Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FOREX.com vs eToro, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
FOREX.com and eToro are well-established platforms for online trading, each with different strengths in terms of regulatory trust and assurance. FOREX.com was founded in 1999 and is publicly traded, highlighting its long-standing presence in the financial market. In contrast, eToro was founded in 2007 and remains privately held. Both brokers are not banks, but they hold regulatory licenses that help ensure client safety and trust. FOREX.com has an impressive seven Tier-1 licenses, indicating a high level of trust, along with one Tier-2 license. This contributes to its top Trust Score of 99 out of 99 as rated by ForexBrokers.com.
eToro also maintains a strong reputation with three Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license, earning it a solid Trust Score of 93 out of 99. While eToro has fewer Tier-1 licenses compared to FOREX.com, it still ranks as a highly trusted broker. Both platforms provide reliable trading experiences, but their regulatory profiles might appeal differently depending on individual preferences for trust and market presence. Choosing between them may come down to specific trading needs and comfort with their respective trust levels and history in the trading arena.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2007 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When it comes to commissions and fees, FOREX.com offers several account types that cater to various trading needs, with options for MetaTrader clients and those seeking a market-maker execution advantage. The Standard account, exclusively available for MetaTrader users, has average spreads of 1.4 pips for the EUR/USD in the U.S., which is relatively high. Conversely, the new RAW account, featuring a commission-based structure, yields spreads as low as 0.13 pips for the EUR/USD. Active traders can benefit from volume-based rebates, potentially making trading costs more competitive. FOREX.com is highly regarded, earning a rating of 4.5 stars and ranking 13th out of 62 brokers for commissions and fees.
eToro, a well-known market-maker broker, provides a typical variable spread of 1 pip on the EUR/USD. While these spreads are slightly above the industry standard, eToro attracts retail traders with its popular social copy trading features rather than competitive spreads alone. The broker offers a VIP membership, the eToro Club, with five tiers providing benefits such as reduced withdrawal fees and dedicated account management based on investment levels. eToro also holds a 4.5-star rating in commissions and fees, although it ranks 22nd out of 62 brokers in this category.
Overall, both FOREX.com and eToro achieve a strong 4.5-star rating for commissions and fees, yet they differ in their ranking, with FOREX.com placing higher at 13th and eToro at 22nd. Traders prioritizing minimal spreads might lean towards FOREX.com's RAW account, while those interested in social trading features and varying membership perks might find eToro more appealing. Both brokers offer distinct advantages depending on your trading priorities and style.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $50-$10,000 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing the online brokers FOREX.com and eToro, both platforms cater to forex trading enthusiasts by offering forex as CFDs or spot contracts. FOREX.com provides a slightly broader selection of tradeable symbols with 5,500 options, compared to eToro's 5,461. For those specifically interested in forex pair trading, FOREX.com stands out with 91 available pairs, surpassing eToro’s 55 pairs.
eToro distinguishes itself by providing opportunities to buy actual U.S. and international exchange-traded securities, such as Apple shares on the NASDAQ and Vodafone shares on the London Stock Exchange, which FOREX.com does not offer. Additionally, eToro supports copy trading and the purchase of real cryptocurrency, adding to its appeal for diversified trading strategies. Although both platforms allow trading of cryptocurrency derivatives, they each maintain a top rating of five stars for their range of investments, with FOREX.com slightly ahead in the ForexBrokers.com ranking at #7 compared to eToro’s #10.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 5461 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 91 | 55 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing FOREX.com and eToro's trading platforms and tools, both brokers provide users with simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts and in-house developed proprietary platforms. However, there are distinct differences in their offerings. FOREX.com caters to Windows users with a desktop download platform, an option eToro lacks. Both platforms provide web-based trading, but FOREX.com stands out with the inclusion of MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), both popular among seasoned traders, whereas eToro does not offer these. Notably, eToro excels in social trading features, offering copy trading capabilities which FOREX.com does not. Neither broker supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade, supplemental trading services.
