How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- Trading 212 and XTB offer commission free stock and ETF trading within stated limits, which suits regular ETF buyers.
- Trade Republic and Scalable Capital suit automated ETF savings plans, with low per trade fees and banking features.
- DEGIRO suits investors who want broad exchange access and a large ETF Core Selection at low per trade fees.
- Interactive Brokers suits experienced investors who need global markets, many asset types, and low currency conversion costs.
- This is not financial advice. Trading involves risk, including loss of capital, and CFD trading carries additional risk. Fees, availability, and tax treatment vary by country of residence, so confirm eligibility and the fee schedule before opening an account.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Trading 212 | Commission free stocks and ETFs | Free | Yes |
 XTB | Commission free up to a monthly limit | Free | Yes |
 Trade Republic | ETF savings plans | €1.00 per trade | Yes |
 DEGIRO | Broad exchange access | €1.00 per trade | Yes |
 Interactive Brokers | Global markets and asset range | See website | Yes |
 eToro | Social and copy investing | See website | Yes |
 Scalable Capital | Savings plans in supported countries | €0.99 per trade | Yes |
 Saxo | Full service multi asset trading | See website | Yes |
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Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Trading 212 Invest accounts offer commission free trading in stocks and ETFs, with fractional shares that let investors buy part of an expensive share. Pies let users build a portfolio of stocks and ETFs with set weights, and AutoInvest adds money on a schedule. Currency conversion, when needed, costs 0.15 percent, which is lower than several rivals.
The platform suits beginners and regular ETF buyers who want low costs and automation. The CFD side of Trading 212 is a different product with borrowed funds and higher risk, and it should not be confused with the Invest account. Trading 212 fits European investors who want simple, low cost stock and ETF investing with fractional shares.
What we like- Commission free stock and ETF trading on Invest accounts
- Fractional shares
- Pies and AutoInvest for automated portfolios
- Low 0.15 percent FX fee on conversion
Watch out for- Limited bond and advanced product range
- CFD account is a separate, higher risk product
- Interest and fee terms vary by entity and country
#2
XTB
Best for: Commission free up to a monthly limit
Visit xtb.com
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
XTB offers 0 percent commission on real stocks and ETFs up to 100,000 euros of monthly turnover, after which a 0.2 percent commission applies with a 10 euro minimum. Investment Plans support recurring purchases, and the platform includes research, market news, and charting tools that suit investors who follow markets closely.
The 0.5 percent currency conversion fee matters for investors who often buy US stocks in dollars from a euro account, since it adds up faster than the commission saving. XTB fits investors who trade within the monthly turnover limit, want research tools, and hold mainly euro denominated assets or accept the FX cost on US trades.
What we like- 0 percent commission on stocks and ETFs up to 100,000 euros monthly turnover
- Investment Plans for recurring investing
- Strong research and charting
- Wide market coverage
Watch out for- 0.5 percent FX fee is high for frequent US trades
- Commission applies above the monthly turnover limit
- CFD products dominate parts of the platform
Starting price€1.00 per trade
Free planYes
Trade Republic combines a broker with banking features, including an account, a card, and interest on cash balances that varies over time. ETF and stock savings plans run with no Trade Republic execution fee, while single trades carry a 1 euro settlement fee. The app is simple, which helps beginners who want to set a monthly ETF plan and leave it running.
The simplicity limits advanced investors, who may miss broader exchange access and deeper research tools. Availability, interest terms, and cash structure vary by country, so residents should check local terms. Trade Republic fits European investors who want automated ETF savings with low fees and a simple app.
What we like- Savings plans with no Trade Republic execution fee
- Low 1 euro settlement fee on single trades
- Banking features including a card and interest on cash
- Simple mobile app
Watch out for- Availability and cash terms vary by country
- Product range is narrower than Interactive Brokers
- Derivatives and crypto add risk for new investors
Starting price€1.00 per trade
Free planYes
DEGIRO is a low cost broker with access to a wide range of exchanges, stocks, ETFs, funds, bonds, options, and futures. The ETF Core Selection offers more than 1,000 ETFs at 1 euro per trade on Tradegate, while other exchanges cost more, typically 2 to 3 euros per trade. Currency conversion through AutoFX costs 0.25 percent.
