Kraken vs Kraken Pro – Which Platform Should You Use? (2025)
With a background in software engineering and specialized expertise in cybersecurity, Samantha Lee co-founded b3i.tech alongside Jerry. She has been instrumental in developing robust blockchain architectures that prioritize security and efficiency.
Markus Webb brings over a decade of experience in blockchain technology and digital currency research. His work focuses on the practical applications of blockchain to real-world financial solutions and the implications of cryptocurrency investments.
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
Quick Answer:
Kraken is ideal for traders looking for a simple, secure way to buy and stake crypto. Conversely, Kraken Pro, suits active traders who want lower fees, advanced tools, and deeper market insights. You can switch between both using the same account.
In this guide, I’ll break down the fundamental differences between Kraken and Kraken Pro, based on personal experience and practical knowledge.
What’s the Core Difference Between Kraken and Kraken Pro?
One thing that often confuses new users — and even some experienced ones — is that Kraken and Kraken Pro aren’t two separate platforms in the traditional sense. They’re both part of the same Kraken ecosystem, run by the same company, with the same list of supported cryptocurrencies, the same account login, and the same industry-leading security.
It’s all under one roof. You log in once and can access either interface depending on what you’re trying to do. That convenience alone is worth knowing up front, especially if you’re considering switching back and forth.
What are the key differences between the two?
Here’s how I break it down: Kraken is built for ease of use. It’s designed for people who just want to buy, sell, and maybe stake some crypto without any friction. The interface is clean, the options are limited on purpose, and it’s honestly perfect if you don’t want to deal with charts and order books.
Kraken Pro, on the other hand, is where things get serious. It’s for traders who want real-time market data, precision order types, lower fees, and advanced analytics. Personally, I use Kraken for quick buys and staking, but when I’m actively trading or managing larger positions, Kraken Pro is my go-to. It just gives you more control, and once you get the hang of it, it’s hard to go back.
Which Type of User Is Each Platform Designed For?
Kraken is ideal for Casual Buyers and Long-Term Holders
If you’re just getting started with crypto, or you’re someone who prefers to take a “buy it and forget it” approach, then Kraken is honestly one of the best platforms out there. When I first got into crypto, I didn’t need advanced tools; I just wanted a simple way to buy Bitcoin and maybe stake a bit of ETH. Kraken made that easy.
There’s no steep learning curve, no cluttered screens — just a clean, intuitive interface. You can set up recurring buys if you want to dollar-cost average, and staking takes just a couple of clicks. For anyone looking to build a long-term portfolio without having to think like a trader, Kraken hits the mark.
Kraken Pro is built for Active Traders
Now, if you’re anything like me, once I started digging deeper into market structure and short-term trading, you’ll outgrow the basic Kraken interface. That’s where Kraken Pro comes in.
It’s made for traders, professionals, and institutions who want full control. You get access to a live order book, advanced order types like stop-loss and take-profit, and the ability to analyse price movements with real-time charts. I also find it incredibly helpful for automation and API-based trading strategies — something you just can’t do on the standard platform.
When I’m making high-volume trades or trying to optimise entry points on altcoins, I won’t even consider using the basic version. Kraken Pro is where serious trading happens.
How Do Fees Compare on Kraken and Kraken Pro?
Kraken Standard Fees
One of the first things I noticed when I started using Kraken’s standard interface was how easy it was to buy crypto — but that convenience does come at a cost. If you use the “Instant Buy” feature, you’re typically paying a spread of around 0.9% to 1.5% per transaction. For someone making the occasional Bitcoin or Ethereum purchase, that’s manageable. But if you’re trading often or moving in and out of multiple coins, those fees can really add up.
That’s why I always tell people: Kraken is great for simplicity, but it’s not the most cost-effective choice for active trading.
Kraken Pro Fee Tiers
Kraken Pro is a completely different story when it comes to fees. It uses a maker-taker model, and your rates get better the more you trade. For example, if you’re trading under $50,000 in volume over 30 days, you’ll start at 0.16% for makers and 0.26% for takers — already much lower than the standard platform. And if you ramp up your trading volume, those fees can drop significantly.
