How to buy Ethereum
The same careful steps as buying Bitcoin, plus the network choices that trip people up.
Buy ETH through a reputable, regulated exchange or app you reach directly, secure your account with app-based two-factor authentication, and if you move it to your own wallet, choose the network carefully: ETH on Ethereum and ETH on a layer 2 like Base or Arbitrum are on different networks.
Step by step
- Pick a regulated exchange or app and go there directly, not through ads or messages.
- Secure the account with a strong password and app-based two-factor authentication.
- Fund it by bank transfer for lower fees.
- Buy ETH, using the advanced order screen to avoid wide spreads. You can buy a fraction of one ETH.
- Withdraw to your own wallet (optional). Choose a network that both the exchange and your wallet support, and send a small test first.
Choosing a withdrawal network
| Network | Fees | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Ethereum (main network) | Highest, especially when busy | Large long-term holdings, a hardware wallet, or apps only on Ethereum |
| Layer 2 (Base, Arbitrum, Optimism…) | Usually cents | Smaller amounts, or using apps on that layer 2 |
Your Ethereum address is the same on these networks, but the balances are separate. See layer 2 networks and wrong-network mistakes.
Small purchases and fees
On a busy day, a main-network Ethereum withdrawal fee can be a big share of a small purchase. Check the fee before withdrawing, or use the network fee calculator to see what it costs in dollars.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy less than one ETH?
Yes. ETH divides into 10^18 tiny units called wei, and exchanges let you buy a few dollars' worth.
Is ETH the same as Ethereum?
ETH is the coin; Ethereum is the network it runs on. People use the names interchangeably.
Do I need ETH to use Ethereum apps?
Yes, you need ETH to pay gas fees on Ethereum and most of its layer 2 networks.
Where to next
Sources
Written for beginners and checked against the sources listed. Last reviewed October 26, 2026. This page is educational and is not financial, tax or legal advice. How we write and check pages.