Crypto options are one of the fastest-growing derivatives contracts in the digital asset ecosystem. They have become a powerful tool for traders to speculate long or short, and have provided investors an ability to sufficiently hedge the volatility in crypto markets.

Our research has concluded that these are the 5 best crypto options trading platforms based on depth, liquidity, market variety, and overall security.

  1. Deribit - Best Overall Crypto Options Platform
  2. Bybit - Best No-KYC Crypto Options Exchange
  3. Delta Exchange - Best for Altcoin Options
  4. IQ Options - Best for Crypto and Traditional Markets
  5. HXRO - Best on-chain Options Trading Platform

Best Crypto Options Platforms

Platform Highlights

  • Most liquid Crypto Options market for BTC and ETH.
  • Accounts for over 90% of the Open Interest for BTC and ETH.
  • Institutional grade derivatives platform trusted by millions of users.
Best Crypto Options Platforms
Visit Site
Audited Proof of Reserves
Table of Contents

Top Crypto Options Exchanges

The following is a concise outline of the top 5 cryptocurrency options trading platforms. These succinct overviews aim to assist traders in rapidly comparing essential features and offerings, enabling them to make well-informed choices. We evaluated each platform by considering factors such as available assets, liquidity, options contract diversity, security, regulation, and user experience in our ranking methodology.

1. Deribit

Deribit is the best overall and #1 cryptocurrency options trading platform, offering an unparalleled trading experience for both retail and institutional investors. The platform specializes in Bitcoin and Ethereum options trading, boasting daily trading volumes exceeding $1 billion across BTC and ETH options. Deribit provides a professional and sophisticated trading environment with advanced features such as multi-leg strategies, implied volatility charts, and deep liquidity, ensuring tight spreads and low slippage for options traders.

While Deribit charges relatively higher fees at 0.05%, its commitment to catering to the needs of institutional investors and delivering a seamless trading experience makes it the top choice for crypto options trading. However, it is essential to note that Deribit is not available for US traders.

Deribit Options
Deribit Options.

2. Bybit

Bybit is the best alternative and #2 platform for crypto options trading, offering a competitive edge with its rapidly growing trading platform. The exchange provides a variety of trading products, including a BTC options market. Although currently limited to BTC options, Bybit boasts deep liquidity and low fees starting at 0.01% for both makers and takers, making it an attractive choice for traders looking for an efficient trading experience.

Bybit's user-friendly interface and responsive 24/7 customer support cater to both novice and experienced traders looking to venture into options trading on cryptocurrencies. As a solid alternative to Deribit, Bybit stands out with its high liquidity, low slippage, and tight spreads, providing a seamless crypto options trading experience

Bybit Options.
Bybit Options.

3. Delta Exchange

Delta Exchange is a lesser-known trading platform that offers a wide variety of crypto options, including BTC, ETH, BNB, AVAX, SOL, LINK, MATIC, and XRP. While the platform supports a more extensive range of options contracts compared to other exchanges, its lower liquidity can make trading larger volumes challenging. Delta Exchange offers competitive fees at 0.2% and does not require KYC or verification for trading on the platform.

Delta Exchange Options.
Delta Exchange Options.

4. IQ Options

IQ Options is a popular online broker that offers a diverse range of financial instruments, including crypto options. The platform provides options trading for a limited selection of 10 cryptocurrencies. IQ Option stands out for its low minimum deposit requirements and a free demo account, allowing users to practice trading before committing real funds. The platform's fees are also competitive, with a rate of 0.1% for options trading.

IQ Options.
IQ Options.

5. HXRO Trade

HXRO Options is a unique platform that allows traders to participate in the cryptocurrency market through a decentralized exchange. The platform focuses on options trading that is settled in ether, the native currency of the Ethereum blockchain. This approach allows traders to benefit from price movements without purchasing or holding the underlying cryptocurrency. HXRO Options offers parimutuel options trading and does not require KYC or verification. However, the platform only supports 10 indices and may have limited liquidity compared to more established exchanges.

Iconic Options - Powered by HXRO Trade.
Iconic Options - Powered by HXRO Trade.

Best DeFi Options Platform

If you are looking to trade cryptocurrency options on-chain, we recommend the Dopex protocol on Ethereum, Avalanche and Arbitrum. Their platform allows users to trade options on Ethereum (ETH), and to participate in options yields farming strategies through their vaults.

These crypto option vaults on Dopex allow investors to collect premium from Call or Put purchases, and earn rewards at the same time.

What is Options Trading?

Options trading is the process of buying or selling options, where options are financial contracts that give the buyer the right to buy or sell an underlying asset at a set price at a later date. Options trading can be used for hedging, speculation, or income generation through various yield strategies.

Options can be bought and sold on exchanges or over-the-counter (OTC). Options trading is a popular way to speculate on the price of financial assets, such as stocks, commodities, or currencies. Options provide traders with the flexibility to speculate on the direction of an asset's price without having to own the underlying asset.

Crypto Options Trading Strategies

There are two types of options in Crypto and traditional finance: call options and put options. Call options give the holder the right to buy an underlying asset at a set price, while put options give the holder the right to sell an underlying asset at a set price. Options can be traded for various lengths of time, from seconds to years.

There are a variety of Crypto options trading strategies that can be used to speculate on the price movement of an underlying asset. Some common options trading strategies include:

  • Buying call options to bet on an asset's price increase.
  • Buying put options to bet on an asset's price decrease.
  • Writing covered call options to generate income from an asset that is expected to remain relatively stable in price.
  • Writing uncovered call options to speculate on an asset's price decrease.
  • Writing covered put options to generate income from an asset that is expected to remain relatively stable in price.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the rapid growth of crypto options as a popular derivative contract in the digital asset ecosystem has led to an increasing demand for reliable and efficient trading platforms. After thorough research, we have identified the top 5 crypto options trading platforms based on depth, liquidity, market variety, and overall security.

Deribit takes the crown as the best overall platform, while Bybit serves as the best alternative. Other notable platforms include Delta Exchange, IQ Options, and HXRO Trade. These platforms cater to various trading needs, preferences, and strategies, enabling traders to make informed decisions and capitalize on opportunities in the ever-evolving crypto market.

Andrew Chen is a lead editor and auditor of content for Buy Bitcoin Bank, with a Masters of Computer Science and extensive knowledge in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. He has helped ensure the accuracy and quality of the platform's educational resources for new and experienced investors in the crypto space.