HTX Review 2026

If you're seeking a well-known crypto exchange with advanced features, multiple ways to earn, and high leverage limits, HTX could be ideal. After reviewing HTX exchange, we discovered it's packed with tools for traders and offers an extensive selection of altcoins.

It provides many trading opportunities and the tools needed to capitalize on them (like trading bots), so HTX best suits active traders. Throughout this HTX review, we test and analyze the exchange, considering features, fees, trading capabilities, and user experiences.

We will also explain how to use HTX, discuss how it compares to other popular exchanges, and share answers to some frequent questions about the crypto trading platform.

HTX Review: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Large selection of altcoins
• High leverage limits
• Supports spot, margin, and futures trading
• Multiple ways to buy/trade crypto
• Comprehensive crypto exchange
• KYC is not strictly required

Cons

• Poor security history
• Mostly negative user reviews
• Banned in some significant countries

HTX Background and Reputation

Company Overview

HTX is a prominent crypto exchange headquartered in the Seychelles. It was founded in China and gained popularity in the region before focusing on international markets in the wake of China's 2017 digital currency ban. It's an advanced crypto trading platform with features catering primarily to experienced traders and investors.

HTX was initially called Huobi when Leon Li and Du Jun founded it in 2013. Within HTX, the 'H' represents Huboi, the 'T' Tron, and the 'X' Exchange, highlighting the relationship between the two projects.

The rebrand aimed to separate HTX from past negativity and align HTX with Tron amid the project's founder, Justin Sun, joining HTX as owner, advisor, and promoter.

Regulation & Licensing

Users seeking a secure crypto exchange will find that HTX is regulated in three regions. The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) licenses HTX in Dubai. However, although the crypto exchange has confirmed its licensing in Lithuania and South America, we couldn't find which regulators have approved HTX in these regions.

Unfortunately, top regulators such as the UK's FCA or the USA's FinCEN do not license HTX. As such, users are not protected by policies like the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which helps them get their money back if things go wrong or the exchange goes out of business.

Trust & History

According to Chainalysis, $2.17 billion was stolen from crypto services between January and June 2025, more than in all of 2024. Attacks like these were a significant contributor to HTX's name change. The exchange faced more than its fair share of controversies, including:

1. Between 2021 and 2023, HTX (trading under Huobi) accidentally exposed its AWS login credentials. This revealed thousands of Over-The-Counter (OTC) trades and could have enabled an attacker to manipulate the exchange's website maliciously. The attacker didn't utilize the breach, but it took two years to resolve.
2. In 2023, Chinese Police arrested three ex-HTX employees after they planted trojans in the company's crypto wallets. The attackers amassed over 27,000 mnemonics and 10,000 private keys. An investigation found that a separate ex-employee did something similar, but realized their plans, stealing funds from at least one user.
3. In September 2023, shortly after its rebrand, HTX suffered a 5,000 ETH hack, worth around $8 million. Customers were made whole, Justin Sun confirmed the attack, and later shared news that the hacker had returned the stolen funds for a 250 ETH white hat bounty.
4. The most significant attack occurred just a month after the previous one. In November 2023, HTX's HECO Chain Bridge and hot wallets were exploited. Attackers stole around $100 million, $86.6 million from the HECO Chain Bridge, and $13.6 million from the wallets.

HTX halted operations for several days following the attack while it recovered and implemented new security procedures. However, it ensured users were whole and didn't bear the brunt of losses.

HTX's security history isn't great compared to other Centralized Exchanges (CEXs). It has faced multiple breaches, leading to significant losses within a relatively short period. The exchange has shown a commitment to users and paid back any losses, but demonstrated a lack of pace in responding to these attacks.

Its history makes it easy to wonder, 'Is HTX legit?'. The exchange has millions of users and discloses audited proof of reserves, indicating a 100% or greater collateralization ratio. However, it temporarily suspended the service in 2024 due to TUSD losing its dollar peg. While it has issues, HTX is genuine.

User Reviews

Looking at crypto exchange reviews from real users is a smart way to determine a platform's real-world performance. When most users share negative comments, the exchange likely treats users poorly, isn't transparent, or lacks key features like crypto staking.

