Ethfinex is a cryptocurrency exchange focused on ERC20 compatible tokens that was created by Bitfinex. It aims to be, not only a trading platform, but also a community discussion platform for ERC20 compatible tokens and ethereum-based ICOs.

Ethfinex is a hybrid decentralized exchange. Traders can choose between trustless on-chain settlement, or high speed centralized execution. By using decentralized remote portals, users can access the Ethfinex order book without actually having to deposit their funds with Ethfinex. Ethfinex also has a robust API, remote portals, and margin trading.

Ethfinex wants to be a hub for the overall ERC20 token community. It is a good option for those looking to trade tokens, but it also a platform that can be used by Ethereum developers for their crowd-sourcing needs.

Ethfinex has a user-friendly interface but it is primarily designed for intermediate and advanced traders. It offers margin trading, a crowdfunding funding market, and an active discussion forum about ERC-20 projects. It has a wide range of order types available, including the basic market, limit and stop loss orders.

Ethfinex has a variety of security features, such as cold wallets that require multiple managers to unlock. There are also a number of automatic verification tools in place, and 2-factor authentication is encouraged for all accounts.
Ethfinex features its own token, the Nectar tokens (NEC). NEC tokens are given for free to token market makers in proportion to the volume of trades they participate in on the exchange.

Trading Fees: Tiered system depending on volume ranging from 0.1%-025%

Coinbase is one of the most prominent and influential crytpo companies. It is the most recognizable exchange in the United States and has over 20 million users worldwide.It is extremely user-friendly and is great for beginners. Coinbase is the intro platform for many first time crypto investors because it has a number of features such a free GDAX account for all users, a user friendly mobile App,  and built in wallet options.
There are a variety of security measures, and all funds are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000. Because of this, Coinbase is a very secure and reliable exchange with a reputable brand name
Its' clean and simple platform make it easy to quickly buy or sell cryptocurrency, and track funds through individual currency wallets.
Coinbase is a fully regulated exchange that is compliant with all laws, and because of their size and brand, they have been the subject of IRS investigations in which they were forced to disclose trading information for thousands of user accounts. They openly track user details and trading information. and have been known to close accounts for violating the terms and conditions.This is one of the main reasons that some traders prefer to use another exchange when they have become more familiar with the crypto ecosystem.
Coinbase also has  a relatively small amount of currency pairings and the platform does not have tools to accommodate more advance technical traders.
Coinbase also offers a variety of funding methods that make it an attractive choice for US residents that want to start buying crptocurrencies.Accounts can be easily funded. Since Coinbase is regulated, US bank accounts can be directly linked. This allows for relatively easy deposits and withdrawals, with a flat fee of 1.5% for buying via a US account. The trading fee is 0.25%