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Gemini is the better choice for dedicated crypto traders who want deep liquidity, 70+ supported assets, institutional-grade security, and advanced trading tools. Robinhood is better for beginners and multi-asset investors who want commission-free stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto in one app. Below, we compare every major difference — fees, security, features, staking, and more — so you can choose the right platform in 2026.
| Feature | Gemini | Robinhood | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 (Winklevoss twins) | 2013 (Vlad Tenev & Baiju Bhatt) | — |
| Supported Cryptos | 70+ (US), perpetuals in EU | 45+ (US), 65+ (EU) | Gemini |
| Trading Fees | 0.10% maker / 0.35% taker (ActiveTrader) | Spread-based (~0.85%); volume tiers down to 0.03% | Gemini |
| Stocks & ETFs | No | Yes (commission-free) | Robinhood |
| Crypto Wallet | Yes (institutional-grade custody) | Yes (self-custody wallet) | Gemini |
| Staking | Yes (ETH, SOL, more) | Yes (ETH, SOL — US & EU) | Tie |
| Perpetual Futures | Yes (select jurisdictions) | Yes (EU only, up to 3× leverage) | Tie |
| Security | SOC 1 & 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, cold storage | SIPC (securities), crime insurance (crypto) | Gemini |
| Regulation | NYDFS trust company, FCA, MAS | SEC/FINRA broker-dealer, MiCA/MiFID (EU) | Tie |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.6 (iOS) | 4.2 (iOS) | Gemini |
| Best For | Crypto-focused traders & institutions | Multi-asset beginners & stock investors | — |
What Is Gemini?
Gemini is a US-based cryptocurrency exchange and custodian founded in 2014 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. It is licensed as a New York Trust Company by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), making it one of the most regulated crypto platforms in the world. As of February 2026, Gemini supports over 70 cryptocurrencies and operates in all 50 US states and 60+ countries globally, including the UK, Canada, Singapore, and South Korea.
Gemini offers two trading interfaces: a simplified buy/sell platform for beginners and the ActiveTrader platform for experienced users, featuring advanced charting powered by TradingView, multiple order types, and a maker-taker fee structure. Beyond trading, Gemini provides institutional-grade custody (Gemini Custody™), a crypto credit card that earns up to 4% back in crypto rewards, staking for proof-of-stake assets, and the Nifty Gateway NFT marketplace. The exchange also expanded into the EU in 2025 with perpetual futures and staking services.
What Is Robinhood?
Robinhood is a US-based fintech platform founded in 2013 that pioneered commission-free stock trading. It expanded into cryptocurrency in 2018 and now supports 45+ digital assets in the US and 65+ in Europe alongside stocks, ETFs, options, and futures. Robinhood is publicly traded on NASDAQ (ticker: HOOD) and is regulated by the SEC and FINRA in the US, with MiCA and MiFID approvals in Europe.
2025 was a transformational year for Robinhood's crypto division. The platform reported $51 billion in crypto assets under custody and $232 billion in crypto trading volume over the trailing 12 months as of Q3 2025. Key launches included US crypto staking (ETH and SOL), the Robinhood Legend desktop trading platform, expansion of fee tiers from 3 to 7 (as low as 0.03%), crypto perpetual futures in the EU with up to 3× leverage, tokenized US stocks and ETFs in Europe, and the announcement of its own Layer 2 blockchain built on Arbitrum for tokenized real-world assets.
Fees: Gemini vs Robinhood
Gemini charges explicit maker-taker fees on its ActiveTrader platform, starting at 0.10% (maker) and 0.35% (taker) for the base tier. Fees decrease with 30-day trading volume — traders above $500 million monthly pay as low as 0.00% maker and 0.03% taker. Gemini's standard web/mobile interface charges higher convenience fees of up to 1.49% per trade plus a fixed fee component for smaller orders, and the mobile app carries an additional "convenience fee." This dual pricing structure means sophisticated traders pay far less than casual users.
Robinhood advertises "commission-free" crypto trading but generates revenue through bid-ask spreads routed via market makers. As disclosed in July 2025, for every $100 of crypto order volume, Robinhood receives approximately $0.85 from its market makers — making the effective cost roughly 0.85% per trade, embedded in the execution price. In late 2025, Robinhood expanded to 7 fee tiers for high-volume traders, with rates dropping to as low as 0.03%. Starting January 2026, these fee tiers are supported in Robinhood's crypto trading API.
| Fee Type | Gemini | Robinhood |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Trading Fee | Up to 1.49% + fixed fee (simple interface) | Spread-based (~0.85% effective) |
| ActiveTrader / Volume Fees | 0.10% maker / 0.35% taker (base tier) | 7 tiers; as low as 0.03% |
| High-Volume (≥$500M/mo) | 0.00% maker / 0.03% taker | 0.03% (top tier) |
| Deposit (ACH/Bank) | Free | Free |
| Deposit (Wire) | Free (incoming) | $25 |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Network fees only | Free (no withdrawal fees) |
| Fiat Withdrawal (ACH) | Free | Free |
| Staking Commission | Varies by asset | Not disclosed; competitive rates |
Fee verdict: For casual traders, Robinhood's effective 0.85% spread is cheaper than Gemini's standard interface (up to 1.49%). However, Gemini's ActiveTrader platform (0.10% maker / 0.35% taker) is significantly cheaper for anyone willing to use the advanced interface — roughly 4× less expensive than Robinhood's default pricing. At the highest volume tiers, both platforms converge near 0.03%. Overall, Gemini offers better value for active crypto traders, while Robinhood is simpler for occasional buyers.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Gemini supports over 70 cryptocurrencies as of February 2026, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Chainlink (LINK), Uniswap (UNI), Aave (AAVE), and its native Gemini Dollar (GUSD) stablecoin. Gemini has historically been selective about listings, prioritizing regulatory compliance over quantity — every listed asset undergoes a thorough review process.
Robinhood now supports 45+ cryptocurrencies in the US and 65+ in Europe as of late 2025. Notable additions in 2025 include BNB, SUI, HBAR, TON, and HYPE. The US selection includes major assets like BTC, ETH, DOGE, SOL, XRP, ADA, AVAX, SHIB, LINK, LTC, PEPE, and AAVE. The European roster is broader thanks to Robinhood's MiCA-compliant framework.
| Category | Gemini | Robinhood |
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets (US) | 70+ | 45+ |
| Total Assets (EU) | 70+ (same global roster) | 65+ |
| Major Coins (BTC, ETH, SOL) | ||
| DeFi Tokens (UNI, AAVE, LINK) | Extensive | Growing |
| Meme Coins (DOGE, SHIB, PEPE) | Select | Strong selection |
| Stablecoins | GUSD, USDC, DAI | USDC |
| Listing Approach | Conservative, compliance-first | Aggressive expansion |
Winner: Gemini — with 70+ assets and a compliance-first listing process, Gemini offers more variety globally. However, Robinhood has narrowed the gap significantly in 2025 and its EU offering (65+ assets) is competitive. If you only trade major coins, both platforms cover the essentials.
Security and Regulation
Gemini is one of the most security-focused crypto platforms in the industry. It holds a New York trust company license from the NYDFS, has achieved both SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 certifications, and adheres to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 information security standards. The majority of customer funds are stored in air-gapped cold storage with multi-signature protection. Gemini carries digital asset insurance, and USD deposits are held at FDIC-insured partner banks including State Street. The platform requires two-factor authentication and supports hardware security keys (YubiKey) and address allowlisting for withdrawals.
Robinhood is an SEC- and FINRA-registered broker-dealer with SIPC coverage up to $500,000 for securities accounts ($250,000 for cash). For crypto, Robinhood holds customer assets in a combination of hot and cold storage and carries crime insurance — but crypto assets are not covered by SIPC. In 2025, Robinhood obtained MiCA and MiFID approvals for European operations. The platform supports SMS and authenticator-app 2FA but does not offer hardware security key support. Robinhood suffered a data breach in November 2021 that exposed approximately 7 million customer email addresses and names (no financial data was compromised).
