HTX Exchange Review 2025: Is This Rebranded Crypto Giant Still Worth Your Trust?

• What Exactly Is HTX Exchange?
• Who Can (And Can't) Use HTX?
• How User-Friendly Is HTX's Platform?
• What Cryptocurrencies Can You Trade on HTX?
• How Do HTX's Fees Compare?
• Is HTX Actually Secure in 2025?
• What Unique Features Does HTX Offer?
• How Does Customer Support Perform?
• HTX vs Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?
• Final Verdict: Should You Use HTX in 2025?
• HTX Exchange FAQ

HTX (formerly Huobi) has undergone a dramatic transformation since its 2013 launch, evolving from a Chinese exchange to a global crypto powerhouse. With over 700 cryptocurrencies, 1,000+ trading pairs, and daily volumes exceeding $4 billion, HTX remains a top-10 exchange by trading volume. But does its slick interface and extensive feature set outweigh its controversial past and regulatory limitations? This in-depth 2025 review examines everything from security breaches to fee structures, trading tools to customer complaints, helping you decide if HTX deserves a spot in your crypto portfolio.

What Exactly Is HTX Exchange?

HTX Exchange, originally launched as Huobi in 2013 by former Oracle engineer Leon Li, underwent a significant rebranding in September 2023 to mark its 10th anniversary. The new name "HTX" combines:

• H for Huobi (its original identity)
• T for Tron (referencing investor Justin Sun's involvement)
• X for exchange

While officially positioned as a fresh start, industry observers noted the rebranding coincided with past security incidents and regulatory challenges the exchange had faced.

As of March 2025, HTX has established itself as a major global cryptocurrency platform with:

The exchange offers a comprehensive suite of services including spot trading, futures contracts with up to 200x leverage, and various investment products. However, it's worth noting that like many exchanges, HTX has faced its share of challenges - from security breaches to regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions.

For traders considering HTX, the platform provides competitive fee structures that decrease with trading volume:

Data source: CoinMarketCap

What sets HTX apart is its blend of institutional-grade trading tools with accessible features for retail investors. The platform supports over 700 cryptocurrencies and 1,000+ trading pairs, catering to both casual traders and serious market participants.

From my experience analyzing exchanges, HTX occupies an interesting middle ground - it's not as massive as Binance but offers more sophisticated tools than many beginner-focused platforms. The 2023 rebranding appears to have been successful in refreshing its image, though some traders still remember its Huobi days.

Who Can (And Can't) Use HTX?

HTX maintains strict geographic restrictions due to regulatory compliance requirements. The platform is completely unavailable in several key regions:

These limitations significantly impact accessibility, particularly for traders in major cryptocurrency markets. The exchange made strategic withdrawals from certain regions in response to regulatory changes:

• China exit (2021): Following the country's comprehensive cryptocurrency ban
• US departure (2019): Due to increasing regulatory hurdles and compliance requirements

According to data from CoinMarketCap, these restrictions affect approximately 35% of potential global cryptocurrency traders. The platform's absence in the US and China - two of the largest crypto markets - represents a significant limitation to its growth potential.

Interestingly, HTX continues to serve users in most European countries and many Asian markets outside the restricted areas. The exchange has been actively working to comply with the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, suggesting a focus on maintaining and expanding its European user base.

For traders in permitted regions, HTX offers a comprehensive suite of services including spot trading, futures contracts, and various investment products. However, those in restricted locations will need to consider alternative platforms that comply with their local regulations.

How User-Friendly Is HTX's Platform?

HTX provides traders with multiple access points to suit different preferences and trading styles. The platform's versatility is one of its strongest features, catering to both casual investors and professional traders.

Access Options

• Web Platform: The browser-based interface offers a full suite of trading tools with advanced charting capabilities powered by TradingView integration.
• Mobile Apps: Available for both iOS and Android devices, the mobile applications maintain a 3.4/5 rating on Google Play, indicating generally positive user experiences.
• API Access: Developers and algorithmic traders can leverage HTX's API for custom trading solutions and automated strategies.

