Choosing the right crypto broker is a crucial step for anyone looking to invest in digital assets, whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader. With more financial platforms integrating cryptocurrencies into their offerings, the market has become increasingly competitive. Brokers like eToro, Swissquote, XTB Trading, and Libertex are leading the charge across Europe—especially in French-speaking regions. But how do you determine which one aligns best with your investment goals?
This comprehensive guide dives into what defines a reliable crypto broker, evaluates top platforms in 2025, and provides clear insights to help you make an informed decision—without bias, ads, or promotional fluff.
What Is a Crypto Broker?
A crypto broker acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers of digital currencies. Unlike direct peer-to-peer exchanges such as Binance, where users trade directly on order books, a crypto broker executes trades on behalf of clients using its own network or liquidity pools. This model operates on an over-the-counter (OTC) basis, meaning transactions happen off-exchange.
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This structure offers several advantages:
- Simplified trading experience, ideal for newcomers.
- Ability to trade high-value amounts without affecting market prices due to limited liquidity.
- Direct purchases using fiat currencies like EUR or USD—no need to first acquire stablecoins.
- Often includes regulated oversight, adding a layer of security.
For users in regulated markets like France, choosing a broker registered as a PSAN (Prestataire de Services sur Actifs Numériques) with the AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers) ensures compliance and accountability. Regulatory status should be among your top priorities when evaluating platforms.
Key Selection Criteria
To choose the best crypto broker for your needs, consider these essential factors:
- Regulatory Compliance
A regulated broker undergoes regular audits and must adhere to strict financial standards. In Europe, look for registration with authorities like the AMF (France), FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), or FINMA (Switzerland). - Asset Variety
Brokers offering a wide range of cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, forex pairs, and commodities allow for better portfolio diversification. - Ownership Model: Real Assets vs. CFDs
Some brokers let you own actual crypto assets; others only offer Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which enable speculation without ownership. True ownership allows withdrawals to external wallets. - Fees and Costs
Compare trading fees, deposit/withdrawal charges, and hidden costs like currency conversion or overnight holding fees for leveraged positions. - User Experience & Language Support
An intuitive interface with full French support enhances accessibility and reduces errors. - Additional Features
Consider extras like staking, social trading, leverage options, and dedicated wallet integration.
Top Crypto Brokers in 2025: Detailed Comparison
Below is an analysis of the most trusted crypto brokers operating in Europe today—each evaluated based on regulation, asset selection, fees, usability, and unique features.
eToro – The Leading All-in-One Investment Platform
eToro stands out as one of the most popular and reputable crypto brokers globally—and for good reason. Since obtaining PSAN status from the AMF in 2022, it has solidified its presence in the French market.
One of eToro’s standout features is that users can own real cryptocurrencies, which can be transferred to external wallets via the eToro Wallet app. This contrasts with many competitors that only offer CFDs.
The platform supports:
- Over 90 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, SOL, AVAX, and AAVE.
- More than 3,000 stocks, including tech giants like Apple and Coinbase.
- ETFs, commodities (gold, oil), forex pairs (EUR/USD), and stock indices (S&P 500).
Trading fees for crypto are fixed at 1% per transaction, with no deposit fees (though currency conversion applies when funding in EUR). Withdrawal fees are a flat $5.
eToro also offers:
- Social trading: Copy successful investors automatically.
- CFD trading with up to x30 leverage.
- Up to x2 leverage on actual crypto holdings.
While the 1% fee is higher than some alternatives, eToro compensates with ease of use, strong regulation, and innovative tools.
Pros
- Regulated in France (AMF PSAN)
- True crypto ownership with wallet support
- Extensive asset selection
- Social copy-trading functionality
Cons
- 1% trading fee on crypto
- USD-only accounts lead to EUR conversion costs
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Swissquote – Institutional-Grade Security & Breadth
Swissquote is a subsidiary of a listed Swiss investment bank and operates under strict supervision by FINMA (Switzerland) and the FCA (UK)—making it one of the most secure options available.
It offers access to:
- 34 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, ADA, DOGE, and SOL.
- Over 50,000 financial instruments, including 9,000 ETFs and 50k+ bonds.
- Global stocks across 60 exchanges.
