eToro
Markets.com
eToro vs Markets.com
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
eToro and Markets.com are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. eToro, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC and offers spreads starting from 1.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $50. Markets.com, established in 2008 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA with spreads from 0.6 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, eToro scored 7.8/10 overall compared to Markets.com's 7.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Markets.com holds its own with lower trading costs and better customer support, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
eToro scores 7.8/10 overall vs 7.8/10 for Markets.com — a 0.0-point difference.
- 💵
eToro requires just $50 to start, while Markets.com needs $100 — eToro is 2x more accessible.
- 📈
eToro offers 3,400+ instruments vs 2,500+ at Markets.com — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
eToro runs on eToro Platform, eToro App, while Markets.com uses Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Trading Costs: Markets.com scores 7.0 vs 6.0 for eToro — a 1.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
eToro
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 2 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($50)
Markets.com
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 5 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
eToro takes the lead with an overall score of 7.8/10 compared to 7.8/10, winning in 2 out of 8 scoring categories. eToro stands out for better trading platforms and superior education resources, while Markets.com fights back with lower trading costs and better customer support.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, eToro comes out ahead with a 7.8/10 overall rating, winning 2 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.0/10. eToro holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Markets.com is not without merit — it scores 7.8/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 5 categories. Traders who value lower trading costs or better customer support may find Markets.com the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full eToro review and Markets.com review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Markets.com wins by 1.0 points
eToro wins by 0.5 points
eToro wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 1.0 points
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 ✓ | 7.8/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $50 ✓ | $100 |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:300 |
| Spreads From | 1.0 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Platforms | eToro Platform, eToro App | Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5 |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, ASIC | CySEC, FCA, FSCA |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2007 ✓ | 2008 |
| Markets | 3,400+ ✓ | 2,500+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Markets.com has the edge with a score of 7/10 versus 6/10 for eToro. eToro offers spreads starting from 1.0 pips, while Markets.com starts from 0.6 pips. The minimum deposit at eToro is $50, compared to $100 at Markets.com. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
eToro scores 8.5/10 for platforms compared to 8/10 for Markets.com. eToro provides eToro Platform, eToro App, while Markets.com offers Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. eToro is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC (Tier 1), while Markets.com holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA (Tier 1). eToro scores 9/10 and Markets.com scores 9/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, eToro leads with 8/10 compared to 7.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. eToro and Markets.com both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
eToro offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Ticket System and scores 6.5/10, while Markets.com provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7.5/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
eToro scores 7/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Markets.com scores 7.5/10. eToro accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and Markets.com supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50 versus $100 for Markets.com. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose eToro if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($50)
Choose Markets.com if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is eToro better than Markets.com?
eToro scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.8/10), winning 2 of 8 categories. However, Markets.com is stronger in lower trading costs and better customer support. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, eToro or Markets.com?
Markets.com scores higher for trading costs. eToro offers spreads from 1.0 pips with a $50 minimum deposit, while Markets.com starts from 0.6 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is eToro safe to trade with?
eToro is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC and scores 9/10 for regulation. Markets.com is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, eToro or Markets.com?
eToro scores 8.5/10 for platforms. eToro offers eToro Platform, eToro App, while Markets.com provides Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for eToro vs Markets.com?
eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50, while Markets.com requires $100. eToro has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.