MEXC vs Gate.io – which to choose in 2026
TL;DR
Our rating gives MEXC (8.8/10) a slight edge over Gate.io (8.3/10). Gate.io still has real advantages – covered below.
Detailed comparison
| MEXC | Metric | Gate.io |
|---|---|---|
| 8.8 ✓ | Rating | 8.3 |
| 0% ✓ | Spot maker | 0.1% |
| 0.05% ✓ | Spot taker | 0.1% |
| 0% ✓ | Futures maker | 0.02% |
| 0.02% ✓ | Futures taker | 0.05% |
| 2500+ | Coins | 3800+ ✓ |
| 2018 | Founded | 2013 ✓ |
| MX | Token | GT |
| Seychelles | Country | Cayman Islands |
What sets them apart
MEXCLowest feesZero maker fees. Huge selection of coins – 2,500+
Gate.ioMost coinsHuge coin selection – 3,800+. Find even the rarest tokens
MEXC and Gate.io – two exchanges that constantly come up in comparisons. And for good reason: both rank among the top ten platforms by trading volume, both support futures trading, both list hundreds of cryptocurrencies. But the devil is in the details. MEXC zero maker fees. Huge selection of coins – 2,500+. Gate.io huge coin selection – 3,800+. Find even the rarest tokens. We have traded on both – opened accounts, completed verification, placed orders, and withdrawn funds. In this breakdown we share our real experience: fees, security, interface usability, P2P options, and hidden pitfalls you will not find in ads.
A Quick Look at Each Exchange
MEXCMEXC has been operating since 2018, registered in Seychelles. The platform lists 2500+ cryptocurrencies. MEXC is a centralized crypto exchange founded in 2018 and registered in the Seychelles. The platform's main advantage is a zero maker fee on both spot and futures. It lists over 2,500 cryptocurrencies, making it one of the leaders by token count. Our rating – 8.8/10.
Gate.ioGate.io has been operating since 2013, registered in Cayman Islands. The platform lists 3800+ cryptocurrencies. Gate.io is one of the oldest crypto exchanges, founded in 2013 and registered in the Cayman Islands. The platform holds a leading position by number of available cryptocurrencies – over 3,800 coins. Our rating – 8.3/10.
MEXC vs Gate.io Fees – Who Is Cheaper
Fees are the first thing traders look at when choosing an exchange. A 0.05% difference may seem trivial, but on $10,000 in monthly volume that is already $5. And if you trade actively, it adds up fast. On spot, MEXC charges 0%/0.05% (maker/taker), while Gate.io charges 0.1%/0.1%. In terms of spot fees, MEXC is the better deal. On futures the picture is different. MEXC charges 0% maker / 0.02% taker. Gate.io – 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker. For those trading with leverage, MEXC will cost less. Withdrawal fees are a separate expense. For BTC: MEXC charges 0.0005 BTC (~$35), Gate.io – 0.0004 BTC (~$28). For USDT on the TRC-20 network (the cheapest option): MEXC – 1 USDT (TRC-20), Gate.io – 1 USDT (TRC-20). Both platforms incentivize using their native tokens. MEXC offers a discount when paying fees with its MX token. Gate.io – with its GT token. If you trade a lot, the discount is significant.
The trading fee is only part of the expense. The real cost of a trade is made up of five elements: spread (the difference between buy and sell price), trading fee, withdrawal fee, currency conversion, and slippage on order execution. MEXC advertises zero maker fees – and it is true. However, zero fees are partly offset by wider spreads on less liquid pairs. On BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT this is barely noticeable, but on rare tokens the spread can be 2–3 times wider than on Gate.io. If you trade major coins, MEXC is genuinely cheaper. If you hunt altcoins, calculate the total cost. Our tip: for small transfers, use the TRC-20 network (USDT) – the fee is minimal. For larger amounts, compare withdrawal costs across different networks directly in the exchange interface.
Trading Tools and Features
Beyond fees, it is important to understand what you can actually do on each exchange. Spot trading is available on both platforms. In terms of coin count, Gate.io leads with 3800+ cryptocurrencies. MEXC offers 2500+. If you are looking for a specific altcoin, check the listing catalog beforehand. Futures are available on both exchanges. These are leveraged contracts – you can earn (and lose) multiples of what you would in spot trading. Maximum leverage on major pairs: up to 100x–125x. We recommend starting at 2x–5x, especially if you are new to it. Staking is available on both platforms. You can earn passive income on crypto held on the exchange. Rates depend on the coin and the lock-up period.
