Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of eToro vs Plus500, 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.
eToro and Plus500 are popular online brokers offering financial trading services worldwide. Founded in 2007, eToro maintains a strong reputation with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 93, categorizing it as highly trusted. The company holds three Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license, ensuring it adheres to strict standards while providing a secure trading environment. While eToro is not publicly traded, it offers a diverse range of trading options that cater to various investor needs. Although it is not a bank, its regulatory compliance supports its credibility in the trading community.
Plus500, established in 2008, stands out with an impressive Trust Score of 99 on ForexBrokers.com, marking it as a top-tier trusted broker. It holds six Tier-1 licenses and three Tier-2 licenses, indicating a significant level of regulatory oversight. Unlike eToro, Plus500 is publicly traded, adding an extra layer of transparency and accountability for investors. Though neither broker operates as a bank, Plus500's extensive regulatory framework and public trading status give users confidence in the security and trustworthiness of its trading platform.
| Feature |
eToro
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2008 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | Yes |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 6 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
eToro and Plus500 both cater to online trading enthusiasts, but their approaches to commissions and fees vary significantly, influencing traders' preferences based on specific needs. eToro, a market-maker broker, presents a typical variable spread of 1 pip on the EUR/USD, which is slightly above the industry average. Although its trading fees might not be the primary attraction for retail traders, eToro compensates with its highly appealing social copy trading platform. The broker offers a VIP club, the eToro Club, which consists of five membership tiers ranging from Silver to Diamond. Traders in these tiers enjoy benefits like access to Trading Central, discount on withdrawal and deposit fees, and a dedicated account manager, depending on their balance, which ranges between $5,000 and $250,000. eToro has earned a commendable 4.5-star rating for commissions and fees, ranking 22nd out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, Plus500's pricing slightly surpasses the industry average and falls short of the top-tier forex brokers regarding active trader pricing. Plus500's spreads for the EUR/USD were recorded at an average of 1.5 pips in April 2024, which is above the norm for the industry. The broker does not extend discounts to retail clients but does offer cash rebates as part of an active trader program, which is accessible if you qualify as a Professional client. As a result, Plus500 is rated at 4.0 stars for its commissions and fees structure and is ranked 25th out of 62 brokers, as assessed by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
eToro
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50-$10,000 | €100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1 | 1.5 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 1.5 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing the range of investments offered by eToro and Plus500, both platforms provide a wide variety of options for traders. eToro features 5,461 tradeable symbols alongside 55 forex pairs, while Plus500 offers a slightly larger array with 5,500 symbols and 65 forex pairs. Both brokers allow trading of forex as CFDs or spot contracts. In terms of trading actual stocks, both eToro and Plus500 grant clients access to U.S. and international exchanges, enabling the direct purchase of stocks like Apple or Vodafone. However, eToro stands out with its unique offering of copy trading, allowing users to mimic the trading strategies of successful investors, a feature that Plus500 does not provide.
Additionally, eToro supports the buying of actual cryptocurrencies, not just derivatives, which sets it apart from Plus500, where only cryptocurrency derivatives are available. This comprehensive selection has earned eToro a perfect 5-star rating for Range of Investments, positioning it at rank #10 out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Plus500, rated at 4.5 stars, holds a respectable #24 ranking. These ratings reflect the platforms' capabilities to cater to diverse investing needs, with eToro offering a slightly more expansive range of tools and asset types.
| Feature |
eToro
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5461 | 5500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 65 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | No |
| 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). Non-CFD share trading at Plus500 is only available through the Plus500 Invest account. |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing eToro and Plus500 for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers provide users with a free virtual demo account, making it easy for beginners to practice without financial risk. Each broker also offers a proprietary platform, developed in-house, and provides a web-based platform for easy access through any browser. However, neither offers a dedicated Windows-based desktop download nor support for popular third-party platforms like MetaTrader 4 or 5, DupliTrade, or ZuluTrade. While copy trading is available on eToro, Plus500 does not support this feature, potentially influencing traders who value social trading capabilities.
Charting tools differ between the two, with eToro offering a significant advantage in drawing tools, totaling 161 compared to Plus500’s 22. On the other hand, Plus500 excels with watch lists, offering 10 fields compared to eToro’s 6. Despite these differences, both brokers received similar ratings of 4.5 stars for their trading platforms and tools. However, eToro is ranked higher at #8 compared to Plus500’s #14 in the Trading Platforms and Tools category by ForexBrokers.com, illustrating a slight preference towards eToro in the overall platform performance.
| Feature |
eToro
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 104 | 114 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 161 | 22 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | No |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 6 | 10 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of eToro and Plus500, both offer extensive features for traders on the go. Both eToro and Plus500 provide apps compatible with iPhone and Android devices, allowing flexibility in accessing markets from anywhere. They also offer stock and forex price alerts, ensuring traders stay informed about market movements. Additionally, the apps from both brokers sync watchlists with their online platforms, making it easy to manage and track investments seamlessly across devices.
