Which online broker is better for trading stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs?
If you're searching for the best online broker to trade various assets, you've likely encountered eToro and Plus500. Both platforms have established themselves as reliable providers over the years. But which one suits your needs better?
This comparison between eToro and Plus500 examines key categories like offerings, fees, trading tools, along with pros/cons and account setup.
eToro vs Plus500: Head-to-Head Comparison
We evaluate both brokers across these categories:
- Asset Offerings
- Fee Structures
- Deposits & Withdrawals
- Security Measures
- Customer Support
- User-Friendliness
- Trading Tools
- Account Types
- Copy Trading
- CFD & Leverage Trading
Overview of eToro
Founded in 2007 (Israel), eToro started as a Forex broker and expanded into stocks, ETFs, and crypto CFDs by 2013. It's regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and other global authorities, ensuring compliance with European investor protections.
Key Features:
- Social Trading Focus: Enables strategy copying and community interaction.
- Multi-Asset Platform: Real assets + CFDs (2,000+ options).
- Global Reach: Offices in Israel, UK, Australia, and Cyprus.
Overview of Plus500
Launched in 2008 (Israel), Plus500 specializes in CFD trading. It’s publicly traded (LSE: PLUS) and regulated under European frameworks.
Key Features:
- CFD-Centric: Leveraged trading on forex, commodities, indices.
- Demo Accounts: Free practice environment.
- Limited Real Assets: Recently added stocks via "Plus500 Invest."
Category Breakdown
1. Asset Offerings
- eToro: Stocks, ETFs, crypto (real + CFDs), forex, commodities.
- Plus500: Primarily CFDs; limited real assets.
👉 Winner: eToro (broader diversity).
2. Fee Structures
- eToro: Zero commissions on stocks/ETFs; 1% crypto spreads. Transparent CFD fees.
- Plus500: Unclear CFD spreads; inactivity fee after 3 months.
👉 Winner: eToro (lower costs for non-CFD trading).
3. Deposits & Withdrawals
Both support bank transfers, cards, PayPal.
- eToro: $5 withdrawal fee.
- Plus500: No stated withdrawal fees.
👉 Tie.
4. Security
Both comply with €20k EU deposit insurance.
👉 Tie.
5. Customer Support
Live chat, email, and positive Trustpilot reviews for both.
👉 Tie.
6. User-Friendliness
- eToro: Steeper learning curve but feature-rich.
- Plus500: Dense info display; intuitive for CFDs.
👉 Tie.
7. Trading Tools
eToro offers advanced charting, social feeds, and expert analyses.
👉 Winner: eToro.
8. Copy Trading
Only eToro provides this social-trading feature.
👉 Winner: eToro.
9. CFD Trading
Plus500 excels with specialized CFD tools and leverage insights.
👉 Winner: Plus500.
Pros and Cons
eToro
Pros:
- Social/copy trading.
- Real assets + CFDs.
- Strong regulation.
Cons:
- Cluttered interface.
Plus500
Pros:
- Advanced CFD tools.
- Publicly traded (transparent).
Cons:
- Few real assets.
- No crypto wallets.
Account Setup
eToro
- Quick signup (email/password).
- Verify ID via video call.
- Deposit funds (50 USD minimum).
Plus500
- Instant demo access.
- Basic financial knowledge quiz.
- No video verification needed.
👉 Both are straightforward, but Plus500 skips video checks.
Final Verdict
| Category | eToro | Plus500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | ✓✓ | ✓ | eToro |
| Fees | ✓✓ | ✓ | eToro |
| CFDs | ✓ | ✓✓ | Plus500 |
| Copy Trading | ✓✓ | ✗ | eToro |
Best For:
- eToro: Beginners, social traders, crypto/stocks.
- Plus500: Experienced CFD/leverage traders.
👉 Explore eToro’s platform to start with social trading.
👉 Try Plus500’s CFD tools for leveraged strategies.
FAQ
1. Which broker is better for beginners?
eToro—its copy trading and educational resources simplify the learning curve.
2. Does Plus500 offer real stocks?
Limited to "Plus500 Invest"; primarily a CFD platform.
3. Is eToro safe for crypto trading?
Yes, with regulated oversight and insured deposits.
4. Can I trade ETFs on Plus500?
Only as CFDs; no real ETF purchases.