P2P and Fiat Trading
P2P is a popular way to buy crypto with local currency. You trade directly with another user: send fiat payment and receive crypto. No intermediaries – the exchange acts as an escrow to protect both sides. MEXC: P2P exchange supports multiple local currencies and payment methods. P2P liquidity is moderate – sufficient for buying USDT, but large amounts are best split across several trades. Gate.io: P2P exchange is available but less developed than Bybit. The selection of listings is limited, liquidity is moderate. Works for small amounts; for large purchases, consider Bybit or Bitget. Tip: when buying large amounts on P2P, split the transaction into several parts – this reduces risk and keeps things smooth.
Security and KYC
Security is something you do not think about until you run into a problem. Exchange hacks, frozen accounts, phishing emails – in crypto these are real risks. Here is what both platforms offer. MEXC: MEXC applies standard security measures: cold storage for the majority of funds, two-factor authentication, anti-phishing codes, and withdrawal address whitelisting. The exchange does not publish regular Proof of Reserves reports, which reduces transparency compared to market leaders. Gate.io: Gate.io uses cold storage with multi-signature, 2FA, anti-phishing codes, and address whitelisting. The exchange regularly publishes Proof of Reserves reports where every user can verify their funds are backed. In over 10 years of operation, the platform has not suffered any major hacks. In terms of market tenure, Gate.io leads – it has been operating since 2013. The longer an exchange runs without major incidents, the greater the trust. Verification (KYC) on MEXC: Basic trading is available without verification, with withdrawal limits. For full access, a passport plus selfie is required. Processing usually takes 15–60 minutes. Verification (KYC) on Gate.io: KYC verification is mandatory for trading and withdrawals. Basic level: passport plus selfie. Processing takes from 10 minutes to a few hours. Our advice: enable two-factor authentication (2FA) right after signing up. Set up an anti-phishing code – it appears in every email from the exchange and helps you tell genuine notifications from scams. For storing large amounts, use a hardware wallet – only keep on the exchange what you are actively trading.
Who Should You Choose
MEXCMEXC is ideal for those hunting for new tokens at an early stage who want to pay minimal fees. The zero maker rate attracts active traders placing limit orders. It also suits altcoin hunters – the 2,500+ coin catalog covers virtually everything.
Open MEXCGate.ioGate.io is the choice for those who need the widest possible cryptocurrency catalog. If the token you need is not trading on other exchanges – check Gate. The Startup launchpad lets you participate in new project launches at an early stage, which can yield high returns.
Open Gate.ioPros and cons
MEXC
Gate.ioOur Verdict
In our assessment, MEXC (8.8/10) comes out ahead of Gate.io (8.3/10). MEXC is the exchange with the lowest trading fees on the market: 0% for makers on both spot and futures. Over 2,500 cryptocurrencies – more than most competitors. But Gate.io should not be written off. Gate. For those tasks, Gate.io may be the better fit. Many traders keep accounts on both exchanges – for different purposes. Try both – registration is free.
FAQ
Which is better – MEXC or Gate.io?
MEXC received a rating of 8.8/10, Gate.io – 8.3/10. MEXC zero maker fees. huge selection of coins – 2,500+. But Gate.io is also a solid choice: it huge coin selection – 3,800+. find even the rarest tokens. Different tasks call for different exchanges.
Where are fees lower – MEXC or Gate.io?
On spot fees, MEXC is cheaper: 0%/0.05% maker/taker. On futures, MEXC also leads. But fees are not the only expense. Factor in spread, withdrawal fees, and token discounts.
Which has more coins – MEXC or Gate.io?
Gate.io offers 3800+ cryptocurrencies – more than 2500+ on MEXC. If you are looking for a specific rare token, check the exchange catalog before signing up.
Are MEXC and Gate.io available worldwide?
Both exchanges operate in most jurisdictions worldwide.
Can you trade futures on MEXC and Gate.io?
Yes, both exchanges support futures trading. MEXC: maker 0%, taker 0.02%. Gate.io: maker 0.02%, taker 0.05%. Maximum leverage on major pairs – up to 100x–125x.
Which exchange is safer – MEXC or Gate.io?
Gate.io has been around longer (since 2013) – a longer track record. Both platforms use cold storage and 2FA. Regardless of your choice, we recommend not keeping large amounts on any exchange – use a hardware wallet instead.
Is KYC verification required on MEXC and Gate.io?
MEXC: Basic trading is available without verification, with withdrawal limits. Gate.io: KYC verification is mandatory for trading and withdrawals. Without verification, trading and withdrawals on most exchanges are limited or unavailable.
Can you use both exchanges at the same time?
Yes, and many traders do exactly that. One exchange for main trading, the other for altcoins or futures. Registration on both is free.
Updated: April 2026
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