eToro vs Interactive Brokers Comparison
Compare trading conditions, commissions and platforms of Forex brokers eToro and Interactive Brokers. Find out which broker is best for you.
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - eToro or Interactive Brokers?
Key differences between the brokers
Below, we show only the differences in trading conditions covered in our reviews. These may include the minimum deposit, available markets, platforms and account types. Compare these details with your requirements.
eToro
- Minimum deposit · USD
- 200 USD
- Different platforms
- eToro
- Different markets
- Soft Commodities
- ETF
- Cryptocurrency
Interactive Brokers
- Minimum deposit · USD
- 1 USD
- Different platforms
- IBKR Mobile
- Trader WorkStation (TWS)
- IMPACT
- IBKR Desktop
- Client Portal
- GlobalTrader
- Different markets
- None listed
Comparison Table of eToro and Interactive Brokers
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 7 of 7 parametersShowing 7 of 7 parameters
| Broker | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Year | 2006 | 1977 |
| Regulated in Countries | Seychelles, United Kingdom, Cyprus, Australia, United States | United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 1 points | from 0.1 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:50 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Review |
eToro Review
eToro stands out from other brokers due to its unique combination of trading services and social features, making it particularly attractive to traders interested in innovative approaches to investing. Narrow spreads and the ability to buy securities in fractions simplify access to different assets, while the social network allows users to share strategies and copy trades of successful traders, which is a big plus for beginners and those looking for new investment ideas. The simple and intuitive interface makes the platform accessible even for those who are just starting their trading journey.
eToro is best suited for beginner traders who are looking to capitalize on the social aspects of trading and do not require complex individual trading account settings. The platform is also ideal for those looking for an active community to share ideas and strategies.
Pros and Cons of eToro
Pros
- A social network for traders.
- Good selection of trading instruments.
- Fractional shares purchasing.
- Narrow spreads.
Cons
- Only one trading account is available.
- eToro has its own trading platform, but there is no alternative to it.
- Poor customer support performance.
- Delays and hidden fees during fund withdrawal.
eToro is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Interactive Brokers Review
Interactive Brokers is one of the largest international brokers, offering extensive opportunities for trading and investing in global financial markets. The company combines high reliability, competitive trading conditions and advanced technological infrastructure. Thanks to its many years of experience, international regulation and continuous service development, Interactive Brokers holds a leading position among brokers for self-directed investing.
Interactive Brokers is primarily suited to experienced traders, active investors and professional market participants who value a wide range of instruments, low fees and advanced trading capabilities. The broker is also an excellent choice for long-term investors building diversified portfolios. For beginners, Interactive Brokers is suitable if they are willing to learn a fairly complex trading infrastructure.
Pros and Cons of Interactive Brokers
Pros
- High reliability and regulation by leading financial authorities.
- A wide range of financial instruments and access to more than 175 markets.
- Low trading commissions and favourable margin lending rates.
- Powerful trading platforms and professional analytical tools.
- A wide range of account types and high-quality educational materials.
Cons
- Complex interface and a steep learning curve for beginners.
- Inconsistent quality of technical support.
- Limited choice of deposit and withdrawal methods.
Interactive Brokers is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 4 of 4 parametersShowing 4 of 4 parameters
| Broker | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2006 | 1977 |
| Regulated in Countries | Seychelles, United Kingdom, Cyprus, Australia, United States | United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland |
| Regulators |
eToro
eToro is regulated in several countries.
Pros
- Regulated by CySEC, FCA, ASIC and SEC.
- Global presence and access to a variety of markets.
- Licences for different activities, including cryptocurrency services in the US.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is highly reliable thanks to strict international regulation, substantial capital and mechanisms protecting client assets.
Pros
- Regulation by SEC, FCA, ASIC and other reputable authorities.
- Strong financial stability and substantial capital.
- Segregation of assets and insurance protection for client accounts.
Cons
- Regulatory fines in 2020 and 2025.
Account Opening
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 2 of 2 parametersShowing 2 of 2 parameters
| Broker | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
eToro
Opening an eToro account is a straightforward process.
