Top broker picks for copy trading
Best forex broker for copy trading - eToro
| Company |
Proprietary Platform |
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) |
cTrader |
ZuluTrade |
DupliTrade |
 eToro
|
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
eToro is my top choice for copy trading due to its easy-to-use platform where traders can duplicate the trades of investors on over 2,300 different instruments, including exchange-traded securities, forex, CFDs, and popular cryptocurrencies.
Research and tools: eToro has also significantly improved its education within its Learning Academy and has enhanced its available research, both of which complement its copy trading offering and client experience. The research improvements include the addition of TipRanks and Trading Central as well as client sentiment data.
Native copy trading focus: One of the reasons eToro is consistently ranked in first place for copy trading is in large part due to this being practically its entire focus, compared to nearly all other brokers who only offer copy trading as a secondary platform. As a result, copy trading is deeply ingrained in the eToro experience. The broker’s main innovation is merging self-directed trading and copy trading under a unified trading experience. It is a winning combination and remains eToro’s primary focus.
Social network experience: eToro has a fantastic social network experience, as part of its news feed where traders and popular investors can share and comment on posts within its community. In addition, its CopyPortfolios tool allows you to copy a pre-packaged selection of other popular investors, a nice innovation that helps eToro stand out from other copy trading platform providers.
Popular Investor program and the eToro Club: In order to crowdsource the best traders to share their strategies for others to copy, eToro has a popular investor program that rewards you when you have consistent risk-adjusted returns. The program ranges from its base tier, Cadet, all the way up to its highest tier, Elite, each with increasing perks such as rebates.
Pricing: eToro remains slightly pricier than most of its competitors, despite recently cutting spreads and introducing zero-dollar commissions for U.S. stock trading. However, I feel that the extra cost of marked-up spreads is offset by the fact that you are receiving eToro’s copy trading services for free, as otherwise, you would have to pay for copy trading separately. To learn more, visit my full review of eToro.
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future results. Copy trading does not amount to investment advice. Copy trading takes place in a self-directed account, and your capital is no less at risk. The value of your investments may go up or down.
Best for a variety of platform options - AvaTrade
| Company |
Proprietary Platform |
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) |
cTrader |
ZuluTrade |
DupliTrade |
 AvaTrade
|
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
AvaTrade is a trusted global brand best known for offering traders an extensive selection of trading platforms, including copy trading, alongside access to a wide variety of markets, such as options and - most recently - futures trading.
Well-balanced offering: My testing found AvaTrade to be great for copy trading, competitive for mobile, mostly in line with the industry average for pricing and research, and an outstanding choice for investor education. Experienced active traders may also be interested that more competitive pricing is available at AvaTrade on its Pro account for clients that are designated as Professional traders.
Platform selection for copy trading: Alongside MetaTrader which supports the signals markets for copy trading, AvaTrade offers ZuluTrade and DupliTrade, and recently launched AvaSocial for social trading. The wide variety of platform options is one reason that AvaTrade is a great choice for copy trading.
AvaSocial powered by Pelican: AvaSocial is the latest copy trading platform from AvaTrader. It is developed and powered by Pelican which brings its own network of traders from around the world. Typically when brokers launch a new copy trading platform from scratch it can take many months and even years to amass a large enough network and trading history to provide clients with a substantial list of the best-performing traders to copy. However, that is not the case at AvaSocial since you can scan from among all the expert traders currently in the entire Pelican network. Check out my full review of AvaTrade for the complete rundown.
Best for customization and add-ons - Pepperstone
| Company |
Proprietary Platform |
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) |
cTrader |
ZuluTrade |
DupliTrade |
 Pepperstone
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Pepperstone has long been a provider of copy trading platforms from popular third-party developers and recently launched its own branded version powered by Pelican.
Pricing flexibility and add-ons: What helps make Pepperstone a great choice for copy trading is its vast selection of copy trading platforms and the ability to use either its spread-only standard account or commission-based Razor account across all its platforms. Each platform also comes with a plethora of third-party add-ons at Pepperstone, enhancing the available features beyond the vanilla offering of many other brokers.
