HTX Crypto Exchange Review: Fees, Security, and Why It’s Gaining Ground in 2025

When people search for "HPX crypto exchange," they’re almost always looking for HTX. It’s a common typo, but the difference matters. HTX - formerly known as Huobi - is one of the fastest-growing crypto exchanges in 2025, with over 50 million users and $18.7 billion in daily trading volume. It’s not Binance. It’s not Coinbase. But for traders who want deep liquidity, low fees, and a wide selection of altcoins, HTX is becoming a top choice.

What Is HTX, Really?

HTX launched in 2013 as Huobi, one of the earliest crypto exchanges outside the U.S. In October 2023, it rebranded after being acquired by Justin Sun, the founder of TRON. The change wasn’t just a name swap - it was a reset. The platform doubled down on product development, security, and user incentives. Today, HTX supports over 900 trading pairs and lists more than 720 cryptocurrencies, from Bitcoin and Ethereum to obscure DeFi tokens you won’t find on smaller exchanges.

Unlike many exchanges that rely on hype, HTX has stayed steady through market downturns. While others saw trading volume drop in 2024, HTX’s spot volume jumped 210% in Q1 2025 alone. That’s not luck. It’s execution.

Fees That Actually Save You Money

Trading fees are where HTX really shines. For spot trading, the standard maker/taker fee is 0.2%/0.2%. That’s higher than Binance’s lowest tier, but here’s the catch: if you hold the HT token, you get up to a 25% discount. And unlike Binance’s time-limited discounts, HTX’s discount doesn’t expire. Hold HT, keep saving.

Futures trading is even better. Maker fees start at just 0.02%, and taker fees are 0.04%. In May 2025, HTX rolled out zero-cost futures trading on select pairs - a move that pulled in thousands of new retail traders. For active traders, this can mean hundreds of dollars saved per month.

There’s also a VIP system with eight tiers based on your 30-day trading volume and HT holdings. The higher your tier, the lower your fees. Institutional traders love this because it rewards volume without locking you into a subscription.

Security: Strong, But Not Perfect

HTX keeps 98% of user funds in cold storage. That’s industry standard for top-tier exchanges. It also uses withdrawal address whitelisting, two-factor authentication, and real-time fraud monitoring. On paper, it’s solid.

But there’s a major caveat: in November 2023, HTX’s Heco Cross-Chain Bridge was hacked. Around $85 million was stolen. Justin Sun publicly apologized and promised to cover losses using the Huobi Investor Protection Fund - and he did. The fund, which receives 20% of HTX’s quarterly profits, was used to reimburse affected users. That’s rare. Most exchanges don’t refund losses.

Still, the incident shook trust. Reddit users still debate whether HTX’s security is truly reliable. The fact that they made users whole? That’s a plus. But the fact that the hack happened at all? That’s a red flag.

Staking, Earn, and Passive Income - Where HTX Falls Short

HTX offers staking, savings accounts, and a product called SmartEarn. But compared to KuCoin or Binance, its earn section feels half-built. There are fewer yield farming options, fewer locked-term products, and fewer high-yield opportunities.

One standout is the HT token staking program. Stake HT and earn more HT - with APYs around 5-8% depending on market conditions. That’s decent, but not jaw-dropping. The real value? The fee discounts you unlock by holding HT. That’s where the real return is.

Users who want high-yield DeFi integration or complex liquidity mining should look elsewhere. HTX isn’t built for that. It’s built for trading.

Interface and User Experience

The HTX app and website are clean, fast, and surprisingly easy for beginners. The dashboard shows your portfolio, open orders, and market trends in one glance. Advanced traders get access to charting tools, trading bots, copy trading, and social trading feeds - all built in.

One of the biggest wins? Speed. During market spikes in early 2025, users reported no lag, no order failures, and no downtime. That’s rare. Most exchanges buckle under pressure. HTX didn’t.

The only downside? Documentation. A CoinGecko survey found that 68% of users thought the help guides were outdated, especially for futures trading. If you’re new to derivatives, you’ll need to learn on your own or watch YouTube tutorials.

Customer Support and KYC

Support is handled through a Zendesk ticket system. No live chat. No phone. Just tickets. But here’s the surprise: response times are fast. Reddit users report resolutions in under two hours, even during Asian market hours.

KYC is another story. In the U.S., Europe, and Canada, verification can take 24 to 72 hours. Some users on Trustpilot complained it took seven days - even with all documents submitted. If you’re in a hurry to start trading, this delay can be frustrating.

Once verified, though, deposits and withdrawals are smooth. HTX supports bank transfers, credit cards, and over 100 cryptocurrencies. Withdrawal times are typically under 30 minutes.

Who Is HTX For?

HTX isn’t for everyone. But if you fit this profile, it’s a strong fit:

• You trade altcoins frequently and want access to 900+ trading pairs
• You hold HT tokens and want to cut trading fees long-term
• You’re an active futures trader looking for low fees and zero-cost options
• You value platform stability during volatile markets
• You’re okay with ticket-based support and don’t need 24/7 live chat

It’s not for you if:

• You want the easiest DeFi integration or yield farming
• You need instant KYC verification
• You’re uncomfortable with a past security breach, even if losses were covered
• You prefer a U.S.-based exchange with clearer regulatory oversight

HTX vs. The Competition

Here’s how HTX stacks up against top rivals in 2025:

HTX vs. Binance vs. KuCoin - Key Comparison (2025)

Feature	HTX	Binance	KuCoin
Trading Pairs	900+	1,000+	750+
Spot Fee (Standard)	0.2%/0.2%	0.1%/0.1%	0.2%/0.2%
Fee Discount via Token	Up to 25% (permanent)	Up to 25% (expires)	Up to 20% (permanent)
Futures Fee (Maker)	0.02%	0.02%	0.02%
Zero-Cost Futures	Yes (select pairs)	No	No
Staking/Earn Options	Moderate	Extensive	Extensive
Security Fund	Yes (20% of profits)	Yes (SAFU Fund)	No
KYC Time (EU/US)	24-72 hours	1-3 hours	1-48 hours

HTX doesn’t beat Binance on volume or features. But it beats it on fee permanence and recent growth. It doesn’t beat KuCoin on DeFi, but it beats it on stability and liquidity.

The Bottom Line

HTX is not a perfect exchange. But it’s one of the most honest ones. It doesn’t overpromise. It doesn’t hide its flaws. It gives you deep markets, low fees, and a token that actually saves you money - all backed by a fund that protects you if things go wrong.

If you’re tired of exchanges that promise the moon but deliver delays, high fees, and broken support - HTX is worth a look. Just don’t rush. Do your own research. Start with a small deposit. Test the withdrawal process. See how fast support responds.

For traders who want to move fast, trade often, and keep costs low, HTX in 2025 is a quiet winner.