What sets Swissquote apart is its dedicated crypto wallet, allowing deposits and withdrawals of digital assets. Transactions above $500 have no fees; smaller ones incur a $10 charge.
Trading fees range from 0.5% to 1%, decreasing with larger transaction sizes:
- 1% for trades under $10,000
- 0.75% between $10k–$49.9k
- 0.5% for trades over $50k
Additionally, Swissquote supports staking for XTZ and DOT, offering annual yields between 5% and 14%. It also provides crypto-related ETFs and leveraged products.
Pros
- Backed by a major Swiss financial institution
- Full regulatory compliance across Europe
- Offers staking rewards
- Real crypto ownership with wallet support
Cons
- Limited number of supported cryptos (34)
- Less user-friendly interface
- Tiered fee structure may confuse new users
XTB Trading – Transparent Pricing & European Regulation
XTB, founded in 2002 and publicly traded in Poland, is one of Europe’s largest brokers. It’s regulated by both the FCA (UK) and KNF (Poland).
XTB offers:
- Over 50 cryptocurrencies via CFDs only (no real ownership).
- More than 2,000 stocks, 200 ETFs, forex pairs, indices, and commodities.
Since all crypto trades are CFD-based:
- You cannot withdraw coins to external wallets.
- Leverage up to x5 is available.
- Overnight financing charges apply (~0.07% per day).
XTB charges a spread-based fee of approximately 0.8%, rather than a fixed percentage. There are no deposit fees via bank transfer; credit card deposits incur a 2% fee.
Its platform is known for being clean, fast, and suitable for active traders.
Pros
- Strong European regulation
- Competitive spreads
- No deposit fees (bank transfer)
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Cryptos only available as CFDs
- Daily holding costs for open positions
- No option to own real crypto
Libertex – Zero Trading Fees & Long-Standing Reputation
Based in Cyprus and regulated by CySEC, Libertex has been operating since the early 2000s and maintains a solid reputation.
It offers:
- Around 50 cryptocurrencies via CFDs.
- Popular stocks, forex pairs (50+), ETFs (10+), indices, and commodities.
The biggest draw? Zero trading fees on cryptocurrency transactions. There are also no deposit fees.
However:
- All crypto trading is done through CFDs.
- No direct ownership or wallet integration.
- The broader financial product range is narrower compared to others.
Leverage up to x2 is available for crypto trades.
Pros
- No trading or deposit fees
- Regulated by CySEC
- Over 20 years in operation
Cons
- Only CFD-based trading
- Smaller selection of non-crypto assets
- Limited educational resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I actually own cryptocurrency on these platforms?
A: Only eToro and Swissquote allow true ownership with withdrawal capabilities. XTB and Libertex offer only CFDs.
Q: Are crypto brokers safer than exchanges?
A: Not inherently—but regulated brokers like eToro (AMF) or Swissquote (FINMA) often provide stronger investor protections than unregulated exchanges.
Q: Is leverage risky?
A: Yes. While leverage amplifies gains, it also increases losses. Use caution—especially with volatile assets like crypto.
Q: Why does regulation matter?
A: Regulated brokers must segregate client funds, undergo audits, and follow anti-fraud protocols—reducing the risk of fund loss or fraud.
Q: Which broker is best for beginners?
A: eToro leads due to its simple interface, social trading tools, PSAN licensing in France, and real asset ownership.
Q: Do I have to pay taxes on crypto trades?
A: Yes. Most countries require reporting capital gains from crypto transactions. Consult a local tax advisor for guidance.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Ideal Crypto Broker
Each platform caters to different investor profiles:
- Choose eToro if you want simplicity, real asset ownership, and social trading.
- Opt for Swissquote if you value institutional backing, staking options, and broad financial integration.
- Pick XTB if you’re an active trader who prefers low spreads and a professional-grade interface.
- Go with Libertex if minimizing fees is your top priority—even if it means sacrificing true ownership.
Regardless of your choice, always verify regulatory status, understand fee structures, and assess whether you're buying real crypto or just speculating via derivatives.
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As the digital asset ecosystem evolves in 2025, selecting a trustworthy broker remains the foundation of safe and effective investing. Focus on transparency, regulation, and functionality—and avoid platforms that promise high returns with little risk.
Investing in cryptocurrencies involves significant risk. Only invest what you can afford to lose.