HTX's multi-platform interface allows trading across devices

User Experience

The platform successfully balances simplicity for beginners with advanced functionality for professionals. New users will find:

• Intuitive navigation and clean layout
• Clear market data presentation
• Straightforward account management tools

For experienced traders, HTX delivers robust features including:

From my experience testing various exchanges, HTX's interface stands out for its thoughtful design. The learning curve isn't steep for beginners, yet the platform doesn't sacrifice depth for simplicity. The mobile app performs particularly well, maintaining nearly all desktop functionality while optimizing the layout for smaller screens.

One area that could see improvement is the consistency of UI elements across different sections of the platform. Some advanced features are buried in submenus, which might not be immediately obvious to new users. However, once familiar with the layout, navigation becomes second nature.

Data source: TradingView for charting information, CoinMarketCap for trading pair statistics

What Cryptocurrencies Can You Trade on HTX?

HTX provides traders with an extensive selection of digital assets across multiple blockchain sectors, featuring support for emerging projects alongside established cryptocurrencies. The platform's asset diversity enables comprehensive portfolio construction and exposure to various crypto market segments.

Emerging Sectors

The exchange includes innovative blockchain applications in growing fields:

Alternative Smart Contract Platforms

Beyond Ethereum, HTX supports competing smart contract ecosystems:

• Solana (SOL)
• Avalanche (AVAX)
• Polkadot (DOT)

NFT Infrastructure

The platform includes tokens powering NFT ecosystems:

• Immutable X (IMX)
• Flow (FLOW)

Real-World Asset Tokenization

HTX provides access to protocols bridging traditional finance with blockchain:

• MakerDAO (MKR)
• Centrifuge (CFG)

The exchange maintains rigorous listing standards while continuously expanding its supported assets. Traders benefit from multiple fiat gateways including SEPA transfers and card payments, facilitating seamless entry into diverse crypto markets. HTX's comprehensive asset coverage positions it as a versatile platform for both retail and institutional participants seeking exposure across the blockchain landscape.

Data sources: CoinGecko, DefiLlama (March 2025)

How Do HTX's Fees Compare?

HTX implements a tiered pricing model that incentivizes higher trading activity through progressively reduced commission rates. The exchange's pricing approach balances accessibility for new traders with substantial cost savings for institutional-scale participants.

Key aspects of HTX's pricing framework:

• Activity rewards: Trading costs decrease substantially at higher volume brackets, with elite traders accessing rates below 0.02%
• Loyalty advantages: Platform token holders receive additional 20% reduction on all commission charges
• Deposit policy: No platform fees for crypto transfers, though blockchain network costs may apply
• Asset withdrawals: Dynamic pricing based on network conditions, currently 0.00035 BTC for Bitcoin transactions
• Derivatives pricing: Competitive 0.015%-0.05% rates for contract trading with volume incentives

Comparative analysis reveals HTX's pricing remains aggressive among top-tier platforms. While entry-level rates appear modest, the exchange becomes increasingly cost-competitive for serious traders. The absence of deposit charges proves particularly advantageous for high-frequency strategies involving frequent fund movements.

Market data indicates HTX's fee schedule ranks favorably among platforms processing comparable trade volumes. The predictable, volume-based structure enables precise cost forecasting - a critical factor for professional trading operations.

HTX distinguishes itself through exceptional pricing transparency, maintaining detailed public documentation of all rate schedules and qualification criteria. This openness facilitates informed decision-making for prospective users evaluating cost structures across multiple venues.

Seasonal promotions and strategic partnerships occasionally yield temporary pricing advantages. Market participants can capitalize on these limited-time opportunities to further enhance their trading economics during specific campaigns or product launches.

Is HTX Actually Secure in 2025?

Security remains HTX's most debated aspect in 2025. While the exchange has implemented multiple protective measures, its history of breaches continues to raise questions among crypto investors.

