Huobi Review 2026: A Veteran Exchange Reinventing Itself — Worth Using?
Last Updated: April 2026 | By [Your Name]
Introduction
Few names carry as much history in crypto as Huobi. Founded in 2013, this exchange was once one of the “Big Three” alongside Binance and OKX, dominating Chinese crypto markets before regulatory pressure forced it to pivot globally. Rebranded as HTX in 2023 (in tribute to Justin Sun’s involvement), the platform has been aggressively reinventing itself with new features, lower fees, and expanded global reach.
In this honest Huobi review, I’ll cover what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and whether it deserves a place among your go-to crypto platforms in 2026.
👉 [Sign up for Huobi/HTX here → INSERT AFFILIATE LINK] and claim your new user welcome bonus.
What is Huobi (HTX)?
Huobi was founded in 2013 by Leon Li in Beijing, China, and quickly became one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges. Following China’s crackdown on crypto trading, Huobi shifted its operations internationally, establishing a presence in Singapore, the Seychelles, and other jurisdictions.
In 2023, the platform rebranded to HTX as TRON founder Justin Sun took on an advisory and ambassador role, infusing fresh capital and strategic direction into the platform. Today, HTX serves millions of users globally, offering spot trading, derivatives, staking, and more.
Key Features of the Huobi (HTX) App
User Interface & Experience
The HTX app has undergone a significant redesign in recent years. The interface is now cleaner, faster, and more modern than the old Huobi design. Key sections — Markets, Trade, Earn, and Wallet — are clearly organized. The Pro trading view includes real-time charts, multiple order types, and a responsive order book.
Beginners can use the simplified “Convert” feature; advanced traders have access to the full derivatives suite. The redesign has improved the overall experience considerably.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
HTX supports 600+ cryptocurrencies, with a particularly strong focus on assets built on the TRON ecosystem alongside all major coins. The exchange is known for listing mid-cap altcoins relatively early in their development.
Security Features
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) via Google Authenticator and SMS
- Anti-phishing code for email communications
- Cold and hot wallet architecture with 98%+ of assets in cold storage
- Withdrawal address whitelisting
- Proof of Reserves published following the 2022 industry reassessment
- Security center within the app for managing all account protections
Trading Options
- Spot trading — 600+ cryptocurrency pairs
- Futures & perpetuals — with up to 200x leverage
- Margin trading — cross and isolated margin options
- Huobi Earn / HTX Earn — flexible and fixed savings, staking
- Launchpad — access to new token launches before public listing
- DeFi integrations via the HECO Chain (Huobi ECO Chain)
- Copy trading — follow successful traders automatically
Mobile App Performance
The HTX mobile app is fast and well-structured. The transition from the old Huobi branding to HTX brought with it an improved codebase that handles high-frequency market events more smoothly. Push notifications for price alerts and trade confirmations work reliably. App rating: 8/10.
Fees Breakdown
Trading Fees
HTX’s standard spot trading fee is 0.20% maker/taker, which is higher than Binance or OKX. However, holding and using HT (Huobi Token) or HTX’s native token provides discounts. VIP users with higher volume access significantly reduced rates, down to 0.03% for top-tier traders.
Deposit & Withdrawal Fees
Crypto deposits are free. Withdrawal fees vary by asset and network. Fiat on-ramp fees through third-party partners are typically around 2%.
Hidden Charges
No major hidden fees, though the standard 0.20% rate is above the industry average for non-VIP users. Always check the specific network fee before withdrawing.
Compared to Competitors
| Exchange | Standard Trading Fee | Coin Selection |
|---|---|---|
| HTX (Huobi) | 0.20% | 600+ |
| Binance | 0.10% | 350+ |
| KuCoin | 0.10% | 700+ |
| Gate.io | 0.20% | 1,700+ |
HTX’s baseline fees are higher but align with Gate.io for platforms offering large coin selections.
Pros and Cons
- Long-established platform with 10+ years of operating history
- 600+ cryptocurrencies including strong TRON ecosystem coverage
- High leverage available for futures traders (up to 200x)
- Copy trading feature with transparent performance metrics
- Active launchpad program for new token investments
- Proof of Reserves for transparency
- Higher standard trading fees compared to Binance and OKX
- Regulatory uncertainty following the rebranding and Justin Sun involvement
- Not available to U.S. residents
- Some users have reported slow customer support response times
- The rebranding to HTX has created some confusion around brand identity
How to Sign Up on Huobi/HTX (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the sign-up page → [INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]
- Enter your email and create a strong password
- Verify your email address via confirmation code
- Complete KYC — government-issued ID and facial verification required
- Enable 2FA and set your anti-phishing code
- Deposit funds via crypto transfer or fiat through partner services
- Start trading or exploring HTX Earn products
🚀 [Create your HTX account now → INSERT AFFILIATE LINK] — new users earn bonus rewards on their first trades.
My Honest Experience with Huobi/HTX
I’ve used Huobi since the early days and watched it evolve through multiple regulatory pressures and strategic shifts. The HTX rebranding was a significant change, and admittedly, the Justin Sun association raised eyebrows in the community initially. In practice, the platform has improved — the app is faster, the earn products are competitive, and the Launchpad has delivered some genuinely promising early-stage project opportunities.
The fees are a pain point compared to competitors. I typically use HTX specifically for altcoin exposure and Launchpad participation rather than as my primary trading platform, where lower fees elsewhere make more financial sense for high-frequency activity.
🎬 Watch This Before You Start
[INSERT YOUTUBE VIDEO LINK]
This video covers the complete HTX setup process including account creation, security configuration, your first deposit, and how to participate in the HTX Launchpad for new token launches.
Is Huobi/HTX Safe and Legit?
HTX is a legitimate platform with over a decade of operating history. It has survived China’s crypto ban, multiple market crashes, and a complete rebrand. Proof of Reserves is now published, and the platform maintains cold storage for the vast majority of assets.
The main concern for some users relates to Justin Sun’s involvement and the regulatory scrutiny he personally faces in some jurisdictions. For everyday trading, HTX functions well and securely, but users should exercise their own judgment regarding these association risks.
Final Verdict
Who should use HTX (Huobi)? Traders interested in TRON ecosystem tokens, Launchpad early-access investing, and high-leverage futures trading. Also suitable for users who want a broad altcoin selection with an established platform history.
Who might look elsewhere? Fee-sensitive traders would do better on Binance or OKX. U.S. residents are not supported.
Overall Rating: 7.8/10
✅ [Sign up for HTX today → INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Huobi/HTX safe? Yes, HTX has a long operating history, publishes Proof of Reserves, and stores the majority of assets in cold wallets. The platform has never suffered a catastrophic hack.
What are Huobi’s fees? Standard trading fee is 0.20% maker/taker. Discounts apply for HT/HTX token holders and high-volume traders.
Is Huobi good for beginners? Yes for basic buying and selling. The wide feature set may be overwhelming initially, but the app’s simplified sections make entry straightforward.
What happened to Huobi — why is it now HTX? Huobi rebranded to HTX in 2023 following Justin Sun’s strategic involvement. The core platform and team largely continued, with expanded resources and development focus.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. Crypto trading involves significant risk — never invest more than you can afford to lose.
