Wait-'Zhaobi' isn't a real crypto exchange. If you're searching for that name, you likely meant HTX (formerly Huobi), the global exchange that rebranded in 2023. Let's cut through the confusion and see why HTX is making waves in 2025.
HTX is a cryptocurrency exchange that started as Huobi Global in 2013. HTX provides a platform for trading over 700 cryptocurrencies with deep liquidity and strong security features. Based in Seychelles, it serves over 10 million users worldwide as of Q2 2025.
From Huobi to HTX: A Strategic Shift
HTX wasn't always called HTX. The exchange began as Huobi Global in 2013, founded by Leon Li in China. As cryptocurrency regulations tightened globally, Huobi made a major move in 2023: changing its name to HTX and shifting its headquarters to Seychelles. This wasn't just a name change-it signaled a complete overhaul of their business model. According to HTX's official reports, the rebrand focused on building a more comprehensive digital asset ecosystem beyond simple trading, including features like zero-cost futures and a dedicated token economy.
Why did they do this? Regulatory pressure in China forced them to relocate. But the switch to HTX also helped them distance themselves from past issues. As CoinDesk reported in June 2025, "HTX's transformation has been a necessary step to regain trust after earlier compliance challenges." Today, the exchange is fully operational outside China, with licenses in Seychelles, Dubai, and Switzerland.
What Makes HTX Stand Out in 2025?
HTX's biggest advantage is its deep liquidity, especially for altcoins. With 712 tradable assets and 847 trading pairs, it offers more variety than most competitors. For example, when trading XRP or LTC, HTX has 22% deeper order books than KuCoin, according to BeInCrypto's mid-2025 analysis. This matters because deeper liquidity means better prices and fewer slippage issues for large trades.
Trading fees are straightforward: 0.20% for both makers and takers. But if you're a high-volume trader, you can drop fees to 0.02% by reaching VIP 8 status. To qualify, you need to maintain an average daily balance of $1 million in HTX tokens. That's not easy for most users, but it's a clear path for serious traders.
Security is another strong point. HTX stores 98% of assets in cold storage and has a $500 million insurance fund. They also use multi-signature wallets and require two-factor authentication for all withdrawals. David Bailey, former CISO of Coinbase, praised HTX's security infrastructure in a CoinDesk interview: "Their current multi-layered approach exceeds industry standards for exchanges of their size."
The Mobile App That's Winning Users
HTX's mobile app is a game-changer. Coin Bureau rated it 4.7/5.0 in March 2025, beating Binance's 4.2/5.0. Why? It's designed for quick trading on the go. Features like one-tap trading, integrated social features, and real-time alerts make it perfect for active traders. Reddit users in r/CryptoCurrency consistently praise the app-over 347 upvotes on a May 2025 thread called "HTX's mobile app is surprisingly good."
But it's not just about speed. The app also includes SmartEarn, which lets you earn up to 12% APY on stablecoins. This feature alone has attracted millions of users who want passive income from their crypto holdings.
How HTX Compares to Binance, Coinbase, and Others
Let's be clear: HTX isn't the largest exchange. Binance still leads with $85.3 billion in daily volume, followed by Coinbase at $58.9 billion. But HTX ranks fourth globally with $42.7 billion in 24-hour volume as of July 2025, beating KuCoin and Bybit. Here's a quick comparison:
| Exchange | 24h Volume | Assets | Mobile App Rating | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binance | $85.3B | 900+ | 4.2/5.0 | Overall market leader |
| Coinbase | $58.9B | 250 | 4.1/5.0 | Regulatory compliance |
| HTX | $42.7B | 712 | 4.7/5.0 | Altcoin liquidity & mobile experience |
| Kraken | $48.2B | 300+ | 4.0/5.0 | Professional trading tools |
HTX's edge? It dominates in altcoin liquidity and mobile usability. But if you're in the U.S., you'll face limitations. HTX blocks U.S. users entirely, while Coinbase and Kraken serve American customers. That's a major drawback for North American traders.
Regulatory Challenges and Limitations
HTX's biggest weakness is regulatory compliance. As of July 2025, it only holds licenses in Seychelles, Dubai, and Switzerland. This means it's unavailable in the U.S., Canada, and many European countries. For American users, there's a separate entity called Huobi US, but it only supports 50 assets compared to HTX's 712.
