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10 Best Ethereum Brokers in 2024
Ethereum (ETH) is still one of the most popular cryptocurrencies, even in 2024, so it’s important to understand which are the best Ethereum brokers and exchanges to use to buy Ethereum.
Below, I’ve broken down the top 10 Ethereum brokers and exchanges that you might want to consider using, explaining what I liked and didn’t like about each of them.
10 Best Ethereum Brokers and Exchanges Compared
Platform: | Key Features: | Best Suited To: |
Coinbase | More than 240 cryptocurrencies on offerUp to 12% APY on selected cryptocurrenciesA range of educational materials | Beginner investors looking to take a buy-and-hold approach |
eToro | Social trading and investing platformOver 100 cryptocurrencies availableHuge range of educational materials | Beginner investors looking to learn about investing and follow experienced investors |
Gemini | Over 70 cryptocurrencies availableGemini Credit Card offers crypto rewardsMassive focus on compliance and regulation | Investors that prioritize regulation and security |
Robinhood | Around 15 cryptocurrencies availableRange of advanced trading tools on offerEmphasis on low fees | Investors interested in trading with $0 commission |
Crypto.com | More than 350 cryptocurrencies offeredSome DeFi protocols available (Earn, Swap and Wallet)Earn rewards when using Crypto.com’s VISA cards | Investors that are interested in DeFi and want to explore a range of cryptocurrencies |
Revolut | Over 170 cryptocurrencies on offerSome educational materials availableRecurring buys enable dollar-cost averaging | Investors that want to trade cryptocurrencies using their mobile device |
Kraken | More than 200 cryptocurrencies available24/7 customer supportUp to 11% APY on selected cryptocurrencies | Investors that want a reliable exchange with good customer support |
UniSwap | A decentralized exchange for Ethereum-based tokensThousands of ERC20 tokens availableTrade directly through an Apple or Android application | Experienced investors interested in peer-to-peer trading and decentralization |
Paxful | A peer-to-peer exchangeOver 350 payment methods offeredAbility to set your preferred price when selling Ethereum | Investors that want to explore a range of payment methods |
UpHold | Over 260 cryptocurrencies availableStraightforward trading between supported assetsFocused on transparency | Experienced investors interested in getting early access to new cryptocurrencies |
Best Places to Buy Ethereum in 2024
Given its popularity, there are very few platforms that allow you to buy Ethereum in 2024. However, not all brokers and exchanges are created equally, and some are a much better option than others.
With that in mind, what is the best broker to buy Ethereum on?
1. Coinbase: The best platform for beginners
Coinbase is one of the most well-known centralized exchanges. Describing itself as “the most trusted place for people and businesses to buy, sell, and use crypto“, Coinbase has cemented itself as one of the world’s biggest and best Ethereum brokers.
On Coinbase, you can buy, sell, send, receive and store Ethereum and other crypto assets.
Coinbase allows trading on more than 240 cryptocurrencies, many of which you can earn rewards on, including Ethereum. It’s possible to earn up to 46% by staking cryptocurrencies on Coinbase, although staking ETH will likely earn you closer to 2% APY.
Alongside a range of powerful analytical tools, designed for advanced traders, Coinbase also offers a number of educational materials for beginner investors.
Additionally, you can utilize the Coinbase Wallet, which is a self-custody cryptocurrency wallet that allows you to safely store your crypto assets. As well as being Solana- and Bitcoin-compatible, the Coinbase Wallet accepts any Ethereum-based ERC20 tokens, potentially making it a good option for users that want to purchase and store their ETH tokens using a single broker/platform.
