HTX Crypto Exchange Review 2025 - Fees, Security, Features & Verdict

Apr, 10 2025

When you type "HTX crypto exchange review" into Google, you expect a no‑fluff rundown of what the platform actually delivers. That’s exactly what this guide gives you - a deep dive into HTX (formerly Huobi), its fee structure, security measures, product lineup, and who benefits most from using it in 2025.

What is HTX?

HTX is a global cryptocurrency exchange that rebranded from Huobi in October 2023 after being acquired by TRON founder Justin Sun. Founded in 2013 by Leon Li, HTX now serves over 50 million users from its Seychelles base and ranks among the top‑10 exchanges by 24‑hour volume.

Core Offering at a Glance

• Spot trading - 600 + pairs (up to 900 + depending on market conditions)
• Derivatives - perpetual futures with maker/taker fees as low as 0.02 %/0.04 %
• Staking & Earn products - SmartEarn, Fixed‑term staking, and liquidity mining
• Social tools - copy‑trading, bots, and a Telegram community of 85 k+
• VIP tiers - institutional‑grade services for high‑volume traders

Fee Structure - How Cheap Is It Really?

Fees are the first thing traders compare, so here’s the breakdown:

1. Spot maker/taker starts at 0.2 % for both sides.
2. Futures maker begins at 0.02 % and taker at 0.04 % - among the lowest in the industry.
3. Holding the native HT token unlocks up to a 25 % discount on those rates.

The discounts are permanent - unlike Binance’s time‑limited promos - which makes HTX attractive for long‑term, high‑frequency traders.

Security - Can You Trust Your Funds?

HTX employs a multi‑layered security stack:

• Cold storage holds roughly 98 % of user assets.
• Real‑time transaction monitoring and withdrawal address whitelisting.
• The Investor Protection Fund allocates 20 % of quarterly profits to buy back HT tokens, providing a safety net in extreme events.

That said, a 2023 cross‑chain bridge hack cost about $85 million. HTX reimbursed affected hot‑wallet balances, but the incident still lingers in the community’s memory.

Product Depth - Spot, Futures, Staking, and More

The exchange excels in diversity:

• Spot market: deep liquidity for BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT, and a sprawling altcoin list.
• Futures: perpetual contracts on over 100 pairs, zero‑cost futures for selected assets (launched May 2025).
• Earn suite: SmartEarn (auto‑compounding), fixed‑term staking, and a limited DeFi lending hub.
• Social tools: copy‑trading, built‑in bots, and a vibrant Telegram group for real‑time signals.

Where HTX lags is the breadth of DeFi integrations - KuCoin and Binance still offer more native yield‑farm options.

HT Token - More Than Just a Discount

The HT token (formerly HT) powers a DAO that lets holders vote on new listings, fee‑discount tiers, and even platform roadmap items. Holding 10 k HT unlocks the highest 25 % fee rebate and grants access to exclusive VIP events.

User Experience - From Sign‑Up to Advanced Trading

Creating an account usually takes 15‑30 minutes. KYC can range from a few hours (EEA users) to a week (some jurisdictions). The interface is clean, with a “Beginner” tab that walks new users through their first spot trade.

Support is ticket‑based via Zendesk; response times average under 2 hours during Asian market hours, but the lack of live chat can be frustrating for urgent withdrawal issues.

Pros & Cons - Quick Verdict

• Pros:
  • Competitive, permanent fee discounts for HT holders.
  • Wide range of spot and futures pairs.
  • Strong security with a dedicated protection fund.
  • Institution‑grade VIP tiers.
• Cons:
  • KYC delays in certain regions.
  • Earn products less extensive than top rivals.
  • Reputation still affected by the 2023 hack.
  • No live chat support.

How HTX Stacks Up - Comparison Table

Who Should Consider HTX?

If you’re a trader who values deep liquidity for a broad set of altcoins and wants a permanent fee discount without chasing promo periods, HTX is a solid pick. Institutional clients will also appreciate the VIP tier and the Investor Protection Fund.

On the flip side, if you chase the newest DeFi yields or need instant live‑chat support, Binance or KuCoin might feel more comfortable.

Final Thoughts

HTX has turned a controversial rebrand into a growth story, posting a 210 % surge in net deposits in Q1 2025 while many rivals flat‑lined. Its fee model, token‑driven discounts, and robust security give it a distinct edge for serious traders. Still, the platform must keep expanding its earn suite and streamline KYC to close the gap with the market leaders.

Bottom line: the HTX crypto exchange review shows a platform that’s earning its place in the top‑10, especially for users who prioritize fee savings and a wide altcoin menu over deep DeFi integration.