In terms of charting capabilities, Plus500 offers a slight edge with 110 technical studies compared to eToro's 104. Plus500 also allows users to draw trendlines on charts, a feature not available in eToro's app. Both platforms support viewing multiple time frames, such as daily, weekly, or intraday charts, but neither app auto saves drawings. Real-time quote watchlists are available with both brokers, ensuring timely market insights. User ratings for mobile trading apps of both eToro and Plus500 are impressive, with each receiving a 4.5-star rating. However, eToro is ranked slightly higher at #11 compared to Plus500's #14 in the Mobile Trading Apps category by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
eToro
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 104 | 110 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
eToro and Plus500 both provide daily market commentary, helping traders stay informed with frequent market updates. However, when it comes to top-tier forex news from sources like Bloomberg or Reuters, neither broker includes this feature. Traders with a focus on technical analysis will find that both platforms offer tools from Trading Central, providing valuable insight into technical analytics. In addition, both brokers include sentiment-based trading tools to gauge market trends through the ratio of long and short positions. For a broader view of economic events, each platform comes equipped with an economic calendar, showcasing upcoming global news.
Despite their similarities, eToro pulls ahead in certain research aspects. It offers market insights from TipRanks, a feature not available on Plus500. However, neither broker incorporates tools from Acuity Trading. In terms of research ratings, eToro scores a solid 4.5 stars, ranking 13th out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, whereas Plus500 receives 4 stars and ranks 19th. This indicates that while both platforms deliver strong research capabilities, eToro edges ahead with slightly more comprehensive offerings for in-depth market analysis.
| Feature |
eToro
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing eToro and Plus500, both online brokers provide solid educational resources aimed at beginners and advanced traders. They each offer a range of educational materials, including more than ten articles, videos, and archived webinars focused on forex and CFDs. Both platforms conduct regular online educational webinars, at least once per month, and maintain a searchable archive for users to access recorded sessions. Additionally, each platform provides at least ten beginner-focused educational videos, helping newcomers understand trading basics.
The differences become more apparent with advanced content and supplementary resources. While both eToro and Plus500 offer over ten advanced educational videos for more experienced traders, eToro extends its support through an investor dictionary, hosting definitions for at least 50 investing terms, which Plus500 does not offer. When it comes to ratings, eToro surpasses Plus500, securing a 4.5-star rating compared to the latter’s 4.0 stars. Furthermore, eToro is ranked #5 out of 62 brokers in the Education category by ForexBrokers.com, while Plus500 holds the #31 spot. These distinctions highlight eToro's appeal for those seeking a more comprehensive educational journey in trading.
| Feature |
eToro
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that eToro is better than Plus500. eToro finished with an overall rank of #9, while Plus500 finished with an overall rank of #14.
eToro is a winner for its easy-to-use copy-trading platform, where traders can copy the trades of experienced investors – or receive exclusive perks for sharing their own trading strategies.
| Feature |
eToro
|
Plus500
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 99 |
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eToro allows users to purchase actual cryptocurrencies as well as cryptocurrency derivatives, while Plus500 exclusively offers cryptocurrency derivatives without the option to buy actual cryptocurrencies.
In a comparison of online brokers eToro and Plus500 for deposit and withdrawal options, eToro supports ACH and SEPA transfers in addition to PayPal, Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires, while Plus500 offers a similar range with PayPal, Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires, but lacks ACH and SEPA transfer options.
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 | eToro | Plus500 | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 99 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | eToro Review | Plus500 Review |
| Broker Screenshots | eToro | Plus500 | |
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| Regulation | eToro | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 93 | 99 | |
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2008 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | Yes | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 6 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | eToro | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | eToro | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | eToro | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5461 | 5500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 65 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | No | |
| 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). Non-CFD share trading at Plus500 is only available through the Plus500 Invest account. |
| Cost | eToro | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1 | 1.5 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 1.5 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | eToro | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50-$10,000 | €100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | eToro | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | eToro | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 6 | 10 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 104 | 114 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 161 | 22 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | No | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | eToro | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 104 | 110 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | No | Yes |
| Research | eToro | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | eToro | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | eToro | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | eToro Review | Plus500 Review |
| Overall | eToro | Plus500 | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 99 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | eToro Review | Plus500 Review |
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