The cryptocurrency market continues to expand, with the global user base surpassing 400 million by 2025. However, countless newcomers feel lost in the face of a vast array of tools: some have lost all their savings due to downloading fake wallets, while others have fallen victim to hackers by using insecure exchanges— the first step to entering the crypto world is choosing the right software. This article will outline the core toolchain of the crypto space, from selecting exchanges to reviewing crypto news software.
What software do you need to get started in the crypto world? A list of essential apps for crypto beginners.
OKX cryptocurrency trading platform, register with a dedicated link to enjoy a 20% lifetime fee rebate!
OKX registration: https://www.okx.com/join/BITCOIN369 (click the link to register)
Binance registration: https://www.binance.com/join?ref=BITCOIN369
Domestic registration installation package download: https://96927.cc/
- Centralized Exchange (CEX) Apps
Centralized exchanges are the starting point for most newcomers, providing core services such as fiat deposits and crypto-to-crypto trading.
Binance:
Positioning: The largest comprehensive exchange by global trading volume.
Advantages: Extremely rich variety of cryptocurrencies (hundreds), best trading depth, ample liquidity; relatively low fees (especially when paying with BNB); offers various services including spot, leverage, contracts, wealth management (Binance Earn, Launchpool), NFT market; comprehensive app functionality, relatively stable operation.
Newcomer note: The interface has many functions, which may require some adaptation initially; KYC verification is required; pay attention to its compliance dynamics in different countries/regions.
Binance
OKX:
Positioning: A well-established large exchange with comprehensive functions, especially strong in derivatives trading.
Advantages: Rich product line (spot, leverage, contracts, options, Jumpstart, Web3 wallet, earn crypto, etc.); professional and highly customizable trading interface; good liquidity; often has great new coin listing events; smooth app experience.
OKX
Coinbase:
Positioning: One of the most compliant exchanges listed in the U.S., highly trusted by users in Europe and America.
Advantages: Simple and user-friendly interface, extremely friendly to newcomers; high reputation for security; an important entry point for fiat currencies (USD, EUR, etc.); strict coin listing review, relatively mainstream cryptocurrencies.
Newcomer note: Trading fees are relatively high; the number of supported cryptocurrencies is less than Binance and OKX; mainly targets compliant market users.
Coinbase
Huobi:
Positioning: A well-established exchange with a broad user base.
Advantages: A good number of cryptocurrencies, acceptable trading depth; offers services such as spot, contracts, wealth management; often has trading activities and rewards.
Newcomer note: Has undergone a brand name change (formerly Huobi) and business adjustments in recent years, so keep an eye on its latest dynamics and stability.
Core tips for using CEX:
Safety first: Enable all security measures: strong passwords, two-factor authentication (2FA) such as Google Authenticator or Binance Authenticator, anti-phishing codes, withdrawal whitelist.
KYC is the norm: Be prepared to provide identification for real-name verification.
Start with small amounts: For initial deposits and trades, use small amounts to familiarize yourself with the process.
Distinguish products: Understand the differences between spot, leverage, and contracts; newcomers are advised to start with spot trading.
Seek help: If you encounter any issues while using secondary exchanges, seek help from platform customer service within the app or on the official website.
-
Cryptocurrency Wallet Apps
Wallets are used for securely storing and managing your cryptocurrency private keys. -
Custodial Wallets (managed by exchanges):
Representatives: Built-in wallets in Binance app, Coinbase app, OKX app.
Advantages: Extremely convenient, seamlessly integrated with trading functions; suitable for storing funds used for trading; usually provide some security protection (but ultimate control lies with the exchange).
Disadvantages: "Not your keys, not your coins." Exchanges may be hacked, go bankrupt, or have your assets frozen by regulators. -
Self-Custody Hot Wallets (you control the private keys/seed phrases):
MetaMask:
Positioning: The absolute mainstream browser extension and mobile wallet for Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains (such as BSC, Polygon, Avalanche, Arbitrum, Optimism, etc.).
Advantages: Huge user base, supports an extremely wide range of networks; an essential portal for interacting with DeFi, NFTs, and DApps; relatively intuitive interface, rich community support.
Newcomer note: Be sure to back up your seed phrase (12 or 24 words) properly and store it offline! Losing your seed phrase means permanently losing your assets; beware of phishing websites and fake apps; gas fees (transaction fees) depend on network conditions.
Trust Wallet (under Binance):
Positioning: A powerful multi-chain mobile wallet.
Advantages: Supports a wide variety of public chains and tokens (including Bitcoin, EVM chains, Solana, Cosmos, etc.); built-in DApp browser for easy connection to various DeFi and games; supports purchasing cryptocurrencies (through third parties); open-source.
Newcomer note: Also ensure to securely back up your seed phrase; there are many functions, so take time to familiarize yourself.
In addition to these two, Binance and OKX's WEB3 wallets are also very useful!
Binance Web3 Wallet
Cryptocurrency Wallet App Usage Tips:
Seed Phrase = Asset Ownership: This is the only and non-recoverable key to open your wallet. Must be kept offline (handwritten on paper, never screenshot/stored in cloud storage/emailed), private (do not tell anyone), and secure (stored in a fireproof and theft-proof place). Anyone asking for your seed phrase is a scammer!
