Compare IG and eToro to decide if IG's advanced trading tools or eToro's copy trading platform best fits your strategy.

IG and eToro approach trading and investing differently. IG focuses on broad market access, multiple trading platforms, specialist execution tools, and detailed research. eToro combines Forex and CFD trading with stocks, ETFs, cryptoassets, CopyTrader, and portfolio investing inside one proprietary platform. During our platform and account review, IG provided more choice for active traders, while eToro kept more investment and social features inside one ecosystem.

Regulation and Trustworthiness

IG: Regulation and Client Protection

IG was established in 1974 and operates regulated companies across several major financial centers. Its wider regulatory network includes the FCA in the UK, BaFin and Deutsche Bundesbank in Europe, ASIC in Australia, FINMA in Switzerland, the FSCA in South Africa, MAS in Singapore, the FMA in New Zealand, the DFSA in Dubai, Japanese financial regulators, and the CFTC and NFA in the US. IG International Limited is separately licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Client money arrangements and protections depend on the legal entity holding the account.

eToro: Regulation and Client Protection

eToro was founded in 2007 and also operates through several regulated entities. eToro UK Ltd holds FCA reference number 583263, while eToro Europe Ltd is regulated by CySEC under license 109/10. eToro AUS Capital Limited holds Australian Financial Services License 491139, and eToro Singapore Pte. Ltd. holds MAS Capital Markets Services License CMS101824. The group also operates regulated businesses in Abu Dhabi, Seychelles, and the US, where eToro USA Securities Inc. is registered with the SEC and is a FINRA member.

Direct Comparison

Both brokers have regulatory coverage across several major jurisdictions. IG has operated since 1974 and has a wider regulatory footprint spanning Europe, Australia, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the US. eToro has operated since 2007 and also maintains regulated entities across Europe, Australia, Asia, the Middle East, the Seychelles, and the US. Client protections at either broker depend on the entity assigned to the account.

Trading Platforms

IG: Platforms and Trading Tools

IG's broader platform lineup includes its proprietary web platform and mobile app together with MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, ProRealTime, and L2 Dealer. MT4 and MT5 support Expert Advisors and automated strategies, while ProRealTime provides specialist charting and analysis tools. L2 Dealer is IG's direct market access platform for supported share and Forex CFD markets. In our platform check, IG provided several distinct environments for manual, technical, algorithmic, and DMA trading.

eToro: Platforms and Trading Tools

eToro uses its proprietary web and mobile platform rather than offering MT4, MT5, or cTrader. Its current platform integrates advanced charts powered by TradingView, CopyTrader, Smart Portfolios, watchlists, market information, social feeds, and portfolio management. CopyTrader automatically replicates the positions of selected investors in real time according to the amount allocated. eToro also provides more than 100 technical indicators through its TradingView-powered charting environment.

Direct Comparison

IG provides more platform choice through proprietary software, MT4, MT5, TradingView, ProRealTime, and L2 Dealer. eToro concentrates trading, investing, TradingView-powered charts, CopyTrader, Smart Portfolios, and social features inside its own platform. IG is therefore more flexible for traders who want several trading environments, while eToro provides the more integrated social and investment workflow.

Trading Instruments

IG: Available Markets

IG Group's broader offering covers more than 18,000 markets. Forex traders can access more than 80 currency pairs, while the wider range includes thousands of share CFDs, indices, commodities, ETFs, bonds, cryptocurrencies, options, and other derivatives. Current IG material also lists more than 16,000 international share CFDs. The large catalog gives traders access to both commonly traded markets and more specialized products.

eToro: Available Markets

eToro's current global market catalog lists 9,655 stocks, 1,211 ETFs, 69 currencies, 47 indices, 63 commodities, and 209 cryptoassets. Eligible stock and ETF positions can be opened as underlying investments, while leveraged and short positions are CFDs. Product restrictions can cause some non-leveraged positions to be executed as CFDs as well. eToro therefore combines a large investment catalog with leveraged Forex and multi-asset CFD trading.

Direct Comparison

IG has the larger total market offering, with more than 18,000 markets and more than 80 Forex pairs. eToro lists 9,655 stocks, 1,211 ETFs, 69 currencies, 47 indices, 63 commodities, and 209 cryptoassets. IG provides more total trading depth and Forex pairs, while eToro has a particularly large stock and ETF catalog combined with underlying investment functionality.

