You might have typed "HPX" into your search bar, but you’re likely looking for HTX. There is no major global exchange called HPX. You are probably referring to HTX, which was formerly known as Huobi. The rebrand happened in October 2023 after Justin Sun, the founder of TRON, acquired the platform.
If you are wondering whether this platform is safe enough for your funds or if its fees are actually competitive in 2026, you are asking the right questions. With over 50 million users globally, HTX has carved out a significant niche, especially during the 2024-2025 period when many competitors saw their volume drop. This review breaks down exactly what you get, where the pitfalls lie, and who should actually use this exchange.
What Is HTX and Why Did It Change Names?
HTX is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange that offers spot trading, futures, staking, and earn products. Founded in 2013 by Leon Li, it operated under the name Huobi for a decade before Justin Sun took over. The rebrand wasn’t just cosmetic; it signaled a shift toward deeper integration with the TRON ecosystem and a new governance model.
Why does this matter to you? Because the leadership change brought a focus on community-driven decisions through a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) structure. Holders of the native HT token can vote on certain platform features and new token listings. For traders tired of opaque corporate decisions, this level of transparency is a tangible benefit.
In 2024 and 2025, while other exchanges struggled with stagnation, HTX saw net deposits jump by 210% in Q1 2025 alone. That kind of growth suggests strong user confidence, but numbers don’t tell the whole story. You need to look at the actual mechanics of trading there.
Fees and Costs: What Will You Actually Pay?
Let’s talk money. High fees eat into your profits faster than bad trades. HTX uses a flat Maker/Taker fee structure, which is straightforward compared to the tiered mess some competitors use.
- Spot Trading: 0.2% for both Makers (those who add liquidity) and Takers (those who remove it).
- Futures Trading: 0.02% for Makers and 0.04% for Takers.
These rates are below the industry average. But here is the kicker: holding the native HT token gives you up to a 25% discount on these fees. Unlike Binance, whose BNB discounts expired after a few years, HTX’s discount mechanism is permanent as long as you hold the token. If you trade frequently, buying HT tokens just to save on fees often pays for itself within weeks.
| Feature | HTX Standard Fee | Industry Average | With HT Token Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot Maker Fee | 0.2% | 0.1% - 0.25% | 0.15% |
| Spot Taker Fee | 0.2% | 0.1% - 0.25% | 0.15% |
| Futures Maker Fee | 0.02% | 0.02% - 0.04% | 0.015% |
| Futures Taker Fee | 0.04% | 0.04% - 0.06% | 0.03% |
Note that VIP tiers exist for high-volume institutional investors, offering even lower rates. However, for the average retail trader, the standard rate plus the HT discount is the sweet spot.
Security: Is Your Money Safe?
This is the elephant in the room. In November 2023, HTX and the Heco Cross-Chain Bridge were hacked, resulting in approximately $85 million in losses. This incident shook user trust significantly. However, the response matters more than the hack itself.
Justin Sun publicly committed to making all affected users whole, and they did so using the Huobi Investor Protection Fund. This fund is unique because HTX pledges 20% of its quarterly profits to buy back HT tokens, creating a reserve specifically for insurance against unforeseen events. Coinsutra noted in early 2024 that this mechanism is a "must-have USP" (Unique Selling Proposition) in an era where centralized exchanges are frequent targets.
Current security protocols include:
- Cold Storage: 98% of user funds are kept offline in cold storage wallets.
- Withdrawal Controls: Mandatory address whitelisting and real-time transaction monitoring.
- Multi-Layered Scrutiny: A rigorous due diligence process for listing new tokens, reducing the risk of rug pulls on the platform.
While no exchange is immune to hacks, HTX’s financial backing for the protection fund provides a safety net that many smaller competitors lack. Still, always do your own due diligence. Never keep more than you can afford to lose on any single centralized platform.
Trading Experience: Assets, Liquidity, and Tools
HTX supports between 600 and 900+ trading pairs, depending on how you count stablecoin variations. As of late 2024, they listed over 720 distinct digital assets. This breadth is appealing if you love hunting for altcoins before they hit larger exchanges like Binance.
