Find the right investment app is half the battle for new Bitcoin investors. Some of the apps that European bitcoin investors can use focus purely on bitcoin and long-term accumulation, while others add the asset to broader investing or banking products. 

This article reviews five of the most popular Bitcoin apps for European investors, based on usability, regulation, fees, and overall experience.

Key Takeaways

• European investors have access to several Bitcoin apps, ranging from Bitcoin-only apps to multi-asset investing platforms.
• Relai stands out as a Bitcoin-only app designed for long-term accumulation and self-custody.
• Other apps, such as Bitpanda, Bison, Revolut, and Trade Republic, may suit investors seeking financial products or broader asset exposure alongside bitcoin.

What Are the Best Bitcoin Apps in Europe?

Relai

Relai is a Bitcoin-only investment app made in Switzerland. It is built specifically for people who want to easily buy and hold bitcoin. The app removes many of the common obstacles found on traditional exchanges by focusing on automation, transparency, and supporting self-custody.

Why We Picked It

Relai focuses on bitcoin only. There are no altcoins and complex trading dashboards on the app. This means fewer distractions, particularly for investors who see bitcoin as a long-term savings option rather than a speculative asset. The app is also non-custodial, which means you retain control of your private keys.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Simple interface designed for long-term investing
• Bitcoin-only focus 
• Supports self-custody
• Automated bitcoin savings plans

Cons

• Not suitable for users looking to trade frequently

Key Features

Relai offers recurring bitcoin purchases, manual buys, and easy direct BTC purchases into hardware wallets. You can set up automated savings plans, making it easy to accumulate bitcoin over time.

Who It’s For

Relai is best suited for European investors who want a Bitcoin-only app focused on long-term accumulation, self-custody, and simplicity. It is particularly attractive for people who want to treat bitcoin as a savings asset rather than a trading asset.

Bitpanda

Bitpanda is a European investment platform that offers exposure to cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, and precious metals through a single app. It targets users who want diversified exposure.

Why We Picked It

Bitpanda offers one of the broadest asset selections available to European investors. While bitcoin is part of its offering, the platform’s strength lies in its ability to combine crypto with traditional investments in a single interface.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Wide range of assets beyond bitcoin
• User-friendly interface
• Recurring purchase options across multiple asset classes

Cons

• Custodial platform

Key Features

Users can get exposure to bitcoin alongside stocks, ETFs, and metals. The app also supports recurring purchases and offers educational resources for beginners. Bitpanda handles custody, which reduces user control over private keys.

Who It’s For

Bitpanda is suitable for investors who want to buy bitcoin and hold it alongside other assets and prefer an all-in-one investing platform rather than a Bitcoin-focused approach.

Bison

Bison is a crypto app developed by Börse Stuttgart Group, a notable German financial institution. It offers a regulated way to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. Bison emphasizes regulatory compliance and is offered primarily in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Why We Picked It

Bison stands out for its strong regulatory backing. Its connection to Börse Stuttgart adds credibility for users who prioritize institutional trust.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Backed by a European exchange
• Easy-to-use interface

Cons

• Limited geographic availability
• Custodial platform with no native self-custody option

Key Features

The app provides a straightforward buying experience without complex order types, making it accessible for beginners.

Who It’s For

Bison is a good fit for investors in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland who want a crypto app backed by a traditional financial institution.

Revolut

Revolut is primarily a digital banking app that includes cryptocurrency as an additional feature and not its core focus. The app offers banking services such as accounts, cards, and international transfers, with bitcoin access integrated as an extra financial service.

Why We Picked It

Revolut makes bitcoin easily accessible to users who already rely on the app for daily banking. It lowers the barrier to entry for people who want to access bitcoin without having to go through a separate crypto platform.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Seamless bitcoin access within an existing banking app
• No need to manage a separate crypto account

Cons

• Limited control over bitcoin custody
• Not designed for a long-term bitcoin strategy

Key Features

Users can buy, sell, and hold bitcoin directly within the Revolut app. Advanced crypto features are available on higher-tier plans, but bitcoin remains a secondary offering.

Who It’s For

Revolut is best for users who want casual bitcoin exposure within a broader banking app, rather than those looking for a dedicated bitcoin investing experience.

Trade Republic

Trade Republic is a European investment app focused on stocks, ETFs, and derivatives, with crypto access added more recently. The platform positions itself as a low-cost investing platform, allowing users to invest in multiple types of assets using a single account.

Why We Picked It

The app appeals to investors who already use Trade Republic for traditional assets and want to buy some bitcoin without opening another account.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Suitable for users already invested in traditional markets
• Modern, clean interface designed for simplicity

Cons

• Bitcoin is not the core offering
• Custodial structure
• Availability varies across EU countries

Key Features

Trade Republic offers users exposure to bitcoin alongside stocks and ETFs. The platform emphasizes simplicity and does not provide advanced crypto tools.

Who It’s For

Trade Republic suits investors who primarily focus on stocks and ETFs and want limited bitcoin exposure as part of their larger portfolio.

Which Bitcoin App Should You Choose?

Choosing the right Bitcoin app depends largely on what role bitcoin plays in your investment strategy. If you’re looking for a Bitcoin-only investing app built around long-term accumulation and self-custody, Relai is your best bet thanks to its clear focus, automation features, and simplicity. 

If you’re looking for exposure to metals, ETFs, or broader banking services alongside bitcoin, platforms like Bitpanda, Revolut, or Trade Republic will do the trick. The right choice ultimately depends on whether you want Bitcoin to be at the center of your strategy or just one part of a larger portfolio.