| Security Feature | Gemini | Robinhood |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | NYDFS trust company, FCA, MAS | SEC/FINRA broker-dealer, MiCA (EU) |
| Cold Storage | Yes (air-gapped, multi-sig) | Yes (combination hot/cold) |
| Insurance | Digital asset insurance + FDIC on USD | SIPC (securities only) + crime insurance (crypto) |
| SOC 2 Compliance | Yes (Type 2) + SOC 1 Type 2 | No |
| ISO 27001 | Yes | No |
| 2FA Options | SMS, authenticator app, hardware key (YubiKey) | SMS, authenticator app |
| Address Allowlisting | Yes | No |
| Public Company | No (private) | Yes (NASDAQ: HOOD) |
| Known Security Incidents | Gemini Earn/Genesis issues (2022–2023, resolved 2024) | Data breach Nov 2021 (7M users exposed) |
Winner: Gemini — its triple security certifications (SOC 1, SOC 2, ISO 27001), air-gapped cold storage, hardware key support, and address allowlisting set the gold standard for crypto-specific security. Robinhood offers solid protection for traditional securities via SIPC, but its crypto security infrastructure lags behind Gemini's.
Trading Features and Tools
Gemini offers two distinct trading experiences. The standard interface provides a simple buy/sell flow for beginners with recurring purchases and portfolio tracking. The ActiveTrader platform delivers professional-grade tools including advanced charting powered by TradingView, multiple order types (limit, stop-limit, market, fill-or-kill, immediate-or-cancel), real-time order books, and depth charts. Gemini also provides a REST and WebSocket API for algorithmic trading, plus an OTC desk for institutional block trades. In the EU, Gemini launched perpetual futures and staking in 2025.
Robinhood offers a unified multi-asset experience where you can trade stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and crypto within a single app. In 2025, Robinhood launched its Legend desktop trading platform with professional charting and precision tools for crypto traders. The platform supports recurring crypto purchases, instant deposits, fractional share investing (stocks), and tax-lot selection for optimized tax reporting. Robinhood's Cortex AI engine provides near real-time market insights for Gold subscribers. In the EU, Robinhood introduced perpetual futures (up to 3× leverage via Bitstamp) and tokenized US stocks and ETFs.
| Feature | Gemini | Robinhood |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Buy/Sell | ||
| Advanced Charting | TradingView (ActiveTrader) | Legend platform |
| Order Types | Market, limit, stop-limit, FOK, IOC | Market, limit, stop, trailing stop |
| Recurring Buys | ||
| Trading API | REST & WebSocket | (fee tiers added Jan 2026) |
| OTC Desk | ||
| Perpetual Futures | (select jurisdictions) | (EU, up to 3× leverage) |
| Stock & ETF Trading | (commission-free) | |
| Options Trading | ||
| Futures Trading | ||
| Tokenized Stocks (EU) | (200+ US stocks/ETFs) | |
| AI Market Insights | (Cortex for Gold members) |
Winner: Depends on your needs. Gemini wins for crypto-specific trading — ActiveTrader's order book, OTC desk, and more advanced order types give serious crypto traders an edge. Robinhood wins for multi-asset versatility — stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and crypto under one roof, plus AI-powered insights and tokenized stocks in Europe.
Staking and Earning
Gemini offers staking for proof-of-stake assets including Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL), with no minimum staking requirement in the EU. The platform expanded staking services to EU customers in September 2025 alongside perpetual futures. Gemini previously offered Gemini Earn (a crypto lending product) which was paused in 2022 during the Genesis bankruptcy; affected customers received full asset recovery in 2024. As of 2026, Gemini's staking rewards are competitive but specific APY rates vary by asset and market conditions.
Robinhood launched crypto staking in the US in 2025, starting with Ethereum and Solana, and has identified staking as the cornerstone of its 2026 crypto strategy. As of Q3 2025, approximately $1 billion in customer assets were staked on the platform. Staking was recently expanded to New York customers. Robinhood's "Robinhood 2026" vision integrates staking within its AI-enhanced single-app experience alongside futures, options, and traditional investments.
Winner: Tie — both platforms offer ETH and SOL staking with competitive rates. Robinhood has more momentum (reaching $1B staked quickly and expanding to all US states), while Gemini has a longer track record in crypto-native products. Choose based on which platform you already use.
Wallet and Custody
Gemini provides a fully integrated wallet with institutional-grade custody through Gemini Custody™. Users can store, send, and receive all supported digital assets. The custody solution uses air-gapped cold storage with multi-signature authorization, and it's available as a standalone product for institutions. Address allowlisting restricts withdrawals to pre-approved addresses, adding an extra layer of security.