Liquidity is another critical factor. Coin Bureau’s January 2025 assessment noted that HTX has deep liquidity for popular spot and derivatives pairs. This means you can execute large orders without significant slippage. However, for obscure low-cap tokens, liquidity might be thinner compared to giants like Binance or KuCoin.
The interface is designed to be accessible. Beginners will find the standard view intuitive, while pro traders can switch to advanced charts with technical indicators. Features like copy trading and social trading allow less experienced users to mirror the strategies of successful traders. BeInCrypto highlighted that HTX’s focus on "product execution" made it particularly attractive to retail traders during the 2024-2025 bull run.
Earn Products and DeFi Integration
If you want your crypto to work while you sleep, HTX offers various earn products. These include staking, lending, and flexible savings accounts. However, this is where HTX shows its weaknesses.
Coin Bureau pointed out that HTX’s earn section needs more development to compete effectively with Binance or KuCoin. Their "Primepool" feature, which allows users to provide liquidity to decentralized finance (DeFi) pools directly from the exchange, lacks the variety of events and incentives found on rival platforms. If maximizing yield is your primary goal, you might find better opportunities elsewhere. For casual staking of major coins like BTC or ETH, though, the yields are competitive and easy to set up.
User Support and Verification
Getting verified is usually the first hurdle. KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures take about 15-30 minutes to submit, but approval times vary. Users in the European Economic Area report verification taking 24-72 hours. Some users on Trustpilot complained of delays up to 7 days, though this seems to be an outlier rather than the norm.
Once verified, support quality is mixed. Reddit users praised the 24/7 Zendesk ticketing system, with one user reporting a withdrawal issue resolved in under two hours. However, the lack of live chat options frustrates some. Trustpilot ratings sit at 3.8/5 based on over 1,200 reviews, reflecting this inconsistency. Common complaints involve slow responses to complex account issues, not just simple FAQs.
Who Should Use HTX?
HTX is ideal for:
- Altcoin Hunters: Those who want early access to new token listings.
- Fee-Conscious Traders: Users willing to hold HT tokens for permanent fee discounts.
- Beginners to Intermediate Traders: People who appreciate a clean UI and copy-trading features.
It may not be the best choice for:
- Yield Farmers: Those seeking the highest possible DeFi returns.
- Ultra-High Net Worth Individuals: Who might prefer the institutional-grade services of Binance or Coinbase Prime.
Final Verdict
HTX has successfully reinvented itself post-acquisition. With strong liquidity, competitive fees, and a genuine investor protection fund, it stands as a top-10 global exchange. The 2023 hack was a setback, but the transparent resolution helped rebuild trust. If you value diverse asset listings and cost-effective trading, HTX deserves a spot in your portfolio. Just remember to diversify your holdings across multiple platforms to mitigate risk.
Is HTX the same as Huobi?
Yes. HTX is the new brand name for Huobi Global. The rebrand occurred in October 2023 after Justin Sun acquired the company. All existing accounts and funds were migrated seamlessly to the HTX platform.
How much does it cost to trade on HTX?
Standard spot trading fees are 0.2% for both makers and takers. Futures trading fees are 0.02% for makers and 0.04% for takers. Holding the native HT token reduces these fees by up to 25%.
Was HTX hacked?
Yes, in November 2023, HTX and the Heco Cross-Chain Bridge were hacked for approximately $85 million. However, the exchange used its Investor Protection Fund to compensate all affected users fully.
Can I use HTX in my country?
HTX operates in over 195 countries. However, availability depends on local regulations. Users in restricted jurisdictions may face limitations on fiat deposits or specific trading pairs. Always check the official HTX website for regional compliance details.
Does HTX offer staking?
Yes, HTX offers various staking and earn products, including fixed-term staking, flexible savings, and DeFi pool participation via Primepool. Yields vary by asset and market conditions.
