E*TRADE
Betterment
VS
Higher Rated
E*TRADE
Capital at risk · T&Cs apply
Choosing between E*TRADE and Betterment depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. E*TRADE is headquartered in Arlington, USA, while Betterment operates from New York, USA. E*TRADE has the longer track record, established in 1982, compared to Betterment which was founded in 2008. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
E*TRADE
Betterment
E*TRADE is the better choice overall, scoring 3.6/5 vs 3.2/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, E*TRADE offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowOverall Rating
E*TRADE
3.6 vs 3.2
Lowest Fees
Tied
0 vs 0 pips
Regulation
E*TRADE
2 vs 1 licences
Min. Deposit
Tied
$0 vs $0
E*TRADE
WinnerBetterment
E*TRADE
Betterment
E*TRADE holds licences from SEC, CFTC. Betterment is regulated by SEC.
Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Indices markets. E*TRADE additionally covers Commodities.
E*TRADE supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Betterment offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
E*TRADE requires no minimum deposit, while Betterment sets no minimum deposit. This makes E*TRADE accessible to traders with any budget.
BrokerRank scores E*TRADE at 3.60/5 and Betterment at 3.24/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. E*TRADE leads overall with a clear advantage.
E*TRADE scores higher overall on our independent rating system. E*TRADE holds a 3.6/5 rating vs Betterment's 3.2/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
E*TRADE offers spreads from 0 pips, while Betterment starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
E*TRADE requires a minimum deposit of $0. Betterment requires $0.
E*TRADE is regulated by SEC, CFTC, while Betterment holds licences from SEC.
E*TRADE supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Betterment supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.