The platform employs several robust security protocols:

• Over 90% of user funds stored in cold wallets
• Monthly Merkle tree proof of reserves (29 consecutive reports as of March 2025)
• Mandatory two-factor authentication for withdrawals
• Customizable withdrawal whitelists for added protection

Independent security audits present a mixed picture of HTX's safety measures:

• CER.live rating: 86/100 (AA) - Praises operational security but notes missing CCSS certification
• CertiK Skynet score: 84.4/100 (A) - Strong in operational security (92.4%) but weaker in fundamentals (70.87%)

Notably, HTX was included in Forbes' "Top 25 Most Trustworthy Crypto Exchanges of 2025" despite its security incidents, suggesting the industry recognizes its transparency in addressing breaches. The exchange's proof-of-reserves system, which has maintained a minimum 1:1 ratio since implementation, provides some reassurance to users.

For traders considering HTX, the security measures appear adequate for normal trading activities, especially given the cold storage practices. However, those holding large balances might weigh the historical breaches against the exchange's compensation record and current safeguards.

What Unique Features Does HTX Offer?

Beyond standard trading, HTX provides several innovative services:

Crypto Loans

Users can borrow against crypto collateral with:

• Dynamic interest rates
• High loan-to-value ratios
• No loan limits
• Zero fees

Launchpool with Dual Rewards

Introduced in December 2024, this lets users stake HTX tokens to earn rewards from new projects.

Leveraged ETPs

Tokenized products offering 5x leverage on assets like BTC and ETH without margin trading complexity.

Copy Trading

Automatically replicate strategies of successful traders with customizable risk parameters.

How Does Customer Support Perform?

When evaluating HTX's customer support, users report a mixed experience that varies significantly depending on the channel used and the complexity of the issue. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to expect:

Support Channels and Response Times

What Users Like

• Immediate Assistance: The live chat feature receives praise for its quick connection to support agents, with many users reporting satisfactory resolutions for time-sensitive matters.
• Educational Resources: HTX provides an extensive library of guides, tutorials, and FAQs that cover everything from basic account setup to advanced trading strategies.
• Multilingual Support: The platform offers assistance in multiple languages, catering to its global user base.

Common Complaints

• Email Delays: Many users express frustration with slow email responses, particularly for withdrawal-related inquiries that require manual review.
• Verification Bottlenecks: Some report extended wait times during peak periods for KYC verification, which can delay full account access.
• Inconsistent Information: A few users note receiving different answers from different support agents on the same issue.

Third-Party Ratings

Review platforms show divergent perspectives on HTX's support quality:

• Trustpilot: 1.5/5 (based on 45 reviews) - Many negative reviews cite support issues
• Google Play: 3.4/5 - Mobile app reviews are more positive about support
• CoinGecko: 9/10 - Algorithmic rating based on multiple factors

It's worth noting that dissatisfied users are often more likely to leave reviews, which may skew these ratings. The BTCC team's analysis suggests that while HTX's support has room for improvement, it generally meets industry standards for cryptocurrency exchanges.

Tips for Getting Better Support

According to data from TradingView and CoinMarketCap, HTX processes thousands of support tickets daily, with resolution times varying by issue complexity. While not perfect, their support system handles the volume reasonably well compared to similar-sized exchanges.

HTX vs Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?

Exchange Feature Comparison

When evaluating cryptocurrency exchanges, traders typically consider several key factors including asset diversity, trading fees, leverage options, and fiat support. Below is a detailed comparison of HTX against two major competitors in the crypto exchange space:

Key Takeaways from the Comparison

HTX stands out with its extensive selection of over 700 digital assets, significantly more than many competitors offer. The exchange also provides industry-leading leverage options of up to 200x for experienced traders. However, its fiat support remains limited compared to platforms like Binance, which may affect accessibility for some users.

Fee structures across these exchanges are relatively competitive, with HTX offering potential discounts for high-volume traders. The presence of copy trading features on both HTX and Binance makes them attractive options for beginners looking to mirror successful traders' strategies.

