Comparison workspace
Choose the product class before choosing a winner.
A fair comparison begins with equivalent responsibilities. Select two exchanges or two self-custody wallets, then open each ten-module dossier for the custody, entity, cost, exit, privacy, remedy and conclusion-change evidence behind the table.
VS
| Decision factor | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Product class | Custodial crypto platform with separate self-custody products | Custodial exchange with retail and professional trading surfaces |
| Evidence status | partially verified | partially verified |
| Evidence confidence | medium | medium |
| Editorial state | Public-source assessment complete | Public-source assessment complete |
| Decision dossier | 10 accountable modules · 4 reproducible scenarios | 10 accountable modules · 4 reproducible scenarios |
| Conclusion-change gate | Visible in the full file | Visible in the full file |
| Primary category | Custodial platformHosted-account keys are controlled by Coinbase; self-custody wallet products are separate. | Custodial exchangeKraken Wallet is a separate self-custody product. |
| Evidence state | Public sources reviewedAssessment reflects the cited public record and product documents. | Public sources reviewedAssessment reflects the cited public record and product documents. |
| Decision focus | Entity, custody and total costThe applicable contract and fee path depend on product and location. | Security controls and funding pathThe exact entity, rail and interface change the risk/cost picture. |
Need to compare an exchange with a wallet?
That is a responsibility comparison, not a scorecard. Exchanges hold or control platform assets; self-custody wallets place key control and signing responsibility with the user.