Required Legal Notice: Virtual currencies, real risks. The only guarantee in crypto is risk. Read more

Required Legal Notice: Virtual currencies, real risks. The only guarantee in crypto is risk. Warning: The value of your virtual currencies can rise or fall sharply, and your initial investment may be lost completely; virtual currencies are not covered by the guarantee funds that cover bank deposits; there is no legal mechanism on the virtual currencies market to prevent market manipulation or insider dealing; virtual currencies depend entirely on a specific computer technology and infrastructure, which in certain cases may be very recent and not yet adequately tested; if one loses the identification code or password giving access to the virtual wallet in which the virtual currency is stored, the currency held therein will be irretrievably lost; virtual currencies are currently accepted as a means of payment to a limited extent, and in most countries there is no legal obligation to accept them; for more information about the risks associated with an investment in virtual currencies, we advise you to read the Wikifin page What is a cryptocurrency? | Wikifin.

Which Kraken platform is best for me?

Last updated: March 18, 2026

Welcome aboard the mighty Kraken! Whether you're continuing, or embarking on your crypto journey, this guide will help you find the Kraken platform that’s just right for you.

Kraken is perfect for beginners and casual traders, with easy buying, selling, and funding abilities. Meanwhile, Kraken Pro and Kraken Desktop cater to professional trading with advanced analytics.

For those who prefer crypto on the go, Krakens’ mobile apps offer our full range of services, ensuring a seamless trading experience wherever you are.

Features	Kraken	Kraken Pro	Krak
User level	Beginner or Intermediate	Experienced traders	Everyone!
Main function	Convenient buying, selling, and funding	Professional order-book trading	Global peer-to-peer payments app
Exchange fees	Dynamic	0% - 0.26%	Dynamic
Deposit/Withdrawal options	Cash and crypto	Cash and crypto	Cash and crypto
Multiple languages	✅	✅	✅
Mobile app	✅	✅	✅
Instant buy	✅	❌	✅
Staking/Rewards	✅	✅	✅
Security features	✅	✅	✅
Advanced order options	❌	✅	❌
Margin trading	❌	✅	❌
Futures trading	❌	✅	❌
Price alerts	❌	✅	❌
Customizable trading interface	❌	✅	❌
Desktop application	❌	✅	❌

App Switcher

You can seamlessly switch between all interfaces on our websites via the App switcher. You will find the App switcher in the right hand corner of your screen on every web page.

To switch platforms:

1
Click on the App switcher, here you will find all of our available platforms.
2
Select the platform you would like to use and you will be instantly taken there.

Kraken

Kraken provides a streamlined and beginner-friendly experience, empowering both new and seasoned traders to confidently buy, sell, and convert cryptocurrency with ease.

You can also trade on the go with the Kraken mobile app, offering a simple yet powerful experience tailored for easy crypto trading. Designed with accessibility in mind, it’s the perfect choice for those looking to quickly and easily navigate the world of digital assets.

Features

With the Kraken platform you can:

•
Effortless trading: Instantly buy, sell, and convert cryptocurrencies instantly via a simple interface.
•
Extensive options: Explore 300+ assets, discover and learn about hundreds of cryptocurrencies.
•
Portfolio tracking: Manage and monitor your holdings in real time.
•
Flexible funding methods: Deposit funds via bank transfer or use debit and credit cards for instant purchases.
•
Enhanced security: Benefit from robust account security features to help keep your account safe.

How do I access and sign in?

Simply visit Kraken.com and sign in with your Kraken credentials. If you don’t have an account, sign up here.

The Kraken app, featuring a vibrant design, offers the same user-friendly experience on your mobile device.

Kraken Pro

Kraken Pro is designed for advanced traders who require powerful tools and in-depth market insights. Available on the web, and your mobile device, Kraken Pro offers professional-grade features such as advanced charting, a wide variety of order types, and access to futures and margin trading.

The Kraken Pro mobile app complements the web platform, allowing you to manage your trades, monitor the markets, and access the same advanced functionality wherever you are.