HTX users have published overwhelmingly negative reviews on Trustpilot. The exchange has a rating of just 1.4/5. Unlike other reputable platforms, such as Coinbase or Kraken, HTX has not claimed its Trustpilot profile and doesn't respond to comments.

Although some reviews are fake and used to promote scam crypto recovery services, many real accounts exist and have shared their experiences. The most common issue is lackluster responses from the HTX customer support team. Users also complain about frozen accounts and HTX failing to assist with police inquiries.

HTX is better reviewed on the App Store, commanding a 3.7/5 rating based on 1,300 reviews. Some users expressed that they appreciate HTX's ease of use and range of assets, while others complain of potentially fake App Store reviews and poor customer support responses.

On Reddit, users advised others to stay away from HTX due to Justin Sun's involvement. They claim Sun is a charlatan who is good at marketing but poor at following through.

One user shared that their funds were stolen and laundered via HTX, despite the exchange being warned of their illicit origin. They claim to have won a case with the UK High Court, which ordered HTX to repay the stolen funds, but they say HTX hasn't responded.

Based on user reviews and lackluster security history, HTX seems untrustworthy, although it is a genuine exchange. It provides advanced crypto exchange services, but offers little to no assistance when something goes wrong.

How to Sign Up for HTX

The HTX sign-up and verification process is relatively straightforward and takes only a few minutes. To help our readers get started, we explain the whole process in an easy step-by-step format:

Step 1: Create an HTX Account

Before using any of its features, you must create an HTX account. Head to the homepage and click the blue 'Register' button in the top right corner. Enter an email address or phone number and click 'Next.

You'll have to input a confirmation code sent to your email. It's worth noting that it will be from 'noreply@huobipro.com', not an HTX domain. Afterward, you'll need to choose a secure password. We recommend using a unique password that contains a mixture of letters, numbers, and special characters.

Step 2: Verify HTX Account

Verification isn't strictly required on HTX. Users can register, deposit, trade, and withdraw without completing the Know-Your-Customer (KYC) process. However, verification is a requirement for fiat-based services and to get more P2P offers.

The verification process typically takes around 10 minutes to complete (but can take up to 24 hours). For Level 1 verification, you must input your nationality, name, and date of birth. Level 2 requires uploading a photo ID (driving license, passport, ID card), and level 3 involves a face scan.

Step 3: Deposit Funds and Start Trading

Once verification is complete, you can deposit funds and start trading. The 'Quick Trade' tool supports simple fiat-to-crypto purchases. Users can also deposit cash or crypto. Navigate to the deposit section, choose an asset, select the correct network, and send your assets to the address provided.

As soon as your deposit arrives, you can start trading. HTX sends crypto deposits to the spot wallet, so if you want to trade futures, use trading bots, or stake, you must transfer them to the appropriate wallet first. Then, you can find an asset and start trading.

Initial Setup & User Experience

The top cryptocurrency platforms offer a straightforward and intuitive user experience to help beginners get started without difficulties and reduce user confusion. Here's how HTX performs in this area:

Ease of Use

If you're new to crypto, HTX could be overwhelming. It offers many features and various ways to trade, making it difficult for beginners to find what they're looking for. The Quick Trade feature makes HTX more approachable, but doesn't display quotes until your account is verified.

Because HTX is an advanced exchange, it includes an educational platform that explains the buying process and key concepts/features, sharply reducing the exchange's learning curve. While likely still too much for beginners, getting to grips with HTX is relatively easy.

Display & Buttons/Touchscreen

HTX's interface is relatively easy to navigate. The sections it is divided into make sense and don't use any complex jargon. However, some of the drop-down menus containing features are busy, and the tools can be difficult to tell apart if you're a beginner.

Throughout my HTX review testing, I found that the site loads relatively slowly compared to other prominent exchanges. The trading interface, loans tool, and market overview can take around 4-5 seconds to load. It typically takes slightly longer if you haven't accessed a feature recently.

Mobile App Review

If you like to trade while on the go or don't own a desktop computer, HTX has created a mobile app for Android and iOS devices. The app is well-designed and offers an excellent user experience. Key sections are easily accessible, and the app loads faster than the web platform.

