eToro vs Markets.com 2026: Which Broker is Better?
In this comparison of eToro and Markets.com, we explore two distinct brokers catering to different trading needs. eToro, with a rating of 4.01/5, is renowned for its industry-leading social and copy trading features, making it an attractive choice for beginners and those interested in real stock ownership without CFDs. In contrast, Markets.com, rated 3.76/5, appeals to traders seeking a broader range of instruments and advanced platforms like MT4 and MT5, although it requires a higher minimum deposit. While both brokers are regulated by CySEC, ASIC, and the FCA, their offerings differ significantly in terms of leverage and trading platforms.
eToro
Markets.com
| eToro | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 4.0/5 ✓ | 3.8/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $50 | $100 ✓ |
| Spread from | 1 pips | 0.6 pips ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:300 ✓ |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, ASIC ✓ | CySEC, ASIC, FCA |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web |
eToro is the better choice overall, scoring 4.0/5 vs 3.8/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Markets.com offers lower spreads (0.6 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison beloweToro vs Markets.com: Key Differences
eToro
WinnerMarkets.com
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Fees Comparison
eToro
Markets.com
Lower feesBrokerRank Verdict
Regulation & Safety
eToro, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, is a well-regulated broker with oversight from several prestigious regulatory bodies, 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 US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This broad regulatory coverage ensures a high level of safety and trust, with client funds protected through various schemes such as the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) in Cyprus and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the UK.
Markets.com, established in 2008 with headquarters in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, and the FCA as well, providing a solid regulatory framework for its clients. Like eToro, Markets.com offers fund protection under the ICF and FSCS, ensuring a reliable trading environment. Both brokers are committed to securing client funds and maintaining transparency in their operations, making them trustworthy choices for traders globally.
Fees & Spreads
eToro operates with a spread from 1 pip, offering commission-free trading across its range of assets, which include stocks, cryptocurrencies, forex, indices, commodities, and CFDs. However, eToro charges a $5 withdrawal fee and imposes an inactivity fee after 12 months of dormancy. The minimum deposit required to start trading on eToro is $50, making it accessible for beginner traders. Despite its wider spreads compared to ECN brokers, eToro's fee structure is straightforward and appealing for those seeking a simplified trading experience.
Markets.com boasts a more competitive spread structure, starting from 0.6 pips, also offering commission-free trading. However, the minimum deposit is higher at $100. Markets.com does not charge withdrawal fees, but it does have an inactivity fee, similar to eToro. With a maximum leverage of 1:300, Markets.com allows for higher exposure compared to eToro's 1:30 leverage, appealing to those seeking more significant trading capacity.
Trading Platforms
eToro provides its proprietary web and mobile platforms, renowned for their industry-leading social and copy trading features, making them ideal for beginners and social traders. In contrast, Markets.com offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and its proprietary web platform. These platforms are robust and cater to both novice and advanced traders, offering comprehensive charting tools and a wide range of instruments.
Who Should Choose eToro?
- Beginners seeking a user-friendly interface
- Social traders interested in copy trading features
- Investors wanting real stock ownership
- Crypto traders needing an integrated wallet
Who Should Choose Markets.com?
- Traders requiring a diverse selection of instruments
- Advanced users who prefer MT4 or MT5 platforms
- Educational resource seekers
- High-leverage traders looking for 1:300 options
Our Verdict
For beginners, eToro stands out with its intuitive interface and social trading capabilities. Professional traders might prefer Markets.com for its advanced platforms and higher leverage options. In terms of fees, Markets.com offers more competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips, making it a more cost-effective choice for frequent traders.
Who Should Choose Which?
eToro
4.0/5
Choose eToro if you want…
- Higher overall rating (4.0/5)
- Lower minimum deposit ($50)
- More regulatory licences (4)
- More established (est. 2007)
Markets.com
3.8/5
Choose Markets.com if you want…
- Tighter spreads (from 0.6 pips)
- Higher leverage (up to 1:300)
- Free withdrawals
- More platforms (3 supported)
Also consider
We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.
Both eToro & Markets.com are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is eToro better than Markets.com?
eToro scores higher overall on our independent rating system. eToro holds a 4.0/5 rating vs Markets.com's 3.8/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, eToro or Markets.com?
eToro offers spreads from 1 pips, while Markets.com starts at 0.6 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for eToro vs Markets.com?
eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50. Markets.com requires $100.
4Which broker is safer, eToro or Markets.com?
eToro is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, SEC, while Markets.com holds licences from CySEC, ASIC, FCA.
5What trading platforms do eToro and Markets.com support?
eToro supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Markets.com supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web.
6Can I use both eToro and Markets.com?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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