Crypto brokers
Crypto platforms for European investors. Some focus on low-cost trading, while others offer advanced tools, staking or crypto-backed loans. We compare the most popular crypto brokers and exchanges in Europe and highlight the key differences between them.
Contents:
- Crypto brokers
- Investing in cryptocurrencies
- How does it work?
- Costs of trading
- Safety and regulation
Please note: trading through crypto brokers involves high risks, and you may lose part or all of your investment.
Popular crypto brokers in Europe
Our selection of crypto platforms for European investors. The largest exchanges focus on trading, while smaller platforms stand out for their beginner-friendly approach, lending options or local presence.
Bitvavo started in 2018 and is the leading crypto exchange platform in the Netherlands and active in 27 European countries. You can invest in more than 400 cryptocurrencies. The platform is easy to use with both an easy dashboard for beginners, and a very complete exchange for experienced users.
- 2+ million European users
- low trading fees
- local European payment methods
- easy-to-use staking program
- recurring crypto purchases (DCA)
- MiCAR licensed in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Has users all over the world and is an authority in the crypto industry. It offers an extensive range of crypto, a user-friendly interface and advanced trading features. Has a strong emphasis on security, including insurance of digital assets.
- 300+ billion dollars in assets under custody
- high liquidity across major cryptocurrencies
- trusted by retail and institutional investors
- institutional custody provider
- publicly listed on US Nasdaq
- Regulated in the United States and across Europe
Professional exchange with over 480 coins/tokens, many trading options and secure storage. Based in the US, but Kraken operates internationally, and has 15+ million users worldwide. The ease of use however, can be challenging for inexperienced users.
- Over 42 billion dollar in client assets
- 665 billion dollar trading volume in 2024
- Large selection of coins and tokens
- Professional exchange
- Includes futures and margin trading
- MiFID II and MiCAR licenses
If you want to trade and invest all by yourself eToro is currently Europe’s online brokerage champion. You can trade in stocks, commodities, crypto and other currencies. Templates allow you to invest directly in a variety of sectors. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose the money you invest.
- beginner-friendly platform
- you can copy other traders
- 24/5-trading (S&P 500 & Nasdaq 100)
- premade investment strategies
- zero commission on ETFs
- over 40 million users worldwide
Popular European crypto platform with a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, ethereum and solana. In addition to crypto, investors can also access popular stocks, ETFs and commodities such as gold and silver through a single account.
- beginner-friendly platform
- 600+ cryptocurrencies
- supports multiple European languages
- optional: stocks, commodities and ETFs
- recurring investment plans
- MiCAR-licensed in Austria
A Swiss and EU-based crypto platform focused on crypto-backed loans, yield products and multi-asset investing. It combines trading, earning and borrowing features in a single app. Offers strong wallet and lending functionality, but is less advanced than dedicated cryptocurrency exchanges.
- founded in 2018
- yield, earn & lending products
- focus on passive income
- Regulated in Switzerland (no MiCA license)
One of the largest cryptocurrency platforms in Southern Europe, with a strong presence in Spain. It focuses on ease of use, education and a broad selection of cryptocurrencies. In addition to trading, users can access staking, a crypto card and other crypto-related services through a single account.
- founded in Spain in 2014
- strong presence in Southern Europe
- euro deposits and withdrawals
- optional: crypto debit card
- optional: business accounts
- MiCA licensed in Spain by the CNMV
Focuses on simplicity, security and a straightforward user experience. Offers euro deposits, a trading interface for active investors and a long track record in the crypto industry. Suitable for both beginners and experienced traders who value reliability over having the largest coin selection.
- founded in 2011
- widely available across Europe
- staking on selected assets
- part of Robinhood since 2024
- MiCA licensed in Luxembourg
The world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. Offers more than 500 cryptocurrencies, low trading fees and high liquidity. Some services are unavailable in certain European countries due to regulatory requirements and licensing restrictions.
- largest crypto exchange by trading volume
- 500+ cryptocurrencies available
- futures and margin trading
- advanced trading platform for active investors
- availability varies by country
International cryptocurrency platform offering a wide range of cryptocurrencies, spot trading, futures, margin trading, and staking. It mainly targets active traders with low trading fees, advanced trading tools, and a feature-rich platform for web and mobile.
- founded in 2017
- 60+ million users worldwide
- low trading fees
- spot, margin and futures trading
- publishes Proof of Reserves
- MiCA licensed through Malta
Investing in cryptocurrencies
While still volatile, cryptocurrencies become a mainstream asset class, and European investors that are interested in crypto investing can choose from a wide range of platforms. While some exchanges focus on active trading, others offer features such as staking, lending or automated investment products.
The cryptocurrency market remains risky: prices can rise or fall sharply within a short period, and you can may lose part or all of their investment. As a result, it is important to compare platforms not only on fees, but also on regulation, security, available cryptocurrencies and additional features.
What should you look for in a crypto platform?
All above crypto platforms offer the most popular options, such as bitcoin, ethereum or other popular cryptocoins. Differences can be found in the number of coins, but beginners can also compare them on trading fees or features such as staking or lending.
Security and regulation can also be important factors. European platforms that operate under the MiCA framework are forced to offer strong account protection measures. Other factors to consider include supported payment methods or the availability of local customer support.
Custodial versus self-custody
Most crypto platforms store digital assets on behalf of their users. This makes buying and selling cryptocurrencies straightforward, but also means you rely on the provider to safeguard your assets. Some platforms additionally allow withdrawals to external wallets, giving investors full control over their cryptocurrency holdings.
Costs of trading
Fees can vary significantly between crypto platforms. Some providers charge a fixed trading fee, while others use a maker-taker model where costs depend on the type and volume of your trades.
In addition to trading fees, investors should compare deposit, withdrawal and currency conversion costs. Active traders can often qualify for lower fees based on their monthly trading volume.
Trading features
Not all crypto platforms offer the same functionality. Some focus on simple buying and selling, while others provide advanced charting tools, API access, recurring investments or staking services. A smaller number of exchanges also offer margin trading and derivatives, although these products are generally intended for experienced traders and may not be available in all European countries.
Safety and regulation
Many European crypto platforms now operate under the MiCA framework. While this has improved investor protection, cryptocurrency investments remain high risk and are generally not covered by deposit guarantee schemes. Some platforms also allow transfers to external wallets for additional control over your assets.
