Bybit vs Bitget 2026: Fees, Security, Copy Trading & Key Differences

Bybit and Bitget are two major global cryptocurrency trading platforms offering spot markets, perpetual futures, derivatives, copy trading, trading bots, mobile apps, and other crypto-related services.

At first glance, the two exchanges look very similar. However, there are meaningful differences in futures trading fees, liquidity, copy trading, security history, asset protection measures, and regional availability.

This updated 2026 comparison examines Bybit and Bitget using current publicly available information rather than simply declaring one exchange the winner.

Important regional notice: Bybit and Bitget are not available in every country or region. Access to registration, trading products, derivatives, promotions, and referral programs varies by residence and applicable regulation.

For example, both platforms have introduced restrictions affecting residents of Japan, while the United States and several other jurisdictions are also restricted. Always check the exchange’s latest Terms of Service before registering.


Bybit vs Bitget 2026: Quick Comparison

CategoryBybitBitget
Standard Futures Maker Fee0.020%0.020%
Standard Futures Taker Fee0.055%0.060%
Spot Trading0.10% / 0.10% standard rateRates may vary by pair, tier and program
Futures & Liquidity★★★★★ 4.8/5★★★★☆ 4.5/5
Copy Trading★★★★☆ 4.2/5★★★★★ 4.9/5
Trading Interface★★★★★ 4.7/5★★★★★ 4.6/5
Proof of ReservesPublishedPublished monthly
Additional Protection MechanismSecurity and reserve frameworkProtection Fund
Major Historical Security IncidentYes — February 2025No comparable incident identified in this comparison
Best Suited ToActive derivatives tradersCopy trading and broader integrated features

Quick verdict: Bybit currently has a slightly lower standard futures taker fee and remains particularly competitive for active derivatives trading. Bitget stands out more clearly in copy trading and its broader ecosystem of trading and asset-protection features.

Neither exchange is universally better. The more appropriate platform depends on how and where you trade.


1. Bybit Overview

Founded in 2018, Bybit grew primarily around cryptocurrency derivatives and later expanded into spot markets, options, automated strategies, earning products and other trading services.

Its strongest appeal remains its trading-oriented interface and derivatives infrastructure.

Key Strengths of Bybit

  • Strong focus on perpetual futures and derivatives
  • Competitive standard futures trading fees
  • Deep order books on major crypto assets
  • Advanced order types
  • TradingView-based charting
  • Unified Trading Account architecture
  • Proof of Reserves disclosures

Potential Drawbacks

  • Identity verification is required for access to core services.
  • Products and availability vary substantially by jurisdiction.
  • Bybit experienced a major security incident in February 2025.
  • The large number of advanced features may be overwhelming for some new users.

Overall trading experience: ★★★★★ 4.7/5


2. Bitget Overview

Bitget has expanded rapidly from a crypto derivatives exchange into a broader trading platform offering spot trading, futures, automated tools, copy trading and other financial-market products in eligible jurisdictions.

One of Bitget’s most recognizable features is its extensive copy-trading ecosystem.

Key Strengths of Bitget

  • Extensive copy-trading functionality
  • Competitive futures fees
  • Large selection of crypto assets
  • Trading bots and automated tools
  • Proof of Reserves disclosures
  • Dedicated Protection Fund
  • Mobile-first interface with broad feature integration

Potential Drawbacks

  • Standard futures taker fees are slightly higher than Bybit’s base rate.
  • Availability and product eligibility vary significantly by country.
  • A rapidly expanding product ecosystem can make the application feel crowded.
  • Copy trading still carries substantial market and trader-selection risk.

Overall trading experience: ★★★★★ 4.6/5


3. Bybit vs Bitget Futures Fees

Trading fees are particularly important for active futures traders because fees are charged repeatedly as positions are opened and closed.

For standard non-VIP crypto futures trading, the commonly published base rates are:

ExchangeMakerTaker
Bybit0.020%0.055%
Bitget0.020%0.060%

At the standard rate, Maker fees are essentially equal while Bybit has a small advantage for Taker orders.

Example: $10,000 Futures Order

ExchangeTaker Fee RateApprox. Fee on $10,000
Bybit0.055%$5.50
Bitget0.060%$6.00

The difference is only $0.50 on a single $10,000 execution.

However, an active trader generating $1,000,000 in taker volume would theoretically pay approximately:

  • Bybit: $550
  • Bitget: $600

This simplified example demonstrates why even a small percentage difference can matter for high-frequency or high-volume traders.

Important: Actual fees may vary according to VIP tier, trading volume, product, asset pair, region, promotion and account-specific discounts. Always check the fee rate displayed in your own account before trading.


