Best Crypto Platforms in 2025

What is a cryptocurrency?

A cryptocurrency is a form of digital currency that exists only in electronic form and is not regulated by any government or central authority. Unlike traditional currencies like the euro or pound sterling, cryptocurrencies do not rely on banks or central banks to be issued or to process payments. Their value is determined by supply and demand on the open market, and their use is entirely digital, allowing for transactions to be made online with transparency and security.

What truly sets cryptocurrencies apart is the way transactions are processed. They use a decentralized system known as peer-to-peer networking, where users interact directly with one another without intermediaries such as banks. This system relies on blockchain technology—a kind of public digital ledger where each transaction is permanently recorded and visible to all users. This means that transactions are not controlled or authenticated by a single actor, but by the collective network, making the process more open and harder to manipulate.

Below are some essential components that make up how a cryptocurrency functions:

Behind the scenes, miners or validators play a crucial role in verifying and recording transactions on the blockchain. They ensure that every transaction is legitimate and helps to prevent fraud or double spending. By doing this work, they maintain the integrity and the safety of the entire cryptocurrency network, which is one of the reasons why people trust digital assets despite the absence of a central authority.

Which platforms can you use to invest in cryptocurrency?

Investing in cryptocurrencies can be done through two main types of platforms. First, there are crypto exchanges, where you buy and actually own cryptocurrencies (known as trading on the “spot” market). Second, there are crypto brokers, who allow you to trade crypto via derivative products such as CFDs (Contracts For Difference).

Each method meets different needs: exchanges are usually preferred for long-term investment and holding digital assets, while brokers with CFDs attract those looking for active, short-term trading—often with leverage to amplify potential gains (and losses).

Choosing between these approaches depends on your investment goals, risk appetite, and trading style.

Good to know: What is a crypto CFD?

A crypto CFD (Contract For Difference) is a financial derivative that lets you speculate on the price movement of a cryptocurrency without actually owning it. Instead of purchasing the real asset, you enter into a contract with a broker: you make a profit (or loss) based on how the price moves between the time the position opens and closes.

CFDs often allow users to trade with leverage, meaning you can open larger positions than your actual capital. This amplifies both potential profits and potential losses, making it a tool typically used by experienced traders.

Crypto Exchange

A crypto exchange is a platform where you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum directly and become the actual owner of these digital assets. Once purchased, you can hold your crypto in the exchange’s wallet or transfer it to your personal wallet for security. Crypto exchanges provide access to the spot market, where prices reflect real supply and demand.

Typical uses include investing for the long term, holding assets (so-called “HODLing”), and sometimes earning passive income via staking or savings features. This approach is generally favoured by those wishing to participate in the crypto economy beyond just trading price movements.

Example: Investing via an exchange

Let’s say you want to invest €1,000 in Ethereum with the goal of holding for several years. On a crypto exchange, you buy €1,000 worth of ETH at the current market rate. This ETH is now yours—you can keep it on the platform or transfer it to a private wallet. Your investment value will simply follow the price of ETH, up or down, with no leverage involved.

Crypto Broker

A crypto broker, especially one offering CFDs, does not allow you to own cryptocurrencies directly. Instead, you speculate on the price of crypto pairs (such as BTC/EUR) through derivative contracts. You can benefit if the price goes up or down, and brokers typically offer you advanced trading tools and the ability to use leverage.

These platforms are generally aimed at active traders who want to take advantage of price movements—sometimes within minutes or hours—without worrying about actually holding and securing the underlying assets.

Example: Investing via a broker

Suppose you believe the price of Bitcoin will rise in the short term. Via a broker, you open a CFD position worth €500 on Bitcoin, applying 5x leverage. Your exposure is therefore €2,500. If Bitcoin’s price increases by 10%, your profit will be €250 (10% of €2,500). However, if the price falls by 10%, you would lose €250—all from your original €500 invested, highlighting the amplified risks and rewards of trading with leverage.

What are the fees of crypto brokers and platforms?

Trading cryptocurrencies involves several types of fees, which can vary depending on the platform you choose, the investment method (spot trading or CFDs), and how frequently you trade. Understanding these charges is essential, as they can significantly impact your returns over time.

Good to know

Deposit fees, withdrawal fees, inactivity fees, and conversion fees primarily affect beginners or passive investors, as these charges are related to funding or maintaining your account rather than frequent trading activity. Trading/transaction fees, spreads, and overnight (swap) fees tend to impact active traders more, as they arise directly from each buy/sell operation, frequent trading, and holding leveraged positions.

What services are offered by crypto platforms?

