Main pick

Binance
Best default for most ETH buyers
Start here if you want the broad benchmark route first. It is the clean answer when the real goal is buying ETH without turning it into a research hobby.
ETH

If you are trying to find the best exchange for Ethereum, the useful shortcut is usually simple: pick one clean mainstream route, one lower-cost major route, or one more trader-led route. Start with Binance, OKX, and Bybit, then move instead of reopening ten more tabs.
Quick answer
Most ETH buyers do not need a giant debate. They need one big default, one lower-cost major option, and one more active trader route.
Coin snapshot
Start here
Pick one default and one backup instead of reopening the full exchange search.
Main pick

Best default for most ETH buyers
Start here if you want the broad benchmark route first. It is the clean answer when the real goal is buying ETH without turning it into a research hobby.
Backup

Best if lower cost is pushing the choice
Use OKX when your ETH question is already leaning toward cost pressure and you still want a major venue instead of a fringe shortcut.
Need one more route?
See the easiest exchange routes
Best if your ETH decision is mostly about avoiding a messy first setup.
See lower-fee exchange picks
Best if you are already thinking about ETH from a cost-first angle.
Compare Binance vs OKX
Best when you already narrowed ETH down to two major routes.
For most people, Binance is the clean mainstream default. If the ETH decision is more about lower cost, start with OKX. If it is more about active trader workflow, Bybit is the sharper route.
Most beginners should start with the cleanest major route, not the most complicated comparison. Binance is the broad default. If you mainly want the least confusing path, compare it with the easiest-exchange picks before signing up.
If fees are already the real reason you are hesitating, yes, push that question to the front. Use the lower-fee route instead of pretending every major exchange feels the same on cost.