Best Investing Apps in Europe | What to Choose for Investing

Navigating the Crowded World of European Investing Apps

Choosing an investing app in Europe can feel overwhelming. With a flood of platforms all promising low fees and easy access to the markets, how do you pick the one that’s right for you? In 2025, the best app isn’t just the cheapest—it’s the one that aligns with your financial goals, protects your capital, and makes investing an intuitive, not intimidating, experience.

We’ve done the heavy lifting for you. This guide breaks down the top investing apps in Europe, analyzing them based on the most critical factors: fees, ease of use, regulatory safety, investor protection, and unique features. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to buy your first ETF or a serious long-term investor, we’ll help you find the perfect platform to build your wealth.

Quick Comparison: Top Investing Apps in Europe at a Glance

How to Choose the Right Investing App in 2025: Key Factors

Before diving into the reviews, understand what matters most. A flashy interface means nothing if the app isn’t safe or its fees are eating away at your returns.

• Regulation and Investor Protection: Is the broker supervised by a top-tier European regulator (like BaFin in Germany or CySEC in Cyprus)? All apps listed here are regulated and offer a minimum of €20,000 in investor protection through compensation schemes. Some, like Trade Republic and DEGIRO, offer up to €100,000 protection on uninvested cash due to their banking licenses. Remember: Safe beats cheap.

• Fees and Hidden Costs: Look beyond the headline “commission-free.” Consider currency conversion fees, withdrawal fees, inactivity fees, and spreads (the difference between the buy and sell price). These can significantly impact your long-term results.

• User-Friendliness: A complicated app can lead to costly mistakes. The best platforms for beginners are intuitive, making it easy to find assets, place orders, and track your portfolio.

• Available Products: Do you just want to buy Stocks and ETFs, or are you interested in crypto, CFDs, and options? Ensure the app offers the financial products that match your strategy.

• Extra Features: Perks like high interest on uninvested cash (offered by Trading 212 and Trade Republic) or a debit card with cashback (Trading 212) can add significant value.

Detailed Reviews: The Best European Investment Apps

1. Trading 212 – Best for Beginners and Commission-Free Trading

Trading 212 has become a dominant force in Europe by making investing accessible to everyone. Its platform is celebrated for its clean design and powerful features that cater perfectly to new investors.

• Overview: A UK and EU-regulated broker with over 4 million users, known for its truly commission-free model for stocks and ETFs.

• Key Features: Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs, competitive interest on uninvested cash, fractional shares starting at €1, and a multi-currency debit card with cashback.

• Fees: No commission on trades. A small currency conversion fee (0.15%) applies when trading assets in a different currency.

• Best For: Beginners who want a simple, cost-effective, and feature-rich app to start their investing journey.

2. Interactive Brokers (IBKR) – Best Overall for Serious Investors

With a reputation built since 1978, Interactive Brokers is the go-to platform for serious, long-term investors who demand global market access and robust tools.

• Overview: A publicly-listed and heavily regulated broker offering access to over 150 markets worldwide.

• Key Features: Unmatched market access, two mobile apps (IBKR Global Trader and IBKR Mobile), and low margin borrowing rates.

• Fees: Low, but not free. US stocks start at $0.0035 per share, and European ETFs are around €1.25 per trade.

• Cons: The platform can feel complex for absolute beginners. No interest is paid on the first €10,000 of uninvested cash.

• Best For: Experienced or serious investors who value global access and advanced tools over a simple, commission-free experience.

3. eToro – Best for Social Trading and Crypto

eToro pioneered social investing, allowing users to learn from and even automatically copy the trades of successful investors.

• Overview: A globally recognized platform with over 38 million users, regulated by top-tier authorities like the FCA and ASIC.

• Key Features: CopyTrader™ technology, commission-free real stocks & ETFs, and a strong cryptocurrency selection.

• Fees: Trades are commission-free, but eToro monetizes through spreads, withdrawal fees, and currency conversion fees.

• Best For: Beginners interested in crypto or those who want to leverage social trading to learn from the community.

4. XTB – Best for Active Traders (Forex & CFDs)

XTB is a powerhouse for active trading strategies while offering excellent terms for long-term investors.

• Overview: A major European broker listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and regulated by top-tier institutions.

• Key Features: Commission-free real stocks and ETFs up to €100,000/month volume, the powerful xStation 5 platform, and a comprehensive demo account.

• Fees: Very competitive, primarily designed for active traders.

• Best For: Intermediate to advanced traders focused on Forex and CFDs who also want a cost-effective way to hold long-term positions.

5. DEGIRO – Best for Low-Cost Stock & ETF Investing

A pioneer in low-cost trading in Europe, DEGIRO remains a solid choice for investors seeking broad market access without high fees.

• Overview: A Dutch-founded broker, now part of a German-licensed bank, serving over 3 million investors across Europe.

• Key Features: Extremely low fee structure, access to vast global exchanges, and a core selection of commission-free ETFs (conditions apply).

• Cons: The app is functional but less intuitive than competitors like Trading 212 or Trade Republic.

• Best For: Cost-conscious, long-term investors focused primarily on buying and holding stocks and ETFs.

6. Trade Republic – Best for Earning High Interest on Cash

Trade Republic is a fast-growing German broker known for its simple fee structure and market-leading interest rates on uninvested cash.

• Overview: A German-licensed and regulated broker with over 4 million users.

• Key Features: High interest on uninvested cash up to €50,000, flat €1 fee per trade, and automated commission-free ETF savings plans.

• Cons: Shorter track record compared to legacy brokers like IBKR.

• Best For: Beginners and savers who want a streamlined app, low trading costs, and a high return on idle cash.

Which Investing App Should You Choose?

• Beginners prioritizing ease & 0 commissions: Trading 212

• Serious long-term investors needing global access: Interactive Brokers

• Savers who want high interest on uninvested cash: Trade Republic

• Investors interested in copying trades or crypto: eToro

• Cost-conscious ETF buy-and-hold investors: DEGIRO