The effects of metal exchange between zeolites and alkali metals (Li, Na, K; zeolite Y, ZSM-5, T), alkaline earths (Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba; ZSM-5), transition metals (La, Ce, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Pd, Cu, Zn; ZSM-5) and aluminium (ZSM-5) on the conversion of ethanol were studied, Activities of the catalysts and selectivities for ethene, C3 + olefins, paraffins and arenes strongly depended on the cation, chosen for the modification. Only ethene was formed by alkali exchanged zeolites, the most active being Li-Y. This could be confirmed by a long-term ageing test with Li-Y pellets under semi-industrial conditions. The exchange of ZSM-5 with alkaline earths or transition metals permitted the formation of a wide variety of products, ranging from high ethene to high aromatic yields. A correlation between certain product selectivities and electronegativity was only possible in a rough approximation.