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Crypto · head to head

FTX vs Phantom

FTX logo

FTX

Crypto

Cryptocurrency derivatives exchange

From
Free
Rated
-
Phantom logo

Phantom

Crypto

The friendly crypto wallet for Solana and beyond

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: FTX the exchange collapsed and FTX Trading Ltd filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on 11 November 2022; Phantom age requirement of 18 or older to apply for debit card
  • They diverge on capability: FTX covers Futures Trading, Phantom covers Wallet.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FTX and Phantom actually diverge.

Attributes where FTX and Phantom differ
AttributeFTXPhantom
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidChrome, Firefox, Ios, Android
Founded20192021

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 FTX

  • Futures Trading
  • Options
  • Leveraged Tokens
  • Spot Trading
  • FTT Token
  • Serum DEX
  • Web support

Only in Phantom

  • Wallet
  • NFT Gallery
  • Token Swaps
  • Staking
  • dApp Browser
  • Solana
  • Ethereum
  • Polygon

Both cover

  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

FTX

  • Exchangesnot Phantom
  • Derivativesnot Phantom
  • Tradingnot Phantom

Phantom

  • Cryptocurrency trading including spot and perpetual futuresnot FTX
  • Prediction markets for trading on cultural and global eventsnot FTX
  • Quick money movement between accounts and payment card usagenot FTX
  • Advanced terminal access for power tradersnot FTX

Where each one falls short

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

FTX

  • The exchange collapsed and FTX Trading Ltd filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on 11 November 2022
  • Around 130 affiliated companies including Alameda Research entered the same proceedings, with more than 100,000 creditors and assets and liabilities each between $10 billion and $50 billion
  • Founder Sam Bankman-Fried resigned as CEO on the filing and was replaced by John J. Ray III
  • It is not a service anyone can sign up for; the estate exists to repay creditors

Phantom

  • Age requirement of 18 or older to apply for debit card
  • Visa debit card fees may apply but specific amounts not disclosed
  • Debit card limited to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Visa acceptance
  • Platform operates as fintech, not a bank, with limited banking protections
  • No disclosed transaction limits or commission rates for trading features
  • Technical specifications and supported blockchains lack documentation

Pricing, plan by plan

FTX

Free
  • StandardFree
    • Spot trading
    • Futures
    • Options

Phantom

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Multi-chain wallet
    • NFT gallery
    • Swaps

Which should you pick?

Choose FTX if

  • You need futures trading.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want options.

Choose Phantom if

  • You need wallet.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Chrome, Firefox, Ios, Android.
  • You also want nft gallery.

Questions people ask

Is FTX or Phantom better?
Neither clearly leads. FTX starts at Free and Phantom at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FTX or Phantom?
FTX starts at Free and Phantom at Free.
Does FTX or Phantom run on more platforms?
FTX runs on Web, Ios, Android. Phantom runs on Chrome, Firefox, Ios, Android.
Can I use FTX for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is FTX best used for?
FTX is most often used for exchanges, derivatives, trading. Of those, exchanges and derivatives are not what Phantom is typically brought in for.
What can FTX do that Phantom cannot?
FTX covers Futures Trading, Options, Leveraged Tokens, Spot Trading. Phantom covers Wallet, NFT Gallery, Token Swaps, Staking. Both handle Ios support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

FTX: What happened to FTX?

FTX filed for bankruptcy on November 11, 2022, after revelations about Alameda Research's massive holdings of FTX's token (FTT) triggered a liquidity crisis. The platform collapsed within days as a competing rescue deal fell through.

Source
Phantom: Does Phantom have access to my cryptocurrency funds?

No. Phantom operates on a self-custodial model where you control your funds. The company explicitly states they never have access to your assets.

Source
FTX: Can I recover funds from FTX bankruptcy?

FTX has been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings since November 11, 2022. Customer funds have been subject to claims through the bankruptcy process, with asset recovery efforts ongoing.

Source
Phantom: What security features does Phantom provide?

Phantom includes scam detection that flags malicious transactions instantly, Ledger hardware wallet integration, transaction transparency so you always know what you're signing, and an open-source blocklist to prevent phishing attacks.

Source
Phantom: Does Phantom track my personal information?

No. Phantom prioritizes privacy and states they never track any personally identifiable information or asset balances.

Source
Phantom: What security vulnerabilities qualify for Phantom's bug bounty program?

Phantom offers bug bounty rewards up to $50,000 for discovering vulnerabilities that could result in user fund loss.

Source
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