Copy trading platform selection: Pepperstone’s dual offering of Signal Start for MetaTrader and DupliTrade for cTrader is a great fit for copy traders and algorithmic traders alike. In addition, cTrader also has its own native copy trading (although I am not a fan of it), just as MetaTrader has the signals market. In addition to support for algorithmic trading, Copy Trading by Pepperstone was recently launched following its partnership with Pelican. Overall, Copy Trading by Pepperstone would be my top choice at Pepperstone when looking to copy trade, simply because of the size of the Pelican network that you can access to analyze other traders to copy.
These factors all contributed to Pepperstone receiving Best-in-Class honors for our MetaTrader, Algo Trading, and Copy Trading categories in our 2025 Annual Awards. That said, while all of these options are fantastic for power users and those who wish to have the flexibility of deep customizability, Pepperstone's lack of competitive educational resources may not make it the best fit for beginner traders trying to learn how to use these tools. Read more at my in-depth review of Pepperstone.
Best for integrated copy trading tools – Vantage
| Company |
Proprietary Platform |
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) |
cTrader |
ZuluTrade |
DupliTrade |
 Vantage
|
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Vantage earns high marks for its broad selection of copy trading platforms, making it a compelling choice for traders who want more than just MetaTrader.
Platform availability: In addition to supporting the Signals Market on MetaTrader 4 and 5, Vantage offers access to DupliTrade, Myfxbook AutoTrade (where available), and its own proprietary Vantage Copy Trading platform, which boasts a growing community of over 71,000 signal providers. That level of access gives copy traders a diverse set of options to match their risk tolerance and trading preferences.
Platform integration: What stands out is how well Vantage has blended copy trading tools into its broader platform lineup. The integration of TradingView with MetaTrader gives users powerful charting options, while its SmartTrader add-ons and plugins help elevate the standard MetaTrader experience. I especially like the additional plug-ins available from OneClickFX for those who meet deposit thresholds. They can add serious utility for power users looking to take their copy trading to the next level.
Pricing & platform experience: While spreads on the Standard account are less competitive, the Raw ECN account keeps costs in line with industry norms and offers decent value for active copy traders. The in-app experience is a bit of a mixed bag as the proprietary mobile app has potential, but the presence of ads detracts from the user experience. Still, the wide platform variety and growing signal provider network make Vantage a smart pick for traders seeking flexibility and depth in their copy trading setup.
Explore more about its offerings at my full review of Vantage.
Best for algorithmic copy trading – IC Markets
| Company |
Proprietary Platform |
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) |
cTrader |
ZuluTrade |
DupliTrade |
 IC Markets
|
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
IC Markets is a great option for its robust combination of copy trading platforms and low-cost trading environment, making it an excellent choice for algorithmic traders who also want access to social trading tools.
Platform variety: The broker supports a wide range of copy trading platforms, including ZuluTrade, Myfxbook AutoTrade, and MetaTrader's native Signals market. IC Markets also recently launched IC Social, its mobile-only copy trading app powered by Pelican Exchange, adding a more modern, social layer to its already deep platform lineup.
Platform integration: Whether you trade on MetaTrader, cTrader, or TradingView, IC Markets makes it easy to integrate copy trading into your workflow. I especially appreciate the availability of cTrader Copy, which is built for strategy-following and runs alongside tools like Autochartist and Trading Central. It’s clear that IC Markets is targeting traders who want powerful tools without the overhead of managing complex systems from scratch.
Pricing: Competitive pricing and fast, scalable execution give IC Markets a performance edge especially for high-frequency or spread-sensitive strategies.
While the broker’s research and education have improved, they still lag behind top-tier providers. That said, for copy traders who lean on automation and want flexibility across multiple platforms, IC Markets offers one of the strongest, most well-rounded packages available today. Learn more at my complete IC Markets review.
Best for low-cost MetaTrader copy trading – Tickmill
| Company |
Proprietary Platform |
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) |
cTrader |
ZuluTrade |
DupliTrade |
 Tickmill
|
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
Tickmill has quietly built one of the most cost-effective setups for MetaTrader-based copy trading, thanks to its ultra-tight spreads and competitive Raw account.
Copy trading platforms: Copy traders can connect to signal providers through Tickmill’s own Tickmill Social platform (available via its Seychelles entity) or use Myfxbook AutoTrade, both of which integrate directly with MetaTrader. While some third-party platforms like ZuluTrade and Pelican Trading are no longer supported, Tickmill still delivers a solid, streamlined copy trading experience for MetaTrader users.