Pros
- Quick registration through Google.
- A clear verification process.
Cons
- A high minimum deposit in some countries.
- Verification may take up to three days.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers convenient online account opening with no minimum deposit. However, the detailed application form and strict verification make registration more complex and time-consuming than with many brokers.
Pros
- Fully online registration.
- No minimum deposit.
- Wide choice of account types and base currencies.
Cons
- A lengthy and detailed application form.
- Strict verification requirements.
- Possible delays in document verification.
Account Types
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 9 of 9 parametersShowing 9 of 9 parameters
| Broker | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 2.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
|
|
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 1 points | from 0.1 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:50 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Demo Account | Yes | Yes |
| Swap-free Account | Yes | No |
eToro
eToro offers a basic range of account types that can meet many traders’ needs, though it may not cover more specialised requirements.
Pros
- A demo account for practice.
- An Islamic account designed to comply with Sharia principles.
- Copy trading.
Cons
- No fixed-spread accounts.
- No cent accounts.
- No ECN or STP accounts for direct access to the interbank market.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of accounts for investors and traders of all experience levels. Flexible terms, various margin trading modes and specialised accounts can meet virtually any investment need.
Pros
- A wide range of accounts for individual and institutional clients.
- Flexible margin trading options.
- A demo account and no minimum deposit.
Cons
- A complex account type system for beginners.
- High capital requirements for Portfolio Margin.
Commissions
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 4 of 4 parametersShowing 4 of 4 parameters
| Broker | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Spread | from 1 points | from 0.1 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | — | — |
| Commission | No data | per 1 lot$2.00 |
eToro
eToro offers competitive trading conditions, but traders should also consider non-trading fees.
Pros
- Tight spreads.
Cons
- A monthly inactivity fee.
- Withdrawal fees apply.
- Less favourable conditions than some other brokers and cryptocurrency exchanges.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers some of the lowest commissions on the market. Competitive trading rates, favourable margin lending terms and minimal non-trading costs make the broker attractive to traders and investors.
Pros
- Low commissions on stocks, ETFs, Forex and derivatives.
- Favourable margin lending rates.
- No inactivity fee and two free withdrawals per month.
Cons
- Paid subscriptions for some market data.
- A complex fee structure and additional exchange fees.
Deposit and Withdrawal
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 2 of 2 parametersShowing 2 of 2 parameters
| Broker | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
|
|
eToro
eToro offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, with fees for some transactions and currency conversions.
Pros
- A wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods.
- No deposit fees for many payment methods.
Cons
- A USD 5 withdrawal fee.
- Additional currency conversion costs.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers reliable deposit and withdrawal methods with low fees. Support for bank transfers, Wise and stablecoins makes payments convenient, although the availability of these methods depends on the region.
Pros
- No deposit fees.
- Two free withdrawals per month.
- Support for Wise and stablecoins.
Cons
- No direct deposits by bank card or popular e-wallets.
- International bank transfers may take several days.
- The availability of payment methods depends on the country.
Markets and Products
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 9 of 9 parametersShowing 9 of 9 parameters
| Broker | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 47 | 85 |
| Precious Metals | 7 | 2 |
| Energy Carriers | 2 | 2 |
| Soft Commodities | 4 | - |
| Indices | 13 | 13 |
| Stocks | 2500 | 8500 |
| ETF | 250 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 112 | - |
eToro
eToro provides access to a wide range of financial instruments, including stocks, ETFs, forex, CFDs and cryptocurrencies, but some transactions lack full transparency.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers an exceptionally wide range of financial instruments with access to more than 175 markets. The variety of assets makes the broker a versatile solution for active trading and long-term investing.
Pros
- Access to more than 175 markets across 40 countries.
- A vast selection of stocks, ETFs, bonds and derivatives.
- Support for Forex, CFDs and cryptocurrencies.
Cons
- The availability of some instruments depends on the country.
Trading Platforms
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 2 of 2 parametersShowing 2 of 2 parameters
| Broker | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
eToro
eToro’s platforms offer a user-friendly interface and basic trading features, but their analytical tools have limitations.
