eToro vs IC Markets 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

eToro and IC Markets are both well-regulated brokers, ensuring a high level of safety for their clients. eToro is regulated by multiple high-profile authorities including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This broad regulatory oversight provides a reassuring level of protection for traders across different regions, with client funds segregated in top-tier banks.

IC Markets, on the other hand, is regulated by ASIC and CySEC, offering a robust level of security for its clients, although it lacks the extensive regulatory framework that eToro boasts. Both brokers utilise segregated accounts to protect clients' funds, but eToro's wider regulatory coverage makes it slightly more appealing for those concerned with global compliance and protection schemes.

Fees & Spreads

When examining fees, eToro and IC Markets present different structures. eToro charges no commissions on trades, but its spreads start from 1 pip, which is relatively wide compared to some other brokers. Additionally, eToro imposes a $5 withdrawal fee and an inactivity fee after 12 months of non-use, which could add up for traders who aren't actively managing their accounts.

IC Markets is known for its ultra-low spreads starting from 0 pips, especially attractive for forex traders. The broker charges a commission of $3.5 per lot, which can make it more cost-effective for high-frequency traders. With a higher minimum deposit of $200 and no withdrawal fees, IC Markets may be more suited to traders with a larger initial capital willing to benefit from its low-cost trading environment.

Trading Platforms

eToro offers proprietary web and mobile platforms, which are especially user-friendly and come with advanced social trading features, making them ideal for beginners who value community engagement and straightforward interfaces. Conversely, IC Markets provides access to industry-standard platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and TradingView, catering to traders who prefer advanced charting tools and customisable features often required for algorithmic trading.

Who Should Choose eToro?

• Traders interested in social and copy trading.
• Investors looking to trade real stocks without CFDs.
• Beginners seeking a highly intuitive and user-friendly platform.
• Crypto enthusiasts who want a built-in wallet.

Who Should Choose IC Markets?

• Forex traders looking for ultra-low spreads.
• Algorithmic traders who need advanced platform compatibility (MT4/MT5).
• High-frequency traders requiring fast execution speeds.
• Traders with larger initial capital ready to meet the $200 minimum deposit.

Our Verdict

For beginners, eToro stands out due to its user-friendly platform and social trading features. Professional traders might prefer IC Markets for its lower spreads and advanced platform options. When it comes to fees, IC Markets is more favourable for active traders due to its low spreads and competitive commissions.