Coinbase pros and cons
There are a range of advantages and disadvantages associated with the Coinbase platform:
Pros | Cons |
Beginner-friendly platform with easy navigation | Relatively high fees compared to other Ethereum brokers |
Huge list of cryptocurrencies | Customer support is weak compared to other centralized exchanges |
Possibility to earn staking rewards on Ethereum (ETH) | The Coinbase app is not as strong as the desktop version of the site |
2. eToro – The best multi-asset Ethereum broker
eToro is a social trading and investing platform that offers you the chance to trade more than 6,000 assets, including cryptocurrencies. eToro encourages you to “Be the investor you want to be“, with a unique CopyTrader™ feature that enables you to copy the portfolio of experienced traders.
eToro is a very beginner-focused platform that makes investing in Ethereum relatively straightforward. With more than 100 crypto assets available, you can also earn staking rewards on some of your cryptocurrency holdings, or transfer them to the eToro Money crypto wallet.
eToro also offers an extensive educational platform called the eToro Academy. Here, you can learn about a range of topics, from cryptocurrencies to macroeconomics to technical analysis. The Academy offers a variety of materials including articles, courses, videos, interactive quizzes, and more.
eToro pros and cons
As with any trading platform, there are a range of benefits and drawbacks to eToro:
Pros | Cons |
User-friendly platform that creates a real sense of community | Staking is not available to US customers |
A huge range of educational materials available on the eToro Academy | Limited customer support available |
No fees for depositing in USD | Fees are based off a variable spread, which can be a little confusing |
3. Gemini – Secure Ethereum broker with over 100 trading pairs
Offering over 70 cryptocurrencies, including ETH, Gemini is available in more than 70 countries. Gemini is a “crypto-obsessed and compliance-focused” centralized exchange. It is arguably one of the best Ethereum brokers for users that prioritize safety, security and regulation.
Gemini caters to beginner investors and experienced traders, giving you the option to switch between the Gemini Exchange and the ActiveTrader platform. ActiveTrader is an advanced trading platform that offers more than 100 trading pairs and allows you to trade derivatives.
Users can also apply for a Gemini Credit Card, on which you can earn rewards in a range of cryptocurrencies, including ETH.
Being named as one of the “Best Crypto Exchanges” at the Forbes Advisor Best of 2024 awards, Gemini could be a good option for those looking to buy Ethereum.
Gemini pros and cons
Consider the following pros and cons if you’re looking to get started on Gemini:
Pros | Cons |
Available in every US state | Doesn’t offer as many cryptocurrencies as some exchanges |
Advanced trading platform for more experienced users | Limited customer service available |
Simple, clean interface that focuses on user experience | Fee structure can be slightly complicated to understand |
4. Robinhood – The best Ethereum app
Robinhood is one of the most affordable Ethereum brokers on the list, with users able to “buy & sell crypto at the lowest costs on average in the US“, according to the website. Invest in around 15 cryptocurrencies (depending on your location) with $0 commission.
Robinhood makes it relatively easy to send and receive crypto to and from a self-custodial wallet, and offers a range of advanced trading tools for more experienced investors.
With 24/7 customer support and a mobile cryptocurrency app for both Apple and Android devices, Robinhood is a user-friendly Ethereum broker that could appeal to both beginner and advanced traders.
Robinhood pros and cons
As with any broker or exchange, there are benefits and drawbacks to using Robinhood to trade ETH:
Pros | Cons |
Affordable cryptocurrency platform that offers commission-free trading | Very limited number of cryptocurrencies offered |
Offers other assets including stocks, ETFs and gold | Focused on “active trading” which may not be appropriate for beginners |
Advanced trading tools for more experienced traders | Limited educational options compared to some competitors |
5. Crypto.com – Top broker with one of the biggest selections of tokens
Crypto.com is one of the biggest names in the industry, offering you the chance to buy more than 350 cryptocurrencies. Describing itself as “America’s Premier Crypto Trading Platform“, Crypto.com is trusted by more than 100 million global users.
Crypto.com also gives you an opportunity to get involved in several aspects of decentralized finance (DeFi) with the platform’s DeFi Wallet, DeFi Swap and DeFi Earn solutions.
You can earn a percentage yield on more than 20 cryptocurrencies, including ETH, with Crypto.com.
The platform has also partnered with VISA to offer a range of VISA cards, on which you can earn cryptocurrency rewards with no annual fees.
