eToro
ThinkMarkets
eToro vs ThinkMarkets
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
eToro and ThinkMarkets 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. ThinkMarkets, established in 2010 in London, UK, holds licenses from ASIC, FCA, CySEC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $0 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, ThinkMarkets scored 8.3/10 overall compared to eToro's 7.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, eToro holds its own with superior education resources, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
ThinkMarkets scores 8.3/10 overall vs 7.8/10 for eToro — a 0.5-point difference.
- 💵
ThinkMarkets requires just $0 to start, while eToro needs $50 — ThinkMarkets is 50x more accessible.
- 📈
ThinkMarkets offers 4,000+ instruments vs 3,400+ at eToro — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
eToro runs on eToro Platform, eToro App, while ThinkMarkets uses MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Trading Costs: ThinkMarkets scores 8.0 vs 6.0 for eToro — a 2.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
eToro
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 1 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You prefer eToro's trading environment overall
ThinkMarkets
Score: 8.3/10 · Wins 3 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
ThinkMarkets takes the lead with an overall score of 8.3/10 compared to 7.8/10, winning in 3 out of 8 scoring categories. ThinkMarkets stands out for lower trading costs and better customer support, while eToro fights back with superior education resources.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, ThinkMarkets comes out ahead with a 8.3/10 overall rating, winning 3 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.0/10. ThinkMarkets holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. eToro is not without merit — it scores 7.8/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 1 category. Traders who value superior education resources may find eToro the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full ThinkMarkets review and eToro review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
ThinkMarkets wins by 2.0 points
eToro wins by 0.5 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 1.5 points
ThinkMarkets wins by 1.0 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $50 | $0 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 1.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | eToro Platform, eToro App | MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, ASIC | ASIC, FCA, CySEC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2007 ✓ | 2010 |
| Markets | 3,400+ | 4,000+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, ThinkMarkets has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 6/10 for eToro. eToro offers spreads starting from 1.0 pips, while ThinkMarkets starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at eToro is $50, compared to $0 at ThinkMarkets. 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 8.5/10 for ThinkMarkets. eToro provides eToro Platform, eToro App, while ThinkMarkets offers MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader. 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 ThinkMarkets holds licenses from ASIC, FCA, CySEC (Tier 1). eToro scores 9/10 and ThinkMarkets 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 ThinkMarkets 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 ThinkMarkets provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8/10. 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 ThinkMarkets scores 8/10. eToro accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and ThinkMarkets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50 versus $0 for ThinkMarkets. 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 prefer eToro's trading environment overall
Choose ThinkMarkets if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eToro better than ThinkMarkets?
ThinkMarkets scores higher overall (8.3/10 vs 7.8/10), winning 3 of 8 categories. However, eToro is stronger in superior education resources. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, eToro or ThinkMarkets?
ThinkMarkets scores higher for trading costs. eToro offers spreads from 1.0 pips with a $50 minimum deposit, while ThinkMarkets starts from 0.0 pips with $0 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. ThinkMarkets is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC 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 ThinkMarkets?
eToro scores 8.5/10 for platforms. eToro offers eToro Platform, eToro App, while ThinkMarkets provides MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for eToro vs ThinkMarkets?
eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50, while ThinkMarkets requires $0. ThinkMarkets 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.