DEGIRO lacks fractional shares and automated savings plans, so it suits investors who buy whole shares and manage their own schedule. The platform feels more functional than polished, which matters less to cost focused investors. DEGIRO fits investors who want broad market access at low per trade fees and who do not need automation.
What we like- Access to many exchanges worldwide
- ETF Core Selection from 1 euro per trade on Tradegate
- Low FX fee of 0.25 percent
- No custody fee on most accounts
Watch out for- No fractional shares
- No automated savings plans
- Interface feels dated next to neobrokers
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
Interactive Brokers, through its Irish entity for many European clients, offers stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, funds, and currencies across global markets. Tiered pricing starts low on many trades, such as 0.05 percent on European ETFs with a 1.25 euro minimum, and currency conversion costs a fraction of a percent, far below most neobrokers. That combination makes it cheap for large or frequent traders and for investors who hold several currencies.
The complexity is real. The desktop platform carries many tools, order types, and settings, and beginners can feel lost. Interactive Brokers fits experienced investors, expatriates with multi currency needs, and anyone who wants one account for global markets rather than several regional brokers.
What we like- Widest global market and asset coverage
- Very low FX conversion costs
- Tiered pricing with low minimums on many trades
- Strong tools for experienced investors
Watch out for- Platform is complex for beginners
- Fee structure takes time to learn
- Support is less hand holding than neobrokers
#6eToro
Best for: Social and copy investing3.6/5 on
G2 (27 reviews, checked Oct 2026)
Visit etoro.com
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
eToro blends trading with social features. Users can follow other investors, read their reasoning, and use CopyTrader to mirror their trades automatically in proportion to the amount allocated. ETF trades carry no commission, while real stock trades cost 1 to 2 dollars in most EU countries, and currency conversion for euro accounts adds cost.
Copy trading deserves caution: copying another investor does not remove risk, and past results do not predict future returns. This is not financial advice, and copied trades can lose money just as direct trades can. eToro fits investors who want a social, community driven experience and who understand the fees and risks before copying anyone.
What we like- CopyTrader follows other investors automatically
- Large community and social feeds
- ETF trades with no commission
- Stocks, crypto, and Smart Portfolios in one app
Watch out for- Stock trades cost 1 to 2 dollars in most EU countries
- FX fee is high for euro accounts
- Fee structure is more complex than rivals
Starting price€0.99 per trade
Free planYes
Scalable Capital is a German broker focused on savings plans and low cost trading in the countries it serves. The free plan charges 0.99 euros per trade, while the PRIME+ plan costs 4.99 euros per month and offers eligible trades free from 250 euros. Savings plans support regular ETF and stock purchases without a per plan fee in most cases.
Country coverage is the main limit, since Scalable Capital serves only a handful of European markets, so many readers will not be eligible. Within those countries, it is a strong low cost choice for plan based investors. Scalable Capital fits residents of its supported countries who want automated savings plans with a German regulated broker.
What we like- ETF and stock savings plans
- Low 0.99 euro trades on the free plan
- PRIME+ plan offers eligible free trades from 250 euros
- German regulated broker
Watch out for- Available in only a small number of European countries
- Higher Xetra fees on some orders
- PRIME+ costs 4.99 euros per month
Starting priceSee website
Free planYes
Saxo is a bank backed broker with a wide product range and strong research, charting, and market analysis tools. Multi currency accounts help investors who hold assets in several currencies, and the platform supports stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, and funds. Account tiers adjust fees and features, with pricing shown on the vendor site by country.
Small, infrequent traders may pay more per trade than with Trading 212, XTB, or Trade Republic, so Saxo suits larger or more active investors who value range and research over the lowest headline fee. Saxo fits experienced European investors who want a full service platform with bank backing and broad market access.