For me, this was a game-changer. Once I started making regular trades, I quickly realised how much I was saving by switching to Kraken Pro. Even on smaller volumes, the difference is noticeable — especially over time.
If you’re making just one or two purchases a month, Kraken’s convenience is worth it. But if you’re trading more actively? Kraken Pro is the smarter, more cost-efficient choice.
How Do Features and Interfaces Compare?
When it comes to the user interface, Kraken and Kraken Pro feel like completely different experiences, and that’s by design.
Kraken is clean, minimal, and super easy to navigate. If you’ve ever used a basic investment app before, you’ll feel right at home. I remember the first time I used it, I was impressed with how fast I could buy crypto without being overwhelmed by charts or jargon. Everything’s stripped back so you can focus on buying, holding, and staking — no distractions.
Kraken Pro, though, is a different story. It’s built for traders, and that’s immediately obvious. You get access to TradingView-powered charts, a real-time order book, depth analysis, and customisable dashboards. I’ll admit, it took me a few sessions to feel comfortable using all the tools, but once I did, I realised how much more insight and control it gave me. I could track price action, place more sophisticated orders, and monitor my portfolio all in one place.
What about the Tools & Capabilities?
What really sets Kraken Pro apart is the depth of functionality. If you’re someone who wants more than just “Buy” and “Sell,” this is where the platform really shines.
With Kraken, you’re limited to basic order types and simple price charts — good enough for casual investing. But Kraken Pro gives you everything from candlestick charts and indicators to advanced order types like stop-loss, take-profit, and post-only orders.
When I started experimenting with margin and futures trading, Kraken Pro gave me the infrastructure to do it confidently. It also supports API access, which is huge if you want to automate strategies.
If you’re just buying and holding, Kraken keeps things simple. But if you’re serious about trading, analytics, or strategy — Kraken Pro is in a different league.
Can You Use Both Kraken and Kraken Pro Together?
One of the things I really appreciate about Kraken is how seamless it is to switch between the regular platform and Kraken Pro. You don’t need to create two separate accounts or transfer funds between wallets — it’s all under the same login. That means I can make a quick crypto purchase on Kraken and then, if I want to place a limit order or dive into technical analysis, I just hop over to Kraken Pro without missing a beat.
When I first signed up, I started out exclusively using Kraken. It was a smooth onboarding experience, and it gave me time to get comfortable with crypto. But once I was ready to step up my trading game, Kraken Pro was right there — no extra setup required.
Does Kraken Pro offer a Smart User Journey?
I genuinely think Kraken’s dual-interface approach is underrated. It lets you grow into the platform at your own pace. You don’t have to start with all the bells and whistles. You can begin with the basics, build your confidence, and then transition into more advanced tools when you’re ready.
That’s exactly how I did it — Kraken helped me ease into crypto, and Kraken Pro gave me the tools to take it seriously. If you’re planning to evolve as an investor, using both platforms together makes a lot of sense.
How Secure Are Both Platforms?
Kraken has always been one of the few exchanges I fully trust, and when it comes to security that applies to both Kraken and Kraken Pro. They share the same underlying security architecture, which includes two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for the majority of funds, end-to-end encryption, and withdrawal whitelist features. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the kinds of protections that make a real difference if you’re serious about safeguarding your crypto.
In all the years I’ve used Kraken, I’ve never experienced a breach or suspicious login and that’s not by accident. The platform has built a strong reputation for security, and unlike some of its competitors, Kraken has never suffered a major hack.
What Regulatory Compliance does Kraken fall under?
Another reason I’ve stuck with Kraken is because of how globally compliant they are. They’re regulated by the FCA in the UK, FinCEN in the US, AUSTRAC in Australia, and even the FSA in Japan — that’s a rare level of regulatory coverage in the crypto space.
To me, that level of oversight matters. It adds a layer of credibility that makes Kraken — and by extension Kraken Pro- feel like the platform has been built for long-term trust.
What About Mobile Trading?
Kraken App
I’ve used the Kraken app on and off for years, especially when I just want to check my portfolio or make a quick buy while I’m out. It’s designed with simple and easy trading in mind — clean layout, easy navigation, and perfect for those one-off purchases or staking on the go. If you’re not trading daily, the regular Kraken app does exactly what you need without being overwhelming.
Kraken Pro App
Now, when I’m actively managing trades or monitoring price action throughout the day, I switch to the Kraken Pro app. It’s a proper trading terminal in your pocket — with live charts, real-time order books, and full access to your open positions. You can track your performance, set advanced orders, and execute trades quickly.
If you’re an analyst or frequent trader like me, the Kraken Pro app is one of the best mobile trading tools out there. It’s smooth, powerful, and actually usable without feeling clunky — which isn’t something I can say about every exchange.
Can You Stake Crypto on Both Platforms?
Yes — you can stake crypto on both Kraken and Kraken Pro. The staking options are exactly the same across the two platforms, with access to popular assets like Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot, and Cardano. The yield rates are identical, too, so there’s no disadvantage no matter which interface you choose.
That said, the key difference between the two is that the user experience is different. On standard Kraken, staking is incredibly quick — it’s a couple of taps and you’re done.
But if you want more control or visibility over your staking rewards, Kraken Pro offers better tracking. You can monitor your yield more closely and view performance in real-time alongside your trading activity.
Either way, the process is smooth, and Kraken remains one of my favourite platforms for passive crypto income.
What Learning Resources and Support Are Available?
One thing I respect about Kraken is that they don’t just assume you know everything — they actually help you learn. When I was getting started, I found their Kraken Learn hub, platform tutorials, and comprehensive knowledge base incredibly useful.
And if you hit a roadblock? Their 24/7 live chat and ticket support system has always been responsive in my experience. They also offer detailed FAQs that often solve the issue before you even need to contact someone.
Kraken Pro users get access to dedicated trading support, which I’ve used a couple of times when I had questions about execution or fees. If you’re actively trading, that extra layer of support can be a real advantage.
Final Verdict
Kraken is fast, intuitive, and doesn’t overwhelm you with technical tools or trading jargon. You can buy Bitcoin in under a minute and stake it with just a couple of taps — no stress, no steep learning curve. It’s the kind of experience that will help traders at any level build confidence.
But if you’re past the beginner stage or just want more control over how you trade, then Kraken Pro is hands-down the better platform. Once I understood the difference in fees and saw the depth of tools available, it was a no-brainer. Pro gives you advanced order types, deeper charts, and more flexibility, all while saving you money in the long run if you’re trading regularly.
The beauty is, you don’t have to pick just one. I still use both depending on what I’m doing. Kraken when I want fast, simple access, and Kraken Pro when I’m in trading mode.
Ultimately, it’s not about which platform is “better.” It’s about choosing the one that fits your goals or knowing when to switch between them.
FAQs
Kraken Pro offers lower trading fees, advanced order types, real-time charts, and better execution control, making it ideal for active traders and professionals.
Nope — both platforms offer the exact same list of supported assets. The difference is in the tools and features, not the coins.
Yes, you can stake the same assets on Kraken Pro as on Kraken. The difference is in how staking activity and rewards are displayed.
Yes. Both platforms use the same wallet and account, so you don’t need to move funds — just switch interfaces.
No, there’s no minimum deposit. You can start using Kraken Pro with any amount once your account is verified.
References
- Kraken Support – Platform Comparison
- Kraken – Pro Official Site
- Kraken – Proof of Reserves Audit
- Kraken Blog – SOC 2 Audit
- Finance Magnates – Proof of Reserves Update
Trade With Kraken Today
- Industry Leading Security
- Advanced Trading Tools
- Global Regulation and Transparency
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
