Best Share Trading Platforms in Germany

Disclaimer: General information only. All kinds of investment (particularly trading CFDs, commodities, and FX) involve significant risk, including the possibility of losing more than the amount invested, as well as market volatility and liquidity hazards. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Most investors will find such operations unsuitable.

Germany’s investment landscape has evolved dramatically, with a surge of digital brokers offering streamlined access to global markets. Whether you’re a first-time investor dipping your toes into ETFs or an experienced trader hunting for advanced charting tools, choosing the right share trading platform can make or break your portfolio returns. Fees, asset selection, and user experience vary wildly, and navigating the options can feel overwhelming.

In this guide, we break down the seven best share trading platforms in Germany for January 2026, each tailored to distinct investor needs. From ultra-low-cost mobile-first apps to platforms packed with professional-grade analytics, we’ll walk through what sets each broker apart, their fee structures, and who they’re designed for. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which platform aligns with your trading style, budget, and goals.

1) Avatrade: Top all rounder global trading platform

AvaTrade, established in 2006 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, has cemented its reputation as a reliable and well-regulated forex and CFD broker. With a presence in over 100 countries, the platform offers access to over 1,450 tradable assets, including forex, commodities, stocks, indices, and cryptocurrencies. AvaTrade’s commitment to regulatory compliance is underscored by its licenses from leading financial authorities such as ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and the Central Bank of Ireland. The broker is particularly known for its wide range of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), its proprietary web-based platform, and social trading tools like AvaSocial and DupliTrade. AvaTrade is an ideal choice for traders seeking diverse trading options, robust educational resources, and a range of risk management tools such as AvaProtect, which offers insurance on trades for a flat fee.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Regulatory Oversight: AvaTrade is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including Tier-1 regulators such as ASIC, CySEC, and the Central Bank of Ireland, ensuring a high level of safety and trust.

• Diverse Asset Offering: With over 1,450 tradable instruments, including forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and more, AvaTrade offers an extensive range of products for traders.

• Competitive Spreads & Fees: AvaTrade charges no commissions and offers competitive spreads, particularly on popular instruments like EUR/USD and crude oil.

• Robust Educational Resources: AvaTrade stands out for its comprehensive educational offerings, including a dedicated Trading Academy, webinars, eBooks, and daily market analysis, making it an excellent choice for beginners and advanced traders alike.

• Powerful Trading Platforms: The broker offers a variety of platforms, including MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, and more, catering to different trading styles from automated to social trading.

• Risk Management Tools: The AvaProtect feature allows users to insure a trade for a flat fee, adding an extra layer of risk management and making it unique among its competitors.

Cons:

• Limited Payment Options: In some regions, especially for EU and Australian users, AvaTrade’s payment methods are somewhat restricted compared to other brokers.

• High Cryptocurrency Spreads: While the broker offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, spreads on assets like BTC/USD are higher than the industry average, which may deter some crypto-focused traders.

• Inactivity Fee: AvaTrade charges a $10 inactivity fee after two months of dormancy, which is a relatively short period compared to some other brokers.

• Limited Flexibility for Casual Traders: The broker offers a single account type, which may not appeal to traders seeking more customization or specialized accounts, particularly those with unique risk profiles or trading strategies.

AvaTrade offers a well-rounded, reliable trading experience for a wide variety of traders. With its strong regulatory framework, diverse asset offerings, and educational resources, the platform caters well to both beginners and experienced traders. While there are some limitations, such as high crypto spreads and a limited range of payment methods in certain regions, AvaTrade remains a top choice for those seeking a secure and feature-rich trading environment.

2) Trade Republic: Best for Low-Cost Trading

Trade Republic has become Germany’s darling for budget-conscious investors, thanks to its razor-thin fees and mobile-first design. If you’re tired of watching commissions eat into every trade, Trade Republic offers a refreshing alternative that puts more of your money to work.

Key Features and Pricing

Trade Republic’s headline feature is its €1 flat fee per trade, yes, just one euro for stocks and ETFs. That’s complemented by commission-free savings plans, which let you build positions in stocks and ETFs over time without transaction costs stacking up.

The platform runs entirely on a sleek, intuitive mobile app (iOS and Android). While some investors prefer desktop terminals, Trade Republic’s mobile-only approach streamlines the experience, making it perfect for on-the-go trading. Onboarding is quick, often completed in under 10 minutes, and deposits land fast thanks to instant bank transfers.