Spreads and Fees

IG: Spreads and Trading Costs

IG Forex spreads start from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD. Forex and most non-share CFDs are primarily priced through the spread, while share CFDs can carry a separate commission. Additional costs can include overnight funding, currency conversion, guaranteed stop premiums, live market data, and optional platform services. IG entities can also apply inactivity fees after an extended period without trading, with the amount and inactivity period depending on the account entity.

eToro: Spreads and Trading Costs

eToro currently prices currency CFDs as a percentage per trade. EUR/USD and GBP/USD are listed at 0.005% per trade, while USD/JPY starts at 0.002%. Stock and ETF CFDs carry a 0.15% charge per trade. A $1 or $2 commission can apply when opening and closing underlying stock positions depending on the country and exchange, while underlying ETF trades have zero commission. eToro currently charges no inactivity fee. Withdrawals from a USD investment account cost $5 with a $30 minimum, while supported local currency accounts have no eToro withdrawal fee.

Direct Comparison

IG uses conventional pip-based Forex pricing starting from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD, while eToro currently charges 0.005% per EUR/USD trade. IG can apply inactivity fees depending on the account entity, whereas eToro currently has no inactivity fee. eToro can charge $1 or $2 on underlying stock transactions and $5 for external withdrawals from a USD investment account, while underlying ETF trades carry zero commission.

Leverage

IG: Maximum Leverage

IG publishes professional margin rates as low as 0.45% on selected markets. A 0.45% margin requirement is equivalent to leverage of approximately 1:222. The actual leverage available changes according to the instrument, position size, account entity, and client classification.

eToro: Maximum Leverage

eToro offers Forex leverage of up to 1:400 for eligible Professional Clients. Its standard retail currency leverage reaches up to 1:30 where that regulatory structure applies. The maximum available ratio changes according to the instrument, regulatory entity, and client classification.

Direct Comparison

eToro has the higher published maximum Forex leverage at 1:400, compared with approximately 1:222 at IG. Both maximums require the relevant account classification and are not universally available. Regulatory rules, account entity, instrument, and position size can reduce the leverage available to individual traders.

Order Execution and Speed

IG: Execution and Direct Market Access

IG supports normal order execution through its proprietary and MetaTrader environments and also provides direct market access through L2 Dealer. L2 Dealer gives eligible traders access to market depth, Level 1 and Level 2 pricing, watchlists, price alerts, and algorithmic orders. Forex Direct provides DMA for eligible Forex traders. IG also supports API trading for users developing their own trading applications and automated systems.

eToro: Order Execution and CopyTrader

eToro keeps order execution inside its proprietary trading platform. Traders can manage leveraged and unleveraged positions, apply stop loss and take profit controls, and monitor their portfolio from the same interface. CopyTrader automatically reproduces copied investors' positions in real time. eToro currently reports that copied trades are typically executed in the copier's account in less than one second after the copied trader executes the original trade.

Direct Comparison

IG provides specialist execution options through L2 Dealer, Forex Direct, and APIs. eToro keeps execution and CopyTrader inside its proprietary platform, with copied positions typically replicated in less than one second. These figures and tools measure different aspects of execution, so they do not provide a valid direct speed test between the two brokers.

Customer Support and Education

IG: Customer Support and Education

IG provides client support through web chat, WhatsApp, telephone, and email, with [email protected] used for international client services. IG Academy offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses with interactive exercises and quizzes. Other educational resources include webinars, market analysis, trading guides, and platform training. During our education review, IG provided a structured progression from basic market concepts to technical analysis, risk management, and advanced trading topics.

eToro: Customer Support and Education

eToro provides multilingual customer service 24/6, with more than 250 support agents across 7 countries and support in more than 7 languages. Its official customer service email is [email protected]. The automated chatbot is available 24/7. eToro Academy provides free courses, podcasts, webinars, guides, and live educational sessions covering investing, trading, technical analysis, portfolio construction, cryptoassets, and platform features.

Direct Comparison

Both brokers provide extensive education alongside customer service. IG Academy organizes material into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, while eToro Academy combines courses, podcasts, webinars, guides, and live sessions. eToro publishes 24/6 human support with more than 250 agents across 7 countries, while IG provides several direct contact channels including web chat, WhatsApp, telephone, and email.

Account Types and Features

IG: Account Types and Features

IG's account structure varies by jurisdiction and can include CFD accounts, professional accounts, share dealing, spread betting, options, futures, and other investment products. Where share dealing is available, clients can use a dedicated investment account rather than trading shares only as CFDs. IG currently advertises access to more than 13,000 international shares through its broader share trading offering. Its international demo account provides $20,000 in virtual funds.

eToro: Account Types and Features

eToro combines most trading and investing features inside its main investment account, including eligible underlying stocks and ETFs, CFDs, CopyTrader, Smart Portfolios, and other portfolio tools. The lowest first deposit available globally starts from $10, although the requirement can reach $10,000 depending on the country. Every new account receives a $100,000 virtual portfolio. eToro also offers Professional Client classification and a Swap-Free account in selected countries. The Swap-Free account requires a minimum $1,000 deposit and applies administrative fees to eligible CFD positions after seven days.