The app is unavailable in certain countries, including the US and UK. I tried downloading it and couldn't find it on the App Store or Play Store until I changed my location and searched through Google. However, HTX provides an APK, so Android users can install it without using the Play Store.

Based on my testing, the HTX app offers the same features as the desktop version. Some tools, like crypto loans, are harder to find on the app. However, futures trading, crypto conversions, copy trading, and crypto bots are all available.

HTX app reviews are mixed. On the Play Store, it's rated 3.4/5 based on 42,000 reviews, while it has a 3.7/5 score from 1,300 ratings on the App Store. Users praise its diverse features, but state that HTX takes some getting used to.

HTX Key Features & Services

Certain features are essential when trying to pick the best crypto exchange, so you should carefully examine a potential platform and see how it performs in these areas. The top aspects to consider are:

Buying & Selling Crypto

Whether you're using a centralized or Decentralized Exchange (DEX), it will provide you with the ability to buy and sell cryptocurrency. HTX is no different. Users can deposit, buy, and sell 637 HTX-supported coins, including significant projects like Bitcoin or XRP, many stablecoins, and lesser-known cryptocurrencies, including THORChain.

HTX provides several methods for buying crypto with cash or funding your account. The Quick Trade tool supports direct fiat-to-crypto purchases primarily via credit/debit cards. It's highly convenient, but only supports 11 assets. Alternatively, a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) marketplace enables decentralized trading with exotic payment methods like cash in person.

Users can also deposit cash directly. HTX's deposit methods for EUR include SEPA, iDEAL, or Advcash. Traders can deposit GBP via Faster Payments (FPS), while BRL funding is supported via PIX. Other currencies HTX supports for deposits include Russian Rubles and Indian Rupees.

As various methods are available, most users will have access to a viable funding method. While HTX isn't the best crypto exchange for beginners, it will suit experienced traders seeking an all-in-one crypto platform that supports multiple fiat currencies for buying Bitcoin and similar assets.

Trading Platform

The trading interface on HTX is similar to most centralized crypto exchanges. It's intuitive if you've used a trading platform before, but it could be confusing if not.

HTX's Quick Trade interface is designed for beginners. It requires no technical know-how and provides a straightforward interface for buying Ethereum and a handful of other assets.

HTX has a user-friendly interface. The Quick Buy tool is ideal for beginners buying Ethereum, but only a few assets are supported, which means most users will have to use the more complicated order book interface. The same is true on mobile, so novice investors may prefer an alternative.

The best crypto exchanges typically offer a variety of order types so users can enter positions with enhanced precision. Kraken and Bybit both offer nine, including advanced options like Iceberg orders. However, HTX offers five relatively basic order types, such as:

If you're an experienced trader who wants to capitalize on small movements, access to leverage is a significant advantage. HTX offers 38 assets for margin trading with up to 5x leverage and hundreds of futures pairs with up to 200x leverage, enabling experienced traders to profit from small moves.

Liquidity measures how much of an asset the exchange sells at a certain price. For example, if 1 BTC sells for $110,000, there is 1 BTC worth of liquidity at this price.

HTX's liquidity is lackluster. CoinMarketCap has awarded it a liquidity score of 502, far below Binance (898), OKX (765), or Bitget (688). Still, it handles a sizable daily trading volume, around $3.8 billion, comparable to OKX ($3.6 billion and BitMart ($3.5 billion).

Supported Wallets & Custody

To better understand a crypto wallet review, you should learn the differences between custodial and non-custodial wallets:

• Custodial: The user cannot access the private key or recovery phrase. Custodial wallets are well-suited to beginners, as users don't have to worry about securely storing the recovery phrase.
• Non-Custodial: The user has complete control over the wallet and its keys/recovery phrase. Non-custodial wallets offer greater security and privacy, but introduce storage risk as users must keep the recovery phrase safe.

The HTX wallet is custodial. The exchange issues it so people can conveniently store assets they plan to buy and sell. It cannot be connected to a hardware wallet or security key, but remains a solid solution for temporary storage. You should withdraw long-term investments to an external wallet.

Earning & Lending

Staking is a method of earning interest on crypto holdings, similar to interest in a bank account. Multiple types of staking/earn products are available. HTX offers six products for people who buy Solana and other digital assets:

Although HTX doesn't offer interest-generating accounts, the flexible earn product is similar. The service isn't automated; users must manually subscribe, but it provides a comparable level of flexibility.

