Coinbase vs Robinhood in 2026: Which Is Better for Buying Crypto?

Coinbase is the better choice for serious crypto investors in 2026 — it supports 240+ cryptocurrencies, provides self-custody via Coinbase Wallet, offers staking rewards on eligible assets, and is the most trusted regulated crypto exchange in the US. Robinhood is better for casual investors who want crypto exposure alongside stocks and ETFs in one app: you can buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 20 other coins with no trading commission (Robinhood earns via spread), but you cannot withdraw crypto to a personal wallet, which means you don't truly own the assets. If you're serious about crypto — especially DeFi, staking, NFTs, or hardware wallet integration — Coinbase is the clear choice. For casual dollar-cost-averaging into Bitcoin and Ethereum as part of a broader investment portfolio, Robinhood's simpler interface wins on convenience.