4. Maker vs Taker Fees: What Actually Matters?

A fee comparison is incomplete without understanding the difference between Maker and Taker orders.

  • Maker: An order that adds liquidity to the order book.
  • Taker: An order that immediately matches liquidity already available in the order book.

Traders frequently using market orders will generally be more affected by Taker fees.

Traders who primarily enter with passive limit orders may place greater importance on Maker fees.

There is another important cost that simple exchange comparisons often ignore: funding payments.

Perpetual futures positions may periodically pay or receive funding depending on market conditions. For positions held for long periods, the cumulative funding cost can exceed the difference between two exchanges’ basic trading fees.

Therefore, total trading cost should be considered as:

Trading Fee + Funding Cost + Slippage + Spread + Conversion/Withdrawal Costs


5. Liquidity and Order Execution

Bybit

Bybit has historically focused heavily on derivatives trading, and major markets such as BTC and ETH generally provide substantial liquidity.

Deep liquidity can be particularly important for traders executing large orders because insufficient order-book depth can increase slippage.

Liquidity & derivatives score: ★★★★★ 4.8/5

Bitget

Bitget also operates a large global derivatives marketplace and generally provides sufficient liquidity for major trading pairs.

Its key differentiation is less about being a pure derivatives platform and more about integrating futures with copy trading, bots and an expanding range of assets and market products.

Liquidity & derivatives score: ★★★★☆ 4.5/5

Liquidity is not static. Actual spread, order-book depth and slippage depend on the asset, trading size, market volatility and time of execution. No exchange can guarantee zero slippage.


6. Copy Trading: Bitget vs Bybit

Both exchanges offer copy trading, but Bitget places considerably more emphasis on the feature within its overall ecosystem.

Bitget Copy Trading

Users can review available traders using metrics such as historical ROI, profit and loss, drawdown and other performance information before deciding whether to follow their strategies.

For users specifically looking for a platform centered around social and copy trading, Bitget is the stronger candidate in this comparison.

Copy trading score: ★★★★★ 4.9/5

Bybit Copy Trading

Bybit also provides copy-trading functionality and supports strategy-following features alongside its core derivatives ecosystem.

However, its primary strength remains its broader professional trading infrastructure rather than copy trading alone.

Copy trading score: ★★★★☆ 4.2/5

Risk warning: Copy trading is not passive guaranteed income. Copying a trader also exposes you to that trader’s losses. Historical ROI, win rate and previous profitability do not guarantee future results.


7. User Interface and Mobile Experience

Bybit Interface

Bybit’s desktop trading interface is designed around active trading. Charts, order books, open orders, positions and order-entry tools can be accessed from a consolidated workspace.

The interface offers substantial customization but may require more time for a complete beginner to understand.

UI/UX score: ★★★★★ 4.7/5

Bitget Interface

Bitget’s mobile and desktop applications provide easy access to spot, futures, copy trading and other services from a single ecosystem.

Its copy-trading interface is particularly prominent, making it easier to browse different traders and strategies.

UI/UX score: ★★★★★ 4.6/5

UI preference is ultimately subjective, so the small difference in these scores should not be treated as a decisive advantage.


8. Security: An Important Difference in 2026

Security deserves more attention than trading fees when comparing centralized exchanges.

Bybit Security and the 2025 Hack

On February 21, 2025, Bybit experienced one of the largest cryptocurrency security incidents ever recorded.

An attack involving one of its Ethereum cold wallets resulted in approximately $1.4–$1.5 billion worth of digital assets being stolen.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation later attributed the theft to North Korean cyber actors associated with TraderTraitor/Lazarus activity.

Bybit subsequently replenished affected reserves and continued publishing Proof of Reserves data.

Its July 2026 reserve disclosure reported that major assets including BTC, ETH, USDT and USDC remained backed above 100% of corresponding customer liabilities.

For this reason, an objective review should consider both:

  • the severity of the 2025 security incident; and
  • Bybit’s subsequent reserve restoration, transparency measures and operational response.

Security & transparency score: ★★★★☆ 4.2/5

Bitget Security and Protection Fund

Bitget publishes Proof of Reserves reports and maintains a separate Protection Fund designed to provide an additional layer of protection for users.

Bitget’s July 2026 Proof of Reserves update reported an overall reserve ratio of 122%.

The Bitget Protection Fund reported an average valuation of approximately $351 million in July 2026, with the value changing alongside the market value of assets held in the fund.

This figure should not be interpreted as a fixed guaranteed compensation amount. The Protection Fund’s USD valuation can fluctuate with crypto prices.

Security & transparency score: ★★★★☆ 4.5/5


9. Proof of Reserves: What Does It Actually Mean?

Both Bybit and Bitget publish Proof of Reserves information.