In recent years, crypto platforms have evolved far beyond simple buying and selling of digital tokens. Today, they offer a diverse suite of services enabling Irish investors to maximise returns, access new asset classes, and actively participate in the growing Web3 ecosystem. Whether you’re looking to earn passive income, diversify your crypto activities, or engage with emerging technology like DeFi and NFTs, modern platforms feature a wide range of options adapted to both beginners and experienced users.

Crypto staking

Crypto staking involves locking up digital assets to help secure certain blockchains (typically those using Proof of Stake consensus), in exchange for receiving regular rewards. Staking can be flexible, allowing investors to withdraw funds at any time, or locked for a set period with potentially higher returns. It allows participants to support the network’s security and decentralisation, while generating a passive income. Here’s an overview of average annual staking yields for some popular cryptocurrencies:

• Flexible staking: funds can be withdrawn at any time, yields may be lower.
• Locked staking: funds are locked for a preset duration (days to months), potentially higher yields.

Crypto lending

Crypto lending allows users to loan out their crypto assets to borrowers (either peer-to-peer or via platform pools) and earn interest payments in return. It’s a popular way to generate passive income, often with higher yields on volatile assets but increased risk. Many Irish investors prefer lending stablecoins like USDT or DAI to limit price volatility, as their value is pegged to fiat currency such as the euro or dollar. Below are average annual returns for popular lending assets:

Important information

Stablecoins are often preferred for lending due to reduced exposure to crypto price swings.

Crypto mining and farming

Crypto mining refers to the process of validating transactions and securing Proof of Work blockchains (like Bitcoin) by supplying computing power (hashrate) in exchange for block rewards. This usually requires specialised hardware (ASICs for Bitcoin, high-end GPUs for some altcoins), significant electricity use, and regular maintenance. For individuals in Ireland, energy costs are an important factor when considering crypto mining at home or in a mining pool.

Yield farming is part of the DeFi ecosystem and involves supplying liquidity (usually pairs of tokens) to decentralised finance protocols (such as automated market makers, or DEXs) to earn a share of transaction fees and additional token incentives. Yield farming can offer much higher returns compared to traditional finance, but also carries increased risks, such as impermanent loss and smart contract vulnerabilities.

NFT

NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) represent unique digital items—such as artwork, collectibles, music, tickets, or in-game items—that can be bought, sold, or created (minted) via specialised platforms. On most platforms accessible in Ireland, you interact with NFTs mainly on blockchains such as Ethereum (the standard), Solana, or Polygon. When buying or selling NFTs, users pay transaction fees known as "gas fees" (particularly on Ethereum, these can vary widely from a few cents to several euro, depending on network activity). NFTs can be collected, held for speculative value, or used as digital proof of ownership in Web3 applications. Use cases include digital art investment, launching a music NFT collection, or trading gaming assets.

Which cryptocurrencies to trade with an online platform?

Trading platforms grant access to thousands of digital assets, offering Irish investors a vast universe of cryptocurrencies to buy or trade at any time. By 2025, over 10,000 cryptocurrencies are listed globally, but only a fraction of these are truly relevant for active trading. Factors such as sufficient liquidity, exploitable volatility, or underlying value set certain tokens apart from the rest. To help you navigate this diversity, discover below the main categories of cryptocurrencies you are most likely to encounter—and their trading interest:

Before selecting a cryptocurrency to trade, it is essential to review a few key indicators:

• Daily trading volume: A daily volume greater than $500 million (or the equivalent in EUR) signals strong liquidity, making it easier to enter and exit positions at fair prices.
• Historical volatility: Some assets, such as SOL or DOGE, can fluctuate by 5% to 20% or more within a single day, offering both risk and opportunity for traders.
• Market capitalization: Top 20 cryptocurrencies by market cap tend to be more stable and less prone to manipulation than smaller, less-known tokens.
• Real-world utility: Cryptos with clear use cases—such as payment networks, smart contracts, or DeFi platforms—often show greater value retention and adoption over time.

How to choose a cryptocurrency platform?

Selecting a crypto exchange is an important decision that should be tailored to each user’s needs, such as their level of experience, whether they have short-term or long-term investment goals, and the features they expect from a trading platform. Some platforms are designed for frequent traders, others for mainstream retail users, and some aim to offer a straightforward experience for beginners. To identify the best fit, it is essential to evaluate several key criteria.

• Regulation and legal registration (verified compliance with official authorities in Ireland)
• Range of cryptocurrencies available to buy or trade
• Transaction fees (including commissions, spreads, and withdrawal costs)
• User interface quality (intuitive design, speed, clarity)
• Trading tools provided (leverage, advanced orders, technical indicators)
• Options for staking or lending digital assets
• Availability and performance of a mobile application
• Platform reputation (user feedback, security record)
• Supported deposit methods (card, bank transfer, stablecoins)
• Customer support (languages offered, availability, responsiveness)

By analysing these criteria, each user can identify the platform best suited to their needs, whether they are a long-term investor, an active trader, or an occasional user.

