Kalshi vs Polymarket: which prediction market should you use?
Kalshi and Polymarket are two of the largest prediction markets, but they differ in regulation, fees, and how you connect. This guide compares them neutrally so you can decide which fits you — and shows how to track positions on either (or both) with Mantapex.
Quick verdict
Choose Kalshi if…
Best if you want a CFTC-regulated US exchange with cash-settled contracts and credential-based access.
Choose Polymarket if…
Best if you want a global, crypto-settled market with a broad mix of politics, sports, and crypto events.
At a glance
| Dimension | Kalshi | Polymarket |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | US-regulated event-contract exchange | Crypto-settled global prediction market |
| Regulation | CFTC-regulated US exchange | Crypto-settled, global; access varies by region |
| Fees | Trading fees vary by market; no standard deposit/withdrawal fees | No per-trade fee on most markets; spread + on-chain costs apply |
| Market categories | 12 active categories | 10 active categories |
| Liquidity (top markets) | Deep on major events; varies by market | ~$7.1B across top markets |
| Settlement | Cash-settled in USD | Settled on-chain in USDC |
| How you connect | Read-only API credentials | Connect your wallet |
| Track on Mantapex | Yes — track positions | Yes — track positions |
Live volume and category figures reflect current top active markets · June 14, 2026
Fees compared
Kalshi charges trading fees that vary by market and contract price, with no deposit or withdrawal fees for standard methods. Polymarket does not charge a per-trade fee on most markets; costs come mainly from the bid-ask spread and on-chain (gas) costs when moving funds. Always check each platform's current fee schedule before trading.
Available markets & categories
Polymarket lists a broad, global mix of politics, sports, crypto, and current-events markets. Kalshi focuses on US-regulated event contracts spanning economics, politics, weather, and culture. Category coverage on both changes as new markets open and resolve.
US regulation & legality
Kalshi is a US exchange regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as a designated contract market, so it serves eligible US users under federal oversight. Polymarket is a crypto-settled, global platform; access and legality depend on your jurisdiction, and it has historically restricted US users. Check the rules that apply where you live.
Regulatory status sourced from the CFTC: cftc.gov
Last reviewed: June 14, 2026
This page is informational and is not financial, legal, or investment advice. Prediction-market availability and rules vary by region.
Liquidity & trading volume
Liquidity varies widely by individual market on both platforms. High-profile events (major elections, big sporting events) tend to have deep order books and tight spreads; niche markets can be thin. The live volume figures in the table above reflect current top active markets and update over time.
How to track each on Mantapex
Whichever platform you use, you can track your positions and P&L on Mantapex. Connect Kalshi with read-only API credentials, connect Polymarket with your wallet, or link both and follow everything in one dashboard.
Which should you use?
There's no single best choice — it depends on where you live, whether you prefer cash or crypto settlement, and which markets you want. Many active traders use both. Whatever you choose, you don't have to track them separately.
Connect your accounts and Track both in one place