The HTX loans tool enables crypto-backed borrowing, allowing temporary cashouts without triggering a taxable event, which can help cover unexpected expenses without putting yourself at a disadvantage. Terms are fixed (7 to 90 days) or flexible. HTX accepts 29 assets for collateral, with Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios as high as 80%.

HTX doesn't support contributing to Bitcoin mining pools, but does provide a few extra earning methods. Copy trading lets users automatically mirror the positions of more experienced traders, while signal providers receive a portion of their followers' earnings. Trading bots enable the automatic execution of specific crypto trading strategies.

Security Measures

While creating this HTX review, I found that the exchange has had a rocky history. It has been hacked and faced multiple breaches. Therefore, having effective and robust security measures is even more critical for HTX than for a typical exchange.

I created a new HTX account and accessed the security settings to test the platform. It prompted me to set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) via Google Authenticator or SMS. We recommend using Google Authenticator or another dedicated app, as it's more secure. SMS verification leaves you vulnerable to SIM-swap attacks.

Users can also set up passkeys on HTX. The system lets people require confirmation from another source to validate a login attempt. For example, users can set up a passkey on their Windows computer that they must enter to access their account.

HTX stores most user assets in cold storage to protect users if the platform is compromised. I couldn't find first-hand figures, but sources state that around 90% to 98% is secured in cold storage. HTX also partnered with BitGo Singapore, which provides custodial services and $250 million insurance.

Other than its BitGo policy, HTX doesn't disclose criminal insurance, which protects exchanges against digital attacks. However, it operates as a fund designed to protect futures traders from excessive losses resulting from liquidations. It takes a portion of futures fees and ensures that losses don't exceed the principal.

HTX uses a verifiable Merkle Tree proof of reserves system, which third parties have audited to ensure accuracy. HTX has maintained 100% or greater collateralization for 35 consecutive months (although it was temporarily turned off in 2024). However, third parties have not audited or validated HTX's exchange and platform code.

Users can set up an anti-phishing code that HTX will display on all legitimate communications. If you receive an email that looks like it's from HTX but doesn't include the code, it's a phishing attempt and should be ignored or blocked.

Users can set up a withdrawal address whitelist, where assets can only be withdrawn to approved addresses. This helps combat attacks in which a user's account is compromised and their funds are transferred to an external wallet. Although I find setup can be inconvenient, whitelists are a substantial security benefit.

Payment Methods & Fees

HTX's fees for deposits vary by asset and payment method. Cryptocurrency is free (although you'll have to cover the network fees). HTX waives most fiat deposit fees. Funding via EUR and GBP using SEPA, Faster Payments, or Advcash is free. However, there's a €1 fee for iDEAL payments.

The HTX fees for crypto withdrawals vary by coin and network. Generally, networks with lower transaction costs are cheaper for withdrawals. We've included a few examples below. HTX only supports bank accounts for fiat withdrawals. Costs vary but typically range from around $1 to $25.

If you're seeking a low-fee crypto exchange, HTX is a reasonable choice. With trading fees of 0.20%, its costs fall roughly in the median of popular exchanges like Bybit (0.1%) and Kraken (0.25% / 0.40%). Futures trades are priced at 0.02% / 0.06%.

Having cryptocurrency fees explained helps users understand how to reduce their trading costs. A few tips I regularly use include:

1. Use maker orders, such as limit orders. They typically have lower costs. While maker and taker orders are priced the same on HTX's basic volume discount tier, they offer savings in higher tiers.
2. Concentrate your trading volume on one exchange. HTX offers people significant savings (up to 93.7%) at the highest volume tier.
3. Pay fees in exchange tokens. Platforms like HTX offer discounts for using native tokens to cover fee charges. HTX provides a 25% discount on up to $30 in cumulative fees.

Some exchanges charge hidden fees for certain services or account inactivity. HTX is largely transparent. However, assets on the P2P marketplace are usually priced at a premium above the spot price. Because HTX uses an order book, the spread (difference between buy and sell prices) is typically minor.

