10 Best Crypto Exchanges in Europe for August 2025

At the heart of regulating crypto in Europe are bodies like the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), and the European Banking Authority (EBA). These institutions play an important role in shaping policies that balance innovation with investor protection. Other notable national regulators include Germany’s BaFIN or France’s AMF and the UK’s FCA. These regulatory bodies are responsible for licensing and supervising crypto exchanges across various European jurisdictions. 

Being a licensed exchange in Europe means operating based on serious, strict standards set by regulators to ensure user safety, financial stability, and anti-money-laundering compliance. Currently, the MiCA regulation is the key driving regulatory framework in Europe. Amongst other things, MiCA requires exchanges to register with national bodies, and enforce strong Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and AML procedures. In addition, MiCA requires operational transparency from crypto exchanges in Europe. As of 2025, CEX.io and Bitpanda are two of the most licensed exchanges in Europe. Below is a table of the top licensed exchanges in Europe.

ESMA Licensed Crypto Exchanges (2025) 

As earlier mentioned, exchanges under MiCA are largely overseen by national bodies like AMF (France) BaFin (Germany). Plus, these crypto exchanges must demonstrate clear governance structures, risk management policies. For added safety, European regulators only license exchanges that prove financial solvency, secure custody of user funds and adopt ethical marketing practices. So, through a coordinated oversight by the ESMA, EBA, and local authorities, Europe is building a safe space for compliant crypto trading for both retail and corporate users. 

The European Union has already adopted the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) policy, a standardized set of rules that govern crypto activities across EU member states. MiCA came in response to the growing demand for cryptocurrencies in Europe.

Our list of the top crypto exchanges in Europe was meticulously crafted by our team of experts and researchers who analyzed many exchanges, including user experience, security, compliance, customer support, supported coins, and trading fees. We’ve focused on Euro crypto exchanges that adhere to European policies and that meet customer safety standards and other security measures for crypto holdings.

OKX is the right crypto exchange in Europe as it offers investors multiple cryptocurrencies to trade with a range of funding methods. It is ideal for both beginners and experienced traders with wide support of assets and advanced trading features.

OKX is a major crypto exchange founded in 2017 by Star Xu. It also ranks second in trading volume. The platform offers investors multiple cryptocurrencies to trade. OKX also offers a wide range of trading features including futures trading, options, margin trading, staking, and yield farming. This enables it to serve active traders seeking higher liquidity.

How is OKX Regulated in Europe?

OKX holds licenses from the MFSA in Malta. It has also received registration approval from DNB in the Netherlands. This ensures its regulatory compliance within the European Union.

Binance was founded in 2017 and it is one of the most preferred trading platforms in Europe. It is the largest exchange by daily trading volume with an extensive support of 350+ cryptocurrencies and varying trading pairs as well as lower trading fees, higher liquidity, and advanced trading features making it an ideal crypto platform for global traders.

How is Binance Regulated in Europe?

Binance holds licenses in various European countries. The exchange is regulated by:

• IDASP in France
• DASP in Italy
• VASP in Lithuania, Spain and Poland
• FI in Sweden

Bitpanda’s user-friendly platform makes it an ideal crypto exchange for European traders, especially the beginners. It is an Austrian crypto exchange founded in 2014. The crypto exchange also supports 100+ cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, it includes various other assets like fiat, commodities, stocks, and ETFs. It is widely recommended for its transparent fees and multiple payment methods.

How is Bitpanda Regulated in Europe?

Bitpanda is regulated by VAP in Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Sweden, Czech Republic, and more. It also holds a MiFID II investment firm licence and a PSD II e-money license.

Blockchain.com is a cryptocurrency services provider with an extensive set of features, making it an attractive option for European traders. It was founded in 2011 and offers an investment platform as an entry point to the crypto market. The platform initially began as a blockchain explorer. Further, it extended the offerings to a cryptocurrency wallet and trading platform. It is widely recommended for users looking for simplicity and security.