You’ll get access to:

• Stocks and ETFs listed on major exchanges
• Cryptocurrencies (a growing selection, though still limited compared to dedicated crypto platforms)
• Derivatives for more advanced positioning

There’s no account maintenance fee, no custody charge, and no inactivity penalty. Trade Republic earns its keep through payment-for-order-flow arrangements and interest on uninvested cash, transparent enough, and it keeps costs rock-bottom for users.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extremely low fees: €1 per trade is tough to beat, especially for frequent traders or small accounts where percentage-based fees would sting.
• Simple, elegant interface: The app won’t overwhelm beginners. Everything’s laid out logically, with quick search and one-tap trading.
• Fast deposits and onboarding: You can go from signup to first trade in the same coffee break.
• Commission-free savings plans: Automate your investing without worrying about fees compounding.

Cons:

• No demo account: You’re trading with real money from day one, great for learning by doing, but nerve-wracking for total beginners.
• Limited research tools: Don’t expect in-depth charting, screeners, or analyst reports. Trade Republic keeps it lean.
• Mobile-only: If you prefer multi-monitor setups or desktop charting software, you’ll feel constrained.
• Not ideal for advanced traders: Options, futures, and complex order types aren’t Trade Republic’s forte.

Trade Republic shines for cost-focused investors who want simplicity and mobile convenience. If you’re accumulating ETFs monthly or making occasional stock buys without needing heavy analytics, it’s hard to find a better deal in Germany.

3) eToro: Best for Social Trading

eToro flips the script on traditional trading by blending investing with social networking. If you’ve ever wished you could peek over the shoulder of successful traders, or even copy their moves automatically, eToro makes that possible.

Copy Trading Features

eToro’s signature feature is CopyTrader, which lets you automatically replicate the portfolios of top-performing investors on the platform. Here’s how it works:

1. Browse a feed of traders, sorted by performance, risk score, assets under management, and other metrics.
2. Review detailed stats: historical returns, win rate, average holding period, asset allocation.
3. Allocate a portion of your capital to “copy” a trader. From that point, every trade they make is mirrored in your account proportionally.

It’s like having a professional manage your money, except you choose who and you can stop anytime. CopyTrader is especially popular among beginners who lack the time or confidence to pick stocks themselves, and among busy investors who want diversification without constant monitoring.

eToro also offers a social feed where users share insights, charts, and ideas, think Twitter meets trading platform. You can follow traders, comment on posts, and tap into collective wisdom (or, occasionally, collective hype, caveat emptor).

Supported Assets and Markets

eToro supports a broad mix of assets:

• Stocks: Thousands of equities from US, European, and Asian markets, many available as fractional shares.
• ETFs: Diversified funds covering sectors, regions, and themes.
• Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and dozens of altcoins, both as outright holdings and as CFDs.
• CFDs (Contracts for Difference): Trade forex, indices, commodities, and more with leverage. (Note: CFDs carry significant risk and aren’t suitable for everyone.)

One quirk: eToro doesn’t charge explicit commissions on stock and ETF trades, but it does apply spreads (the difference between buy and sell prices). Crypto trades also incur spreads, which can be wider than on dedicated crypto exchanges. Withdrawal fees (currently $5) and currency conversion fees (for non-USD accounts) add up if you’re not careful.

eToro is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including Germany (via BaFin oversight), which adds a layer of trust. The platform’s mobile and web apps are polished and user-friendly, though advanced traders might find order types and charting limited compared to TWS or even Trade Republic.

If you’re drawn to community-driven investing, want to learn by observing others, or simply prefer a more social, interactive trading experience, eToro is unmatched.

4) Degiro: Best for European Market Access

Degiro carved out its niche by offering low-cost access to a vast array of European (and global) exchanges. If you’re looking to trade across borders, buying Dutch stocks one day, Italian bonds the next, Degiro’s exchange coverage is tough to beat.

Available Exchanges and Products

Degiro connects you to 50+ stock exchanges across Europe, North America, and Asia, including:

• Germany: Xetra, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and more
• Netherlands, France, UK, Italy, Spain: Major and regional exchanges
• US: NYSE, NASDAQ
• Asia-Pacific: Select exchanges in Hong Kong, Japan, Australia

Product range is equally impressive:

• Stocks: Thousands of European and international equities
• ETFs: Core Selection ETFs (free to trade once per month), plus a broad catalog of standard ETFs
• Bonds: Corporate and government debt
• Options and futures: For traders seeking derivatives exposure
• Investment funds: Mutual funds from various providers

This breadth makes Degiro a favorite among investors who want to diversify geographically or hunt for opportunities in less-traveled markets.