Pricing: The appeal of Tickmill lies in its low all-in trading costs and performance-focused execution. Its Raw account delivers spreads as low as 0.11 pips on EUR/USD, and even after accounting for the $6 round-turn commission, the final cost remains among the most competitive available. I also like that there’s only a $100 minimum to open a Raw account, making Tickmill accessible even for newer traders who want to try copy trading without a large upfront commitment.
Platform variety: Tickmill's platform offering centers around MetaTrader 4 and 5, complemented by add-ons like FX Blue's Advanced Trading toolkit and a recently launched proprietary platform, Tickmill Trader. While the Tickmill Trader platform is still in early stages and available only in limited jurisdictions, it shows promise, especially with its built-in performance analytics.
Tickmill may lack broader market coverage and deeper educational tools, but for cost-conscious copy traders who want simplicity, speed, and MetaTrader compatibility, it’s a standout pick. Discover more about its features at my review of Tickmill.
Best for customizable copy trading - FXCM
| Company |
Proprietary Platform |
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) |
cTrader |
ZuluTrade |
DupliTrade |
 FXCM
|
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes info |
No |
FXCM offers one of the most versatile platform lineups for copy trading, headlined by ZuluTrade, which remains one of the most well-known third-party social trading networks.
Copy trading platforms: While availability of ZuluTrade is limited in certain regions, it provides access to a wide network of signal providers and lets you tailor your experience with advanced risk management tools. FXCM also supports copy trading through MetaTrader’s native Signals market, adding another reliable option for traders who prefer to stay within the MetaTrader ecosystem.
Automation tools: What makes FXCM especially compelling is how well it supports both beginner and advanced copy traders. You can automate strategies using Capitalise.ai or go deep into custom-built trading logic using Python, all while layering in signal-following functionality. The Trading Station platform, FXCM’s proprietary flagship, includes Marketscope 2.0 for high-end charting and lets traders analyze, backtest, and execute strategies with impressive control and precision.
Pricing: Pricing at FXCM is competitive for active traders, especially those who qualify for its tiered rebate program, though it doesn’t beat the lowest-cost brokers. Still, the strength of its platform ecosystem, excellent execution transparency, and commitment to advanced trading tools helped FXCM earn Best in Class awards for Copy Trading, Algo Trading, and Platforms & Tools in our 2025 Annual Awards.
If you're looking for a multi-platform copy trading setup that can scale with your skill level, FXCM deserves serious consideration. Find out more about its range of features and platforms at my complete FXCM review.
Forex copy trading platforms comparison
FAQs
What is copy trading?
Copy trading is a form of trading where you automatically copy trades placed by another investor in real-time. It’s also known as social trading or mirror trading, and it’s become especially popular in forex markets. Rather than placing trades yourself, you choose experienced traders, also called signal providers, to follow. When they trade, your account mirrors their moves based on your selected risk and capital allocation settings.
What makes copy trading appealing is its accessibility. Even if you’re new to forex, you can copy trades from skilled traders and build a diversified strategy without needing to master every chart or indicator. Most copy trading platforms make this process seamless by offering performance analytics, risk controls, and social features to help you find and follow top-performing traders.
While the concept is simple, choosing the right copy trading broker, and the right traders to follow, makes all the difference. That’s why I evaluate each platform not just on features, but on the quality of their signal providers, regulatory safeguards, and the transparency of their performance data.
Is copy trading legal?
Copy trading is legal in most countries, as long as the broker itself is properly regulated. When investing in financial markets through a regulated broker, there are procedures in place during the account opening process that should ensure it is legal for you to trade (depending on your country of residence).
For example, copy trading is fully legal in the U.S. – provided that your broker is properly regulated by either the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the case of forex or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for stocks. For cryptocurrency copy trading, your broker must be a registered Money Services Business (MSB) and licensed by FinCEN. In legal terms, copy trading is typically treated as a self-directed account.
Before copy trading existed, a power of attorney form was required to authorize a fund manager to trade on your behalf. Today, individual investors agree to a Letter of Direction (LoD), which is a form that authorizes the broker to copy the trades of other traders automatically based on your explicit instruction.
Fun fact: The LoD (which is now incorporated in each platform’s terms and conditions) was a crucial piece of the innovation that helped legalize copy trading in the U.S., making it largely indistinguishable from a regular self-directed brokerage account. That said, in certain countries, there are still restrictions. In the U.K., for example, additional money-management licenses are required for copy trading.
mapLooking for a copy trading broker in the U.S.?
