When it comes to trading altcoins, two names consistently rise to the top: MEXC and Gate.io. Both exchanges are known for their vast selection of cryptocurrencies, advanced trading tools, and strong security measures. But which one truly stands out as the best platform for altcoin investors?
In this comprehensive comparison, we dive deep into key aspects like fees, trading options, security, user experience, and unique features to help you determine whether MEXC or Gate.io is the right fit for your crypto journey.
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Quick Overview: MEXC vs Gate.io
Choosing the right exchange can significantly impact your trading success. Here’s a concise breakdown of what each platform offers:
- Spot Trading Fees: MEXC offers 0% spot trading fees, giving it a clear edge over Gate.io’s standard 0.2%.
- Number of Spot Pairs: Gate.io lists over 1,700 coins, slightly more than MEXC’s 1,600+, making it ideal for traders seeking niche altcoins.
- Futures Trading: MEXC supports over 300 futures pairs with fees as low as 0.01%, compared to Gate.io’s 50+ pairs and higher fee range.
- Leverage: MEXC allows up to 200x leverage, doubling Gate.io’s maximum of 100x.
- P2P Options: Gate.io supports TWD (New Taiwan Dollar) P2P deposits, a major advantage for users in Taiwan.
- Security Track Record: MEXC has no history of hacks, while Gate.io suffered a breach in 2018 — though both now provide Proof of Reserves (PoR).
Both platforms offer robust features such as copy trading, grid trading, staking, LaunchPad projects, and API access — all without mandatory KYC.
In-Depth Feature Comparison
Spot Trading: More Coins vs Lower Fees
For spot traders, coin variety and cost efficiency are crucial.
- Gate.io edges ahead with over 1,700 tradable cryptocurrencies, offering access to rare and newly listed tokens.
- However, MEXC counters with zero spot trading fees, making it far more cost-effective for high-volume traders.
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If you prioritize diversity, Gate.io may appeal more. But if cost savings matter most — especially for active traders — MEXC is the smarter choice.
Futures & Derivatives: Volume, Leverage, and Cost
Derivatives traders demand variety, flexibility, and low costs.
- MEXC offers over 300 futures trading pairs, significantly more than Gate.io’s 50+.
- MEXC also provides lower taker fees (0–0.01%) versus Gate.io’s 0.015%–0.05%.
- With support for 200x leverage, MEXC caters to aggressive strategies that require high exposure.
This makes MEXC a preferred destination for serious futures traders who want more options and tighter spreads.
Unique Features & Tools
Both exchanges go beyond basic trading with innovative tools:
| Feature | MEXC | Gate.io |
|---|---|---|
| Copy Trading | ✅ | ✅ |
| Grid Trading | ✅ | ✅ |
| Staking & Earn | ✅ | ✅ |
| LaunchPad (IEO) | ✅ | ✅ |
| API Access | ✅ | ✅ |
| Affiliate Program | ✅ | ✅ |
Notably:
- MEXC’s affiliate program pays commissions on direct referrals for up to 1,080 days.
- Gate.io offers lifetime commission payouts for affiliates — a long-term earning advantage.
Additionally, Gate.io maintains an official public spokesperson, enhancing transparency — a small but meaningful trust signal.
Security & Trustworthiness
Security remains paramount in crypto.
- MEXC: No reported breaches since its launch in 2018. Implements cold storage, multi-signature wallets, and regular audits.
- Gate.io: Experienced a hack in 2018 but fully reimbursed users. Since then, it has strengthened security protocols and publishes monthly Proof of Reserves (PoR) reports.
Both exchanges now meet modern safety standards, though MEXC holds a slight edge due to its clean incident record.
User Experience & Accessibility
Both platforms offer intuitive web interfaces and mobile apps across iOS and Android.
- MEXC’s UI is sleek and beginner-friendly, with easy navigation between spot, futures, and DeFi sections.
- Gate.io provides detailed market data and research tools, appealing to intermediate and advanced users.
For users in Taiwan:
- Only Gate.io supports TWD via P2P, enabling direct fiat onboarding — a significant regional advantage.
Neither exchange supports HKD or CNY P2P at this time.
Core Keywords Integration
Throughout this analysis, key themes emerge that align with user search intent:
- Best altcoin exchange
- Lowest crypto trading fees
- MEXC vs Gate.io
- Futures trading platform
- Zero fee spot trading
- P2P crypto exchange
- Copy trading crypto
- High leverage crypto
These terms naturally appear across sections discussing fees, features, and regional accessibility — ensuring strong SEO performance without keyword stuffing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which exchange has lower trading fees?
A: MEXC offers 0% spot trading fees and lower futures fees (as low as 0.01%), making it cheaper overall than Gate.io, which charges 0.2% for spot trades.
Q: Can I trade with New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)?
A: Yes — only Gate.io supports TWD through P2P trading, allowing users in Taiwan to buy crypto directly with local currency.
Q: Is KYC required on MEXC or Gate.io?
A: No. Both exchanges allow full trading functionality without mandatory KYC verification — ideal for privacy-focused users.
Q: Which exchange offers more futures pairs?
A: MEXC leads with over 300 futures trading pairs, compared to around 50 on Gate.io — giving traders much broader market exposure.
Q: Do both exchanges offer copy trading?
A: Yes. Both MEXC and Gate.io support copy trading, allowing beginners to mirror successful traders’ portfolios automatically.
Q: Which has better affiliate earnings potential?
A: While both have strong programs, Gate.io offers lifetime commission payouts, whereas MEXC limits referrals to 1,080 days — making Gate.io better for long-term passive income.
Final Verdict: Who Wins?
The answer depends on your priorities:
✅ Choose MEXC if you want:
- Zero spot trading fees
- More futures pairs and higher leverage (up to 200x)
- A clean security record
- Advanced trading tools with low costs
✅ Choose Gate.io if you need:
- Access to over 1,700 altcoins
- TWD P2P deposits
- Lifetime affiliate commissions
- A transparent team with a public spokesperson
👉 Start trading on a platform that fits your strategy and scale efficiently.
While both are excellent choices for altcoin enthusiasts, MEXC takes the lead for most active traders thanks to its superior fee structure and derivatives offerings. However, Gate.io remains a solid option, especially for those in Taiwan or focused on long-term referral income.
No matter which you choose, always practice secure account management and consider diversifying across platforms based on your needs.