Best Crypto Brokers (2026)
There are two ways to trade cryptocurrency: buy and own the coins on a regulated exchange, or trade the price with leverage through a broker. Which is right for you depends on whether you want to hold Bitcoin and Ethereum outright or speculate on their movements short-term.
Buy crypto on an exchange
If you want to own the actual coins — hold them, move them to a wallet, or invest for the long term — a cryptocurrency exchange is the right tool. Exchanges let you buy Bitcoin, Ethereum and hundreds of altcoins directly, and we compare them on security, fees, supported coins and regulation. See our ranked list of the best crypto exchanges.
Trade crypto with a broker
If you want to trade the price without owning the underlying — going long or short with leverage over shorter timeframes — a CFD broker is the usual route. Retail crypto CFD leverage is capped at 2:1 in the EU because of the volatility involved. Compare regulated multi-asset brokers that offer crypto among their markets on our best CFD brokers page.
Which should you choose?
For most people who simply want to invest in crypto, an exchange is the better starting point: you own the asset and there is no leverage magnifying losses. Active traders who want to profit from both rising and falling prices, and who understand the risks of leverage, may prefer a broker. If you are new to the markets entirely, our trading markets guide explains how crypto compares to forex, stocks and other markets before you commit any capital.
Cryptocurrency trading is high-risk and prices are highly volatile. Never trade more than you can afford to lose. This page is general information, not financial advice.