eToro vs Plus500 2026: Which Broker is Better?
When comparing eToro and Plus500, two prominent players in the online trading space, their key differences lie in their trading approach and target audience. eToro, with its industry-leading social and copy trading features, appeals primarily to beginners and traders interested in real stock ownership rather than just CFDs. In contrast, Plus500's appeal lies in its broader leverage options and lower spreads, making it more suitable for experienced CFD traders seeking a straightforward, commission-free platform. Both brokers offer user-friendly proprietary platforms and are regulated by top-tier authorities, ensuring a secure trading environment.
eToro
Plus500
80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Plus500 offers CFDs only — CFDs on forex, indices, stocks, commodities & crypto. You trade on price movements and do not own the underlying assets. Maximum leverage up to 1:30 for retail clients; additional fees may apply.
| eToro | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 4.0/5 ✓ | 4.0/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $50 | $100 ✓ |
| Spread from | 1 pips | 0.6 pips ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:30 |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, ASIC | FCA, CySEC, ASIC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
eToro (4.0/5) and Plus500 (4.0/5) are closely matched. Plus500 has lower spreads; the better pick depends on your priorities.
See full side-by-side comparison beloweToro vs Plus500: Key Differences
eToro
Plus500
Still deciding between eToro and Plus500?
Skip the back-and-forth — answer 4 quick questions and we'll match you to your best fit.
Fees Comparison
eToro
Plus500
Lower feesBrokerRank Verdict
Regulation & Safety
eToro and Plus500 are both regulated by several reputable financial authorities, ensuring a high level of trust and security for their users. eToro is regulated by 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 users with a robust level of protection, making it a safe choice for trading in multiple regions.
Plus500, on the other hand, is regulated by the FCA, CySEC, ASIC, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which offers an equally strong level of regulatory assurance. Both brokers ensure client funds are segregated from their own operating funds, providing an additional layer of security. However, Plus500 does not offer real asset ownership, unlike eToro, which provides real stock purchases alongside CFD trading.
Fees & Spreads
When it comes to fees and spreads, Plus500 offers more competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips, whereas eToro’s spreads begin at 1 pip. Both brokers charge no commissions on trades, which is advantageous for traders looking to minimise transaction costs. However, eToro charges a $5 withdrawal fee, which could be a consideration for those planning frequent withdrawals. On the other hand, Plus500 has no withdrawal fees but requires a higher minimum deposit of $100 compared to eToro's $50.
Both brokers impose inactivity fees, with Plus500 charging after three months of inactivity, compared to eToro's 12-month policy. Overnight fees are applicable on both platforms for positions held overnight, which is common in the industry. Traders should carefully assess these fees in relation to their trading habits to choose the more cost-effective option.
Trading Platforms
eToro and Plus500 both offer proprietary web and mobile trading platforms, designed with user-friendliness in mind. eToro is renowned for its industry-leading social and copy trading features, making it an excellent choice for traders interested in these functionalities. Plus500's platform, while lacking the advanced charting tools found in eToro, provides a straightforward interface that is particularly appealing to beginners. Neither broker supports third-party platforms like MT4 or MT5, which may be a drawback for users seeking advanced analytical tools.
Who Should Choose eToro?
- Traders interested in social and copy trading.
- Investors looking for real stock ownership alongside CFDs.
- Beginners seeking a user-friendly interface.
- Traders who want a crypto wallet included.
Who Should Choose Plus500?
- Traders focused on CFD trading across a wide range of instruments.
- Beginners who prefer a simple, intuitive platform.
- Traders who want lower spreads starting from 0.6 pips.
- Investors looking for no withdrawal fees.
Our Verdict
eToro is the better choice for beginners and those interested in social trading features. Plus500 is more suited for professional traders due to its lower spreads. On fees, Plus500 edges out with lower spreads and no withdrawal fees, making it a more cost-effective option overall.
Who Should Choose Which?
eToro
4.0/5
Choose eToro if you want…
- Lower minimum deposit ($50)
- More established (est. 2007)
Plus500
4.0/5
Choose Plus500 if you want…
- Tighter spreads (from 0.6 pips)
- Free withdrawals
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 & Plus500 are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is eToro better than Plus500?
eToro (4.0/5) and Plus500 (4.0/5) are closely matched on our independent rating scale. The better choice depends on your priorities — fees, regulation, platforms, or available markets. See the full comparison above.
2Which has lower fees, eToro or Plus500?
eToro offers spreads from 1 pips, while Plus500 starts at 0.6 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for eToro vs Plus500?
eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50. Plus500 requires $100.
4Which broker is safer, eToro or Plus500?
eToro is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, SEC, while Plus500 holds licences from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS.
5What trading platforms do eToro and Plus500 support?
eToro supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Plus500 supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both eToro and Plus500?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
Key Trading Terms
Related Guides
More Comparisons
BrokerRank Research
Only 26% of Brokers Are Truly Fee-Free
BrokerRank Research — Hidden costs across our broker database
58% of Brokers Hold a Single Licence
BrokerRank Research — Regulation quality analysis
71% of Retail Traders Lose Money
BrokerRank Research — Loss rates across 50 EU brokers
76% of Brokers Use Proprietary Platforms
BrokerRank Research — MT4 vs MT5 vs proprietary
Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.
Featured
Deriv
4.0Capital at risk · T&Cs apply