IG Group vs eToro 2025

2. Better Trading Platform: Tie

Verdict

It’s great when our trading platform provides a suite of useful features, but there are certain options that feel like must-haves, and if the basics aren’t there, gaps can quickly become obvious.

eToro’s lack of access to Metatrader can make their trading tools feel incomplete. IG offers access to both its proprietary trading platforms as well as MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime (good for charts and automation) and L2 Dealer (for DMA trading), giving traders more flexibility and options to tailor their trading experience to their specific needs and workflow.

eToro lets you social trade using MT4 signals (assuming you’re using that platform). Automation is also available via expert advisors (EAs) and the ProRealTime Trading Platform provides a type of automation, copying other trades.

Ultimately, it comes down to your bespoke needs as a trader. While IG may have the edge in terms of offering a more robust set of features and tools, eToro’s social trading capabilities make it an appealing choice for many traders.

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3. Superior Accounts And Features: IG Group

Both eToro and IG stand out as good choices if you are a beginner trader. Both platforms offer no-commission accounts (aka Standard accounts), which is a convenient option for users who want to try their hand at trading without the complexity of commission fees, Lowest Commission Brokers.

We looked into the type of trading execution the brokers offer, and we found that both use a market marker execution model, which means the broker is the counterparty to your trades. IG appears to use a price-matching model where spreads are aggregated among a large pool of liquidity providers, which is in line with the spreads being offered in the market. eToro doesn’t explain how they source their spreads, but they will be wider since there are costs involved with paying the signal providers for copy trading. On the plus side, you won’t get slippage when you copy a signal provider.

We tried opening an account with eToro, and to do so, you will need to make a minimum deposit of USD50. When we tried to open an account with IG, there was no requirement to make a deposit. We could even start using a demo account without providing funding details.

eToro is known for its social trading feature that allows users to copy the trades of other successful traders. This feature can be helpful for new traders who want to gain insights and learn the ropes from like-minded traders.

IG offers a broader range of educational resources, including webinars, online courses, and trading guides. It’s better known for its access to institutional and credentialed experts rather than the grassroots social wisdom of crowds that eToro cultivates.

We found eToro and IG Markets both excellent platforms for beginner traders and useful for many experienced traders with complex workflows. We determined this by testing each broker from the perspective of both personas.

eToro and IG Markets offer no-commission accounts, a wide range of trading instruments, and user-friendly interfaces. If you want lower, tighter spreads, then consider a broker with an ECN account. With spreads from 0.0 pips, you will save even when you pay a commission on top of the spread.

Verdict

When it comes to choosing a forex broker, costs are a significant consideration for traders of all levels. Both eToro and IG offer commission-free trading accounts, which is especially useful for traders wanting a simple cost structure (like beginners and discretionary traders). However, there are noteworthy differences in the spreads offered by the two platforms, which can have a significant impact on the overall trading costs, depending on the type of use.

IG’s standard average spread of 1.6 pips is a definitive advantage over eToro’s standard spread of 4.2 pips. This difference can add up to a significant amount, especially for high-frequency traders who place many trades daily.

In addition to the spreads, there are other costs to consider when choosing your forex broker, including overnight fees, account fees, and withdrawal fees. Both eToro and IG have competitive fees in these areas, but traders should be aware of the complete stack of costs before choosing a broker.

Overall, while both eToro and IG have their advantages and disadvantages, we prefer IG’s slightly lower overall trading costs.

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4. Best Trading Experience And Ease: IG Group

When it comes to the trading experience, both IG and eToro have their merits. IG’s platform is incredibly intuitive, and the availability of MetaTrader 4 adds a layer of familiarity for many traders. On the other hand, eToro’s social trading features are a game-changer, especially for beginners who can learn from other traders in real time.

• IG’s user interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it straightforward for both beginners and experienced traders.
• eToro’s CopyTrader feature allows you to automatically copy the trades of successful traders, simplifying the trading process.
• IG offers a demo account with $10,000 in virtual funds, allowing you to practise without any financial risk.
• eToro’s platform is web-based and doesn’t require any downloads, making it accessible from any device.

However, it’s worth noting that neither platform made it to the top spots in our own testing for categories like “Best MT4” or “Best for Beginners”. Both have room for improvement in different aspects, such as spreads and customer service.

Verdict: Based on our analysis and testing, IG offers a more comprehensive and intuitive trading experience, especially for those familiar with MetaTrader 4.

5. Stronger Trust And Regulation: IG Group

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Trading with a regulated broker is an essential aspect of mitigating risk when trading online. As mentioned earlier, trading carries inherent risks, but the risk of losing your funds to fraud or broker insolvency can be significantly reduced by working with a broker who has a Tier-1 regulatory licence.

You can significantly reduce the risk associated with trading online by choosing a broker licensed by a Tier 1 regulator, such as the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority or the Commodities Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association in the US. These regulatory bodies impose stringent requirements on brokers and other financial service providers to safeguard customer funds and prevent fraudulent activities.

Verdict

eToro holds licences from the Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities Exchange Commission (CySEC). ASIC is responsible for regulating Australia’s financial services sector and enforcing laws to protect consumers, investors, and creditors. Similarly, CySEC regulates the financial markets in Cyprus but is suitable if you are based anywhere in the EU territory, ensuring the fair and transparent operation of the industry.