Cost Comparison

Degiro’s fee structure is tiered and transparent, though it requires a bit of assignments:

• Stock trades: Typically €2–€4 per order on European exchanges, depending on the market. US trades are slightly higher.
• ETFs: Many Core Selection ETFs trade free once per calendar month: additional trades incur standard fees.
• Options and futures: Per-contract fees, competitive for active traders.

One catch: Degiro charges annual connectivity fees for each exchange you trade on (usually €2.50 per exchange per year). If you’re active across multiple markets, these can add up. There’s also a small handling fee (around €1 per transaction) and currency conversion costs for trades in foreign currencies.

Even though these extras, Degiro remains cost-competitive, especially for cross-border trading. Compare that to traditional brokers, where international trades can carry hefty markups, and Degiro’s value becomes clear.

The platform itself is functional, web-based and mobile apps are straightforward, if a bit dated in design. Research tools are basic: you won’t find the hand-holding or educational content of eToro or Scalable Capital.

Degiro suits DIY investors who know what they want to buy and prioritize exchange access and low fees over bells and whistles. If you’re building a pan-European portfolio or trading international stocks regularly, Degiro is a strong contender.

5) Scalable Capital: Best for ETF Investors

Scalable Capital straddles two worlds: it’s both a traditional brokerage and a robo-advisor, making it uniquely versatile for ETF-focused portfolios. Whether you want to hand-pick individual funds or let an algorithm manage your allocations, Scalable Capital delivers.

Investment Plans and Fees

Scalable Capital offers three subscription tiers, each with different perks:

1. Free Broker: No monthly fee. Trading costs €0.99 per order, which is still very competitive. Access to a wide range of ETFs and stocks.
2. Prime Broker (€2.99/month): Unlimited free trades for stocks and ETFs on the gettex exchange. Savings plans remain free.
3. Prime+ Broker (€4.99/month): Everything in Prime Broker, plus access to Scalable Capital’s robo-advisor (automated portfolio management) and premium research tools.

A standout feature is the 1,900+ free ETF savings plans, these let you invest regularly (monthly, for example) without incurring per-transaction fees. For long-term wealth building, that’s a game-changer. Even small contributions compound without friction.

Scalable Capital also supports:

• Stocks from German and international exchanges
• Bonds and funds
• Crypto ETPs (exchange-traded products)

The robo-advisor component uses modern portfolio theory to allocate your money across diversified ETFs, rebalancing automatically. You pick a risk level, and Scalable Capital does the rest, ideal if you’d rather not wrestle with asset allocation yourself.

Who Should Choose Scalable Capital

Scalable Capital is tailor-made for ETF enthusiasts and passive investors who value:

• Automation: Set up recurring savings plans and let your portfolio grow on autopilot.
• Cost efficiency: The free or low-cost trading tiers mean more of your money compounds.
• Flexibility: You can blend manual ETF picks with robo-managed portfolios, switching strategies as your needs evolve.

It’s also a solid fit for beginners who want structured guidance (via the robo-advisor) but aren’t ready to pay hefty fees to a traditional financial advisor. The platform’s clean design and educational resources lower the barrier to entry.

If you’re hunting for a one-stop shop that balances DIY control with algorithmic assistance, especially for ETF investing, Scalable Capital is hard to top in Germany.

6) Interactive Brokers: Best for Advanced Traders

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is the heavy hitter for serious, active traders. With a reputation built over decades, IBKR offers unmatched asset variety, global market access, and professional-grade tools that cater to sophisticated strategies.

Trading Tools and Platform Features

Interactive Brokers doesn’t hold back on technology:

• Trader Workstation (TWS): The flagship desktop platform, packed with advanced charting, customizable layouts, algorithmic order types, and real-time analytics. It’s complex, there’s a learning curve, but once mastered, it’s extraordinarily powerful.
• IBKR Mobile: A surprisingly robust mobile app that brings much of TWS’s functionality to your phone. You can trade options, futures, and forex on the go.
• GlobalTrader: A simplified web-based interface for investors who find TWS overwhelming but still want more than a bare-bones app.