Proof of Reserves can help users verify whether an exchange reports sufficient on-chain assets relative to defined customer liabilities.

However, a reserve ratio above 100% does not mean that an exchange is risk-free.

Proof of Reserves alone does not eliminate:

  • Cybersecurity risk
  • Counterparty risk
  • Regulatory risk
  • Operational risk
  • Liquidity risk during extreme market conditions
  • Risks outside the specific liabilities covered by an attestation

Users holding substantial long-term crypto positions may therefore consider diversifying custody rather than storing all assets permanently on a single centralized exchange.


10. Regional Restrictions: Check Before You Register

One of the most important changes since the original 2025 version of this article is the expansion of regulatory restrictions around centralized crypto exchanges.

Availability depends on residence rather than language or nationality alone.

Japan

Bybit announced that it completed remediation measures concerning users residing in Japan as of July 22, 2026 following a series of restrictions introduced since 2025.

Bitget separately announced that new registrations for residents of Japan would no longer be accepted after August 3, 2026, with additional restrictions being phased in for existing accounts.

Other Restricted Jurisdictions

Both exchanges maintain lists of excluded or prohibited jurisdictions, and these lists can change.

Depending on the platform, restrictions may apply to jurisdictions such as the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and other countries or regions.

Do not use a VPN or false residency information to bypass exchange restrictions. Doing so may violate platform terms and can result in account restrictions or withdrawal complications.

Always check the current official Terms of Service and restricted-jurisdiction list before opening an account or depositing assets.


11. Bybit vs Bitget for Beginners

For beginners, the answer depends heavily on what they intend to do.

Beginner GoalBetter FitWhy
Learn manual futures tradingBybitTrading-focused interface and derivatives tools
Explore copy tradingBitgetMore copy-trading-centered ecosystem
Use simple spot tradingEitherBoth provide standard crypto trading functionality
Advanced order managementBybitStrong derivatives-oriented toolset
Explore multiple integrated servicesBitgetBroad ecosystem within one application

However, beginners should avoid assuming that copy trading or leverage makes trading easier or safer. Leverage magnifies both gains and losses.


12. Bybit vs Bitget for Active Futures Traders

For active futures traders, Bybit has a slight edge in this comparison.

The reasons are:

  • 0.055% standard futures Taker fee versus Bitget’s 0.060%
  • Strong derivatives-oriented trading interface
  • Deep liquidity in major markets
  • Advanced order-management functionality

Active futures trading: Bybit ★★★★★ 4.8/5 | Bitget ★★★★☆ 4.5/5

This does not mean Bybit will always produce cheaper executions. Actual trading cost still depends on spread, slippage, funding rates and account-specific fee tiers.


13. Bybit vs Bitget for Copy Traders

For users whose primary requirement is copy trading, Bitget receives the stronger rating.

Copy trading: Bitget ★★★★★ 4.9/5 | Bybit ★★★★☆ 4.2/5

The advantage comes primarily from Bitget’s greater emphasis on copy-trading discovery and integration rather than a claim that copied traders will achieve better investment performance.


14. Is Bybit Safer Than Bitget?

There is no objective basis for saying that either exchange is completely safe.

Bybit publishes Proof of Reserves and demonstrated that it could restore asset backing following its 2025 incident. However, the size of that security breach must be included when assessing its historical security record.

Bitget publishes monthly Proof of Reserves and maintains its Protection Fund, while no security incident comparable in scale to Bybit’s February 2025 loss was identified for Bitget in this comparison.

Based on these factors, we currently give Bitget a modest advantage in the security-history category, while recognizing Bybit’s post-incident response and reserve transparency.

Security FactorBybitBitget
Proof of ReservesYesYes
Major assets reported ≥100% backedYesYes
Dedicated Protection FundDifferent security frameworkYes
Major historical hack considered hereYes — 2025No comparable event identified
Our security-history assessment★★★★☆ 4.2/5★★★★☆ 4.5/5

15. Should You Keep Accounts on Both Exchanges?

The old version of this guide suggested that simply having accounts on both exchanges was a form of risk diversification.

That statement requires more nuance.

Using multiple platforms can provide operational flexibility and access to different markets, but merely creating two exchange accounts does not automatically reduce investment risk.

If assets are split between two centralized exchanges, counterparty exposure may be distributed, but the user is still exposed to centralized exchange, regulatory and custody risks.

For long-term holdings, custody strategy can be more important than the number of exchange accounts.


16. Final Verdict: Bybit or Bitget?

There is no universal winner.