Chainalysis' 2025 AML report noted HTX's "historical challenges with suspicious transaction monitoring in emerging markets," though they've improved their score from 5.8 to 7.3 on a 10-point scale. Still, this limits institutional adoption in Western markets. Standard Chartered's crypto team projects HTX could climb to third place globally by 2026-but only if it secures U.S. regulatory approval.
What Do Real Users Say About HTX?
On Trustpilot, HTX has a 4.1/5.0 rating from 1,842 verified reviews. Sixty-eight percent of users give it 5 stars, mainly for "excellent altcoin selection" and "responsive mobile app." But Reddit threads tell a different story. A February 2025 post titled "HTX withdrawal issues with European banks" got 213 downvotes-many users complain about 3-5 day processing times for SEPA transfers.
Common praises include 24/7 multilingual customer support (rated 4.3/5.0) and the SmartEarn feature. But frequent complaints focus on KYC delays (averaging 48 hours) and limited fiat withdrawal options in some regions. The most serious criticism comes from users affected by HTX's 2019 security breach, though they've had 20 consecutive months without incidents since then.
Pros and Cons: Is HTX Right for You?
Pros:
- Deep liquidity for altcoins (22% deeper than KuCoin for XRP/LTC)
- Zero-cost futures trading with $8.3 billion open interest
- Top-rated mobile app (4.7/5.0)
- Strong security with $500M insurance fund
Cons:
- No access for U.S. users (Huobi US only offers 50 assets)
- Complex fee structure with 8 VIP tiers
- Regulatory restrictions in Western markets
- KYC verification can take up to 48 hours
Who Should Use HTX in 2025?
HTX is ideal for experienced traders outside the U.S. who want access to a wide range of altcoins and a seamless mobile experience. If you're trading Chinese or Asian-based projects, HTX's deep liquidity gives you an edge. Institutional traders also benefit from their Prime Brokerage service launched in January 2025.
But if you're in the U.S., HTX isn't an option. For beginners, the interface might feel overwhelming-Coin Bureau rated it 2.3/5.0 for user-friendliness compared to Coinbase's 4.1/5.0. If you need advanced tax tools or regulatory compliance in Western markets, look elsewhere.
The Bottom Line
HTX isn't perfect, but it's a major player in the global crypto market. Its strengths in altcoin liquidity and mobile experience make it a top choice for international traders. However, regulatory hurdles and U.S. restrictions limit its appeal. As the exchange expands its fiat on-ramps to 75 currencies by 2026 and launches AI-powered trading assistants, it could become even more competitive. For now, if you're outside the U.S. and want a robust platform for altcoins, HTX deserves your attention.
Is HTX the same as Huobi?
Yes, HTX is the rebranded version of Huobi Global. The exchange changed its name in 2023 after moving operations internationally due to regulatory challenges in China. While the core platform remains similar, HTX now focuses on a broader digital asset ecosystem beyond traditional trading.
Can I use HTX if I live in the United States?
No, HTX does not serve U.S. residents. American users must use Huobi US, which offers only 50 assets compared to HTX's 712. This is due to regulatory restrictions in the U.S., where HTX lacks necessary licenses.
What is the trading fee structure on HTX?
HTX charges a standard 0.20% fee for both makers and takers. High-volume traders can reduce fees to 0.02% by reaching VIP 8 status, which requires maintaining an average daily balance of $1 million in HTX tokens. Fees are based on 30-day trading volume and HTX token holdings.
How secure is HTX?
HTX stores 98% of assets in cold storage and has a $500 million insurance fund. They use multi-signature wallets and require two-factor authentication for all withdrawals. David Bailey, former Coinbase CISO, confirmed HTX's security infrastructure exceeds industry standards. The exchange has maintained 20 consecutive months without security incidents as of June 2025.
What are the main drawbacks of HTX?
HTX's biggest drawbacks include limited regulatory compliance in Western markets, no access for U.S. users, complex fee structures with 8 VIP tiers, and KYC verification delays averaging 48 hours. These issues make it less suitable for beginners and U.S.-based traders.