Together with Kraken Desktop - an advanced trading application designed for fully customizable boards - the Kraken Pro ecosystem ensures a seamless trading experience across all your devices. Whether you prefer a professional desktop setup or trading on the go, Kraken Pro has you covered.

Features

With the Kraken Pro interface you can:

•
Dynamic funding options: Deposit and withdraw crypto and cash, and stake or unstake assets.
•
Advanced security tools: Access features like Global Settings Lock and API management for secure trading.
•
Comprehensive trading interface: Utilize the full-featured order form and a suite of advanced order types.
•
Customizable workspaces: Tailor your trading interface to suit your needs with Kraken Desktop.
•
High performance: Experience faster trading with Kraken Desktop's superior speed, where you can design endless amounts of trading boards and custom themes.
•
Seamless integration: Switch between Kraken Pro, the Kraken Pro app, and Kraken Desktop for ultimate flexibility.

How do I access and sign in?

Simply visit Kraken Pro and sign in with your Kraken credentials. If you don’t have an account, sign up here.

Learn more about how to use and navigate the Kraken Pro interface from our Kraken Pro section.

How to install Kraken Desktop

1
To install Kraken Desktop, go to the Kraken Desktop home page, and click the download link available for your operating system.
2
The download will begin automatically, in the top right corner of your browser you can click the Downloads icon, then click the Kraken Desktop download to view the file.
3
Execute the file and follow the installation wizard. After a few clicks, Kraken Desktop will be installed on your system. 🎉
4
Open Kraken Desktop and then sign in with your Kraken credentials. If you're just getting started, you may want to check out our Kraken Desktop support articles.

Krak

Krak is a fast, simple money app from Kraken designed for everyday payments. With Krak, you can instantly send and receive cash or crypto worldwide using your unique Kraktag, no bank details required.

The app supports 300+ assets, makes international transfers seamless, and shows all fees upfront. You can also earn rewards on eligible balances and enjoy zero transfer fees between Krak users.

Whether you’re splitting a bill, sending money to family, or managing funds across currencies, Krak makes it easy to pay and get paid securely, anytime and anywhere.

Features

Krak comes with:

•
Instant payments: Send and receive cash or crypto worldwide in seconds using your unique Kraktag.
•
Zero transfer fees: Pay friends or family with no hidden costs and transparent conversion rates.
•
Multi-currency support: Hold, convert, and spend 300+ fiat currencies, stablecoins, and cryptocurrencies.
•
Earn rewards: Grow your balance with rewards on eligible assets and daily KrakBacks when sending payments.
•
Social-style payments: Share paylinks, add notes or emojis, and request payments as easily as sending a message.
•
Seamless integration: Link your Kraken account to move funds instantly between Krak and Kraken.
•
Secure transfers: Benefit from Kraken-grade security, including 2FA and account protections.

How do I create a Krak account?

Getting started with Krak is quick and simple. If you’re new, follow our guide to create your Krak account and Kraktag. Already have a Kraken account? Great news! You can sign in to Krak with your existing Kraken credentials for a fast and seamless setup.

Once your account is created, you’ll just need to complete verification before you can start sending and receiving. The process only takes a few minutes, and we’ll guide you step by step, check out our verification guide to get it done quickly.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between Kraken and Kraken Pro?

Kraken is designed for simple buying, selling, and managing your portfolio. Kraken Pro caters to advanced clients, offering detailed analytics, complex order types, and a robust trading interface.

Can I use Kraken Desktop without Kraken Pro?

Yes, you can use Kraken Desktop independently; however, it is designed primarily for trading and does not include some account management features. For funding, staking, and managing most account settings, you’ll need to use Kraken or Kraken Pro.

Are there any additional fees for using Kraken Pro or Kraken Desktop?

All Kraken platforms, including Pro and Desktop, are free to use. Standard trading fees apply based on your activity and tier.

Can I switch between Kraken and Kraken Pro?

Yes, you can easily switch between platforms using the app switcher, available in the top-right corner of all web interfaces. On mobile, you may download both apps and use them simultaneously.

Is Kraken Desktop available on all devices?

Kraken Desktop is available for download on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It synchronizes seamlessly with other Kraken platforms for a unified trading experience.