On the other hand, IG is licensed by several Tier-1 regulators, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the US, the National Futures Association (NFA), and the North American Derivatives Exchange (NADEX). The FCA is considered one of the most stringent regulators in the world and requires brokers to meet strict financial requirements and abide by strict rules and regulations.

In addition to its Tier-1 licences, IG also provides Negative Balance Protection, which means that clients will not lose more than their account balance, even in the event of extreme market volatility or unexpected price gaps.

Overall, while both eToro and IG have Tier-1 regulators backing them up, IG has a more extensive regulatory presence and offers additional protections for some types of accounts. Therefore, in terms of risk, IG may be the better choice for traders who prioritise safety and security, with eToro a close runner-up.

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6. Top Product Range And CFD Markets: Tie

When it comes to available trading instruments, both eToro and IG offer a comprehensive selection of products and markets, including forex, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. However, there are differences in the range and variety of products available on each platform.

Verdict

Both eToro and IG have something for every type of investor, but eToro consistently outperformed IG in terms of the breadth of markets available.

One area where eToro outperforms IG is in the range of cryptocurrencies available. With 79 pairs and 14 crosses, eToro is a top choice for crypto enthusiasts looking to trade in this market.

On the other hand, IG offers a more diverse range of products across different asset classes, including forex, stocks, commodities, and bonds. IG also offers a wider range of markets, including some hard-to-find products such as options and interest rates. This can be an advantage for traders who want to access a wider range of products and markets.

When it comes to traceable products, both eToro and IG offer a range of products that can be easily tracked, including stocks, commodities, and ETFs. This is an important consideration for traders who want to monitor their investments closely and make informed decisions based on market trends and data.

Overall, both eToro and IG offer a comprehensive range of products and markets, but the choice will depend on individual trading preferences and goals. Traders need to consider which platform more sufficiently captures the basket of currencies or assets they wish to trade.

eToro ReviewVisit eToro

7. Superior Educational Resources: IG

When it comes to educational resources, both IG and eToro have a lot to offer, but they approach trader education differently. IG has a comprehensive education section that includes webinars, video tutorials, and articles aimed at both beginners and experienced traders.

• IG offers a wide range of webinars that cover various trading topics.
• eToro provides an interactive trading academy with courses and quizzes.
• IG’s video tutorials are in-depth and cover a variety of trading strategies.
• eToro offers a ‘Daily Market Review’ to keep traders updated on market conditions.
• IG provides articles that delve into complex trading topics.
• eToro has a vibrant community where traders can discuss strategies and tips.

eToro, on the other hand, leans more towards social learning. Their platform allows you to engage with other traders, ask questions, and even copy their trades. This makes it a great place for beginners to start their trading journey.

Verdict: Based on our team’s scoring, IG offers superior educational resources, particularly for traders looking for in-depth tutorials and a wide range of topics.

8. Superior Customer Service: IG

Customer service is a crucial aspect of any trading platform, and both IG and eToro have their strengths and weaknesses in this department. IG offers 24/5 customer support through various channels, including phone, email, and live chat. Their response time is generally quick, and the support team is knowledgeable.

eToro also provides 24/5 customer support but mainly through live chat and ticket systems. While their response time is decent, it’s not as fast as IG’s. Additionally, eToro offers support in multiple languages, which can be a significant advantage for non-English speakers.

In terms of additional support tools, IG offers webinars and a comprehensive FAQ section. eToro, on the other hand, has a community forum where traders can discuss various topics and seek advice.

Verdict: Based on our team’s scoring, IG edges out eToro in customer service, particularly in terms of response time and the variety of support channels available.

9. Better Funding Options: IG

Funding options are a significant consideration when choosing a trading platform. IG offers a variety of methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and even PayPal. The platform also doesn’t charge any deposit fees, which is a plus for many traders.

eToro also provides multiple funding options, such as credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller. However, eToro does charge a $5 withdrawal fee, which can add up over time if you frequently move funds in and out of your account.

Verdict: Based on our team’s scoring, IG offers better funding options, particularly due to the absence of withdrawal fees and the inclusion of PayPal as a funding method.

10. Lower Minimum Deposit: eToro

When it comes to trading, especially for beginners, the minimum deposit requirement can be a significant factor in choosing a broker. IG and eToro are two brokers that have made it easier for traders to get started by offering low minimum deposit requirements. IG allows traders to start with a CFD account that has no minimum deposit, while eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50 for its standard account.

For traders who are looking to engage in Direct Market Access (DMA), IG sets the bar at $450. This is considerably higher than the standard account but offers more features and capabilities. eToro, on the other hand, maintains its $50 minimum deposit across its offerings, making it a more straightforward choice for traders who prefer simplicity.

Verdict: When it comes to lower minimum deposits, eToro takes the lead with a flat $50 requirement for its standard account, making it more accessible for traders who are just starting out.

Our Final Verdict On Which Broker Is The Best: IG Group or eToro?

IG is the winner because it consistently outperforms eToro in most of the key areas that matter to traders. The table below summarises the key information leading to this verdict.

Best For Beginner Traders

For beginner traders, eToro is the better choice due to its lower minimum deposit requirement and user-friendly interface.

Best For Experienced Traders

For experienced traders, IG is the superior option, offering a wide range of features, lower spreads, and robust customer service.