How to Buy NFTs on Ethereum and Solana: A Complete 2025 Guide

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The world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) continues to evolve, offering digital ownership, creative expression, and investment opportunities across major blockchains like Ethereum and Solana. Whether you're a beginner or expanding your crypto portfolio, understanding how to safely buy NFTs is essential. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step—from purchasing cryptocurrency and setting up a digital wallet to choosing the best NFT marketplaces and securing your assets.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to buy NFTs on Ethereum using MetaMask and on Solana with Phantom, while exploring top platforms like OpenSea, LooksRare, Magic Eden, and more.

👉 Discover the easiest way to start your NFT journey today.

Step 1: Buy Cryptocurrency Before Entering the NFT Space

Before purchasing any NFT, you need cryptocurrency. Most NFTs are bought using native blockchain tokens—ETH (Ethereum) or SOL (Solana). While some platforms allow credit card payments for convenience, these often come with high fees and limited flexibility.

We recommend buying ETH or SOL through a trusted cryptocurrency exchange. This gives you full control over your funds and ensures smoother integration with NFT marketplaces.

How to Buy ETH on a Trusted Exchange

To buy Ethereum (ETH), start by creating an account on a reputable exchange. For this example, we’ll outline the general process applicable across secure platforms.

  1. Sign up and complete identity verification (KYC).
  2. Deposit fiat currency (e.g., EUR or USD) via bank transfer or card.
  3. Navigate to the trading section and select the ETH/EUR or ETH/USD pair.
  4. Choose the amount of ETH you want to purchase at market price.
  5. Confirm the transaction.

Once completed, your ETH will appear in your exchange wallet. From there, you can transfer it to a self-custody wallet like MetaMask for added security and direct access to NFT marketplaces.

Step 2: Set Up Your Crypto Wallet

To interact with NFT platforms, you must use a personal crypto wallet. These wallets give you control over your private keys and enable seamless transactions on decentralized networks.

Create a MetaMask Wallet for Ethereum

MetaMask is the most widely used wallet for Ethereum-based NFTs. Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Visit the official MetaMask website and download the browser extension (Chrome or Firefox).
  2. Click “Create a Wallet” and follow the prompts.
  3. Securely back up your 12-word recovery phrase—never share it.
  4. Once created, your wallet address will be displayed at the top of the interface.

Now that you have MetaMask installed, you can receive ETH from your exchange.

Transfer ETH from Exchange to MetaMask

  1. Copy your MetaMask Ethereum address.
  2. On your exchange, go to the withdrawal section.
  3. Select Ethereum (ERC-20) as the network.
  4. Paste your MetaMask address and enter the amount to send.
  5. Confirm the transaction—gas fees will be deducted in ETH.

After a few minutes, your ETH should appear in MetaMask. You're now ready to explore Ethereum NFT marketplaces.

👉 Start exploring NFTs with a secure wallet setup.

Step 3: Choose the Best Ethereum NFT Marketplace

With ETH in hand, it's time to dive into the world of NFTs. Here’s a breakdown of top Ethereum-based platforms:

LooksRare – Reward-Focused NFT Trading

Launched in 2022, LooksRare gained popularity by redistributing 100% of trading fees to users through rewards and staking incentives. Key features include:

LooksRare appeals to active traders who want passive income from their marketplace usage.

OpenSea – The Original NFT Marketplace

Founded in 2017, OpenSea remains the largest and most user-friendly NFT platform. It supports multiple blockchains including Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana.

Pros:

Cons:

Despite higher fees, OpenSea’s dominance makes it a go-to for discovering new projects.

Rarible – Artist-Centric Platform

Rarible focuses on digital art and creator empowerment. Artists can set royalties up to 50%, making it attractive for photographers, illustrators, and 1/1 NFT creators.

Key points:

Rarible is ideal for collectors interested in unique digital artworks.

Gem.xyz – The NFT Aggregator

Instead of choosing one marketplace, use Gem.xyz, an NFT aggregator that scans multiple platforms (including LooksRare and OpenSea) to find the best prices.

Benefits:

Gem streamlines shopping across ecosystems without sacrificing control.

Step 4: Explore Solana’s Growing NFT Ecosystem

While Ethereum dominates the NFT space, Solana offers faster transactions and lower costs—ideal for frequent traders and new collectors.

Buy SOL on a Reputable Exchange

Similar to ETH, purchase SOL using EUR or USD on a trusted exchange:

  1. Deposit fiat currency.
  2. Search for SOL/USD or SOL/EUR.
  3. Buy your desired amount.
  4. Withdraw SOL to your Phantom wallet.

Ensure you select the correct network (Solana) during withdrawal to avoid fund loss.

Step 5: Set Up Phantom Wallet for Solana

Phantom is the leading wallet for Solana-based assets.

Steps:

  1. Download Phantom from the official site.
  2. Install the browser extension.
  3. Click “Create New Wallet” and save your seed phrase securely.
  4. Your public address will display at the top of the app.

Transfer your SOL from the exchange using this address.

Step 6: Buy NFTs on Solana Marketplaces

Magic Eden – The Solana NFT Leader

Magic Eden controls nearly 99% of Solana’s daily NFT trading volume. Features include:

It’s the default choice for most Solana NFT buyers and sellers.

OpenSea – Now Supports Solana

OpenSea expanded to Solana in 2022, allowing users to trade SOL-based NFTs directly on its platform.

However:

Many still prefer Magic Eden for its speed and ecosystem integration.

Other Notable NFT Platforms

Binance NFT Marketplace

Operated by Binance, this platform supports both BNB Chain and Ethereum.

Highlights:

Ideal for users already within the Binance ecosystem.

Inspire – Elrond’s Official Web3 Hub

Though smaller in scale, Inspire.art serves the Elrond (MultiversX) community with:

A niche option with strong regional appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the safest ways to store NFTs after purchase?
A: Always keep your NFTs in a self-custody wallet like MetaMask or Phantom. Avoid leaving them on exchanges long-term due to security risks.

Q: Are there hidden costs when buying NFTs?
A: Yes—gas fees apply on Ethereum (variable), while Solana has minimal fees. Always check network costs before confirming transactions.

Q: Can I buy NFTs with a credit card directly?
A: Some platforms like MoonPay allow direct card purchases, but they charge premium fees. Buying crypto first is usually cheaper and more flexible.

Q: Is it safe to connect my wallet to an NFT marketplace?
A: Yes—if you visit legitimate websites only. Never click suspicious links or approve unknown smart contracts.

Q: Which blockchain is better for beginners: Ethereum or Solana?
A: Solana is more beginner-friendly due to low fees and fast transactions. However, Ethereum offers greater variety and liquidity.

Q: Do I need both ETH and SOL to explore different NFT ecosystems?
A: Not necessarily—but having both allows access to broader opportunities across leading networks.

👉 Access powerful tools to manage your NFT portfolio securely.

Final Thoughts

Buying NFTs on Ethereum and Solana opens doors to vibrant digital economies filled with art, collectibles, utility tokens, and investment potential. By following this guide—buying crypto, setting up secure wallets, choosing reliable marketplaces—you can confidently navigate the space in 2025 and beyond.

Whether you're drawn to OpenSea’s vast inventory or Magic Eden’s efficiency, always prioritize security, research projects thoroughly, and stay updated on market trends.

Remember: The NFT landscape evolves quickly. Stay informed, stay cautious, and enjoy the journey into web3 ownership.

Core Keywords:
NFT, Ethereum, Solana, buy NFT, MetaMask, Phantom wallet, NFT marketplace, OpenSea