Robinhood launched its self-custody crypto wallet in 2022, allowing users to transfer crypto in and out of the platform. The wallet supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Dogecoin, and other major assets. There are no withdrawal fees — you only pay network gas fees. Transfer limits include a $5,000 daily maximum and 10 transactions per 24-hour period. Robinhood is also developing its own Layer 2 blockchain built on Arbitrum, designed for tokenized real-world assets and seamless self-custody bridging.
Winner: Gemini — institutional-grade custody with SOC certifications, address allowlisting, and broader asset support gives Gemini a clear edge for security-conscious users. Robinhood's wallet is functional but more basic, with transfer limits and fewer security controls.
User Experience and Mobile App
Robinhood is renowned for its sleek, intuitive mobile app — one of the best in fintech. The interface lets you switch seamlessly between stocks, crypto, and other asset classes. Price alerts, push notifications, and Robinhood Snacks (bite-sized financial news) keep users informed. The addition of the Legend desktop platform in 2025 addresses the needs of more advanced traders. However, Robinhood's app rating on iOS has slipped to 4.2 amid growing pains from rapid feature expansion.
Gemini's mobile app is well-designed with a clean interface suitable for both beginners (simple mode) and advanced users (ActiveTrader). The app includes portfolio tracking, price alerts, recurring buys, and staking management. Gemini's iOS app rating sits at 4.6, reflecting strong user satisfaction. The main limitation is that Gemini is crypto-only — there's no stock or ETF trading to complement your portfolio.
Winner: Tie with caveats. Robinhood wins for multi-asset convenience — managing your entire portfolio (stocks + crypto) in one place is unbeatable for simplicity. Gemini wins for crypto-specific UX — higher app ratings and a more focused, distraction-free crypto trading experience.
Customer Support
Gemini offers email support, a comprehensive help center with detailed guides, and phone support for account-related issues. Response times typically range from 24–48 hours for email inquiries. The platform also maintains active social media channels for announcements and community updates. With approximately 1.8 million active users, Gemini can provide more personalized service.
Robinhood provides 24/7 in-app chat support, email support, and phone callbacks. The company has invested significantly in improving customer service after criticism in earlier years. However, with over 24 million funded accounts, wait times can be longer during high-traffic periods (market crashes, new feature launches). Robinhood Gold members may receive priority support.
Winner: Gemini — smaller user base (1.8M vs 24M) means faster, more personalized support. Robinhood has improved significantly but scale remains a challenge during peak periods.
Who Should Choose Gemini?
- Crypto-focused traders who want access to 70+ cryptocurrencies and advanced trading tools
- Security-conscious investors who value NYDFS regulation, SOC 2 + ISO 27001 compliance, and hardware key 2FA
- Active traders who want low maker-taker fees (0.10%/0.35%) on ActiveTrader
- Institutional investors who need OTC trading, API access, and institutional-grade custody
- International users — Gemini operates in 60+ countries including the US, UK, Canada, and Singapore
- Privacy-focused users who want address allowlisting and granular withdrawal controls
Who Should Choose Robinhood?
- Beginners who want the simplest possible app for buying crypto with as little as $1
- Multi-asset investors who want stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and crypto in one platform
- US investors who value SIPC protection on securities and want access to 45+ crypto assets
- High-volume traders who can access Robinhood's lowest fee tier (0.03%)
- European investors who want tokenized US stocks, perpetual futures (3× leverage), and 65+ cryptos
- AI-curious traders who want Cortex-powered market insights and automated portfolio analysis
Alternatives to Consider
If neither Gemini nor Robinhood fits your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Coinbase — the largest US exchange with 200+ cryptos, Advanced Trade platform, and strong regulatory standing. Best for users who want the widest coin selection with a US-regulated platform. Read our Coinbase review.
- Kraken — a veteran exchange with low fees (0.16% maker / 0.26% taker), 200+ coins, staking on 20+ assets, and a strong security track record. See our Kraken review.
- Crypto.com — offers 350+ cryptos, a Visa debit card with up to 5% cashback, DeFi wallet, and comprehensive staking. See our best crypto exchanges guide.
- Bybit — ideal for derivatives traders with perpetual contracts, copy trading, and competitive fees. See our Gemini vs Bybit comparison.
