Cheapest way to exchange Ethereum in the US right now?

Hey everyone, I’m trying to find the cheapest and most reliable way to buy or trade Ethereum in the United States. It feels like every exchange says they have the lowest fees, but when you start trading, you quickly realize there are hidden spreads, deposit costs, or high withdrawal fees that eat into your balance. I’ve been going through different platforms lately and I can’t tell which ones are actually worth using anymore.

I’ve tried Coinbase, Gemini, and Kraken in the past. Coinbase is easy but feels overpriced once you factor in their spread. Gemini has a nice interface but those small percentage fees add up quickly. Kraken seems fairer with trading costs, though it’s not always the most user friendly. I’ve even looked into decentralized options, but gas fees can make them just as expensive.

What I’m really hoping for is a platform that’s transparent about what they charge, doesn’t inflate spreads, and lets you withdraw without ridiculous costs or delays. If anyone here has done some real comparisons recently or found a new exchange that keeps things fair, I’d really appreciate your insight. Even smaller or lesser known platforms are fine as long as they’re safe and consistent.