In a head to head between a CFD focused broker and a platform, traders weigh regulation, fees, and coin access. The contrast highlights two distinct approaches to crypto exposure.
eToro is the editorial winner, scoring higher than ActivTrades thanks to its broader coin selection and real crypto ownership.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you value phone support. You also benefit from no inactivity fees and advanced charting.
Choose eToro if…
Choose eToro if you want staking and a broad 100+ coin selection. You can access crypto withdrawals.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
ActivTrades wins for security with GBP 1,000,000 fund protection and UK FSCS coverage.
ActivTrades offers transparent pricing and no inactivity fees.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.4/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $50 |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 1 pips |
| Taker Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ActivTrades | eToro |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Pass |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
eToro rates 4.4/5 versus 3.7/5 for ActivTrades. eToro edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
ActivTrades lists a lower spread from 0.5, compared with eToro's 1. Crypto trading costs are typically quoted as a percentage of the trade value; check each exchange's full fee schedule, as maker/taker rates and volume discounts vary.
ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, while eToro requires at least $50. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both ActivTrades and eToro hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ActivTrades offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus eToro's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while eToro supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. ActivTrades has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and ActivTrader. eToro has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
ActivTrades scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
eToro offers staking while ActivTrades does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check eToro's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
ActivTrades suits beginners with $0 minimum and strong protections.
eToro offers staking and yield-earning options while ActivTrades does not, making eToro the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
| $10/month (after 12 months) |
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrillApple PayGoogle Pay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | USD 5 per withdrawal |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA CMVM SCB | FCA ASIC CNB CMVM AMF FSRA FSA Seychelles Finanstilsynet HCMC CySEC Finanstilsynet ASF MFSA Finansinspektionen FSC MNB KNF CMA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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