There are some HTX withdrawal limits to be aware of. If you're a high-volume trader, you will appreciate HTX offering a 5 BTC 24-hour cumulative withdrawal allowance for unverified users and 200 BTC for KYC-approved users. Crypto withdrawal minimums vary, but we've included a table showing a few popular assets.

Customer Support

Whether you want to conduct a simple transaction like buying Cardano or need tailored information on HTX's advanced products, you'll most likely need to contact customer service at some point. The top cryptocurrency platforms make it easy to contact support to prevent frustration.

HTX has built a robust customer support system. Users have access to an FAQ page that lists important announcements and covers typical questions across all the exchange's products. An AI chatbot can answer basic questions, while email support and 24/7 live chat are available for complex issues.

Although many users reported issues with the HTX customer support team, I contacted them regarding a deposit issue and was pleasantly surprised. After requesting human support, I was placed in a queue and received a response within seconds. The agent was courteous and knowledgeable, contradicting user HTX reviews.

Geographical Availability

While conducting an HTX review to determine its accessibility, I found that despite being an international platform specializing in crypto trading with leverage, HTX is unavailable or restricted in 40 countries. A further 22 countries cannot make bank card transactions. Some of the most significant crypto countries prohibited from HTX include:

• The USA
• Canada
• Germany
• Japan
• Singapore

HTX is a licensed crypto investment platform. As such, it must comply with specific rules, such as Know-Your-Customer (KYC), Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) guidelines, which require it to collect specific customer information. It also restricts features in countries like the USA for regulatory purposes.

Other HTX Products and Services

Some exchanges, like Uphold, integrate crypto tax software. HTX lacks this capability, but features many tools and services outside the ordinary. They enhance convenience, improving the exchange's user experience. Some of the most powerful include:

Crypto Loans

The HTX loans system allows users to borrow funds using crypto as collateral. Loans are advantageous for covering unexpected spending as they provide an instant credit line that users can access without triggering a taxable event.

There are two types of crypto loans available on HTX:

• Collateral Swap: A typical crypto loans system with low limits. Users pledge assets and receive a loan with the maximum amount based on their assets' Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios. Terms can be flexible or fixed for up to 90 days. The exchange liquidates the collateral if the loan isn't repaid.
• Liquidity Boost: HTX's loan system for high-net-worth individuals. Liquidity is not instant; users must file applications and agree to contracts. The minimum loan amount is $500,000, while the maximum is $10 million, providing a significant credit line to users with sufficient collateral.

Cryptocurrency Options

Advanced traders can use HTX's cryptocurrency options contracts as an alternative way to speculate on prices. They allow users to purchase a contract to buy crypto at a certain price. Users pay a premium to attain the contract and profit if the price rises or falls enough to outweigh the premium.

Trading Bots

Trading bots let users automatically execute strategies without placing trades or managing their positions manually. HTX offers spot and futures grid bots. Users can manually create strategies or browse and copy top performers, drastically reducing the barrier to entry and making the feature accessible to novices.

HTX vs Other Crypto Exchanges

Here is how HTX stacks against other top crypto exchanges in the market

Who is HTX Best Suited For?

HTX is packed with features. It caters to investors with its P2P marketplace, crypto loans, Over-the-Counter (OTC) desk, and staking capabilities. Traders benefit from high leverage limits, spot/margin/futures support, and copy trading. While it may overwhelm beginners, HTX is a strong choice for people seeking an all-in-one exchange.

Although it's a comprehensive platform, HTX holds minimal regulatory licenses and has had a largely negative security history. It offers a large selection of altcoins, including many smaller or new projects, making HTX ideal for buying Shiba Inu or lesser-known projects like LayerEdge. However, security-conscious investors will likely prefer an alternative.

Conclusion & Final Verdict

Despite its flaws, HTX is a powerful crypto trading platform. I felt it performed adequately during my testing and was well-equipped for most scenarios. It supports a good mixture of mainstream and lesser-known crypto assets, but its security history and user reviews leave a lot to be desired.

To conclude our HTX review, the exchange is versatile. It offers features tailored to investors and traders, as well as some relatively niche but valuable products. While beginners or people who prioritize security will better suit a more regulated exchange like Coinbase, HTX is solid for advanced traders seeking high leverage.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)