Pros
- Available as a web platform and mobile app.
- Integrated account management and trading features.
- Copy trading.
Cons
- A limited selection of indicators.
- Possible price discrepancies.
- No alternative trading platforms.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of trading platforms with powerful analytical tools, varied order types and automation capabilities. The broker's solutions are suitable for both beginner investors and professional traders.
Pros
- A wide range of desktop, web and mobile platforms.
- Advanced analysis and risk management tools.
- Support for TradingView and algorithmic trading via API.
Cons
- Difficulty learning to use the professional platform TWS.
- Paid subscriptions for some market data.
Analytics
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 1 of 1 parametersShowing 1 of 1 parameters
| Broker | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 5/5 |
eToro
The broker offers accessible technical analysis tools and trading ideas.
Pros
- Interactive charts.
- Trading ideas.
Cons
- A low-quality news feed.
- Limited analyst recommendations.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers powerful analytical resources with professional research, fundamental and technical analysis, market screeners and portfolio assessment tools. The analytics are suitable for both investors and active traders.
Pros
- A wide range of free analytical tools.
- Professional research and market news.
- Advanced risk and portfolio analysis tools.
Cons
- Paid subscriptions for selected research and market data.
- Some tools are complex for beginners.
Education
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 1 of 1 parametersShowing 1 of 1 parameters
| Broker | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 5/5 |
eToro
eToro offers a broad range of educational materials, mostly in English.
Pros
- A wide range of educational materials.
- Daily market reviews.
- A detailed guide to the fintech industry.
Cons
- Most materials are available only in English.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers high-quality, diverse education for traders of all levels. Free courses, webinars, video tutorials and practical sessions cover a broad range of topics, from investment basics to complex trading strategies.
Pros
- A wide range of free courses, webinars and podcasts.
- Education for beginners and professionals.
- Practical training using a demo account.
Customer Support
Only matching known values are hidden. Rows with incomplete data stay visible.
Swipe the table left or right to view all data.
Showing 4 of 4 parametersShowing 4 of 4 parameters
| Broker | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Email Support | ||
| Hotline Phones | ||
| Social Media |
eToro
eToro offers several support channels. However, user reviews report slow responses and ineffective assistance.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers several contact channels and qualified assistance with trading matters. However, response times and the effectiveness of problem resolution are inconsistent, as reflected in mixed customer reviews.
Pros
- Support by phone, live chat and tickets.
- Nearly 24-hour service on business days.
- Staff expertise in trading matters.
Cons
- Long wait times for responses from support agents.
- Slow resolution of complex issues.
- The need for repeated follow-ups.
Comparisons of eToro and Interactive Brokers with other brokers
Conclusion
When choosing between eToro and Interactive Brokers, match their platforms, markets, account types and funding terms to your needs.
Before opening an account, verify fees, regulation, support and service availability for your country in the sections above.
FAQ
Which broker is better: eToro or Interactive Brokers?
eToro ranks higher than Interactive Brokers in our editorial ranking. That does not make it a universal choice: compare fees, markets, platforms, account types and support.
Which broker is better for beginners: eToro or Interactive Brokers?
Beginners should compare availability in their country, account types, minimum deposit, trading platforms and customer support.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — eToro or Interactive Brokers?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with eToro and Interactive Brokers?
eToro: eToro. Interactive Brokers: IBKR Mobile, Trader WorkStation (TWS), IMPACT, IBKR Desktop, Client Portal, GlobalTrader. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with eToro and Interactive Brokers?
eToro: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrency. Interactive Brokers: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by eToro and Interactive Brokers?
eToro: —. Interactive Brokers: Cash, Margin (Reg T), Portfolio Margin. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by eToro and Interactive Brokers?
eToro: PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Klarna, Rapid Transfer, Sofort, Swift, Visa, Mastercard, Trustly, POLi. Interactive Brokers: Bpay, Swift, Automated Clearing House (ACH), SEPA, Online banking. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — eToro or Interactive Brokers — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
