BitMEX vs HTX
HTX has been around under one name or another since 2013, first as Huobi, and it still runs the coin-margined perps that BitMEX traders grew up on. BitMEX closes on 23 September 2026, so the question is whether an older, larger, but more restricted exchange is the right landing spot. Below is the full field-by-field breakdown.
The short version
HTX gives you inverse and USDT-margined perps, up to 200x on BTC and ETH, base fees of 0.02% maker and 0.05% to 0.06% taker, and a no-KYC tier to 0.06 BTC a day. It also carries heavier geo-restrictions than BitMEX, blocking both the US and the UK, and its user reputation is mixed. We have no affiliate relationship with HTX, so this rates it purely on the merits.
See our top pickStatus & Access
HTX is fully operational while BitMEX winds down. The catch is access: HTX keeps a no-KYC tier, but it shuts out more countries than BitMEX ever did, including the UK.
| Field | BitMEX | HTX |
|---|---|---|
| Operational status | Closing 23 Sep 2026, 04:00 UTC | Active |
| Founded | 2014 | 2013 |
| Registration / legal entity | HDR Global Trading Limited | Huobi Global S.A. (Seychelles) |
| US / UK / restricted | US restricted; UK unclear | US and UK restricted; China, Italy, Singapore + more |
| KYC levels & no-KYC limit | KYC required; no no-KYC tier | Unverified tier no-KYC to 0.06 BTC/day; Lv1-Lv3 verification |
| Account verification time | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
Fees
BitMEX charged a flat 0.05% on both sides. HTX undercuts the maker fee and lands close on the taker side, with a further 25% cut if you hold its HT token.
| Field | BitMEX | HTX |
|---|---|---|
| Futures maker / taker (base) | 0.05% / 0.05% | 0.02% / 0.05%-0.06% |
| VIP 1 threshold | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| VIP 1 maker / taker | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Funding frequency | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Withdrawal fees (BTC/USDT/ETH) | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Native-token discount | None (BMEX not a fee token) | 25% off with HT |
| Hidden fees | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
Products & Contracts
For BitMEX loyalists, the important line is the inverse perp: HTX keeps it, and pushes the leverage ceiling to 200x on the majors.
| Field | BitMEX | HTX |
|---|---|---|
| Perpetual markets | Not disclosed | 258 |
| Inverse / coin-margined perps | Yes (the pioneer) | Yes |
| Max leverage BTC / ETH | Up to 100x | 200x / 200x |
| Max leverage alts | Up to 100x | Up to 20x on some pairs |
| Dated futures | Yes | Yes |
| Options | No | Not disclosed |
| TradFi / commodity perps | Yes | Yes |
| Settlement currency | BTC, USDT + others | Not disclosed |
Liquidity & Scale
BitMEX volume has thinned as it winds down. HTX carries far more open interest, though its 24h futures volume sits in the same broad range.
| Field | BitMEX | HTX |
|---|---|---|
| 24h futures volume | Thin (winding down) | ~$596M |
| Open interest | Not disclosed | ~$3.62B |
| Market rank | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Order-book depth | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
Margin & Risk
| Field | BitMEX | HTX |
|---|---|---|
| Margin modes | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Insurance / risk fund | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| ADL policy | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Max position limits | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
Security & Transparency
BitMEX has a clean hack record and published reserves. HTX publishes monthly proof-of-reserves too, but its history and current standing draw more scrutiny.
| Field | BitMEX | HTX |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Reserves | Yes (published) | Yes, monthly Merkle Tree, 100%+ reserves |
| Custody partner | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Historical hacks | None since 2014 | Not disclosed |
| Bug bounty / audits | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Cold storage % | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
Trading Features
| Field | BitMEX | HTX |
|---|---|---|
| Copy trading | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Bots / grid / DCA | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| API | Yes (well-regarded) | Not disclosed |
| Demo / paper trading | Testnet (historically) | Not disclosed |
| Advanced order types | Yes | Not disclosed |
| Mobile app rating | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
User Experience & Support
| Field | BitMEX | HTX |
|---|---|---|
| UI / UX | Pro, advanced-trader oriented | Not disclosed |
| Support | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Education / testnet | Testnet (historically) | Not disclosed |
| Referral / VIP program | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
Deposits, Tokens & Migration
| Field | BitMEX | HTX |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit / withdrawal | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Deposit networks | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Fiat on-ramps | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Native token | BMEX | HT (25% fee discount) |
| New-user bonus | n/a (closing) | Not disclosed |
Figures checked July 2026 from HTX's own materials and public data. "Not disclosed" means we could not verify a current figure, not that it is zero. We hold no affiliate relationship with HTX, so nothing here routes you to a referral. Confirm live on htx.com.
Who should switch from BitMEX to HTX
HTX makes sense for a specific trader: someone outside the US and UK who wants a large, long-running venue that still lists coin-margined perps, will trade at 200x, and values a no-KYC entry point. On paper the fees are competitive and the open interest is deep. The honest caveats matter, though. HTX blocks more countries than BitMEX did, so plenty of readers simply cannot use it, and you should check your local law before signing up, since this is general information and not legal advice. User sentiment is mixed as well, with recurring complaints and reliability questions in public posts, which is a fair reason to size in slowly rather than move everything at once. If you want a venue we rate more highly overall, see BitMEX vs Blofin, our top pick. For the widest altcoin menu look at BitMEX vs MEXC, and if you need US access, BitMEX vs BTCC is the better fit (it restricts the UK). HTX is one entry on our full list of BitMEX alternatives.
Want a venue we actually back?
HTX is worth a look for the right trader, but Blofin is where we point most people leaving BitMEX: inverse perps, a no-KYC tier, lower maker fees, and it serves the UK. Set it up before you withdraw so there is no gap.
Open a Blofin account → See all 19 alternatives
Affiliate link: if you open an account through it we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We have no such relationship with HTX, and links like this never change our ranking. How we make money.
BitMEX vs HTX FAQ
Is HTX a good replacement for BitMEX?
It can be, with caveats. HTX keeps inverse and USDT-margined perps, offers up to 200x on BTC and ETH, base fees of 0.02% maker and 0.05% to 0.06% taker, and a no-KYC tier to 0.06 BTC a day. Against that, it restricts more countries than BitMEX, including the UK, and its reputation among users is mixed.
Does HTX require KYC?
Not to start. The Unverified tier needs no ID and allows withdrawals up to 0.06 BTC per 24 hours. Completing Level 1 to Level 3 verification raises that limit.
Does HTX offer inverse perps like BitMEX?
Yes. HTX lists coin-margined perpetual contracts settled in the coin itself, alongside its USDT-margined markets, with leverage reaching 200x on the majors.
Can US or UK traders use HTX?
No. HTX restricts both the US and the UK, along with several other jurisdictions such as China, Italy and Singapore. Check your own local rules first; this is not legal advice.
Last checked July 2026. Compare other options: Blofin (our top pick), MEXC (most altcoins), BTCC (accepts US, UK restricted), or the full list of BitMEX alternatives.