Recognize official channels: Only download apps from the wallet's official website or official app stores (Google Play, App Store), beware of downloading from third-party links.
Small amount testing: Before using a new wallet or performing important operations (such as large transfers), first test with a very small amount.
Understand gas fees: Blockchain transfers require payment of miner/verifier fees (gas fees), which depend on network congestion. Confirm that the fees are acceptable before transferring.
-
Market and Data Analysis Apps
CoinMarketCap:
Positioning: The most well-known cryptocurrency data aggregation website and app globally.
Advantages: Comprehensive data (market cap, rankings, prices, trading volumes, circulating supply, historical data, etc.); covers a wide range of cryptocurrencies and exchanges; provides basic charts, news, community dynamics; acquired by Binance, with high data integration.
Newcomer note: An excellent starting point for understanding the overall market overview and basic information about cryptocurrencies.
CoinGecko:
Positioning: A major competitor to CMC, also an authoritative comprehensive data platform.
Advantages: Rich data dimensions (such as community activity, developer activity metrics); provides more detailed token contract information, airdrop information, NFT market data; relatively independent.
Newcomer note: Similar functions to CMC, can choose based on personal preference or use in combination.
Exchange built-in market data:
Binance app, OKX app, etc.: Exchange apps usually provide real-time depth charts, candlestick charts (which may not be as professional as TradingView), order books, latest transactions, etc., facilitating trading decisions.
Market and Data Analysis Apps -
News and Information Apps
In the crypto world, where information is wealth, quickly obtaining reliable information is crucial.
Golden Finance:
Positioning: A leading domestic blockchain vertical media platform (app).
Advantages: Provides timely industry news, project dynamics, in-depth analysis, policy interpretation; covers a wide range of content; active community.
Newcomer note: There is a vast amount of information, so you need to develop the ability to discern information; be careful to distinguish between news reports and market soft articles.
Jin10 Data:
Its special columns are rich and diverse, with "Data Express" pushing key financial data and market trends in a concise manner; "Jin10 Early Know" summarizes daily key information for users, saving time in filtering information; "Graphical Interpretation" clearly presents complex financial data and market trends through intuitive charts, making it easier for users to understand. Macroeconomic data includes: calendar information, Federal Reserve Chair Powell's speeches, U.S. non-farm payroll data, interest rate hike and cut lists, etc.
News and Information Apps
-
Auxiliary Apps (Optional)
DeFi Applications:
Decentralized Exchanges (DEX): Such as Uniswap (Ethereum), PancakeSwap (BSC), 1inch (aggregated trading) web or mobile interfaces (often connected via MetaMask/Trust Wallet). Used for direct on-chain token swaps without needing to register on an exchange.
Lending Protocols: Such as Aave, Compound web interfaces. Provide services for earning interest on deposited coins or collateralized loans (recommended for experienced users).
Yield Aggregators: Such as Yearn Finance. Automatically optimize users' DeFi mining yield strategies.
Newcomer note: DeFi operations are conducted directly on the blockchain, with a higher threshold (need to understand gas, slippage, contract risks, impermanent loss, etc.), and the risks are greater than centralized exchanges. It is strongly recommended that newcomers learn and understand fully before cautiously trying, starting with small amounts.
NFT Markets:
OpenSea (Ethereum, Polygon, etc.): The largest comprehensive NFT trading market.
Blur (Ethereum): An emerging NFT market aimed at professional traders.
Magic Eden (Solana, etc.): A multi-chain NFT market, especially popular in the Solana ecosystem.
Newcomer note: NFT markets are highly volatile, with significant liquidity differences, and value assessment is highly subjective. -
A Beginner's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls in the Crypto World
Phishing Attacks: Fake exchange emails, wallet websites, customer service private messages that lure you into entering your account password or seed phrase. Always manually enter the official website URL or download the app from the official app store, never click on unknown links!
Fake Apps/Wallets: Counterfeit applications downloaded from unofficial channels will steal your assets. Only download from app stores linked from the official website!
Scams promising high returns: Any project that guarantees risk-free profits or extremely high daily returns (such as Ponzi schemes, funding schemes, or pump-and-dump coins) is a scam. Remember: risk and reward are always proportional!
Fake Airdrop/Reward Scams: "Airdrops" that require you to connect your wallet, pay "gas fees," or provide your seed phrase to claim are traps. Real airdrops are usually free and do not require providing private keys!
Impersonating customer service/administrators: Those who contact you proactively in communities or private messages, claiming there are issues with your account that need assistance, are 99.9% scammers. Official customer service will not contact you privately!
Excessive leverage/contract trading: Newcomers blindly using high leverage for contract trading can easily face instant liquidation during severe fluctuations. Stay away from leveraged contracts and first master spot trading!
Summary
Entering the crypto world requires choosing the right software as a foundation, while establishing the correct understanding and security awareness is the core of survival and development. This list provides you with a complete set of tool guidance from trading, storage, analysis to information acquisition. Always remember: without security, everything returns to zero. Strictly follow security operation norms, the cryptocurrency field is ever-changing, and continuous learning is the only way to keep up with the pace, do not blindly follow FOMO (fear of missing out), and do not easily believe FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt).