CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

eToro is better for beginner investors, copy trading users, social investing, real stocks, ETFs, and crypto exposure in eligible regions. IG is better for serious traders who want deeper market access, spread betting, CFDs, advanced charting, MT4, ProRealTime, TradingView, L2 Dealer, and a more professional trading environment.

The simple difference is this: eToro is built for accessible investing and copy trading. IG is built for advanced trading and market access.

For someone who wants a simple investing app, eToro is usually easier to use. For someone who wants stronger tools, deeper charting, more platforms, and professional-style trading features, IG is usually the stronger broker.

At CompareBroker.io, our view is clear: eToro wins for copy trading, social investing, beginner-friendly design, and simple access to real assets. IG wins for advanced traders, platform choice, market depth, spread betting, and professional tools.

For more detail, readers can also visit our full eToro review and full IG review. CompareBroker’s eToro review describes eToro as a platform built around real assets, copy trading, and accessibility, while also noting that eToro is not designed for serious forex trading because its EUR/USD spread starts around 3.0 pips.  CompareBroker’s IG review is useful for readers who want a deeper breakdown of IG’s fees, regulation, platforms, and pros.

eToro vs IG          

comparison Table

Category

eToro

IG

Winner

Best for

Copy trading, social investing, beginner investors

Advanced trading, CFDs, spread betting, market depth

Depends on goal

Founded

2007

1974

IG

Main strength

CopyTrader and simple investing

Platforms, tools, market access, trading depth

Split

Copy trading

Strong CopyTrader ecosystem

Not a core feature

eToro

Real stocks

Available in eligible regions

Share dealing available in some regions, including UK

Split

ETFs

Available in eligible regions

ETF investing available in some regions

Split

Forex trading

Available, but spreads can be wide

Stronger forex trading environment

IG

CFDs

Available

Core product

IG

Spread betting

No

Available in the UK and Ireland

IG

Platforms

Proprietary web and mobile platform

Web platform, mobile app, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView

IG

MetaTrader

No MT4 or MT5

MT4 available

IG

Beginner usability

Very strong

Good, but more advanced

eToro

Advanced charting

Basic to moderate

Strong

IG

Crypto

Real crypto in eligible regions; CFDs in some cases

Crypto access varies by region and product

eToro for simple crypto

Regulation

FCA, CySEC, ASIC and other entities

FCA, ASIC, BaFin, FINMA, MAS and others

IG by breadth

Best overall for beginners

Stronger

More complex

eToro

Best overall for advanced traders

Weaker

Stronger

IG

 

What Makes eToro Different?

eToro is different because it is not trying to be a traditional professional trading platform. It is trying to make investing and trading feel easier for normal users.

That is the most important point in this comparison. eToro’s strength is not advanced charting. It is not raw-spread forex pricing. It is not MetaTrader. It is not direct market access. eToro’s strength is simplicity.

The platform is designed around a clean web and mobile experience. Users can search for stocks, ETFs, crypto, commodities, indices, and currencies. They can also follow other investors, read social-style market discussion, and copy traders through CopyTrader.

CopyTrader is eToro’s most important feature. It allows users to copy selected investors automatically. When the copied investor opens or closes a position, the user’s account follows proportionally. This makes eToro one of the most recognised names in social trading and copy trading. CompareBroker’s eToro review says CopyTrader is eToro’s flagship feature and one of the main reasons users choose the platform over conventional brokers. That does not mean copy trading is safe. It only means the platform makes it easier to copy another trader’s decisions. The risk still belongs to the user. If the copied trader loses money, the copier can lose money too.

eToro also has a strong advantage in real asset access. In eligible regions, users can buy real stocks and ETFs without using leverage. This matters because real share investing is different from CFD trading. When a user buys a real share, they get ownership exposure to that company. When they trade a CFD, they are only speculating on price movement.

This makes eToro more suitable for people who want to build a simple investment portfolio over time. A user who wants to buy Apple, Tesla, Nvidia, Microsoft, or an ETF may find eToro easier than IG, especially if they are new to investing.

eToro is strongest for users who want:

  • Copy trading
  • Social investing
  • Real stocks in eligible regions
  • ETFs in eligible regions
  • Crypto exposure in eligible regions
  • A simple mobile app
  • Beginner-friendly design
  • One platform for investing and trading

eToro is weaker for users who want:

  • MT4
  • MT5
  • ProRealTime
  • TradingView integration
  • Direct market access
  • Advanced technical analysis
  • Algorithmic trading
  • Tight forex spreads
  • Spread betting

For readers focused on copy trading, CompareBroker also has a full guide to the best copy trading platforms and a beginner guide explaining what copy trading is.

What Makes IG Different?

IG is a much older, deeper, and more trading-focused broker than eToro.

IG was founded in London in 1974, giving it more than 50 years of operating history. IG’s own platform page highlights more than 50 years of experience, access to more than 15,000 markets, and multiple trading platforms including its web platform, mobile app, ProRealTime, MetaTrader 4, L2 Dealer, and TradingView. 

This immediately tells us something important. IG is not just an app for beginners. It is a serious trading provider with multiple tools for different trader types.

IG’s platform range is one of its biggest advantages over eToro. eToro only offers its own proprietary platform. IG offers:

  • Web trading platform
  • Mobile trading app
  • ProRealTime
  • MetaTrader 4
  • L2 Dealer
  • TradingView
  • Share dealing platform in eligible regions

That gives IG a much stronger platform ecosystem. A beginner can use IG’s web platform. A chart-focused trader can use ProRealTime. A MetaTrader user can use MT4. A more advanced trader can use L2 Dealer for direct market access on certain instruments. A TradingView user can connect IG for chart-based analysis and trading.

IG is also stronger for market access. IG’s UK site states that users can build an investment portfolio from over 12,000 shares and ETFs and trade over 16,000 assets across markets such as forex, indices, commodities, and more. (IG)

This makes IG more suitable for active traders and advanced users who want depth, platform choice, and stronger research tools.

IG is strongest for users who want:

  • CFDs
  • Spread betting in eligible regions
  • Forex trading
  • Indices
  • Commodities
  • Shares and ETFs
  • MT4
  • ProRealTime
  • TradingView
  • L2 Dealer
  • More advanced charting
  • Broader market access

IG is weaker for users who want:

  • Simple copy trading
  • A social investing feed
  • A beginner-first investing app
  • A platform centred around copying other investors
  • A very simple learning curve

In simple terms, IG is better for traders. eToro is better for beginner investors and copy trading users.

For readers comparing advanced trading platforms, CompareBroker also has useful guides for best MT4 brokers, best MT5 brokers, and forex broker comparison.

eToro vs IG: Regulation and Safety

Both eToro and IG are regulated brokers, but IG has the longer operating history and broader institutional trading background.

eToro operates through several regulated entities. CompareBroker’s eToro review states that eToro is authorised and regulated by the FCA in the UK, CySEC in Europe, and ASIC in Australia, with FSCS protection up to £85,000 for eligible UK clients if the firm becomes insolvent. (Compare Broker)

IG also operates through several major regulatory bodies. IG states that it is regulated by the FCA, FINMA, BaFin, ASIC, MAS, and others. (IG) IG’s own platform also presents the company as a long-established provider with more than 50 years of experience. (IG)

For safety, the most important point is not just the brand name. It is the legal entity. A UK client, EU client, Australian client, Swiss client, Singapore client, or international client may be onboarded under a different entity, with different rules and protections.

Before opening an account with either broker, users should check:

  • Which legal entity will hold the account
  • Which regulator supervises that entity
  • Whether client funds are segregated
  • Whether negative balance protection applies
  • Whether compensation protection applies
  • Whether the user is classified as retail or professional
  • Whether the product is a real asset, CFD, or spread bet

IG has the edge for long-term institutional reputation and trading history. eToro still has strong regulation, especially for mainstream retail investors in the UK, Europe, and Australia.

Regulation verdict: IG wins by history and regulatory breadth, while eToro remains strongly regulated for mainstream retail investing.

eToro vs IG Fees: Which Broker Is Cheaper?

The cheaper broker depends on what the user trades.

eToro is often attractive for long-term investors because it offers commission-free real stock and ETF investing in eligible regions. However, eToro is not fee-free across the board. CompareBroker’s eToro review highlights the full cost picture: CFD spreads, a $5 withdrawal fee, a $10 monthly inactivity fee after 12 months without activity, and a 0.5% currency conversion fee on non-USD transactions. (Compare Broker)

IG’s fee structure depends heavily on product type. IG’s UK investment page says it offers no commission on all stocks and ETFs traded within a UK GBP GIA, ISA, and SIPP account, though other fees may apply. It also shows a 0.7% FX fee in its share dealing comparison table. (IG) IG’s UK homepage states that users pay no commission or account fees on stocks and shares investments, while also offering spread betting and CFDs for trading. (IG)

This means both brokers can be attractive for share investors in eligible regions, but the cost structure changes when users move into CFDs, forex, commodities, indices, or leveraged trading.

eToro may be cheaper for:

  • Beginner investors buying real stocks
  • ETF investors in eligible regions
  • Copy trading users who accept spread-based costs
  • Users who want a simple investing account
  • Long-term investors who avoid leveraged CFDs

IG may be cheaper or more suitable for:

  • Share dealing in eligible regions
  • Advanced traders who compare platform-specific costs
  • Spread betting users in the UK or Ireland
  • Traders who want more platform choice
  • Traders who need more advanced market access

But traders must be careful. A broker can look cheap for share dealing and still be expensive for active trading if spreads, financing, and currency conversion are ignored. The true cost depends on the asset, holding period, leverage, position size, and account currency.

Fee verdict: eToro can be cost-effective for simple investing and copy trading. IG can be highly competitive for share dealing and stronger for advanced trading, but costs vary by product.

For readers focused on trading costs, CompareBroker’s forex broker fees comparison is a useful supporting guide.

 

eToro vs IG Spreads

Spreads matter most for active traders. A spread is the gap between the buy price and sell price. The wider the spread, the more the market must move in the trader’s favour before the position starts to become profitable.

This is one area where IG is usually stronger than eToro, especially for forex and CFD traders.

CompareBroker’s eToro review says eToro’s EUR/USD spread starts around 3.0 pips, making it unsuitable for active forex trading compared with dedicated forex brokers. (Compare Broker) IG, by contrast, is much more focused on forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, spread betting, and active trading infrastructure.

That does not mean IG is always the cheapest broker in every market. It means IG is built for traders who care about execution, platform choice, and tradable market access. eToro is built more around social investing and simple portfolio access.

A long-term eToro stock investor may not care much about forex spreads. But a trader placing several forex or index trades per day will care a lot.

For example:

  • A copy trading investor may prefer eToro even with wider spreads.
  • A serious forex trader will likely prefer IG or another specialist forex broker.
  • A stock investor may compare eToro and IG based on share dealing costs, not forex spreads.
  • A CFD trader should compare live spreads, overnight funding, and platform tools before choosing.

Spread verdict: IG is stronger for spread-sensitive traders. eToro is not the best option for active forex trading.

eToro vs IG Platforms

This is where IG clearly beats eToro.

eToro has one main proprietary platform. It is easy to use, clean, and designed around social investing. That is good for beginners, but limiting for advanced traders.

IG offers a wider platform ecosystem. IG’s platform comparison page lists its online trading platform, mobile app, IG tastytrade platform, ProRealTime, MetaTrader 4, L2 Dealer, and TradingView. It also states that ProRealTime is suited to technical chart users, MT4 gives access to advanced analysis and automated trading tools, L2 Dealer provides direct market access, and TradingView offers advanced charts and tools through IG account connection. (IG)

That gives IG a major advantage for serious traders.

Choose eToro’s platform if you want:

  • Simple design
  • CopyTrader
  • Social feed
  • Portfolio overview
  • Beginner-friendly navigation
  • Stocks, ETFs, crypto, and CFDs in one app

Choose IG’s platform if you want:

  • Web trading
  • Mobile trading
  • MT4
  • ProRealTime
  • L2 Dealer
  • TradingView
  • Advanced charting
  • More technical analysis
  • More professional trading tools

The only reason eToro wins this category is if simplicity is the main priority. For platform power, IG is stronger.

Platform verdict: eToro wins for simplicity. IG wins for advanced trading tools.

 

eToro vs IG for Beginners

eToro is better for most beginners.

The reason is not that IG is bad for beginners. IG has a strong platform, good education, and a long operating history. The reason eToro wins for beginners is that it is easier to understand.

Many new users do not want six platform choices. They do not want to think about MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, direct market access, or spread betting. They want to open an app, search for a market, understand what they are buying, and start slowly.

That is where eToro is strong. The platform looks and feels like a modern investing app. The social feed and copy trading tools also make the experience less isolating for new users.

However, not all beginners are the same.

eToro is better for beginner investors who want:

  • Real stocks
  • ETFs
  • Copy trading
  • Simple crypto exposure
  • Social investing
  • A clean mobile app
  • Easy portfolio tracking

IG is better for beginner traders who want:

  • More serious trading tools
  • Spread betting in eligible regions
  • CFDs
  • Forex
  • Indices
  • Commodities
  • MT4
  • Better charting

The biggest warning for beginners is leverage. CFDs and spread betting can create large losses quickly. IG’s own help page warns that spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and says 67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with IG. (IG) That kind of risk warning should not be ignored.

Beginner verdict: eToro is better for beginner investors. IG is better for beginners who are serious about learning trading tools, but it carries a steeper learning curve.

Internal link: New users can also compare beginner options through CompareBroker’s best forex brokers for beginners guide.

eToro vs IG for Copy Trading

eToro is the clear winner for copy trading.

Copy trading is one of eToro’s core features. Users can review public investor profiles, examine performance history, check risk scores, view portfolio allocation, and copy selected traders.

IG is not built around copy trading in the same way. IG is built around market access, platforms, charting, CFDs, spread betting, share dealing, and professional trading tools.

This category is not close.

If the user wants to copy other investors, eToro is the better choice. If the user wants to learn technical trading and make independent decisions, IG is the stronger platform.

Copy trading verdict: eToro wins clearly.

Internal links:

  • Best Copy Trading Platforms
  • Best Social Trading Platforms
  • What Is Copy Trading?

eToro vs IG for Forex Trading

IG is better for forex trading.

This is one of the clearest differences in the comparison. eToro offers forex CFDs, but it is not designed for active forex traders. CompareBroker’s eToro review states that eToro’s EUR/USD spread starts around 3.0 pips and describes this as a major disadvantage for active forex trading. (Compare Broker)

IG is much stronger for forex because it offers a more complete trading environment. Traders can use IG’s web platform, mobile app, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, and TradingView. IG also offers access to forex through spread betting and CFDs in eligible regions.

Forex traders usually care about:

  • Spreads
  • Execution
  • Charting
  • Order types
  • Platform stability
  • Risk tools
  • Technical analysis
  • Automation
  • Market depth

IG offers more of this environment than eToro.

Choose eToro for forex if:

  • You only trade forex occasionally
  • You want to copy forex traders
  • You prefer social investing
  • Forex is only a small part of your portfolio

Choose IG for forex if:

  • You actively trade currencies
  • You need better charting
  • You want MT4
  • You want spread betting or CFDs
  • You want a more advanced trading environment

Forex verdict: IG wins.

Internal link: Readers focused on currency trading should visit CompareBroker’s forex broker comparison tool.

eToro vs IG for Stocks and ETFs

This category is closer than many people think.

eToro is strong for simple stock and ETF investing. In eligible regions, users can buy real stocks and ETFs without leverage. The platform also offers fractional share access and copy trading features, making it attractive for newer investors.

IG is also strong for stock and ETF investors in eligible regions. IG’s UK investment page states that it offers commission-free investing on stocks and ETFs within UK GBP GIA, ISA, and SIPP accounts, with more than 12,000 stocks available and no account fees shown in its comparison table. (IG)

This means eToro does not automatically beat IG for stocks. eToro is simpler and more social. IG may be more attractive for UK investors who want share dealing, ISA/SIPP account options, and a broker with deeper trading infrastructure.

Choose eToro for stocks and ETFs if:

  • You want the easiest investing app
  • You want fractional shares
  • You want copy trading
  • You want social investing
  • You are a beginner building a simple portfolio

Choose IG for stocks and ETFs if:

  • You want broader platform depth
  • You want UK account structures such as ISA or SIPP where available
  • You want to combine investing with advanced trading
  • You want access to IG’s wider market tools
  • You prefer a long-established UK trading provider

Stocks and ETFs verdict: eToro wins for simplicity and copy investing. IG wins for users who want broader trading infrastructure and share dealing depth.

Internal link: Readers can compare more options in CompareBroker’s best stock trading platforms guide.

 

eToro vs IG for CFDs

IG is better for CFDs.

This is because IG is built around derivative trading. CFDs, spread betting, forex, indices, commodities, and trading platforms are central to IG’s identity. IG’s UK homepage says users can trade shares, indices, commodities, and forex through CFDs, with access to over 16,000 assets. (IG)

eToro also offers CFDs, but it is not as strong for advanced CFD traders. eToro is better understood as a hybrid platform: part investing app, part social network, part copy trading platform, and part CFD broker.

That structure works well for casual users. It does not work as well for advanced CFD traders.

Choose eToro for CFDs if:

  • You only use CFDs occasionally
  • You want to copy CFD traders
  • You prefer a simple interface
  • You also want real stocks, ETFs, and crypto exposure

Choose IG for CFDs if:

  • CFDs are your main product
  • You want stronger charting
  • You want more platform choices
  • You want MT4 or ProRealTime
  • You want broader market coverage
  • You want spread betting in eligible regions

CFD verdict: IG wins.

Internal link: CFD-focused readers should compare more providers through Compare CFD Brokers 2026.

 

eToro vs IG for Spread Betting

IG wins because eToro does not offer spread betting.

Spread betting is mainly relevant to traders in the UK and Ireland. It allows users to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset. IG’s spread betting vs CFD page explains that one key difference is taxation: spread betting profits are free from capital gains tax in the UK, while CFD profits can be offset against losses for tax purposes. (IG)

This is a major advantage for eligible UK traders, although tax treatment depends on personal circumstances and can change.

eToro does not compete in this category. If spread betting is important, IG is the natural choice.

Spread betting verdict: IG wins.

eToro vs IG for Crypto

eToro is usually better for simple crypto exposure, especially in eligible regions where unleveraged crypto positions provide real crypto exposure.

eToro’s platform is built for multi-asset users who want stocks, ETFs, crypto, commodities, indices, and copy trading in one place. CompareBroker’s eToro review states that eToro offers real cryptocurrency ownership in eligible regions, though crypto spreads may be less cost-effective for active crypto traders. (Compare Broker)

IG’s crypto offering depends on region and product structure. IG’s UK login page now promotes crypto access with more than 55 assets, 24/7 trading, and deposits from £1. (IG) However, traders should check whether they are accessing real crypto, crypto derivatives, or a separate crypto service depending on jurisdiction.

Choose eToro for crypto if:

  • You want simple crypto exposure
  • You want crypto alongside stocks and ETFs
  • You want social investing and copy trading
  • You are in an eligible region for real crypto exposure

Choose IG for crypto if:

  • You want crypto access inside a broader trading provider
  • You already use IG for other markets
  • You want to check IG’s regional crypto product availability
  • You are comfortable verifying the exact crypto structure before trading

Crypto verdict: eToro is stronger for simple crypto investing. IG may suit users already inside the IG ecosystem, depending on region.

eToro vs IG for Gold, Oil, Commodities, and Indices

IG is stronger for gold, oil, commodities, and indices.

The reason is platform depth. Commodity and index traders often need strong charts, alerts, news, risk tools, fast execution, and flexible order types. IG offers more of this trading infrastructure than eToro.

IG gives users access to commodities, indices, forex, and other markets through its trading platform, and its homepage highlights trading over 16,000 assets including forex, indices, commodities, and more. (IG)

eToro also offers commodities and indices, but its platform is more suitable for users who want simple exposure or copy trading rather than advanced short-term trading.

Choose eToro for commodities and indices if:

  • You want simple exposure
  • You want to copy traders
  • You are not actively trading short-term moves
  • You prefer an easy app

Choose IG for commodities and indices if:

  • You actively trade gold or oil
  • You trade indices such as the Nasdaq, Dow, DAX, or FTSE
  • You need strong charting
  • You want MT4, ProRealTime, or TradingView
  • You want spread betting or CFDs

Commodities and indices verdict: IG wins.

Internal links:

  • Compare brokers for trading oil
  • Compare brokers for trading indices

 

eToro vs IG Education and Research

IG is stronger for education and research aimed at traders. eToro is stronger for social learning.

IG offers a more traditional learning and market-analysis environment. Its platform includes tools such as streaming news, an economic calendar, signals, and browser-based research tools. (IG) IG Academy is also a recognised education hub for traders.

eToro’s education style is different. It is more community-driven. Users can learn by reading investor profiles, reviewing portfolios, following discussions, and observing copied traders. This may feel more natural for beginners, but it is not the same as structured technical education.

Choose eToro for:

  • Social learning
  • Copy trading observation
  • Beginner-friendly market discovery
  • Learning from investor profiles

Choose IG for:

  • Trading education
  • Platform education
  • Technical analysis
  • Market research
  • Economic calendars
  • Signals and news tools

Education verdict: IG wins for structured trader education. eToro wins for social learning.

eToro vs IG Mobile App

eToro’s app is easier for beginners. IG’s app is stronger for traders.

The eToro app is designed around simplicity. It is clean, social, and easy to navigate. Users can check watchlists, view portfolios, copy traders, and open positions without dealing with complex platform settings.

The IG app is more trading-focused. It gives users access to markets, charts, watchlists, alerts, research, and position management tools. IG says its mobile app allows users to buy and sell shares, trade spread bets or CFDs, access research and monitoring tools, view mobile charts, and open or close positions on the go. (IG)

Choose eToro mobile if:

  • You want copy trading
  • You want simple investing
  • You want a clean beginner app
  • You want social investing

Choose IG mobile if:

  • You want stronger trading tools
  • You want charts and alerts
  • You trade CFDs or spread bets
  • You want advanced market access from your phone

Mobile verdict: eToro wins for beginner simplicity. IG wins for trading tools.

 

eToro vs IG Pros and Cons

eToro Pros

  • Strong copy trading ecosystem
  • Very beginner-friendly platform
  • Real stocks and ETFs in eligible regions
  • Crypto exposure in eligible regions
  • Social investing features
  • Easy mobile app
  • Good for long-term investors
  • Strong regulation in major jurisdictions
  • Good for users who do not want complex trading tools

eToro Cons

  • Forex spreads can be expensive
  • No MT4
  • No MT5
  • No TradingView integration
  • No ProRealTime
  • No direct market access
  • Withdrawal and inactivity fees may apply
  • Not ideal for active forex traders or scalpers
  • Copy trading still carries full market risk

IG Pros

  • Founded in 1974
  • Strong regulatory footprint
  • Broad market access
  • CFDs and spread betting in eligible regions
  • Share dealing in eligible regions
  • MT4 available
  • ProRealTime available
  • L2 Dealer available
  • TradingView access
  • Stronger research and trading tools
  • Better for advanced traders

IG Cons

  • More complex than eToro
  • Not built around copy trading
  • Beginners may feel overwhelmed
  • CFD and spread betting products are high risk
  • Fees vary by product and region
  • Not as social or community-driven as eToro

 Who Should Choose eToro?

Choose eToro if your main goal is simple investing, copy trading, or social investing.

eToro is best for:

  • Beginner investors
  • Copy trading users
  • Social investing users
  • Long-term stock investors
  • ETF investors
  • Crypto users in eligible regions
  • Users who want a simple app
  • Users who do not need advanced trading tools

eToro is not the best choice for traders who need MT4, ProRealTime, TradingView, L2 Dealer, tight forex spreads, or advanced CFD tools.

Best user profile for eToro:
A beginner or casual investor who wants to buy real assets, copy other investors, and manage everything through a simple app.

 

Who Should Choose IG?

Choose IG if your main goal is serious trading, broad market access, or advanced platform choice.

IG is best for:

  • Forex traders
  • CFD traders
  • Spread betting users in eligible regions
  • Index traders
  • Gold and oil traders
  • Technical traders
  • MT4 users
  • ProRealTime users
  • TradingView users
  • Share dealing users in eligible regions
  • More experienced market participants

IG is not the best choice for users who mainly want copy trading, social investing, or the simplest possible beginner app.

Best user profile for IG:
A trader who wants stronger platforms, deeper tools, wider market access, and a more professional trading environment.

eToro vs IG: Final Verdict

eToro and IG are both respected brokers, but they are built for different people.

eToro is better for beginner investors. IG is better for serious traders.

eToro wins if your priority is:

  • Copy trading
  • Social investing
  • Real stocks
  • ETFs
  • Crypto exposure
  • Simple mobile investing
  • Beginner-friendly design

IG wins if your priority is:

  • Forex trading
  • CFDs
  • Spread betting
  • Advanced platforms
  • MT4
  • ProRealTime
  • TradingView
  • L2 Dealer
  • Broader market access
  • Stronger technical tools

The better broker is not the one with the longest feature list. The better broker is the one that matches the user’s real goal.

Final answer: eToro is better for copy trading, beginner investing, and social portfolios. IG is better for forex, CFDs, spread betting, advanced charting, platform choice, and serious trading.

For users still unsure, the best next step is to compare more providers through CompareBroker’s global broker comparison tool.

FAQ: eToro vs IG

Is eToro better than IG?

eToro is better than IG for copy trading, social investing, beginner-friendly investing, real stocks, ETFs, and crypto exposure in eligible regions. IG is better for advanced trading, forex, CFDs, spread betting, MT4, ProRealTime, TradingView, and broader market access.

Is IG better than eToro?

IG is better than eToro for serious traders who want deeper tools, stronger charting, more platform choice, CFDs, spread betting, forex, commodities, and indices. eToro is better for users who want a simple investing app and copy trading.

Which broker is better for beginners, eToro or IG?

eToro is better for most beginner investors because it is easier to use and built around simple investing and copy trading. IG is better for beginners who specifically want to learn serious trading tools, but it has a steeper learning curve.

Which broker is better for copy trading?

eToro is better for copy trading. CopyTrader is one of eToro’s main features, while IG is not built around a native social copy trading ecosystem.

Which broker is better for forex trading?

IG is better for forex trading. eToro offers forex CFDs, but CompareBroker’s eToro review notes that its EUR/USD spread starts around 3.0 pips, which makes it less suitable for active forex traders. (Compare Broker)

Does eToro offer MT4 or MT5?

No. eToro does not offer MT4 or MT5. It uses its own proprietary web and mobile platform.

Does IG offer MT4?

Yes. IG lists MetaTrader 4 as one of its available platforms, along with its web platform, mobile app, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, and TradingView. (IG)

Which broker is better for stocks and ETFs?

eToro is better for simple stock and ETF investing, especially for beginners. IG is also strong for share dealing in eligible regions and states that it offers commission-free investing on shares and ETFs within UK GBP GIA, ISA, and SIPP accounts, with other fees applying. (IG)

Which broker is better for CFDs?

IG is better for CFDs because it is built around derivative trading, platform depth, spread betting, market access, and advanced charting tools. eToro offers CFDs too, but it is more focused on social investing and beginner-friendly access.

Which broker is better for spread betting?

IG is better for spread betting because eToro does not offer spread betting. Spread betting is mainly relevant to UK and Ireland traders.

Which broker is safer, eToro or IG?

Both brokers are regulated, but IG has a longer operating history, having been founded in 1974, and is regulated by several major authorities. eToro is also strongly regulated, including by the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC through its relevant entities. Users should always check which legal entity applies to their account.

Which broker is better overall?

eToro is better overall for beginner investors and copy trading users. IG is better overall for active traders, forex traders, CFD traders, spread betting users, and anyone who wants advanced platform tools.

What are you looking for in a broker?

Select the ‘must-have’ features or requirements that are important to you

Mobile Trading

Trade on Margin

Direct Market Access

Offers US Stocks

Accept Paypal

Offers UK Stocks

Offers MT4

Allows Scalping

Copy Trading

Accepts Credit Card

Allows Hedging

ECN or STP Execution

Offers Altcoins

Offers Crypto Crosses

Fixed Spreads

Variable Spreads

Offers Demo Account

Professional Status

VPS Trading

Zero Spread Account

Mobile Trading

Trade on Margin

Direct Market Access

Offers US Stocks

Accept Paypal

Offers UK Stocks

Offers MT4

Allows Scalping

Copy Trading

Accepts Credit Card

Allows Hedging

ECN or STP Execution

Offers Altcoins

Offers Crypto Crosses

Fixed Spreads

Variable Spreads

Offers Demo Account

Professional Status

BIGINNER

VPS Trading

Zero Spread Account

How experienced are you at trading?

Select the ‘must-have’ features or requirements that are important to you

beginner

Intermediate

EXPERT