What we like- Very wide asset range including stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, and futures
- Strong research and charting
- Multi currency accounts
- Established bank backed broker
Watch out for- Fees are higher than neobrokers for small trades
- Platform suits experienced investors
- Pricing varies by account tier and country
How we chose
We compared vendor fee schedules, product documentation, and public reviews on G2, Capterra, and Reddit, and we checked each platform for European availability, regulator information, and real stock and ETF trading, not only CFDs. We favored platforms with clear fee tables, fractional shares or savings plans where relevant, and a track record with European clients. We also weighed the honest limit of each platform, such as country restrictions, FX fees, or complex pricing, because a low headline commission can hide a high conversion or inactivity cost.
Fees, residence, and tax treatment decide the pick more than the app design. A platform that looks cheapest in one country can be unavailable or costly in another.
Confirm residence eligibility first
Check that the platform accepts residents of your country and that your local entity, regulator, and deposit protection apply. Some platforms serve only a few countries, and US residents generally cannot open standard EU retail broker accounts, so this guide suits readers based in Europe or planning a move there. Open an account only after confirming eligibility, not after reading a fee table alone.
Compare the full cost, not the headline commission
Add commission, FX conversion, spreads, account fees, and withdrawal fees for your typical trade. A commission free trade with a 0.5 percent FX fee costs more on a US stock purchase than a 1 euro trade with a 0.15 percent FX fee. Use the broker fee preview before each order, and review the yearly total after a few months of real trades.
Match the platform to your investing style
Choose Trading 212 or XTB for low cost stock and ETF buying, Trade Republic or Scalable Capital for automated savings plans, DEGIRO for broad exchange access, Interactive Brokers or Saxo for global and multi asset investing, and eToro only if social and copy features matter to you. Avoid CFDs unless you understand borrowed funds trading and can accept losses beyond the amount invested, since CFDs are a separate high risk product.
Check tax handling in your country
Some brokers withhold tax automatically, while others leave reporting to the investor. German regulated brokers, for example, handle German capital gains withholding, while international brokers often do not, so investors must declare gains themselves. Keep yearly statements, dividend records, and FX conversion details, and ask a local tax adviser when unsure. This is not tax advice, and rules differ by country.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best trading platform in Europe for beginners?
Trading 212 and Trade Republic are the best beginner picks, since both offer low costs, simple apps, and automated investing options. Trading 212 suits commission free stock and ETF buying with fractional shares, while Trade Republic suits automated ETF savings plans. Beginners should start with diversified ETFs and small amounts, and avoid borrowed funds products.
Is commission free trading really free?
Not fully. Commission free usually means no broker commission on the trade itself, but spreads, FX conversion fees, and account or withdrawal fees can still apply. Trading 212 charges 0.15 percent on currency conversion, XTB charges 0.5 percent, and Trade Republic charges a 1 euro settlement fee on single trades. Always read the full fee schedule before trading.
Can US residents open a European trading account?
In most cases, no. European retail brokers generally accept residents of the countries they serve, and US residents face separate tax and regulatory rules that most EU brokers do not support. US based readers should use a US broker for US investing, and use this guide when living in Europe or comparing platforms for a move there.
What is the difference between a broker and a CFD platform?
A broker that offers real stocks and ETFs gives the investor ownership of the security, while a CFD platform offers contracts that track price movements, often with borrowed funds, without ownership. CFDs can lose money quickly, including more than the amount invested in some cases. Several platforms on this list offer both, so confirm which account type you are opening before funding it.
Do European brokers protect my money?
European brokers are regulated in their home country, and client money and securities are normally held separately from the broker own funds, with investor compensation schemes up to set limits that vary by country. Protection limits, coverage, and the responsible regulator depend on the legal entity serving your account, so check those details in the account documents before depositing funds.
Which platform has the lowest fees for ETF savings plans?
Trade Republic and Scalable Capital are strong for savings plans, with no Trade Republic execution fee on plans and low per trade fees at Scalable Capital. Trading 212 AutoInvest and XTB Investment Plans also support recurring investing at low cost. The cheapest plan depends on your country, your ETF choice, and whether you need currency conversion, so compare the full yearly cost for your own plan.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://www.trading212.com
- https://www.xtb.com
- https://traderepublic.com
- https://www.degiro.com
- https://www.interactivebrokers.com
- https://www.etoro.com
- https://scalable.capital
- https://www.home.saxo
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.