Data from CoinMarketCap shows that HTX maintains strong liquidity across its trading pairs, though Binance typically leads in overall trading volume. For traders prioritizing asset diversity and high leverage, HTX presents a compelling option, while those needing robust fiat support might prefer alternatives.

Historical Context

Since its rebranding from Huobi in 2023, HTX has expanded its global footprint while maintaining competitive trading conditions. The exchange's focus on derivatives trading has attracted a significant professional trading community, though it continues to face challenges in certain regulated markets.

Final Verdict: Should You Use HTX in 2025?

After thoroughly reviewing HTX's features, security measures, and user feedback, here's my balanced assessment of whether this exchange deserves your consideration in 2025.

The Good: Why HTX Stands Out

• Massive crypto selection: With 700+ cryptocurrencies and 1,000+ trading pairs, HTX offers one of the most diverse asset selections in the industry (CoinMarketCap data).
• Competitive fee structure: Their tiered fee system rewards high-volume traders, with maker fees as low as 0.0126% for top-tier users.
• Innovative products: Features like leveraged ETPs (up to 5x), dual-reward staking, and crypto loans provide unique opportunities not found on many exchanges.
• Proven liquidity: Daily trading volumes consistently exceed $4 billion, ensuring smooth trade execution even for large orders.

The Concerns: Where HTX Falls Short

• Geographic restrictions: HTX remains unavailable in major markets including the US, China, and several other countries due to regulatory constraints.
• Security history: While the exchange has improved its protocols, the 2023 hacks (totaling $122.9 million) remain a concern despite full user compensation.
• Customer support: User reviews on Trustpilot (1.8/5) highlight ongoing issues with response times, though the 24/7 live chat helps mitigate this.
• No fiat on-ramps: Unlike competitors such as BTCC, HTX doesn't support direct fiat deposits, requiring users to first acquire crypto elsewhere.

Security Improvements

HTX has made significant strides in security since its rebranding from Huobi:

Who Should Consider HTX?

HTX works best for:

• Intermediate to advanced traders who value diverse crypto options
• Users outside restricted regions willing to navigate crypto-only deposits
• Traders who prioritize innovative products over absolute platform stability

Final Recommendation

HTX presents a compelling option for non-restricted traders seeking extensive crypto exposure and innovative financial products. While its past security incidents warrant caution, the exchange has demonstrated commitment to transparency through reserve proofs and responsive incident handling. For large balances, I recommend using HTX in conjunction with cold storage solutions.

If you're in a supported region and comfortable with crypto-only deposits, HTX's combination of asset diversity, competitive fees, and trading tools makes it worth considering - especially for those who've outgrown beginner platforms but don't need fiat services offered by exchanges like BTCC.

HTX Exchange FAQ

Is HTX available in the United States?

No, HTX ceased US operations in December 2019 due to regulatory constraints. American traders must use alternative exchanges like BTCC or Coinbase.

What was HTX called before?

HTX operated as Huobi from its 2013 launch until September 2023, when it rebranded during its 10th anniversary.

Does HTX require KYC verification?

Yes, HTX mandates KYC for full functionality. Basic accounts allow 5 BTC daily withdrawals, while verified accounts permit up to 3,000 BTC.

How long do HTX withdrawals take?

Crypto withdrawals typically process within 2-30 minutes, depending on network congestion. The exchange manually reviews large withdrawals, which may take longer.

Has HTX been hacked?

Yes, HTX suffered two major breaches in 2023 - a $7.9 million hot wallet hack in September and a $115 million Heco Chain exploit in November. The exchange fully compensated affected users.

What's HTX's trading volume?

As of August 2025, HTX averages $4 billion in daily volume, with peaks reaching $6 billion during market surges (Source: CoinGecko).

Does HTX have a native token?

Yes, HTX's HT token provides fee discounts (25% reduction) and access to exclusive platform features when used for fee payments.

Can you stake crypto on HTX?

Absolutely. HTX offers staking for multiple assets with APYs up to 100%, along with innovative products like Shark Fin and Dual Investment.