Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs eToro, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 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.
IG vs eToro: IG was founded in 1974, while eToro began in 2007. Both are publicly traded, but only IG is a bank; eToro is not.
On regulation, IG holds 8 Tier-1 licenses and 2 Tier-2 licenses, compared with eToro’s 4 Tier-1 and 1 Tier-2. ForexBrokers.com gives IG a Trust Score of 99/99 and eToro 96/99; under its scale (90–99), both are highly trusted. IG’s higher license count and perfect score indicate stronger oversight, while eToro remains a highly trusted choice with broad regulation.
| Feature |
IG
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2007 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
IG is the stronger pick on pure trading costs, especially for high-volume forex and CFD traders. Its Forex Direct (DMA) pricing averaged 0.62 pips on EUR/USD in July 2023, with an all-in cost around 0.82 pips after commission using that period’s data. On IG’s spread-only CFD account, typical EUR/USD spreads averaged 0.69 pips during the main session and 0.98 pips across all sessions (IG US averaged 1.18 pips). IG earns 5/5 stars for commissions and fees and ranks #8 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com.
IG also offers tiered discounts for professionals: a 10% spread rebate over £50M in monthly forex volume and up to 20% over £300M, plus DMA commissions that can drop to $10 per million per side for the highest volumes. The DMA account requires a £1,000 minimum and uses L2 Dealer for direct market access. These options can meaningfully lower effective costs for active traders and those placing larger orders.
eToro, a market-maker, lists a typical variable spread of 1 pip on EUR/USD—slightly higher than the industry average—so most users choose it for social copy trading rather than the tightest spreads. Its VIP Club (Silver to Diamond) offers balance-based perks like Trading Central access, discounted withdrawals/deposits, and a dedicated account manager, but it doesn’t materially undercut IG on trading costs. eToro is rated 4.5/5 stars for commissions and fees and ranks #23 out of 63.
| Feature |
IG
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $50-$10,000 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.98 | 1 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
IG offers a wider range of investments than eToro by the numbers: 19,537 tradeable symbols vs. 7,441, and 97 forex pairs vs. 55. Both brokers let you trade forex as CFDs or spot, buy U.S.-listed stocks like Apple as actual shares (not CFDs), and access international stocks such as Vodafone. Crypto fans are covered on both platforms too, with access to actual cryptocurrencies as well as crypto CFDs.
A key difference is copy trading: eToro offers it, while IG does not. Both earned 5 stars for Range of Investments, but IG ranks higher overall in this category (#4 of 63) compared with eToro (#11 of 63). If you want the widest selection and more forex pairs, IG is the stronger fit; if copy trading matters alongside a broad lineup of markets, eToro is compelling.
| Feature |
IG
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 7441 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 55 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
IG and eToro both make it easy to get started with a free paper trading (demo) account and each offers a proprietary platform with a web-based interface. IG also provides a Windows desktop download, while eToro does not. Both brokers let you place trades directly from charts. Platform extras differ: IG supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) but not MT5, whereas eToro supports neither MT4 nor MT5. Social features are another key divide—eToro offers copy trading, while IG does not.
For Trading Platforms and Tools, IG earns 5 stars and ranks #2 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com; eToro scores 4.5 stars and ranks #8. In short, IG may appeal to traders who want MT4 access and a full desktop option, while eToro suits those who value an easy web experience with built-in copy trading. Details like the number of technical indicators and watch list fields were not specified.
| Feature |
IG
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 106 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
IG and eToro both deliver full-featured mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android. Each app supports price alerts and watchlist syncing, so your symbols and notifications carry over between phone and web. That makes it easy to track markets and manage your account wherever you are.
For charting, eToro packs in more technical studies (104 vs. IG’s 33), while IG stands out with handy drawing tools like trendlines and automatic saving of your annotations—features eToro doesn’t offer. According to ForexBrokers.com, IG earns 5 stars and ranks #1 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps, while eToro scores 4.5 stars and ranks #10. In short, pick IG if you value drawing tools and top-rated mobile performance; choose eToro if having a wide range of indicators is your priority.
| Feature |
IG
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 104 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
IG and eToro both deliver daily market commentary, top-tier forex news from sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, sentiment tools that show the ratio of long vs. short positions, TipRanks research, and a clear economic calendar. That means traders on either platform get timely headlines, expert insights, and an easy way to plan around major events.
The key differences come down to third‑party tools. IG includes Autochartist for technical and fundamental ideas and adds Acuity Trading’s Signal Centre, but it does not offer Trading Central. eToro goes the other way: it features Trading Central but lacks Autochartist and Acuity. In independent testing by ForexBrokers.com, IG earns 5 stars for Research and ranks #2 out of 63 brokers, while eToro scores 4.5 stars and ranks #13. If you value Autochartist and Signal Centre, IG is the stronger fit; if you prefer Trading Central, eToro has the edge—though IG holds the higher overall research rating.
| Feature |
IG
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central | No | Yes |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | Yes |
| Acuity Trading | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
IG vs eToro for beginner education: both brokers make it easy to start learning. Each hosts client webinars at least once a month and offers a large library of videos, including at least 10 beginner lessons and at least 10 advanced lessons. Their materials cover key trading topics for new investors, including forex and CFDs, platform how-tos, strategy basics, and risk management—so you can build skills step by step.
When it comes to overall quality and depth, IG pulls ahead: it earns 5 stars for Education and ranks #1 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com. eToro is close behind with 4.5 stars and a #5 ranking. Choose IG if top-tier, wide-ranging education is your priority; pick eToro if you want strong learning tools alongside its social trading features.
| Feature |
IG
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IG is better than eToro. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while eToro finished with an overall rank of #9.
IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
IG
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eToro
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| Trust Score | 99 | 96 |
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IG vs eToro: both online brokers let you buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency and trade cryptocurrency CFDs, offering flexible options for crypto investors and CFD traders.
For funding and withdrawals, online brokers IG and eToro both support ACH/SEPA, PayPal, and bank wires, but only eToro also offers Skrill.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | IG | eToro | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 96 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | eToro Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | eToro | |
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| Regulation | IG | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 96 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2007 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | IG | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 7441 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 55 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | IG | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.98 | 1 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $50-$10,000 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | IG | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 106 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 104 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | IG | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | Yes | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | IG Review | eToro Review |
| Overall | IG | eToro | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 96 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | eToro Review |
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