Final Verdict: Gemini vs Robinhood (2026)
Gemini is the better platform for cryptocurrency trading in 2026. It offers superior crypto-specific security (SOC 1/2, ISO 27001, NYDFS trust license), lower explicit trading fees on ActiveTrader (0.10% maker / 0.35% taker vs ~0.85% spread), more supported assets (70+ vs 45+ in the US), and advanced trading tools including an OTC desk, full API, and institutional custody. For anyone whose primary goal is buying, trading, and securing cryptocurrency, Gemini is the stronger choice.
Robinhood is the better choice if you want a single app for your entire portfolio. Its commission-free stock and ETF trading, expanding crypto offering (45+ assets with staking), Robinhood Legend desktop platform, AI-powered Cortex insights, SIPC protection on securities, and ambitious 2026 roadmap (Layer 2 blockchain, tokenized stocks) make it ideal for investors who want stocks and crypto together. With $51 billion in crypto assets under custody, Robinhood has proven it's a serious crypto player — but it's still primarily a brokerage, not a crypto exchange.
For most crypto-focused users, we recommend Gemini. For multi-asset investing with growing crypto exposure, Robinhood is the more practical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for buying crypto, Gemini or Robinhood?
Gemini is better for buying crypto if you want access to 70+ cryptocurrencies, lower explicit trading fees through ActiveTrader (0.10% maker / 0.35% taker), and institutional-grade security. Robinhood is better if you prefer a simpler interface, want to manage stocks and crypto in one app, and trade major coins (45+ in the US). Both support staking on Ethereum and Solana as of 2026.
Is Gemini cheaper than Robinhood for crypto trading?
Yes, Gemini is cheaper for most active traders when using ActiveTrader, which charges 0.10% maker / 0.35% taker. Robinhood's "commission-free" model embeds a spread of approximately 0.85% per trade. However, Robinhood's high-volume tiers (expanded to 7 tiers in 2025) can go as low as 0.03%, matching Gemini's top-tier pricing for very active traders. Casual users may find Robinhood's flat spread simpler and cheaper than Gemini's standard interface (up to 1.49%).
Is Gemini safe to use in 2026?
Yes, Gemini is one of the safest crypto exchanges available. It is regulated by the NYDFS as a trust company, has achieved SOC 1 Type 2, SOC 2 Type 2, and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certifications, stores the majority of assets in air-gapped cold storage with multi-signature protection, and carries digital asset insurance. USD deposits are held at FDIC-insured partner banks. Gemini also supports hardware security keys (YubiKey) and address allowlisting for withdrawals.
Can I trade stocks on Gemini?
No, Gemini is a cryptocurrency-only platform. It supports 70+ digital assets including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, but does not offer stock, ETF, or options trading. If you want both stocks and crypto in one app, Robinhood is the better choice, offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and crypto.
Does Robinhood charge fees for crypto?
Robinhood does not charge explicit commissions on crypto trades, but it makes money through bid-ask spreads routed to market makers. As disclosed in July 2025, Robinhood receives approximately $0.85 per $100 of crypto order volume, making the effective cost roughly 0.85% per trade. High-volume traders can access 7 fee tiers with rates as low as 0.03%. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees for crypto transfers.
Can I transfer crypto from Robinhood to Gemini?
Yes, both platforms support crypto wallet transfers. You can send supported cryptocurrencies from Robinhood's self-custody wallet to your Gemini deposit address. Robinhood imposes a $5,000 daily transfer limit and a maximum of 10 transactions per 24-hour period. Robinhood charges no withdrawal fees — you only pay network (gas) fees. On Gemini's side, deposits are free.
Does Robinhood offer crypto staking?
Yes, Robinhood launched crypto staking in the US in 2025, starting with Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL). As of Q3 2025, approximately $1 billion in customer assets were staked on the platform. Staking is now available to customers in all US states including New York. Robinhood also offers staking in the EU as part of its expanded MiCA-compliant crypto offering.
Which has better security, Gemini or Robinhood?
Gemini has stronger crypto-specific security. It holds SOC 1 Type 2, SOC 2 Type 2, and ISO 27001 certifications, uses air-gapped cold storage, supports hardware security keys, and offers address allowlisting. Robinhood provides SIPC protection for securities (not crypto) and carries crime insurance for digital assets, but lacks SOC/ISO certifications and hardware key support. Robinhood suffered a data breach in 2021 affecting 7 million users; Gemini's main security incident was the Gemini Earn/Genesis issue in 2022–2023, which was fully resolved in 2024.