IBKR’s asset coverage is staggering:

• Stocks and ETFs from 150+ markets worldwide
• Options and futures
• Forex (with deep liquidity and tight spreads)
• Bonds (corporate, government, municipal)
• Commodities and precious metals
• Cryptocurrencies (limited, but growing)

You also get access to advanced order types (bracket orders, trailing stops, conditional triggers), portfolio margin for leverage-savvy traders, and fractional shares to optimize capital allocation.

Research tools include integrated market scanners, analyst reports, and third-party data feeds. If you’re running quantitative strategies, IBKR’s API lets you connect custom algorithms or trading bots.

Fee Structure Overview

Interactive Brokers uses a tiered, per-share or per-contract pricing model. For stocks, you might pay as little as €0.05 per share (minimum €1.25 per order in Europe). Options and futures have their own schedules, but costs remain competitive, especially for high-volume traders who benefit from volume-based discounts.

There’s no account inactivity fee if you maintain at least €2,000 in equity or generate €10 in commissions per month. Market data subscriptions are available à la carte (many are free for active traders, but specialized feeds cost extra).

Interactive Brokers isn’t the cheapest for casual, buy-and-hold investors making one or two trades a month. But for active traders executing dozens of orders, complex multi-leg options trades, or international positions, IBKR’s low per-unit costs and transparent fee structure often beat competitors handily.

If you’re an experienced trader craving market breadth, cutting-edge tools, and the flexibility to trade almost anything, anywhere, Interactive Brokers is the gold standard.

Conclusion

Germany’s share trading landscape offers something for everyone, whether you’re a cost-conscious beginner, a passive ETF accumulator, or a seasoned trader chasing global opportunities. Trade Republic delivers unbeatable simplicity and low fees for mobile-first investors. Scalable Capital blends automation with DIY flexibility, making ETF investing effortless. Interactive Brokers remains the heavyweight champion for advanced traders who demand breadth and power. Finanzen.net Zero strips away commission friction entirely, while eToro transforms investing into a social, collaborative experience. Degiro opens doors to European markets at rock-bottom costs, and Smartbroker+ serves traditional German investors with comprehensive access and transparent pricing.

The best platform for you depends on your trading style, asset preferences, and how much you value features like research tools, mobile convenience, or international reach. Take stock of your priorities, fees, asset range, ease of use, and match them to the platform that aligns best. Whichever you choose, Germany’s competitive brokerage market ensures you’re getting a solid deal by global standards.

Ready to start trading? Open an account, fund it, and put your capital to work. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’re building wealth in one of Europe’s most dynamic markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best share trading platform in Germany for beginners?

Trade Republic is ideal for beginners due to its simple mobile-first design, €1 flat fee per trade, and fast onboarding process. The intuitive interface and commission-free savings plans make it easy to start investing without overwhelming complexity or high costs.

Which trading platform in Germany offers the lowest fees?

Finanzen.net Zero and Trade Republic offer the lowest fees. Finanzen.net Zero charges no commissions on stocks, ETFs, and derivatives, while Trade Republic charges just €1 per trade. Both eliminate account maintenance and custody fees entirely.

Can I trade international stocks with German trading platforms?

Yes, platforms like Interactive Brokers and Degiro excel at international trading. Interactive Brokers provides access to 150+ global markets, while Degiro connects to 50+ exchanges across Europe, North America, and Asia with competitive cross-border fees.

Are German trading platforms regulated and safe?

Yes, all major German trading platforms are regulated by BaFin (German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) or equivalent EU regulators. They comply with strict investor protection rules, including deposit insurance schemes and segregated client account requirements for security.

How does copy trading work on platforms like eToro?

eToro’s CopyTrader feature lets you automatically replicate successful investors’ portfolios. You allocate capital to copy a trader, and their trades are mirrored proportionally in your account. You can review performance stats and stop copying anytime.

What’s the difference between a broker and a robo-advisor in Germany?

A broker lets you manually select and trade stocks, ETFs, and other assets. A robo-advisor like Scalable Capital’s automated service uses algorithms to build and rebalance diversified portfolios based on your risk preferences, requiring minimal effort.

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[Online]. Available at: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/06/german-startup-scalable-capital-receives-e155-million-to-continue-to-expand-its-digital-investment-platform/ (Accessed: 13 December 2025).

S. Müller, (2025). Scalable Capital receives full banking license [Online]. Munich Startup. Available at: https://www.munich-startup.de/en/112545/scalable-capital-receives-full-banking-license/ (Accessed: 13 December 2025).

[Online]. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_Republic (Accessed: 13 December 2025).