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Crypto · head to head

Bitstamp vs MakerDAO

Bitstamp logo

Bitstamp

Crypto

The original crypto exchange since 2011

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MakerDAO logo

MakerDAO

Crypto

The decentralized stablecoin protocol

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Bitstamp trading fees are higher than some competitors; MakerDAO makerDAO is governed as a decentralized autonomous organization by MKR token holder vote rather than a vendor, so it has no company-set price list, subscription tiers or sales contact; access and fees (stability fee, liquidation ratio) are set by on-chain governance vote rather than published as a product price
  • They diverge on capability: Bitstamp covers Spot Trading, MakerDAO covers DAI Stablecoin.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bitstamp and MakerDAO actually diverge.

Attributes where Bitstamp and MakerDAO differ
AttributeBitstampMakerDAO
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsWeb, Mobile iOS, Mobile AndroidWeb
Founded20112015

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Crypto).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Bitstamp

  • Spot Trading
  • Staking
  • Instant Orders
  • API Trading
  • SEPA
  • SWIFT
  • Credit Card
  • Ios support

Only in MakerDAO

  • DAI Stablecoin
  • Vaults
  • Stability Fees
  • Liquidations
  • Governance
  • MKR Token
  • DAI
  • Spark Protocol

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Bitstamp

  • Exchangesnot MakerDAO
  • Tradingnot MakerDAO
  • Compliancenot MakerDAO

MakerDAO

  • Definot Bitstamp
  • Stablecoinnot Bitstamp
  • Lendingnot Bitstamp

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Bitstamp

  • Trading fees are higher than some competitors
  • Limited selection of newer or smaller altcoins compared to larger exchanges
  • Customer service response times can be slow during high-volume periods

MakerDAO

  • MakerDAO is governed as a decentralized autonomous organization by MKR token holder vote rather than a vendor, so it has no company-set price list, subscription tiers or sales contact; access and fees (stability fee, liquidation ratio) are set by on-chain governance vote rather than published as a product price

Pricing, plan by plan

Bitstamp

Free
  • StandardFree
    • Spot trading
    • Staking
    • Instant orders

MakerDAO

Free
  • FreeFree
    • DAI minting
    • Vaults
    • Governance

Which should you pick?

Choose Bitstamp if

  • You need spot trading.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile iOS, Mobile Android.
  • You also want staking.
Bitstamp review

Choose MakerDAO if

  • You need dai stablecoin.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want vaults.
MakerDAO review

Questions people ask

Is Bitstamp or MakerDAO better?
Neither clearly leads. Bitstamp starts at Free and MakerDAO at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bitstamp or MakerDAO?
Bitstamp starts at Free and MakerDAO at Free.
Does Bitstamp or MakerDAO run on more platforms?
Bitstamp runs on Web, Mobile iOS, Mobile Android. MakerDAO runs on Web.
Can I use Bitstamp for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Bitstamp best used for?
Bitstamp is most often used for exchanges, trading, compliance. Of those, exchanges and trading are not what MakerDAO is typically brought in for.
What can Bitstamp do that MakerDAO cannot?
Bitstamp covers Spot Trading, Staking, Instant Orders, API Trading. MakerDAO covers DAI Stablecoin, Vaults, Stability Fees, Liquidations. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Bitstamp: When was Bitstamp founded?

Bitstamp was founded in August 2011 in Slovenia by Nejc Kodrič and Damjan Merlak.

Source
Bitstamp: Where is Bitstamp registered?

Bitstamp is registered in Luxembourg and was recognized by Luxembourg as a virtual currency exchange in 2016.

Source
Bitstamp: How many cryptocurrencies does Bitstamp list?

Bitstamp lists approximately 107 cryptocurrencies with close to 230 spot trading pairs including USD, EUR, GBP, and stablecoin base currencies.

Source
Bitstamp: Who owns Bitstamp?

Bitstamp is owned by Robinhood, which acquired the exchange to expand its cryptocurrency trading capabilities.

Source
Bitstamp: How many customers does Bitstamp have?

Bitstamp is trusted by more than 5 million customers worldwide.

Source
Bitstamp: How does Bitstamp store customer cryptocurrencies?

Bitstamp keeps most client crypto in cold storage for security and offers additional security features including 2FA and withdrawal-address whitelisting.

Source
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