Crypto.com pros and cons
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages associated with the Crypto.com platform:
Pros | Cons |
UpDown trading enables you to sell a cryptocurrency when its price reaches a certain level to mitigate losses or lock in profits | Customer support leaves a little to be desired |
Huge range of cryptocurrencies available for trading | Fees are more expensive unless you hold CRO (Crypto.com’s utility token) |
Transparent, affordable fees | Not all features are available to US customers |
6. Revolut – The best mobile banking app to buy Ethereum
Revolut offers you the opportunity to buy more than 175 cryptocurrencies, including ETH, with fees as low as 0%, depending on your account level.
You can also send and receive Ethereum, and over 30 other crypto assets, to and from the Revolut platform, allowing you to store your assets securely offline.
Additionally, Revolut allows you to set up recurring buys, meaning that it’s possible to dollar-cost average (DCA) into ETH on a regular basis.
Revolut does not offer crypto products to US customers.
The Revolut X platform offers enhanced trading capabilities with advanced analytics, while additional educational resources are available through the “Learn” courses on the Revolut app, which is available to Apple and Android users.
Revolut pros and cons
As with any Ethereum broker or exchange, there are several pros and cons with Revolut:
Pros | Cons |
Relatively low fees, depending on your account level | Not available to US customers |
Excellent mobile application for Android and Apple users | Difficult to transfer crypto assets off of the Revolut platform |
Easy navigation and clean user interface | Users don’t own most of their cryptocurrencies, which are locked into the Revolut platform |
7. Kraken -Popular crypto exchange that offers advanced features
As one of the longest standing cryptocurrency exchanges, available in almost 200 countries, Kraken is one of the best Ethereum brokers. It also offers access to more than 200 cryptocurrencies.
Kraken is a very user-friendly platform, and it’s possible to buy Ethereum from both the desktop and the Kraken mobile app.
As well as offering 24/7 customer support, Kraken’s “Learn Center” provides you with a huge range of educational materials. Beginner investors can learn about investing, cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and more.
Users can also earn staking rewards (up to 11% APR) on a range of crypto assets, including ETH, while Kraken Pro provides a number of advanced trading tools. Invest using leverage or invest in future contracts with Kraken Pro.
Kraken pros and cons
If you’re looking to get started on Kraken, you should be aware of the platform’s pros and cons:
Pros | Cons |
A good range of cryptocurrencies available | Not available in every US state |
High annual percentage return on a good range of crypto assets | Relatively high fees for buying with USD |
Strong customer support compared to other Ethereum brokers | Limited number of fiat deposit options offered |
8. UniSwap – The best decentralized exchange to buy Ethereum
UniSwap is a decentralized exchange (DEX), which means that it’s a peer-to-peer exchange that sees users trading directly with one another. UniSwap is the world’s most famous DEX and is governed entirely by its community.
UniSwap is built on the Ethereum blockchain, meaning you can swap ETH and any other ERC20 tokens automatically using a system of automated market makers. There are thousands of tokens available on UniSwap.
Users can download the UniSwap Wallet app for Android or Apple and exchange Ethereum-based tokens there directly.
UniSwap pros and cons
Discover some of the key advantages and disadvantages of the UniSwap platform:
Pros | Cons |
Users can earn UNI tokens when using the UniSwap platform | Only supports Ethereum-compatible cryptocurrencies |
Decentralized exchange that reduces third-party involvement in transactions | Requires access to a self-custodial, Ethereum-based wallet |
No registration required | Gas fees can be really expensive |
9. Paxful – Top DEX that accepts over 350 payment methods
Paxful is a decentralized exchange that allows you to buy Ethereum using more than 350 different payment methods. Although Paxful was originally created as a peer-to-peer platform for buying and selling bitcoin, users can also buy Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC).
Describing itself as “a financial system for the 100%“, Paxful is a secure marketplace that enables you to set the price at which you want to sell Ethereum and other crypto assets.
