When it comes to choosing a reliable online broker for trading stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs, two platforms frequently stand out: eToro and Plus500. Both have built strong reputations over the years, offering accessible trading experiences to global investors. But which one is better suited to your investment goals?
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down eToro vs Plus500 across key categories such as asset offerings, fees, security, user experience, and unique features like copy trading and leverage. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
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What Is eToro?
eToro, founded in 2007 in Israel by the Assia brothers and David Ring, began as a forex broker. By 2013, it expanded its offerings to include stocks and ETFs, and in 2014, introduced Bitcoin CFDs, marking its entry into the cryptocurrency market. Since 2017, eToro has become a well-known name in crypto trading, offering both CFDs and real digital assets.
The platform operates under multiple international regulatory bodies, with a key presence in Cyprus regulated by CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission). This ensures compliance with EU financial standards, giving European users peace of mind regarding fund safety.
eToro differentiates itself through social trading—a feature that allows users to interact, share strategies, and follow successful traders. This community-driven approach makes it especially appealing for beginners looking to learn from experienced investors.
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What Is Plus500?
Launched in 2008, also in Israel, Plus500 is a fintech company specializing in CFD (Contract for Difference) trading. Unlike traditional brokers, Plus500 focuses almost exclusively on derivatives, allowing traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset.
The company went public in July 2013 and currently holds a market capitalization of $2.14 billion, reflecting its strong industry position. While Plus500 recently introduced limited access to real stocks via Plus500 Invest, the core business remains CFD-based trading across thousands of instruments including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
Due to its specialization in leveraged products, Plus500 is best suited for traders comfortable with higher risk levels. It does not offer native cryptocurrency wallets or long-term investment tools, making it less ideal for passive investors.
eToro vs Plus500: Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Asset Offerings
Both platforms support multiple asset classes, but their approaches differ significantly.
- eToro allows trading of real stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies (both real and CFDs), NFTs, forex, commodities, and indices. This flexibility lets users choose between owning actual assets or using leveraged derivatives.
- Plus500 primarily offers CFDs on similar assets. Although real stock trading is now available through Plus500 Invest, it's still limited and not prominently featured on the main platform.
For investors seeking diversified options beyond high-risk derivatives, eToro wins due to its broader range of real-asset availability.
Fees and Transparency
Transparent pricing is crucial for cost-effective trading.
On eToro, stock and ETF trades incur zero commission. Cryptocurrency transactions carry a standard 1% fee (included in the spread). CFD spreads are clearly listed:
- Forex: 1–3 pips
- Commodities: 3–130,000 pips
- Indices: 0.75–10 points
- Stocks/ETFs: 0.15%
Overnight fees apply for leveraged positions (e.g., +6.4% LIBOR for long stock positions).
- Plus500 uses variable spreads but does not publish average rates upfront—traders see them only during trade setup. Overnight fees also apply but aren't standardized or pre-disclosed.
Additionally:
- Both platforms offer free deposits.
- eToro charges a $5 withdrawal fee; Plus500 appears to charge none.
- Inactivity fees: $10/month after 12 months (eToro) vs. just 3 months (Plus500).
Given its clearer fee structure and lower inactivity threshold, eToro offers better transparency and value, especially for long-term investors.
Deposits & Withdrawals
Both brokers support:
- Bank transfer (SEPA)
- Credit/debit cards
- PayPal
- Sofort (instant banking)
Minimum deposit:
- eToro: $50
- Plus500: €100
Processing times are fast with instant deposits via card or PayPal. Withdrawals typically take 1–5 business days.
While both perform similarly here, eToro’s lower minimum deposit makes it more accessible to new traders.
Security & Regulation
Security is paramount when choosing a broker.
Both eToro and Plus500:
- Are regulated by CySEC (Cyprus)
- Participate in the European Investor Compensation Scheme, protecting funds up to €20,000 in case of insolvency
This means your capital is safeguarded under EU financial regulations regardless of which platform you choose.
