockfolio aggregates live exchange prices and market data from hundreds of exchanges, giving users access to candlestick charts, order book views, and real-time market analysis. Customizable price alerts notify users of important market moves.
Security features include the option to hide balances and to add a PIN for extra protection. The app also provides around-the-clock support, which many users find helpful.
Coinbase
Coinbase ranks among the most widely used cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets, making it one of the top crypto apps in 2021. With tens of millions of users across multiple countries, Coinbase enables buying, selling, and storing crypto within a user-friendly interface. The mobile app includes the main features of the web platform for seamless account management.
Coinbase supports crypto purchases via debit cards and bank accounts, offering a range of payment options to accommodate different users. While its asset selection is smaller than some competitors, Coinbase supports the most popular and widely traded assets, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Ethereum Classic, Basic Attention Token, Litecoin, 0x, and USD Coin.
The app’s dashboard is straightforward, showing portfolio value and recent activity at a glance. Features such as price alerts and recurring buys make it suitable for both beginners and more seasoned users who prefer automated investment strategies.
Security is a focus for Coinbase: the company stores the majority of custodied crypto offline in cold storage and applies robust protections to funds kept online. Additional safety measures include two-factor authentication and the ability to remotely disable the mobile app from a desktop if a device is lost or stolen.
Gemini
Gemini operates primarily as a regulated digital currency exchange and custody service. The app allows users to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrency, set up recurring purchases, and create price alerts. Gemini emphasizes security and regulatory compliance as central elements of its offering.
A “security-first” approach has been part of Gemini’s design from the beginning. The wallet and custody systems were built by teams with deep security expertise, and all accounts require two-factor authentication. As a New York-based, regulated company, Gemini offers additional assurance for users who prioritize oversight and compliance.
Users can purchase crypto by linking a bank account and funding purchases with fiat. Gemini Pay enables crypto payments at thousands of retail locations, allowing users to spend crypto directly. The app is available on Android and iOS and also supports Wear OS for smartwatch access.
These five apps represent a range of functionality—exchanges, wallets, portfolio trackers, and lending/interest platforms. While they stand out in 2021 for their features, security, and user experience, many other apps may also be worth exploring depending on your needs. Most major exchanges and wallets now offer mobile apps, expanding the options available to crypto users.