Direct Comparison

IG has the more separated account structure, with different trading and investment accounts available depending on jurisdiction. eToro places more products and features inside one main investment ecosystem. IG's demo provides $20,000 in virtual funds, compared with $100,000 at eToro. eToro's lowest first deposit starts from $10 globally, while its separate Swap-Free account requires at least $1,000.

Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

IG: Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

IG International supports debit cards, credit cards, and bank transfers, with additional payment options available through individual entities. The minimum card funding amount is $50, while bank transfers have no minimum funding requirement. International bank transfers can require up to three business days and can incur charges from the sending or intermediary bank. IG International uses [email protected] for funding documentation and client service inquiries.

eToro: Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

eToro's wider payment network includes credit and debit cards, bank transfer, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Trustly, iDEAL, and Przelewy24. Bank transfer deposits can take 4 to 7 business days, while many card and e-wallet methods are processed instantly. Supported local currency accounts include GBP, EUR, AUD, and DKK for eligible clients. External withdrawals from a USD investment account carry a $5 fee and $30 minimum, while supported local currency withdrawals have no eToro fee or minimum.

Direct Comparison

eToro provides the wider published range of e-wallet and online banking methods, including PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Trustly, iDEAL, and Przelewy24. IG International focuses on cards and bank transfers, with a $50 card minimum and no bank transfer minimum. eToro charges $5 for external withdrawals from a USD investment account, while supported local currency withdrawals have no eToro fee.

Mobile Trading

IG: Mobile Trading

IG's proprietary mobile app provides charts, watchlists, alerts, order management, account controls, market monitoring, and research tools. The mobile platform gives traders access to the same core research and monitoring environment used on the web platform. MetaTrader mobile applications are also available for traders who use supported MetaTrader accounts.

eToro: Mobile Trading

eToro's mobile app combines trading and investing with portfolio management, CopyTrader, social features, and TradingView-powered charts. In 2026, eToro introduced an updated mobile app that brings trading, investing, wealth management, and additional platform features into one interface. Users can move between their own positions, copied investors, market research, stocks, ETFs, Forex, and other supported assets from the app.

Direct Comparison

IG's mobile environment is focused on active trading, research, alerts, charts, and position management, with MetaTrader mobile access also available. eToro combines mobile trading with CopyTrader, social features, investment products, and TradingView-powered charts. IG provides a more traditional active trading workflow, while eToro integrates more investing and social functions into its mobile platform.

Research and Market Analysis

IG: Research and Market Analysis

IG integrates Reuters news, economic calendars, trading signals, client sentiment, watchlists, alerts, and in-house market analysis into its trading environment. Its proprietary web platform includes streaming news, economic calendar access, and signals, while TradingView and ProRealTime provide additional technical analysis options. IG analysts also publish regular commentary across Forex, shares, commodities, indices, and macroeconomic events.

eToro: Research and Market Analysis

eToro provides Market Insights, an earnings calendar, analyst content, financial news, TradingView-powered charts, technical indicators, and social market information. Its platform also allows traders to examine other investors' portfolios and activity through its social trading features. eToro Academy and its analyst team provide additional market commentary, webinars, podcasts, and educational research.

Direct Comparison

Both brokers combine market analysis with charting and educational material. IG adds Reuters news, trading signals, client sentiment, TradingView, and ProRealTime to its research environment. eToro combines Market Insights, analyst content, an earnings calendar, TradingView-powered charts, and social investor information. IG provides more traditional specialist research tools, while eToro adds a larger social investing component.

Conclusion

IG: Main Strengths

IG is strongest for traders who prioritize market depth, platform choice, specialist execution, and traditional research. Its wider offering includes more than 18,000 markets and more than 80 Forex pairs, while the platform lineup includes proprietary software, MT4, MT5, TradingView, ProRealTime, and L2 Dealer. Forex spreads start from 0.6 pips, and professional margin requirements can fall as low as 0.45%.

eToro: Main Strengths

eToro is strongest for traders and investors who want social trading and multi-asset investing inside one platform. Its current catalog includes 9,655 stocks, 1,211 ETFs, 69 currencies, 47 indices, 63 commodities, and 209 cryptoassets. CopyTrader, Smart Portfolios, TradingView-powered charts, a $100,000 virtual portfolio, and professional Forex leverage up to 1:400 are integrated into the wider eToro ecosystem.

Direct Comparison

IG provides the larger overall market catalog, more Forex pairs, more trading platform choices, DMA, and a broader traditional research environment. eToro provides the larger social investing component, CopyTrader, a substantial stock and ETF catalog, and higher maximum professional Forex leverage at 1:400 compared with approximately 1:222 at IG. Regional regulation can reduce leverage and change available products, pricing, account types, and payment methods at both brokers.