eToro
Plus500
eToro vs Plus500
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
eToro and Plus500 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. Plus500, established in 2008 in Haifa, Israel, holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS with spreads from 0.8 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, eToro scored 7.8/10 overall compared to Plus500's 7.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Plus500 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 Plus500 — a 0.0-point difference.
- 💵
eToro requires just $50 to start, while Plus500 needs $100 — eToro is 2x more accessible.
- 📈
eToro offers 3,400+ instruments vs 2,800+ at Plus500 — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
eToro runs on eToro Platform, eToro App, while Plus500 uses Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Education: eToro scores 8.0 vs 5.5 for Plus500 — a 2.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
eToro
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 3 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($50)
Plus500
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 3 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- 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 3 out of 8 scoring categories. eToro stands out for better trading platforms and superior education resources, while Plus500 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 3 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. Plus500 is not without merit — it scores 7.8/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 3 categories. Traders who value lower trading costs or better customer support may find Plus500 the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full eToro review and Plus500 review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Plus500 wins by 1.5 points
eToro wins by 1.5 points
eToro wins by 2.5 points
Plus500 wins by 0.5 points
eToro wins by 1.0 points
Plus500 wins by 1.5 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 | 0.8 pips |
| Platforms | eToro Platform, eToro App | Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, ASIC | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2007 ✓ | 2008 |
| Markets | 3,400+ ✓ | 2,800+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Plus500 has the edge with a score of 7.5/10 versus 6/10 for eToro. eToro offers spreads starting from 1.0 pips, while Plus500 starts from 0.8 pips. The minimum deposit at eToro is $50, compared to $100 at Plus500. 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 7/10 for Plus500. eToro provides eToro Platform, eToro App, while Plus500 offers Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App. 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 Plus500 holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS (Tier 1). eToro scores 9/10 and Plus500 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 5.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. eToro and Plus500 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 Plus500 provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email with a score of 7/10. 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 Plus500 scores 8.5/10. eToro accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and Plus500 supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50 versus $100 for Plus500. 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 rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($50)
Choose Plus500 if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is eToro better than Plus500?
eToro scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.8/10), winning 3 of 8 categories. However, Plus500 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 Plus500?
Plus500 scores higher for trading costs. eToro offers spreads from 1.0 pips with a $50 minimum deposit, while Plus500 starts from 0.8 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. Plus500 is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS 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 Plus500?
eToro scores 8.5/10 for platforms. eToro offers eToro Platform, eToro App, while Plus500 provides Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for eToro vs Plus500?
eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50, while Plus500 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.