How to Buy Ethereum as a Beginner

Ethereum is an open-sourced blockchain that supports thousands of decentralized applications (dApps). It’s considered the de facto network for the Web 3 era. While there are now other options for smart contract protocols and new layer-1 blockchains have caught on, Ethereum remains the gold standard.

This guide explains how to buy Ethereum in 2025. We also discuss the best places to invest, which wallets offer secure storage, and a brief overview of Ethereum’s investment thesis.

How to Buy Ethereum – 3 Easy Steps

Let’s start with a simplified overview of how to buy Ethereum:

• Step 1: Create an Ethereum Wallet – The first step is to get a secure Ethereum wallet. Best Wallet is our top pick; it’s a self-custody wallet with strong security features. Download the Best Wallet app for iOS or Android. Set up a PIN or biometrics and write down the backup passphrase.
• Step 2: Open a Crypto Exchange Account  – Next, Ethereum investors need an account with a crypto exchange. Best Wallet is the best option as it allows users to manage their crypto assets within the app as well as buy, store and swap cryptos with the tap of a button.
• Step 3: Trade ETH via Best DEX  – Connect your wallet to the Best DEX and start trading ETH and BNB smart chain tokens in seconds. The Best DEX is also working on introducing real-time market updates, advanced charting via Trading View, as well as token analytics.

As we explain in more detail later, we’d suggest transferring the ETH coins to the Best Wallet app. This ensures you have 100% control of the coins, rather than relying on a third-party exchange.

Different Ways of Buying Ethereum – Wallets vs Exchanges

There are two common ways to buy Ethereum in 2025. Each comes with pros and cons.

• Some investors prefer buying Ethereum via a wallet. The ETH coins are instantly added to the wallet, meaning increased convenience. However, Ethereum wallets use third-party gateways when accepting fiat money, which means higher fees.
• Alternatively, some investors prefer using a crypto exchange to buy Ethereum. This reduces the fees, as regulated exchanges can directly accept fiat money – rather than using third-party gateways. However, investors must transfer the ETH coins to a wallet, should they require self-custody storage.

Let’s explore these two investment options in more detail. This will help you choose the best place to buy Ethereum in 2025.

Buy Ethereum Through a Crypto Wallet

Although crypto wallets are primarily used to store Ethereum, you can still use wallets to buy crypto as well. At first, users needed to connect their wallets to DeFi platforms or decentralized exchanges. While there is nothing wrong with going that route, it does add some extra steps and risks.

Nowadays, many crypto wallets have formed partnerships with fiat gateways. That means you can buy, sell, and swap crypto within the wallet platform, without ever having to connect to outside DeFi protocols. These fiat gateways are third-party payment processors that enable wallets to indirectly accept traditional payment methods, such as Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal.

Popular examples include Transak, Simplex, and MoonPay – but many others exist. The main benefit of buying Ethereum via a crypto wallet is convenience. The ETH coins will automatically be added to the wallet once the payment is complete. This removes the need to transfer coins from a crypto exchange. However, there are also some drawbacks.

For instance, fiat gateways typically charge excessive fees. For instance, Simplex charges average debit/credit card fees of 3.5% – 5%. Some wallets will add an additional markup, meaning the fees are even higher.

Best Wallet – Our Recommended Wallet

We rate Best Wallet as one of the best decentralized crypto wallets. Best Wallet is a self-custody wallet app for iOS and Android smartphones. A browser extension for desktop devices is also being developed – expect this in the coming months. Best Wallet offers safe ETH storage away from centralized servers; only the user has access to their private keys.

Moreover, the Best Wallet app comes packed with security features. This includes two-factor authentication and biometrics. Best Wallet is also protected by a backup passphrase for account recovery. Not only does Best Wallet support ETH but all ERC-20 tokens. It also supports custom tokens from BNB Chain and Polygon. Bitcoin will be added in the next development phase.

In terms of buying Ethereum, Best Wallet offers a user-friendly fiat on-ramp. It takes minutes to complete the KYC process. Investors can then choose from a debit/credit card or e-wallet. The ETH coins will instantly be added to Best Wallet upon completion. Best Wallet will soon be launching a fiat off-ramp too, meaning ETH can be cashed for your preferred currency. Best Wallet has a great guide on How to Buy Ethereum With Best Wallet if you want to know more about the process.