PriorityOur Pick
Futures base feesBybit
Major-pair derivatives liquidityBybit
Professional trading toolsBybit
Copy tradingBitget
Integrated copy/social trading ecosystemBitget
Proof of ReservesBoth
Security historyBitget has the edge in this comparison
OverallDepends on trading style and jurisdiction

Choose Bybit if:

  • You primarily trade perpetual futures.
  • You value derivatives liquidity and advanced order tools.
  • You frequently use Taker orders and want the slightly lower standard base rate.

Consider Bitget if:

  • Copy trading is one of your main priorities.
  • You want a broad range of integrated trading tools.
  • You value the additional Protection Fund framework.

In either case, only use an exchange if it legally serves your jurisdiction and its products are appropriate for your risk tolerance.


17. CoinPop Partner Links

CoinPop participates in affiliate programs with cryptocurrency exchanges. If you register through an eligible partner link, CoinPop may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

These links are intended only for users located in jurisdictions where the corresponding exchange and service are legally available.

Check Bybit Partner Offer

Referral code: COINPOP

Check Bitget Partner Offer

Referral code: COINPOP

Fee discounts, welcome rewards, eligibility requirements and promotion amounts can change by region, account type and campaign period. Confirm the actual terms shown on the exchange before registration.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bybit cheaper than Bitget?

For standard non-VIP crypto futures rates, Bybit currently lists a 0.020% Maker fee and 0.055% Taker fee, while Bitget commonly lists 0.020% Maker and 0.060% Taker. This gives Bybit a small advantage for standard Taker orders. Actual account rates can differ because of VIP tiers, promotions, regions and other programs.

Which is better for futures trading, Bybit or Bitget?

We give Bybit a slight advantage for active futures trading because of its derivatives-focused interface, competitive standard Taker fee and liquidity in major markets. Bitget remains a strong futures platform and may be preferable for users who also prioritize copy trading or its broader ecosystem.

Which is better for copy trading?

Bitget receives the higher rating in this comparison because copy trading is more deeply integrated into its platform and product positioning. This does not mean copied traders are guaranteed to make money.

Is Bybit safe after the 2025 hack?

Bybit continued operating after the February 2025 incident, replenished affected reserves and continues to publish Proof of Reserves. Its July 2026 disclosures reported key assets backed above 100%. However, no centralized exchange should be considered risk-free, and the 2025 incident remains relevant when assessing Bybit’s security history.

Does Bitget have Proof of Reserves?

Yes. Bitget publishes Proof of Reserves data. Its July 2026 report stated an overall reserve ratio of 122%.

What is the Bitget Protection Fund?

The Protection Fund is an additional pool of assets maintained by Bitget as part of its user-protection framework. Its average reported valuation in July 2026 was approximately $351 million. Because some of the fund is held in crypto assets, its USD value changes with market prices.

Can U.S. residents use Bybit or Bitget?

The United States is currently a restricted jurisdiction under the relevant global-platform terms. Users should not attempt to bypass geographical restrictions.

Can residents of Japan use Bybit or Bitget?

Both exchanges have introduced significant restrictions affecting Japanese residents. Bybit announced completion of its Japan remediation measures in July 2026, while Bitget stopped accepting new Japanese-resident registrations after August 3, 2026 and announced further restrictions for existing users.

Can I trade without KYC?

Identity verification is required for access to core services on these platforms. Requirements can also vary according to product and jurisdiction.

Should I use both Bybit and Bitget?

There may be practical reasons to maintain more than one exchange account, such as access to different markets or backup trading infrastructure. However, using two centralized exchanges does not eliminate custody, regulatory or counterparty risk.


Official Sources and Further Reading

  • Bybit Help Center — Trading Fee Structure
  • Bybit Help Center — Service Restricted Countries
  • Bybit — Proof of Reserves
  • Bybit — Completion of Japan Remediation, July 2026
  • FBI — North Korea Responsible for Bybit Hack, February 2025
  • Bitget — Fee Overview
  • Bitget — Terms of Use and Prohibited Countries
  • Bitget — July 2026 Proof of Reserves
  • Bitget — July 2026 Protection Fund Valuation Report
  • Bitget — Important Notice for Japanese Residents, August 2026

Last updated: August 12, 2026.

Affiliate Disclosure: CoinPop participates in affiliate programs with cryptocurrency exchanges. CoinPop may receive a commission when eligible users register through certain links. Affiliate relationships do not change our published comparison methodology.

Risk Disclosure: Cryptocurrency and derivatives trading involve substantial risk and may result in the loss of your entire investment. Leverage can accelerate both gains and losses. This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax or legal advice.

Regulatory Notice: Exchange availability and product eligibility depend on jurisdiction and may change without notice. Always check the current official Terms of Service and applicable local regulations before using any cryptocurrency platform.