Cryptocurrency trading platforms can look very similar at first glance, but the tools and fees behind the scenes often make a big difference in experience and cost. Two of the most talked-about platforms from one major crypto exchange are Kraken and Kraken Pro. Both are part of the same crypto ecosystem, but they serve different types of traders—each with unique strengths.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to advance your trading strategy, understanding the difference between Kraken and Kraken Pro can help you choose the right option for your needs.
What Is Kraken?
Kraken is a cryptocurrency exchange that is designed primarily for beginner and casual investors who want a straightforward entry into crypto trading. It lets users:
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Buy and sell crypto easily
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Manage a portfolio
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Trade with a simple interface that prioritizes ease of use
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Make instant purchases using traditional payment methods like bank transfers and cards
The main goal of Kraken is simplicity and accessibility. Because of that, it has fewer advanced tools and a more predictable trading fee structure, which is helpful for people new to the market.
Key Features of Kraken
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Simple and beginner-friendly interface
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Instant buy/sell option
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Basic order types (market and limit)
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Portfolio management tools
What Is Kraken Pro?
Kraken Pro, on the other hand, is designed for active, professional, or more experienced traders. It’s built to support more advanced trading strategies with features like:
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Tiered maker-taker fee structure (fees go down as your 30-day trading volume increases)
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Advanced charting and real-time data tools
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A wider variety of order types, including stop-loss and take-profit
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Margin and futures trading options
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More detailed trade execution controls
Kraken Pro is essentially the same exchange engine as Kraken, but with the advanced tools and customization that frequent traders want.
Main Differences: Kraken vs Kraken Pro
Here’s a side-by-side look at the key differences between the two platforms:
User Experience
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Kraken: Simplified, easy to understand interface for beginners.
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Kraken Pro: Professional layout with charts, order books, and advanced controls.
Fee Structure
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Kraken: Fixed trading fee (typically about 1%) plus any spreads and payment-processing fees.
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Kraken Pro: Uses a maker-taker model with fees starting relatively low and decreasing as trading volume increases. This can result in much lower fees for active traders over time.
Order Types & Tools
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Kraken: Basic market and limit orders.
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Kraken Pro: Includes advanced order types (stop loss, trailing, iceberg, etc.) and detailed charts.
Trading Options
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Kraken: Best for straightforward buys/sells and simple portfolio tracking.
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Kraken Pro: Supports margin and futures trading (where available), which Kraken’s standard platform does not focus on.
Mobile Platforms
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Kraken: Standard Kraken mobile app.
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Kraken Pro: A separate Kraken Pro app with tools for advanced trading.
Security
Both platforms share strong security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA), cold wallet storage for most custodied assets, and encryption, because they are operated by the same company.
Which One Should You Use?
Choose Kraken if:
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You’re new to cryptocurrency or trading.
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You want an easy, simple way to buy and hold crypto.
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You prefer straightforward fees without complex charts.
Choose Kraken Pro if:
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You trade often or in larger volumes.
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You want advanced charting and analytical tools.
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You want lower trading fees and access to professional order types.
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You need more control over execution and risk.
Both platforms use the same login, so you can start with Kraken and shift to Kraken Pro as you grow more experienced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exactly is the difference between Kraken and Kraken Pro?
Kraken is meant for simple buying and selling with a beginner-friendly interface, while Kraken Pro offers advanced trading tools, charts, and a flexible fee structure.
Are fees on Kraken higher than Kraken Pro?
Kraken typically uses a fixed 1% fee for trades, while Kraken Pro uses a volume-based maker-taker fee model that tends to be lower for active traders.
Can I switch between Kraken and Kraken Pro easily?
Yes — both platforms use the same account login, and switching is free.
Do both platforms support the same cryptocurrencies?
Yes. The available digital assets are generally the same; the differences are in how you trade them, not what you can trade.
Is Kraken Pro better for advanced features like margin trading?
Yes. Kraken Pro is designed to handle margin and, where available, futures trading, while Kraken’s standard platform focuses on simple spot trading.
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