Check out my guide to the best forex brokers in the U.S. to learn about legal forex trading for U.S. residents, and to see my picks for the best U.S. forex brokers that are regulated for forex trading.
How do you copy trade?
If you want to start copy trading, your first step will be to choose a copy trading platform. Copy trading platforms allow users to automatically copy trades in real-time using individually customized account settings and platform tools. Next, you’ll need to choose a trader to copy. People that make their trades available to be copied in real-time are known as signal providers. Once you’ve chosen a signal provider, you’ll need to decide to what degree you want to copy the signal provider, and how much capital to allocate.
cell_towerPro tip:
The best signal providers typically have a large following, an established track record of performance (i.e., history of monthly trading results), consistent risk-adjusted returns, and above-average overall results. That said, the past performance of any provider is not a guarantee of future results.
How to start copy trading, in 7 steps:
- Compare the performance rankings and statistics of a variety of signal providers.
- Select a signal provider that complements your own trading goals and risk tolerance.
- Determine how much of your account balance to allocate towards copying the provider’s trades.
- Fine-tune your risk management settings and consider whether you’ll copy the provider’s existing open positions, or only new positions moving forward.
- Once you are comfortable with the settings you have configured, click to copy trade the traders you have decided to follow.
- Monitor the performance of your trading account as often as needed, depending on the frequency of trades established in your copy trading account.
- Adjust your parameters and subscriptions as conditions change (such as signal provider performance, or your own market expectations.
How much money do I need to start copy trading?
Most copy trading platforms let you begin with as little as $100, but how much you invest should depend on your personal risk tolerance and financial goals. Starting small gives you room to get comfortable with the platform and the performance of the traders you choose to copy.
When you copy a trader, your positions mirror theirs in proportion to the amount you allocate. For example, if the signal provider opens a trade worth $10,000 and you’ve allocated 10% of that, your trade will be sized at $1,000. Having more capital allows for better diversification across multiple traders and strategies, but never risk more than you’re willing to lose.
What are the risks of copy trading?
Copy trading carries the same risks as any form of trading, with the added complexity of relying on another trader’s decisions. Even experienced signal providers can hit losing streaks or change their strategy without notice. Past performance is never a guarantee of future results, and blindly following a top-ranked trader can lead to unexpected losses if you haven’t done your due diligence.
There’s also the risk of overexposure if you allocate too much to one trader or strategy. It’s important to monitor your account, set clear risk limits, and diversify where possible. Copy trading isn't a set-it-and-forget-it solution; it requires regular oversight and smart allocation to manage risk effectively.
Is copy trading good for beginners?
Copy trading can be good for beginners, provided they learn the basics and approach copy trading the same way they would any other self-directed trading account. Beginners should always start small before trading more seriously with larger amounts, and it’s always wise to learn how to use the software with a demo account before diving straight into live trading of any kind.
It's important to note that copy trading still requires active account management — it's not a quick fix or an easy way to make money. Copy trading should be thought of as a way to complement your portfolio and existing trading tool arsenal.
Whether or not copy trading is a good idea for you will depend on your preferences, trading goals, and risk tolerance. You'll need to specify various risk/reward parameters and maximum drawdown thresholds and decide which providers to copy (if any).
Beginners should analyze all available performance metrics when deciding whether to copy a particular signal provider. Understanding a given signal provider’s risk tolerance is just as important as measuring their average profits or their overall results. It’s also important to look at a signal provider’s trading volume and frequency, and to decide whether their style of trading would be suitable for your own account balance, profit goals, and risk tolerance.
Remember: Copy trading is not a replacement for self-directed trading, and should not be thought of as a passive investment or managed account.
What is the difference between copy trading and social trading?
Copy trading and social trading are often talked about like they’re the same thing, but there’s a key difference. With copy trading, your account automatically replicates the trades of another investor in real time. Once you choose a signal provider and set your parameters, trades are placed in your account without any further action required.
Social trading, by contrast, is more about community. It gives you access to a social feed, trader profiles, and performance stats so you can follow, comment, and interact before deciding to copy. You can choose to trade manually based on insights from other traders or start copying them directly. Most copy trading platforms today include social features, blurring the line between the two.
IG
CMC Markets
FOREX.com
XTB
eToro
AvaTrade
Plus500
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill