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Customer Support
Both platforms provide:
- Email support
- Live chat
- Comprehensive help centers
User reviews on Trustpilot show generally positive feedback for both, with slight edges depending on region and issue type. Neither clearly outperforms the other—support quality is comparable.
User Experience & Interface
First impressions matter.
- eToro: The interface can feel cluttered initially. New users may need time to navigate social feeds, portfolios, and trade tabs. However, once familiarized, it becomes intuitive.
- Plus500: Clean layout with step-by-step guidance. But dense data presentation on charts and dashboards may overwhelm beginners.
Both offer mobile apps with strong functionality. Overall usability is balanced—neither platform dominates this category.
Trading Tools & Features
Advanced tools enhance decision-making.
eToro provides:
- Built-in social feed
- Expert market analyses
- Copy Trading (automatically mirrors top traders)
- Charting tools with technical indicators
Plus500 offers:
- Basic charting
- Market sentiment indicators (showing % of traders going long/short)
- Risk management tools (stop-loss, take-profit)
While Plus500 delivers solid tools for active traders, eToro’s suite is richer, particularly with social insights and automation features.
Copy Trading: A Key Differentiator
Only eToro offers true copy trading—a game-changer for novice investors. You can automatically replicate trades from top-performing users based on performance history and risk scores. This feature fosters learning and reduces emotional decision-making.
Plus500 lacks any equivalent feature, putting it at a disadvantage for those seeking hands-off strategies.
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CFD & Leverage Trading
For high-risk derivative trading:
- Plus500 excels as a dedicated CFD broker. Every feature—from order types to risk alerts—is optimized for leveraged trading.
- It shows real-time market sentiment and provides precise control over entry/exit points.
While eToro supports CFDs with leverage options and stop-loss settings, it lacks deep analytics or trader behavior insights.
Thus, Plus500 wins for pure CFD trading, especially among experienced speculators.
Final Verdict: Who Wins?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Asset Variety | eToro |
| Fee Transparency | eToro |
| Deposit Flexibility | eToro |
| Security | Tie |
| Support | Tie |
| User Interface | Tie |
| Trading Tools | eToro |
| Copy Trading | eToro |
| CFD & Leverage Trading | Plus500 |
Overall Winner: eToro
eToro takes the lead thanks to its diverse asset selection, transparent fees, social learning tools, and copy trading capabilities. It caters well to beginners and intermediate investors who want flexibility between long-term investing and short-term speculation.
However, Plus500 remains a strong choice for experienced traders focused solely on CFDs and leveraged positions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is eToro better than Plus500?
Yes, for most users—especially beginners—eToro is better due to its wider asset selection, zero-commission stock trades, social features, and copy trading functionality. Plus500 is preferable only if you're exclusively interested in CFD trading with high leverage.
Can I trade real stocks on both platforms?
Yes, but with limitations. eToro allows direct ownership of real stocks and ETFs. Plus500 offers real stock trading only through its subsidiary brand Plus500 Invest, which has fewer options and isn’t integrated into the main platform.
Does eToro offer copy trading?
Yes. eToro pioneered social copy trading, allowing users to automatically mirror the portfolios of top-performing traders—a feature not available on Plus500.
Which platform has lower fees?
eToro has more transparent and competitive fees. It charges no commission on stock/ETF trades and clearly displays spreads. Plus500’s spreads are dynamic and not pre-disclosed, making cost prediction harder.
Is Plus500 safe to use?
Yes. Plus500 is regulated by CySEC and part of the European Investor Compensation Scheme, protecting user funds up to €20,000. However, its focus on high-risk CFDs means losses can exceed deposits.
Can I use a demo account on both brokers?
Yes. Both eToro and Plus500 offer free demo accounts with virtual funds, allowing risk-free practice before going live.
This guide equips you with everything needed to decide between eToro vs Plus500 based on your goals—whether you're building a diversified portfolio or engaging in fast-paced derivative trading.