HTX (Huobi) Review 2025: An Old Giant’s New Look – Is It Safe?
HTX might be new to some, but it is the new brand for Huobi Global, one of the world’s oldest and largest crypto exchanges. Huobi rebranded to HTX in 2023. It has a long history, many users, and offers a wide range of coins and services.
But as we look to 2025, with a new name and ongoing changes in the crypto world, a key question is: Is HTX (formerly Huobi) a safe place to trade and keep your digital money? Rebranding often comes with new strategies. Security and rules are always important. This review will look closely at HTX’s safety.
HTX (Huobi) at a Glance in 2025
By 2025, HTX will be working to build its new brand while keeping its large user base. It is known for its global reach and many features.
- Long History (as Huobi): Founded in 2013, it has a decade of experience in the crypto market.
- Large Trading Volume: HTX handles billions of dollars in trades, showing it has many active users.
- Wide Range of Coins and Services: Offers spot trading, futures, options, earning products, and its own token (HT, though its future role might evolve with the HTX DAO).
- Global Operations: Aims to serve users in many countries, though it has faced regulatory challenges in some.
The change from Huobi to HTX is significant. In 2025, HTX will be focused on growth under its new identity, while needing to prove its security and commitment to following rules.
What Makes HTX Tick? Key Features Explored
HTX (Huobi) is popular for many reasons, thanks to its long experience and wide offerings.
Vast Cryptocurrency Selection
HTX offers a very large number of cryptocurrencies for trading.
- Hundreds of Coins: HTX typically lists over 600 different cryptocurrencies and many more trading pairs. This includes major coins like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), plus a huge variety of altcoins.
- Early Listings of New Tokens: Like other large global exchanges, HTX often lists new and trending tokens, giving traders early access. This also comes with higher risk.
This massive choice is attractive to traders looking for diverse opportunities. However, it means users must do very careful research (DYOR) before investing in lesser-known or very new coins.
Diverse Trading Options
HTX provides a full suite of trading tools for different types of traders.
- Spot Trading: Standard buying and selling of cryptocurrencies.
- Margin Trading: Allows traders to borrow funds to increase their trading positions.
Futures Trading (Perpetuals and Standard): HTX has a very active derivatives market, offering contracts with high leverage.
- Options Trading: More complex derivative products are available for experienced traders.
- Trading Bots: HTX offers various automated trading bots (like grid trading) to help users implement strategies.
These advanced trading tools are powerful but carry significant risk, especially with high leverage.
Competitive Fee Structure
HTX’s fees are generally competitive, with ways to get discounts.
- Spot Trading Fees: Standard spot trading fees are typically around 0.2% for both makers and takers.
- HT Token Discounts (Huobi Token): Historically, holding Huobi Token (HT) provided trading fee discounts. The role and benefits of HT might change or be supplemented under the HTX brand and its new HTX DAO governance structure. Users should check the current fee policy.
- Tiered VIP System: Higher trading volumes or asset holdings can lead to lower fees through a VIP program.
- Futures Trading Fees: Fees for futures are usually lower than spot, often starting around 0.02% for makers and 0.05% for takers.
Withdrawal fees vary by cryptocurrency and network conditions.
Beyond Trading: Earn, PrimeList, HTX DAO, HECO Chain
HTX (Huobi) offers many services beyond basic trading.
- HTX Earn (formerly Huobi Earn): Provides various ways to earn interest on crypto holdings, like savings accounts, staking, and structured products.
- PrimeList (Launchpad): HTX’s platform for launching new crypto projects. Users can often participate in initial token sales, but these are very high-risk.
- HTX DAO and HT Token: With the rebrand, there’s a focus on HTX DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) and the evolving role of the HT token within this new ecosystem. This suggests a move towards more community governance.
- HECO Chain (Huobi ECO Chain): HTX is closely associated with HECO, an EVM-compatible public blockchain.
- NFT Marketplace: HTX also has an NFT marketplace.
User Experience: Navigating the HTX Ecosystem
Platform Usability: Feature-Rich and Global
- Comprehensive Interface: The HTX platform is packed with features, which can be overwhelming for beginners but offers a lot for experienced traders.