In terms of charting capabilities and watchlist customization, FOREX.com has the edge with 239 drawing tools and 20 watchlist columns, compared to eToro's 161 drawing tools and six watchlist columns. Additionally, FOREX.com allows trading directly from a stock chart, which is absent in eToro's platform. Although both platforms receive commendable ratings, FOREX.com scores a perfect 5-star rating for its trading platforms and tools, securing the #7 spot out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, eToro is close behind with a 4.5-star rating and ranks #8, making both platforms formidable choices for traders, yet with a subtle nod to FOREX.com for more intricate tool diversity and functionality.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 104 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 161 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 20 | 6 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
FOREX.com and eToro both offer their mobile trading apps on iPhone and Android, catering to traders who want to manage investments on the go. Both apps allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, sync these lists with their online accounts, and receive alerts for stock or forex prices. However, there are distinct differences in their features that may sway your choice. FOREX.com stands out with its advanced charting capabilities, offering 88 technical studies and the ability to draw trendlines directly onto charts. Additionally, any drawings you make are automatically saved. eToro, while offering more technical studies at 104, does not support trendline drawings or auto-save for chart annotations.
When it comes to time frames, both apps support viewing different periods on charts, such as daily, weekly, or intraday. In terms of overall ratings, FOREX.com receives a full five stars for its mobile trading app, ranking third out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. In comparison, eToro earns a respectable 4.5 stars, placing it at the 11th spot. These rankings reflect FOREX.com's slightly stronger performance in key mobile trading features, which may make it the preferred choice for users seeking comprehensive charting tools and high app reliability.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 104 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research, both FOREX.com and eToro offer daily market commentary, providing regular insights to help you keep up with financial trends. FOREX.com sets itself apart by delivering forex news from renowned sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring traders receive high-caliber information. On both platforms, traders benefit from Technical Analytics provided by Trading Central and have access to sentiment-based tools that show the market's long or short positions. For those who seek diverse insights, eToro has a unique advantage with research from TipRanks, providing valuable trading analysis from seasoned market experts.
Additionally, both FOREX.com and eToro feature economic calendars that highlight significant global news, aiding traders in making informed decisions. However, neither platform partners with Autochartist or Acuity Trading for additional tools. In terms of overall research quality, both brokers are highly rated with 4.5 stars out of five. Yet, FOREX.com edges out eToro for research ranking at #9 compared to eToro's #13 according to ForexBrokers.com. This suggests that despite close performances in some areas, FOREX.com may offer a slightly more comprehensive research experience overall.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | Yes |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to helping beginners learn about forex and CFDs, both FOREX.com and eToro offer an excellent range of educational resources. Each platform provides a comprehensive collection of materials, including articles, videos, and archived webinars, specifically designed to educate new traders. Both offer regular online webinars and maintain searchable archives so users can review sessions at their convenience. Additionally, they each have beginner and advanced video tutorials to cater to different skill levels and provide an investor dictionary featuring over 50 investing terms to help users get familiar with essential trading jargon.
Both brokers score highly for their educational content, each earning a 4.5-star rating. However, when it comes to direct rankings within the Education category, FOREX.com has a slight edge, holding the 4th spot out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, while eToro is close behind at 5th place. This small distinction highlights the exceptionally high quality of educational support provided by both brokers, which can significantly aid beginners as they venture into online trading.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that FOREX.com is better than eToro. FOREX.com finished with an overall rank of #5, while eToro finished with an overall rank of #9.
FOREX.com is a trusted brand that delivers an excellent trading experience for forex and CFDs traders across the globe. It offers a wide range of markets and provides an impressive suite of proprietary platforms – alongside limited access to MetaTrader.
| Feature |
FOREX.com
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 93 |
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Unlike FOREX.com, which only offers cryptocurrency derivatives, eToro provides the capability to buy actual, delivered cryptocurrencies in addition to derivatives.
Both FOREX.com and eToro provide multiple deposit and withdrawal options, including ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, with the key distinction that eToro also supports Skrill, whereas FOREX.com does not.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | FOREX.com | eToro | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FOREX.com Review | eToro Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FOREX.com | eToro | |
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| Regulation | FOREX.com | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2007 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FOREX.com | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | FOREX.com | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | FOREX.com | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5500 | 5461 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 91 | 55 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | FOREX.com | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.4 | 1 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.9 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FOREX.com | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $50-$10,000 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | FOREX.com | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | FOREX.com | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 20 | 6 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 88 | 104 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 239 | 161 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | FOREX.com | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 88 | 104 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | FOREX.com | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | Yes | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FOREX.com | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | FOREX.com | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | FOREX.com Review | eToro Review |
| Overall | FOREX.com | eToro | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FOREX.com Review | eToro Review |
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