Paxful provides you with a free cryptocurrency wallet and secure escrow service to keep your cryptocurrencies safe during trading.
Paxful pros and cons
Make sure you’re aware of the pros and cons of using Paxful before you get started:
Pros | Cons |
A huge number of payment methods available | Limited number of cryptocurrencies offered |
No fees charged for using the exchange | More complicated than most centralized exchanges, not necessarily suitable for beginners |
Sellers can set their own price when trading Ethereum and other crypto assets | There are more risks associated with decentralized exchanges than centralized exchanges |
10. UpHold – The best Ethereum broker to discover new coins
UpHold is a cryptocurrency exchange that describes itself as “the platform to discover important new tokens early“.
UpHold also prioritizes straightforward trading between supported assets. For example, it is possible to swap BTC for ETH in a single trade. UpHold is home to more than 260 cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum.
The platform is dedicated to transparency, publishing assets and liabilities every 30 seconds on the website. UpHold never lends out cryptocurrencies.
Users can also visit the UpHold Academy and complete a “Beginner”, “Intermediate” and “Advanced” cryptocurrency trading course.
UpHold pros and cons
There are several benefits and drawbacks to using the UpHold platform:
Pros | Cons |
Excellent range of cryptocurrencies on offer | Some features are not available for US customers |
Robust security and transparency measures in place | Trading fees can be expensive |
Ability to cross-trade a variety of crypto assets | Limited charting tools and advanced trading features are available |
Key Features to Look for in an Ethereum Broker
When looking for the best broker to buy Ethereum on, there are some fundamental features to keep an eye out for.
Low fees
When choosing an Ethereum broker, you’ll need to be mindful of any fees. Some brokers will charge fees for making a deposit, while others will charge fees for buying, selling or trading ETH.
When using a decentralized exchange, it’s also important to keep an eye out for gas fees, which are Ethereum-specific fees that change depending on network usage, amongst other things.
Customer support
When engaging with any financial service, it’s important to have access to dedicated, 24/7 customer support in case of any issues. Look for a live chat, phone line or email address.
Alternatively, check whether your preferred Ethereum exchange has an extensive FAQs section.
Payment methods
Check which payment methods each exchange offers. Centralized exchanges will typically offer the ability to make a deposit using credit/debit cards and by bank transfer, as a minimum. Decentralized exchanges will need you to make a deposit using cryptocurrencies.
The best exchanges will give you a range of options in terms of payment methods.
Trading tools and features
What trading tools and features does your Ethereum broker offer? More experienced investors will likely benefit from a range of charting tools, as well as the potential to trade using leverage.
For new investors, these features will likely be less impactful, but it’s still worth looking for a broker that gives you a variety of options.
Staking
Many exchanges and brokers will allow you to earn rewards on your Ethereum tokens and other assets. Take a look at the exchanges mentioned above and see whether or not it’s possible to earn rewards for staking ETH.
If so, what are the potential annual returns that you can expect for locking up your ETH? Many exchanges will offer between 1% and 6% APR, although it is possible to earn more when staking Ethereum.
How does Ethereum staking work?
Ethereum staking involves committing ETH as collateral to be able to validate transactions on the Ethereum blockchain and earn ETH as a reward.
To become an Ethereum validator, you typically need to deposit 32 ETH as collateral. However, using Ethereum brokers can allow you to deposit much smaller volumes into a staking pool and still earn rewards.
User interface
Some cryptocurrency exchanges are easier to use than others. The best Ethereum brokers will have straightforward navigation and will make it as easy as possible to purchase ETH. Look for an exchange that has a simple user interface and has everything clearly signposted.
User reviews
User reviews are a good way of understanding whether or not other people have had good experiences on a particular exchange. Some websites will be paid to write positively about a particular Ethereum broker, and so user reviews can give you an unbiased indication about the quality of a platform.
It’s particularly important to understand how easy users feel it is to use an Ethereum broker, as well as what fees people are charged for buying crypto on that exchange.