What is the best crypto platform depending on experience level?

Choosing the right crypto platform is essential, and your level of experience plays a key role in making the best decision. Each type of investor or trader—beginner, active trader, or experienced trader—has unique expectations and requirements. Selecting a platform tailored to your profile helps ensure a smoother, safer, and more effective trading experience.

Best crypto platform for beginners

Beginners are new to crypto trading and want a user-friendly introduction. They typically need guidance, simple interfaces, and strong security measures. Reliability and the availability of educational resources are also important, as they’re still learning how exchanges work.

• Simple and intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate
• Comprehensive educational resources and tutorials
• Strong security features, like two-factor authentication
• Responsive customer support with clear guidance
• Easy onboarding with straightforward account setup

Example

A first-time investor uses a platform with guided tutorials and clear step-by-step instructions to make their first Bitcoin purchase safely.

Best crypto platform for active traders

Active traders operate frequently, sometimes daily, and need tools that allow for quick decision-making and efficient execution. They look for lower fees, powerful features, and quick access to funds.

• Low transaction fees and competitive spreads
• Advanced trading tools and real-time market data
• Fast trade execution and order management
• Mobile app with reliable performance for trading on the go
• Flexible deposit and withdrawal options

Example

A user executes multiple trades per day using real-time charts and places stop-limit orders directly from their smartphone.

Best crypto platform for experienced traders

Experienced traders handle larger volumes and more complex strategies. They require in-depth analytics, a wide asset selection, and access to advanced order types. Security, liquidity, and customization also become more critical at this stage.

• Wide range of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs
• Access to advanced order types and margin trading
• Robust security protections for high-value accounts
• Deep liquidity for large trades without slippage
• Detailed analytics and customizable dashboards

Example

A seasoned trader sets up algorithmic trading strategies and analyzes portfolio performance across multiple assets using advanced dashboard features.

Which crypto platforms are registered in Ireland?

In Ireland, any company offering crypto-asset services—such as buying, selling, custody, or trading—must be registered with the local competent authority or benefit from an equivalent European authorisation. Registration with the Central Bank of Ireland ensures a minimum level of compliance regarding anti-money laundering (AML), security of operations, and operational transparency for investors.

List of Crypto Brokers Registered in Ireland

Some platforms are formally registered in Ireland, often under the status of Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) or an equivalent local registration. Being registered locally means these companies have fulfilled specific regulatory requirements assessed by Irish authorities.

Warning

Local registration is not a guarantee of capital protection, nor is it equivalent to a full banking licence or asset management authorisation.

Other Reliable European Regulations in Ireland

Some platforms may not be registered directly in Ireland, but are authorised elsewhere in the European Union and can operate in Ireland through the so-called European passport or equivalent legal mechanism. These platforms are subject to robust regulatory frameworks in their country of registration.

These European regulations require high standards in terms of fund safety, transparency, and fair treatment for European clients.

What strategies are there for investing in cryptocurrencies?

Investing in cryptocurrencies can be approached in different ways, depending on how actively you want to manage your assets, your investment timeframe, and your comfort with risk. Whether you prefer a hands-off approach or want to take a more active role, understanding these main strategies can help you build a portfolio that fits your needs.

What taxation applies to income from crypto trading in IE?

The taxation of crypto-assets in Ireland (IE) is governed by the current national legislation. The applicable regime depends on both the type of activity carried out—whether occasional or professional—and the nature of the income generated (such as capital gains, interest, etc.). It's important to understand how each operation (sale, exchange, staking, trading, payment) is treated for tax purposes, as this will determine the tax rate and reporting obligations.

*Top individual marginal rate (income tax up to 40%). Additional levies: Universal Social Charge (USC) and Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) may apply.

Additional information

• Capital gains are calculated as: Disposal Price – (Acquisition Cost per Unit × Number of Units Sold) – Allowable Expenses (e.g., fees).
• The taxpayer is responsible for keeping full records and declaring all taxable crypto operations in their annual tax return.
• If you hold or use accounts on platforms based outside Ireland, you may need to declare these foreign accounts to the Irish Revenue.
• Capital losses arising from crypto transactions may be offset against capital gains for future years (no time limit for carrying forward losses).
• Accurate records of every transaction (dates, amounts, counterparties, values in EUR at each date) are essential for tax compliance.
• Income received from staking or regular lending is treated as income and must be reported for income tax in the year earned.
• Professional or habitual traders are taxed under self-employed income—filing obligations and deductions as for any sole trader.

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.