Buy ETH on Best Wallet

Other Wallets to Consider

There are many other wallet options when exploring where to buy Ethereum.

Here are some of my other top picks for Ethereum wallets:

• Ellipal Titan 2.0 – Considered one of the best Ethereum wallets for safety, Ellipal Titan 2.0 is a hardware solution with air-gapped security. Unlike other hardware wallets, transactions don’t require a USB or Bluetooth connection.
• Ledger Nano X – Retailing for $149, Ledger Nano X is a multi-chain hardware wallet. It connects with Ledger Live, a desktop and mobile app that supports Ethereum investments.
• Trezor Model One – One of the best hardware wallets for budget investors, the Trezor Model One costs just $59. While it’s packed with advanced security features, the Model One doesn’t support Ethereum staking.

Buying Ethereum Through a Crypto Exchange

Crypto exchanges remain the most popular way to buy Ethereum in 2025. Many platforms are designed with beginners in mind, ensuring even first-time buyers can complete their purchase seamlessly. What’s more, the best exchanges are adequately licensed, allowing them to directly accept fiat payment methods, such as debit/credit cards and local bank transfers.

This makes crypto exchanges more competitively priced than Ethereum wallets, which rely on third-party gateways. For instance, we mentioned earlier that Simplex charges up to 5% on debit/credit card purchases. In contrast, eToro fees start from 1.5%. And, if you’re using US dollars, the deposit fee is scrapped entirely.

Once you’ve deposited funds and bought Ethereum, it’s wise to transfer the coins to a self-custody wallet. This ensures you’re in control of the coins, rather than worrying about counterparty risks. This extra step could be a drawback for some. That said, reputable exchanges approve wallet transfer requests near-instantly – so the extra step is minimal.

eToro – Our Recommended Exchange

We rate eToro as the best crypto exchange for buying Ethereum. Launched in 2007, eToro offers a regulated environment, ensuring investors can purchase ETH safely.

Beginners will like eToro’s user-friendly platform – which can be accessed online or via the app. It takes minutes to open an account, including the mandatory KYC process. Deposit methods include debit/credit cards and e-wallets. Local banking methods like ACH are also supported.

The minimum Ethereum purchase is $10. The ETH coins are instantly added to the eToro wallet, although this is a custodial solution. Fortunately, eToro allows users to withdraw their ETH to a private wallet. Although eToro is safe and user-friendly, it charges a 1% trading commission. This is more than other exchanges in the market.

Visit eToro

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Cryptocurrency is offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk

US customers can only invest in Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Bitcoin Cash.

Other Exchanges to Consider

Hundreds of other crypto exchanges support Ethereum.

Here are some of my other top picks to consider:

• Margex – Launched in 2019, Margex is a multi-faceted crypto exchange. The platform offers copy trading features, perpetual crypto future contracts, and token staking returns.
• MEXC – This top-rated crypto exchange allows users to trade 1,000+ cryptos without charging any spot trading fees. The platform facilitates 1.4 million transactions per second.
• Binance – Launched in 2017, Binance is the largest crypto exchange for daily trading volumes. Investors can buy Ethereum at a commission of just 0.1% per slide.

Buying Ethereum Through Different Methods

Buying Ethereum is easy with multiple payment methods available to suit different needs – Be it the convenience of PayPal or the speed of credit and debit cards.

How to Buy Ethereum with PayPal?

Looking to buy Ethereum (ETH) with PayPal? The process is simple. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on how to buy ETH directly through PayPal.

How to Buy Ethereum on PayPal (Web Version)?

1. Log In – Go to PayPal’s official page and sign into your account.
2. Go to Finances – Click “Finances” from the main menu.
3. Go to the Crypto Section – Click “Buy.”
4. Select Ethereum (ETH) – Choose Ethereum from the list of supported cryptocurrencies.
5. Set Your Purchase Preferences:
   • Enter the amount of ETH you want to buy.
   • Choose a one-time purchase or set up recurring buys (Daily, Weekly, Biweekly, or Monthly).
6. Pick Your Payment Method – Choose from PayPal balance, linked bank account, or debit card.
7. Complete the Purchase – Click “Buy Now”, and your ETH will be added to your PayPal account.