What is The Difference Between a Broker and an Exchange?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between a broker and an exchange. Typically speaking, a broker facilitates trades on behalf of a client. For example, if you wanted to buy ETH, you would give the broker money and the broker would then open the trade for you.
On the other hand, an exchange is a marketplace on which a buyer and a seller can trade directly with one another. They are automated platforms that use order books to match two parties together, depending on the asset and size of the trade, among other things.
Alternative Platforms to Buy Ethereum
It’s most common for traders and investors to use a centralized platform to purchase Ethereum. However, there are some good alternatives that you might want to consider.
Peer-to-peer exchanges
A peer-to-peer exchange is an online marketplace that allows two parties to trade Ethereum with one another directly. A seller will sell ETH (or another crypto asset) to a buyer, without actually needing to interact with the other party or with a third-party intermediary.
A peer-to-peer exchange will link buyers and sellers together, match prices and then automatically, and securely, execute the transaction using smart contract technology.
Ethereum trading platforms
An Ethereum trading platform is essentially any platform on which you can trade ETH with another person. Similar to a peer-to-peer exchange, an Ethereum trading platform will usually allow you to buy, sell or trade ETH directly with another interested party.
eWallets
An eWallet, or “digital wallet”, is a software-based application that allows you to store your ETH tokens securely. Now, a lot of cryptocurrency wallets will also allow you to buy Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies directly through the wallet itself.
For example, MetaMask, the most widely-used Ethereum wallet, allows you to buy or sell ETH, comparing rates with a range of different providers.
How to Buy Ethereum Through a Broker
To buy Ethereum through a broker:
- Find a broker: Look for a reputable, licensed broker. Make sure you know what fees the broker charges and look at user reviews to make sure that there are no underlying issues you might need to be aware of.
- Create an account: Follow the broker’s process to create an account. If it’s a centralized exchange, you will need to follow Know Your Customer (KYC) checks to verify your identity.
- Deposit funds: Deposit funds, usually in a fiat currency of your choosing. Remember that some brokers or exchanges will charge you fees for making a deposit.
- Visit the “Ethereum (ETH)” market page: Visit the Ethereum page, which you can usually access by using the search bar.
- Click “Buy” or “Trade”: Click on “Buy”, “Trade”, or something similar.
- Buy ETH: Decide how much ETH you want to buy. You can usually input the amount of fiat currency you want to spend or the amount of Ethereum that you want to buy. Once you’re happy, confirm the transaction.
- Send your Ethereum to a cryptocurrency wallet: Once the transaction is complete, you will probably want to send your ETH to a crypto wallet for safe keeping. Copy your wallet’s address and use the “Send” function on your chosen exchange/broker.
Final Thoughts
The top broker to buy Ethereum in 2024 is Coinbase because it caters to both beginner and experienced cryptocurrency investors. However, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Ethereum is one of the world’s most popular cryptocurrencies, meaning most brokers and exchanges will offer it. Although this level of choice is good, it does mean that you need to do your research to ensure you’re only using the best Ethereum brokers!
Make sure you understand what fees you’ll be charged for buying ETH and what payment methods the platform offers. Take a look at user reviews to see how other people have experienced the exchange and don’t be afraid to thoroughly explore the platform before making your first deposit.
FAQs
Which is the best site to buy Ethereum?
The best site for buying Ethereum will depend on your personal preferences. However, Coinbase is widely considered the best broker to buy Ethereum on because it’s incredibly beginner-friendly, offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies and allows you to earn rewards by staking ETH.
What is the best Ethereum wallet?
The best Ethereum wallet will allow you to safely store your ETH. MetaMask is the most popular Ethereum wallet, enabling you to store, send, receive, buy and sell Ethereum. MetaMask is a hot wallet, which means that it is an online, internet-enabled wallet.
Alternatively, Ledger offers a range of physical storage devices that are Ethereum-compatible. These cold storage options provide greater security than hot wallets, although they make it more difficult to actively trade your ETH.