If you’re situated in Europe, you’re in a favorable position! The continent hosts several leading crypto exchanges tailored to traders and investors. However, selecting a platform that adheres to stringent security measures is imperative to protect your assets. So, how do you choose the ideal platform that aligns with your requirements? What criteria should you prioritize?
In this article, we’ve delved into various sources to identify the five best crypto exchanges in Europe. These platforms represent the most trustworthy and secure options available.
Key Highlights:
A comprehensive review and comparison of the top European crypto exchanges. Identification of crypto platforms along with their EU-licensed countries (if licensed). Insights into purchasing and trading crypto assets within Europe. List of the 5 Best Crypto Exchanges in Europe (2024): Numerous European crypto exchanges operate under distinct regulations and offer diverse features and services. Based on our research, here are the top five crypto exchanges in Europe for 2024:
- OKX: Leading Crypto Trading Platform in Europe
- Bybit: Secure Cryptocurrency Exchange in Europe
- Binance: Premier Bitcoin Exchange in Europe
- Kraken: Best Overall Crypto Exchange in Europe
- Coinbase: Top Regulated Crypto Exchange in Europe
OKX
OKX, a crypto exchange registered in Seychelles, transcends the role of a mere exchange by offering a comprehensive platform for trading, earning, and expanding your crypto portfolio.
With OKX, users gain access to an extensive array of tokens and markets, spanning from spot trading to futures trading. Moreover, the platform facilitates exploration into the realm of DeFi, allowing users to borrow, lend crypto assets, and engage in mining activities.
Renowned not only globally but also making strides in Europe, OKX has set its sights on expansion, with plans to establish a presence in France and pursue licensing. Additionally, OKX NFT Marketplace enables users to delve into the trading of digital arts.
Pros of OKX:
- Supports 43+ fiat currencies, including EUR
- Offers low trading fees, particularly advantageous for high-volume traders
- Provides a built-in crypto wallet for securely storing BTC and other crypto assets
- Features a user-friendly interface tailored for beginners
Cons of OKX:
- Limited number of trading pairs
- Lacks regulation in Europe
Bybit
Bybit stands out as one of the premier copy trading platforms available in the European market. This crypto exchange provides a diverse range of features, including spot and futures trading, boasting an extensive selection of over 400 coin pairs. Additionally, users can capitalize on passive income opportunities through Bybit’s staking products.
Recently, Bybit has enhanced accessibility for its European clientele by streamlining the deposit process. Partnering with TrueLayer, a platform facilitating seamless bank account connections, Bybit enables swift and secure money transfers. Customers can conveniently fund their accounts using SEPA Transfer or other online banking methods.
To ensure the safety of user funds, Bybit implements rigorous security measures, including 2FA, anti-phishing codes, fund passwords, and the utilization of cold storage for cryptocurrencies.
Pros of Bybit:
- Incorporates a built-in NFT Marketplace for trading digital arts
- Implements robust security measures, including cold storage
- Offers a social trading platform tailored for beginners
- Features a responsive and supportive customer support team
Cons of Bybit:
- Limited support for low market cap coins on the exchange
- Requires profit sharing (up to 10%) in copy trading arrangements
Binance
Binance stands as a leading crypto exchange catering to traders across 19 European nations. With a vast array of over 350 digital currencies available for trading, Binance offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to crypto enthusiasts. These include Binance Earn, Binance NFT Marketplace, Binance Pay, among others. Additionally, the platform provides advanced trading tools such as futures, margin trading, lending and borrowing, copy trading (integration with third-party platforms like 3Commas, Cryptohopper, or WunderTrading), and automatic DCA.
Compliant with European regulations, this crypto exchange holds licensing from France, enabling its operation throughout Europe. Users can conveniently deposit and withdraw funds in euros (EUR) via various methods, including SEPA transfer and card transactions.
Binance’s innovative ecosystem includes its proprietary BNB Chain, facilitating the development of decentralized applications (dApps) with support for smart contracts, DApps, and cross-chain compatibility. Moreover, users can leverage Binance DEX for decentralized crypto swaps.
With a strong emphasis on security, Binance employs advanced encryption techniques to safeguard user data and funds. The platform maintains a SAFU (Secure Asset Fund for Users) fund, which allocates 10% of all trading fees to a separate wallet, ensuring financial protection in emergencies.
Pros of Binance:
- Minimal trading fees set at 0.1%
- Extensive selection of cryptocurrency pairs available for trading
- Multi-currency support within the DeFi wallet
- Trading opportunities tailored for users of all expertise levels High trading volume and liquidity
Cons of Binance:
- Encounters legal challenges in certain jurisdictions
- Advanced trading functionalities may be overwhelming for novices
Kraken
Kraken stands as a prominent global cryptocurrency exchange operating in Europe, offering access to over 200 cryptocurrencies and supporting seven fiat currencies, including the Euro (EUR).
The platform provides both a simple interface and a professional version, catering to diverse investor preferences. Kraken Pro enhances trading capabilities by offering margin trading, high-leverage futures trading, order placement options, and more. Its operations in Europe are regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Kraken Pro additionally features an OTC desk, facilitating private and swift trading of substantial sums (starting from $100,000). The desk offers favorable exchange rates and deep liquidity across various digital and EUR fiat pairs.
Users can engage in lending activities for assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT, with potential annual returns of up to 17%, contingent upon the asset and market conditions. Staking opportunities also exist, providing potential returns of up to 12% APR.
Pros of Kraken:
- Largest Euro-based cryptocurrency exchange with minimal spreads and robust liquidity
- Comprehensive suite of products and services tailored for investors of all expertise levels, spanning mobile, professional, and futures trading
- Established reputation for trustworthiness and security, operating as a regulated platform since 2011
- Subject to regulation by multiple regulatory authorities across various jurisdictions
Cons of Kraken:
- Relatively high trading fees
- A complex and time-consuming account verification process
- Limited support for newer and low-market-cap cryptocurrencies
Coinbase
Coinbase operates across more than 30 European countries and adheres to local regulations and standards. With offices in Dublin, London, Berlin, and Paris, it offers both web and mobile applications for purchasing and selling Bitcoin securely, as well as storing it safely and accessing market insights. The platform supports over 240 cryptocurrencies and 40 fiat currencies, along with a unique Web3 profile feature that enables users to create personalized profiles using ENS usernames.
Moreover, Coinbase provides a professional-grade version called Coinbase Pro, offering real-time order books, advanced charts, competitive fees, and ample liquidity. Additionally, it offers Coinbase Wallet, a non-custodial decentralized wallet supporting thousands of digital assets, collectibles, and functionalities such as staking, swapping, lending, borrowing, and trading NFTs.
For institutional investors, Coinbase Prime offers a suite of services including custody, trading, lending, staking, analytics, and prime brokerage, with access to the platform’s global liquidity pool and robust security measures.
New users signing up for Coinbase can receive up to $200 in crypto, with additional opportunities to earn rewards, averaging up to $400, through various exchange incentives.
Pros of Coinbase
- Established crypto exchange with robust compliance measures and risk management protocols
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface for traders of all levels
- Offers perpetual futures trading for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) with rapid API access and incentives for liquidity providers
- Wide selection of digital assets available for trading
Cons of Coinbase
- Limited support for perpetual futures settlement, primarily using USDC
- Relatively high fees compared to alternative exchanges
- Encounters regulatory hurdles in certain European jurisdictions