If you mainly use your phone for buying and holding crypto, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to buy ETH using the PayPal app.

How to Buy Ethereum on the PayPal App?

1. Download the PayPal App – If you already have the PayPal app downloaded, go to step 2.
2. Open the PayPal App & Log In
3. Find the Crypto Section – Tap “Accounts”, then tap “Crypto.”
4. Tap “Buy” – Start your Ethereum purchase.
5. Select Ethereum (ETH) – Choose ETH as your cryptocurrency.
6. Set Your Purchase Preferences:
   • Enter the amount of ETH you’d like to buy.
   • Pick a one-time purchase or set up a recurring buy (Daily, Weekly, Biweekly, or Monthly).
7. Set a Start Date (For Recurring Purchases) – Choose when your automated ETH investments should begin.
8. Review & Confirm – Tap “Next” to verify the details.
9. Select a Payment Method – Pay using PayPal balance, bank account, or debit card.
10. Finalize Your Purchase – Tap “Authorize and Schedule” to complete the transaction.

How to Buy Ethereum with a Credit or Debit Card

Want to buy Ethereum (ETH) using your credit or debit card? It’s quick and convenient! Just follow these simple steps.

1. Choose a Crypto Exchange or Broker – Many platforms support card purchases, including Best Wallet, Margex, and MEXC. Make sure to choose a platform that supports your country and offers low fees for card transactions.
2. Create and Verify Your Account – Sign up using your email and set a secure password. Complete KYC verification by submitting an ID and proof of address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement).
3. Navigate to the “Buy Crypto” Section – Find the option labeled “Buy Crypto” or “Buy Ethereum.” Select Ethereum (ETH) as your chosen cryptocurrency.
4. Select “Credit/Debit Card” as Your Payment Method – Enter your Visa or Mastercard details and specify how much ETH you want to purchase.
5. Confirm and Complete Your Purchase – Review the details (exchange rate, transaction fees, total cost), then click “Confirm” to proceed. Your bank may request two-factor authentication (2FA) via OTP or an authenticator app.
6. Receive Ethereum in Your Wallet – Your ETH will be credited to your exchange wallet instantly. For extra security, transfer it to a private wallet; if you need recommendations, check out our guide here.

How Much Does it Cost to Buy Ethereum?

Ethereum’s market price is determined by demand and supply. Its price changes every second based on buying and selling pressure. This works the same as other cryptocurrencies – and financial markets in general. Today, Ethereum trades at just under $3,000 per coin.

This makes Ethereum more affordable than Bitcoin, which trades at over $88,954.19. However, casual investors will be pleased to know that Ethereum can be fractionalized into smaller units – known as ‘wei’. There are 1 quintillion wei for every 1 ETH. In theory, this means investors can purchase any amount they like – starting from micro-cents. On top of that, there are ways to earn free Ethereum if you are patient and willing to learn a few tricks.

Conclusion

We’ve explained how to invest in Ethereum, covering various methods for beginners in 2025. Some investors prefer crypto exchanges, especially when using fiat money. This is because top Ethereum exchanges offer low fees and commissions.

Another option is to buy Ethereum via a crypto wallet. Most wallets come with a fiat on-ramp, meaning users can purchase ETH with a debit/credit card or e-wallet. The ETH coins are then added to the wallet directly, preventing the need to use a crypto exchange.

Visit Best Wallet

See Also: How to Buy Arbitrum (ARB): Steps & Exchanges

FAQs

References

1. The Ethereum Merge Ups the Stakes—and Reshapes the Crypto Universe (Bloomberg)
2. Ethereum Price Data (CoinMarketCap)
3. US SEC expected to deny spot ether ETFs next month, industry sources say (Reuters)
4. Consensys Sues to Block SEC From Deeming Ether a Security (The Wall Street Journal)