Every company and product reviewed by CryptoSlate is scored by our in-house research team using transparent criteria, live data feeds, and manual verification. Scores are updated monthly or immediately after material events.
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1. General Process
- Data Collection: Live API pulls, on-chain analytics, third-party audits, regulatory filings.
- Manual Verification: Every data point is spot-checked by our analysts for accuracy and context.
- Scoring Model: Weighted criteria (see below) produce an overall score out of 10.
- Review Cadence: Monthly automated updates + ad hoc reviews after major security incidents or regulatory changes.
- Transparency: We publish our full methodology and “last updated” timestamp at the top of each list.
2. Exchanges
We evaluate exchanges on five pillars, weighted to prioritize safety and cost:
| Criterion | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Security | 40 % | Custody setup, PoR, past breaches, insurance |
| Fees | 25 % | Maker/taker schedule, hidden spreads, withdrawal costs |
| Liquidity | 15 % | Spot & derivatives volume, order-book depth |
| User Experience | 10 % | Onboarding speed, KYC flow, UI/UX ratings |
| Regulation | 10 % | Licenses held, compliance track record |
3. Hardware Wallets
We vet devices on security and usability to safeguard your assets:
| Criterion | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Security Architecture | 30 % | Secure element, open-source firmware, audit history |
| Backup & Recovery | 20 % | Seed phrase design, recovery flexibility |
| User Experience | 20 % | Setup flow, touchscreen/menu intuitiveness |
| Connectivity | 15 % | Bluetooth, USB-C, multi-device support |
| Price & Value | 15 % | MSRP vs feature-set |
4. Crypto Casinos
We review casinos on fairness and trustworthiness:
| Criterion | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Provable Fairness (RTP) | 30 % | On-chain RNG, published RTP stats |
| Security | 25 % | Licensing, SSL, self-exclusion policies |
| Bonus Value | 20 % | Wagering requirements, bonus caps |
| Customer Support | 15 % | Response times, live-chat availability |
| Payment Options | 10 % | Crypto & fiat rails, withdrawal speed |
5. Crypto Credit Cards
We compare cards on rewards and fees:
| Criterion | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards & Cashback | 35 % | APR on crypto, tiered rates |
| Annual Fees | 25 % | Fee vs benefit analysis |
| Security Features | 20 % | Virtual cards, 2FA, fraud protection |
| Network Acceptance | 20 % | Visa/Mastercard coverage globally |
6. Crypto Data Platforms
We score APIs on performance and coverage:
| Criterion | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Data Accuracy | 30 % | Feed consistency, error rates |
| API Performance | 25 % | Latency, uptime SLAs |
| Asset Coverage | 25 % | Spot, derivatives, DeFi tokens |
| Pricing & Tiers | 20 % | Free vs paid, rate limits |
Last updated: . CryptoSlate may earn commission on links in our Trusted Picks. View our full disclaimers.