- Mobile App: HTX offers powerful mobile apps for iOS and Android with full trading functionality.
- Language Support: Supports many languages, catering to its international user base.
- Learning Curve: Due to the wide array of products (spot, futures, earn, etc.), there’s a significant learning curve. New users should start with basic features.
Customer Support: Getting Help When You Need It
- 24/7 Support: HTX offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and a ticket system.
- Help Center: An extensive help center with articles and FAQs is available.
- Community Support: Active communities on platforms like Telegram.
- Response Quality: User reviews on customer support are mixed, a common situation for large global exchanges. Quality can vary depending on the issue’s complexity and support staff availability.
HTX Fees: How Much Does It Cost? (Revisited)
- Trading Fees: Spot fees are typically around 0.2% (maker/taker), with discounts for HT holders (check current HTX policy) or based on trading volume (VIP tiers). Futures fees are lower, around 0.02% (maker) / 0.05% (taker).
- Deposit Fees: Crypto deposits are generally free.
- Withdrawal Fees: Vary by coin and network. Always check the current fee schedule.
Looking Ahead: HTX in 2025 and Beyond
By 2025, we can expect from HTX:
- Focus on Building the HTX Brand and DAO: Establishing the new identity and decentralized governance model.
- Continued Emphasis on Global Markets: Serving a diverse international user base, especially in Asia and other regions where it has a strong presence.
- Pressure to Enhance Security and Transparency: Following recent incidents, this will be a top priority.
- Innovation in Products and Services: Likely to continue offering a wide range of trading and earning opportunities.
- Development of HECO Chain Ecosystem: Further growth of its associated blockchain.
Its success will depend on regaining and maintaining user trust through proven security, transparent operations, and navigating the global regulatory landscape effectively.
Who Should Use HTX in 2025?
- Experienced Global Traders: Those comfortable with a large, global exchange offering many coins and advanced trading features like futures.
- Users Seeking a Wide Variety of Altcoins: HTX offers a vast selection.
- Participants in HTX Earn or PrimeList: If you understand the risks and are interested in these programs.
- Those Interested in the HTX DAO / HECO Ecosystem: If you want to be part of this evolving ecosystem.
However, beginners should be cautious due to the platform’s complexity and the risks of advanced products. Users in countries with strict crypto regulations or where HTX is not licensed should be very careful or avoid the platform. The recent security concerns must also be considered.
The Verdict: Is HTX Safe Enough for 2025?
HTX (formerly Huobi) is a long-standing exchange with a vast offering. However, its recent rebranding comes at a time of increased scrutiny due to security incidents in late 2023 and ongoing regulatory complexities. For 2025, its safety is a significant concern that depends heavily on its actions to restore confidence.
“Safe” in crypto is never absolute, and recent events have highlighted risks.
- Platform Risk: The hot wallet hacks in late 2023 are a major red flag. While HTX pledged to cover losses, preventing such incidents is key. The status of its security reserve fund needs to be clear and verifiable.
- User Responsibility (Extremely High): Users must use strong passwords, 2FA, be vigilant against phishing, and thoroughly research every asset and service they use. Relying solely on the exchange’s security is not enough.
Regulatory Uncertainty: HTX’s global operational model means its regulatory standing can be unclear or change in various regions. Users must be aware of their local laws.
- Transparency and Governance: The move to HTX DAO needs to result in genuine, transparent community governance and not just be a rebranding exercise. Consistent, audited Proof of Reserves is vital.
FAQs
1. Is HTX the same as Huobi?
Yes, HTX is the new brand name for the Huobi Global crypto exchange, rebranded in 2023.
2. Does HTX offer many coins?
Yes, HTX lists hundreds of different cryptocurrencies, including many altcoins.
3. Has HTX (Huobi) been hacked?
Yes, there were reports of significant hot wallet hacks linked to HTX and HECO Chain in late 2023.
4. Is HTX regulated in my country?
HTX’s regulatory status varies by country; it lacks clear licensing in many major Western markets, so users must check local laws.
5. Does HTX publish Proof of Reserves?
Yes, HTX has committed to publishing Proof of Reserves (PoR) to enhance transparency.