How is Blockchain.com Regulated in Europe?

Blockchain.com holds licenses and regulatory authorizations in various European countries. It is regulated by:

• VASP in Lithuania
• VFA in Malta
• FIU in Estonia

CEX.io is one of the widely preferred crypto exchanges in Europe that was founded in 2013. It provides purpose-built products.

CEX.io is widely known for enabling credit card transactions and offering Instant Buy and Exchange. The platform also serves users in regions with limited exchange options. Furthermore, it supports 215+ digital currencies and a variety of tradable assets. It is also widely recommended for a range of trading tools for users of all levels.

How is CEX.io Regulated in Europe?

CEX.io holds licenses and operates under regulatory frameworks in various European countries. It is regulated by:

• VASP in Lithuania
• Licenses to operate in Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, and Moldova

Coinbase is a user-friendly crypto exchange platform ideal for beginner traders across Europe. It was established in 2012. The crypto exchange focuses on simplicity and resourcefulness. It also offers access to a wide range of assets including fiat currencies, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, tokens, etc. Furthermore, its interactive charts and real-time market data make it ideal for beginners too.

How is Coinbase Regulated in Europe?

Coinbase holds licenses as a Money Service Business (MSB) or Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in various European countries. This includes Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, and Sweden.

Founded in 2016 as Monaco, Crypto.com has become one of the widely recognized crypto exchanges in Europe. It later rebranded to Crypto.com in 2018 and has millions of users globally. The platform also offers various features. This helps it target users seeking diverse investment opportunities.

How is Crypto.com Regulated in Europe?

Crypto.com holds licenses and registration approvals from regulatory authorities in various European countries including France, Malta, etc. It is regulated by:

• AMF in France
• OAM in Italy
• ACPR in France and South Korea
• DNB in the Netherlands

eToro is a leading financial services company, founded in 2007 in Tel Aviv. It is recognized as one of the most beginner-friendly crypto exchanges in Europe with a user-friendly platform. The exchange also focuses on social trading and multi-asset investments. It is widely preferred for support of a wide range of assets including fiat, cryptocurrencies, stocks, indices, and commodities. Furthermore, CopyTrader and Social Trading features help target beginners seeking simplicity.

How is eToro Regulated in Europe?

eToro holds licenses across several European countries including France, Italy, Spain, Malta, etc. It is regulated by:

• DASP in France
• CASP Register in the EU
• MFSA in Malta

Kraken is one of the best crypto exchanges for European traders looking for a wide range of cryptocurrencies to invest in. It is a US-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2011. The platform is mainly known for its strong staking rewards and advanced trading features. This helps it target both retail and institutional investors. It is preferable for those seeking diverse investment opportunities.

How is Kraken regulated in Europe?

Kraken operates under VASP in Italy.

Uphold is one of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges in Europe. It offers a diverse portfolio of 260+ digital assets. They are available for trading and staking. It offers user-friendly staking services. This also enables the investors to earn up to 25% APY on selected assets.

How is Uphold Regulated in Europe?

Uphold operates under strict regulatory oversight from tier-1 authorities in Europe.

Using a regulated crypto exchange in Europe offers many advantages, especially in today’s compliance-driven financial landscape. First, licensed platforms in Europe operate under strict legal frameworks like MiCA, providing users with legal safeguards that protect against malpractice, fraud and insolvency. 

Licensed exchanges also uphold higher security standards, including robust fund custody mechanisms, data protection protocols and regular audits. This creates a safer trading environment, especially for high-volume traders or those dealing with sensitive financial data. 

Another key benefit is access to formal dispute resolution channels. Regulated channels are mandated to offer clear terms of service and avenues for conflict resolution. As a result, users have more confidence in their transparency and fairness of their chosen exchange. 

For institutional traders, and wealth management firms, regulatory oversight is non-negotiable. It ensures compliance with internal policies and external laws. At the same time, retail investors enjoy peace of mind, knowing that their platform upholds a strict operational standard. 

Choosing the “right” crypto exchange in Europe involves considering several factors, such as regulatory standards in each EU-state and user preference. The best exchange for you depends on your goals, trading habits, experience and the level of support you need. 

Are you a day trader who needs deep liquidity or advanced trading tools? A long-term holder who prioritizes safety and low-fees? Or a P2P buyer looking for flexible payment methods? Your investor type will guide your priorities. 

Below are some of the key criteria to consider when selecting an exchange in Europe:

Licensing and Regulatory Compliance

The first and most important consideration is whether the exchange is properly registered and licensed to operate. Despite the exchange’s popularity, not all crypto exchanges are fully licensed in Europe, and this could lead to a ban on activities on such an exchange. For example, Binance had to exit some European markets due to poor licensing. Currently, Europe’s MiCA requires exchanges to follow strict KYC/AML standards for customer safety and operational transparency. As an EU trader, look for exchanges that are registered with the national financial authorities like BaFIN (Germany), FIU (Estonia),or AMF (France.) 

Security Features

Security is a top consideration when it comes to selecting an exchange. Amidst all the hack targeting crypto exchanges, you need a platform with top-level security measures like multi-factor authentication, cold wallet storage for majority of user funds, insurance coverage and regular third-party audits. For added security, check if the exchange has a strong security reputation, and a public proof-of-reserves report or security certification. 

Fees and Spreads

Fees, especially for an active trader can make or break your trading experience.  Some of the fees to check for includes trading fees, hidden spreads on token prices, inactivity or account maintenance charges, withdrawal and deposit fees. Some platforms offer tiered fee structures based on volume, so frequent traders may benefit from lower costs.

Payment Options

Payment flexibility is key in Europe, where banking systems differ widely. Depending on your country, prioritize platforms that support: SEPA bank transfers (popular in the UK), Faster Payment Systems, credit/debit cards, Apple Pay/Google Pay, P2P and third-party transfers. Also check fiat currency support. Some platforms only support EUR or GBP, while others offer wider options.

Mobile vs. Desktop UX

Exchanges with clear user interfaces can improve your trading experience. Some exchanges like Crypto.com excel on mobile apps for traders on the go, while others like Kraken and Binance offer robust desktop dashboards with charting tools and API. If you are a casual user, an intuitive mobile app may be enough. However, users who rely on trading tools, APIs or automation will need a strong desktop performance. 

Customer Service and Language Support

Finally, consider how well the exchange supports users in your country. Top platforms offer: 24/7 customer support, multi-lingual help desks, local FAQs and documentation, and live chat or phone support. European users benefit most from platforms that support major languages like German, French, Spanish, and Italian.

Fees can make a big difference when using any crypto exchange in Europe. The top exchanges in Europe have varying fee structure, and understanding these costs chould help you manage your portfolio better. 

Types of Crypto Exchange Fees Explained

Most platforms charge a mix of the following:

• Maker and Taker Fees:
  Makers (who place limit orders) usually pay less than takers (who place market orders). These fees typically range from 0.00% to 0.50%, depending on volume.

• Deposit and Withdrawal Fees:
  Crypto deposits are often free, but fiat deposits may carry fees depending on the method (e.g., card or SEPA). Similarly, fiat withdrawals often have fixed charges.

• Funding, Conversion, and Inactivity Fees:
  Some platforms charge to convert between currencies, hold idle assets, or fund margin accounts. These hidden charges can eat into your profits if you’re not careful.
  

Understanding these fees helps you pick the right platform based on how frequently you trade and what assets you use.

Fee Comparison of Popular Exchanges

Note: Binance often runs zero-fee promos on select pairs. eToro offers commission-free trading but embeds fees in spreads. Coinbase is beginner-friendly but has higher costs overall.

Hidden Costs and Fee Transparency

Some platforms claim to offer low fees but charge hidden costs through

• Spread-based pricing instead of flat trading fees

• Slippage on market orders, especially with low liquidity

• FX conversion fees when trading in non-native currencies
  

Look for platforms that disclose all fee types clearly on their pricing or support pages. Transparency is a good indicator of trustworthiness.

Top Low-Fee Crypto Exchanges in Europe (2025)

If low costs are a priority, here are some of the best low-fee crypto exchanges to consider:

• Binance: It offers the lowest trading fees on the list, plus regular zero-fee campaigns. Caveat: fiat withdrawals may incur minor fees.

• OKX : Offers competitive maker/taker fees and is strong for spot and derivatives trading.

Caveat: Holding OKB tokens or trading high volumes unlocks the best fee rates 

• Bitpanda: Offers commission-free trading via Bitpanda Pro, though the standard platform includes spreads.
  Caveat: The standard Bitpanda platform includes spreads, which may increase overall trading costs for casual traders.
• CEX.io: Provides low fees for crypto purchases with bank transfers; transparent tiered structure.

Caveat: Card-based payment methods have higher fees

• Kraken: Solid for both spot and margin traders, with low fees and minimal slippage.

Caveat: Instant buy features come with higher fees than using the advanced trading interface.

As crypto adoption continues to grow in Europe, security remains a major concern for both retail and institutional clients. Fortunately, policies like MiCA as well as modern technologies have significantly improved how exchanges protect user assets. 

Security Standards for Exchanges

Different bodies play different roles in keeping crypto safe for users in Europe. As earlier mentioned, regulatory institutions like BaFin (Germany) AMF (France) help enforce MiCA. For UK crypto traders, the FCA supervises crypto activities in the country. So, to be safe, make sure to trade on FCA-approved crypto platforms. These regulatory bodies, among other things, enforce strict AML/KYC requirements. They also ensure exchanges observe data privacy laws under GDPR, and require them to undergo independent security audits. Crypto exchanges in Europe are also required to separate user funds from company assets and also report compliance. 

Custodial vs. Non-Custodial Platforms

Custodial platforms hold your private keys and manage assets on your behalf. This way, they offer convenience and integrated features like fiat gateways and insurance. A good example of a custodial exchange are Binance, Coinbase, and OKX. 

Non-custodial platforms give users full control of their assets, usually through decentralized apps or wallets. While non-custodial platforms reduce third-party risk, they place more responsibility on the user to manage their security and backups. Choosing between both depends on your risk appetite and technical comfort level.

History of Security Incidents in Europe Crypto

Despite regulatory efforts, some crypto exchanges in Europe have faced security breaches, including the Bitgrail hack of 2016 which wiped off over $140 million. Likewise, KuCoin suffered a major hack in 2020 after hackers secured private keys to several KuCoin hot wallets, stealing around $281 million. Fortunately, the exchange recovered around $200 million of the stolen funds. These events led to better risk management policies, enhanced KYC enforcement, and a stronger push for proof-of-reserves and insurance coverage across regulated exchanges. Most exchanges also implemented real-time fraud monitoring and coordinated responses with law enforcement agencies. 

How Platforms Protect Users Today

Modern crypto exchanges use a mix of approaches to project users. Popular strategies include storing the majority of funds in cold wallets offline. This strategy minimizes exposure to hacks. Other notable approaches include establishing insurance policies that cover losses from security breaches. For example, Binance’s SAFU fund is one of the largest insurance funds in crypto. 

Beyond insurance coverage, modern exchanges also use proof-of-reserve audits to verify that they hold enough assets to cover user balances, increasing confidence. Top exchanges also enforce two-factor authentication (2FA), whitelisting trusted withdrawal addresses and biometric logins to prevent unauthorized logins. These layered security measures offer a safer trading environment for European traders. 

As of 2025, Europe has made great progress in creating a unified regulatory body for crypto, primarily through MiCA which was enforced in late 2024. Policies like MiCA help harmonise rules across all EU member states, giving both users and platforms the clarity on how digital assets should be treated in terms of legal status, risk, and taxation. 

Under MiCA, centralized exchanges, crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), stablecoin issuers, and custodial wallets must register with local financial regulators and comply with strict AML/KYC guidelines. MiCA also requires strict adherence to guidelines around operational transparency, user protection and capital reserves. 

However, DeFi platforms, non-custodial wallets and unregulated apps are still in a gray area. While regulators acknowledge their growth, these platforms are not under MiCA’s direct scope. However, authorities are expected to make changes to accommodate these areas soon. In the meantime, investors using DeFi protocols in Europe are largely responsible for understanding the risks, including the lack of insurance and standardized auditing. 

How Are Retail Investors Treated?

With the implementation of MiCA, retail investors in Europe have more protection than ever. Regulated exchanges are required to provide transparent disclosures, clear fee structures, and easy-to-understand terms of service. 

Additionally, crypto service providers like Binance are mandated to separate their funds from user funds and provide clear resolution processes to reduce the risks of mismanagement or fraud. Regardless, investors are largely responsible for understanding their tax obligations in Europe, which varies across EU nations. 

How Are Crypto Profits Taxed in Europe?

Crypto profits in Europe are most commonly taxed as capital gains, but treatment may vary depending on holding duration, income status, and country-specific policies. Here’s how it works across some major countries in 2025:

• Germany: German tax laws exempts crypto held for more than one from capital gains tax. Short-term gains (under 1 year) are taxed as income. For example, if a crypto user in Germany bought BTC in April 2024 and sold it in May 2025, he/she  owes zero tax on their gains.

• France: France has a flat 30% (12.8% tax + 17.2 social charges) capital gains tax for occasional traders. A user who sells ETH for profit after a few months is subject to this flat tax rate. 
• Netherlands: Crypto users in the Netherlands are not subject to capital gains tax. Instead, the Netherlands taxes crypto wealth annually under Box 3 (asset-based tax). This means if your crypto holdings exceed a certain threshold, you’re taxed on the assumed return, not the actual gains.

• Portugal: A former tax haven for crypto, Portugal now taxes crypto gains from active or professional traders, offering some exemptions for casual investors.

In all cases, income generated from mining, staking, DeFi lending and airdrops are taxed as income, not capital gains. This means higher reporting requirements and rates.

Reporting and Compliance

Europe adopted DAC8 ( crypto tax directive) in 2024, mandating automatic exchange of information between crypto platforms and tax authorities. This means that centralized exchanges like OKX must report user transactions, wallet balances and gains to local governments. By the end of 2025, individuals who fail to report crypto income or gains could be penalized or audited. As a result, investors must keep detailed records of traders, transfers and earnings. 

Europe’s crypto landscape in 2025 is a good mix of retail enthusiasm and increased institutional participation. There’s also been rising engagements in NFTs and gaming in Europe. 

Retail vs. Institutional Participation

Both retail and institutional users are driving crypto adoption across Europe. While retail users currently dominate in terms of volume, institutional players are becoming more active. Institutional giants like Deutsche Boerse’s Clearstream are launching regulated custody and settlement services for BTC and ETH to support banks and asset managers. Meanwhile, Europe’s licensed crypto exchanges like Kraken, Bitpanda, and Binance collectively handle tens of billions of USD in spot volume per month. 

NFT and GameFi Activity in Europe

NFTs and GameFi are not idle sectors in Europe’s Web3 setting. Both sectors are seeing increased adoption. Some reports show that 14% of Ethereum-based transactions are from Europe. Gaming studios like Ubisoft (France) and Gamedex (Germany) are advancing play-to-earn models and branded NFTs. Likewise, NFTs are steadily being used for ownership, fan engagement and collectibles. Popular projects like OpenSea and LooksRare have strong user bases in Europe. NFT adoption is strongest in urban European hubs like London, Berlin and Paris. 

Trading Volume and Platform Usage Stats

Licensed European crypto exchanges report monthly trading volumes ranging from hundreds of millions to billions of euros. For example, Bitpanda and CEX.io handle growing retail and institutional user trades, with stablecoin trading accounting for 20^of volumes. In addition, European users have shown a preference for mobile usage. Around 60% of users prefer to access exchanges via apps for spot trading, portfolio management and staking.

However, advanced institutional and retail traders prefer desktop over mobile. Overall, Europe’s crypto volume accounts for 7% of the global volume, showing maturing adoption compared to the US and Asia. 

User Demographics and Regional Dynamics

Generally, Europe’s crypto user base is largely young, between 18-35. There’s small but growing participation from older and middle aged groups. Urban centers in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Austria have high concentration of crypto engagement. Cross-border investing is also a common experience as investors use platforms licensed in multiple EU countries to trade easily across the EU. 

Crypto investments and regulations are taking various turns across Europe. The European Council also introduced the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation in 2022. MiCA aims to enhance investor protection in crypto markets with effective regulatory standards for exchanges. It requires strict authorization protocols for crypto service providers. Furthermore, it also imposes stricter compliance measures to ensure market integrity.

MiCA aims at regulating the crypto industry in Europe while promoting the effectiveness of the sector. It helps safeguard investors and preserves their financial stability. This is an effective move towards a secure and safer crypto adoption across Europe. The European Union has also gone after crypto companies that do not comply with the local laws. On top of the crypto license in Europe, individual countries also have additional requirements. It is recommended to use exchanges that follow the local laws.

OKX is a top choice in our list due to its advanced trading features. It is well-regulated, holding licenses from the MFSA in Malta and registration approval from DNB in the Netherlands, ensuring compliance within the EU. Additionally, OKX supports a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, catering to both beginners and experienced traders

Binance and Bitpanda are also strong contenders. Binance supports over 350 cryptocurrencies and offers competitive trading fees and a variety of advanced tools. This makes it ideal for both new and experienced traders. It is regulated in several European countries. Bitpanda, on the other hand, is user-friendly and transparent with fees, making it perfect for beginners. It supports over 100 cryptocurrencies and other assets and holds multiple regulatory licenses across Europe too.

When it comes to low-fee exchanges in Europe, Binance is a top contender. It has extensive regulatory approvals across multiple European countries. This ensures a secure and compliant trading environment.

Binance is well renowned for its competitive fee structure. It offers a maker and taker fee of just 0.10%, which is among the lowest in the industry. Additionally, Binance provides users with various fee discounts through its native BNB token. This further makes trading even more affordable.

If you’re looking for the best crypto exchange for beginners in Europe, Bitpanda is the ideal to get started with. Founded in Austria, Bitpanda is designed with user-friendliness in mind. This makes it easily accessible for new traders.

Bitpanda’s transparent fee structure and multiple payment methods enhances its appeal to new users. Additionally, it holds numerous regulatory licenses across Europe. This ensures a safe and compliant trading experience. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive educational resources also make it easy for beginners in Europe to start their crypto journey.

The best crypto exchange in Europe depends on your trading needs, experience level, and regional access.

• For Beginners: Platforms like Bitpanda and Coinbase have easy onboarding experiences, and educational resources, making them ideal. 
• For Low Fees and high-volume users; Choose Kraken and Binance as both exchanges offer low fees, advanced charting, and support multiple altcoins. 
• For EUR Support and Banking Integration: Bitstamp offers SEPA integration, and strong reputation across Europe
• For Regulated and Transparent Operations: Kraken and Bitpanda have strong compliance records in Europe and are reliable choices for users who prioritize security and regulation.

• For NFT and Web3 Enthusiasts:
  Binance offers a complete ecosystem with access to staking, NFTs, and DeFi protocols. 

Regardless of your choice, always prioritize regulatory compliance, security measures and fee transparency.