eTorovs
InstaForexCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two brokers clash on crypto ownership, regulation, and platform depth in a high-stakes comparison. The tension centers on asset breadth and custody risk as you scan for the best fit.
Our Verdict
eToro winsClear Winner
eToro wins on editorial score (4.4/5 vs 3.1/5), backed by genuine crypto ownership and broader regulator coverage; InstaForex trails on this metric.
eToro
4.4/5
InstaForex
3.1/5
Key Differences
- 1Real crypto ownership on eToro, not CFDs.
- 2100+ coins on eToro versus about 5 on InstaForex.
- 3Proprietary platform on eToro versus MetaTrader 4 on InstaForex.
Who should choose eToro vs InstaForex?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose eToro if…
Choose eToro if you want real crypto ownership with 100+ coins and staking. It also offers a proprietary platform and strong regulator coverage.
Choose InstaForex if…
Choose InstaForex if you want MT4 access with a $1 minimum deposit. It also offers 24/7 multilingual support.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
Recommended
eToro wins security due to top-tier regulators and a compensation scheme.
Best for low fees
eToro vs InstaForex: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  eToro |  InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.4/ 5 | 3.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $50 | $1▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 1 pips | 1 pips |
| Taker Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | $10/month (after 12 months) | None |
eToro vs InstaForex Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- Real crypto ownership (not CFDs) for 100+ coins, a rare feature among regulated forex brokers
- Crypto staking available on ETH, ADA, and other eligible assets
- CopyTrader lets you mirror proven crypto portfolio strategies
- FCA, CySEC, and ASIC regulated with segregated crypto custody
Cons
- Crypto spreads average ~1% on BTC, expensive vs dedicated exchanges
eToro vs InstaForex: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
eToro
criteria wins
1
InstaForex
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | eToro | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Pass | Fail |
| 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 | Fail | Pass |
eToro vs InstaForex: Frequently Asked Questions
eToro is the stronger choice: it rates 4.4/5 versus 3.1/5 for InstaForex, a gap that reflects clear differences across regulation, fees, and platform quality in our review.
Both eToro and InstaForex list the same spread figure of 1. Compare each exchange's full fee schedule, including maker/taker rates and any volume discounts, to evaluate total trading costs.
InstaForex has $1, while eToro requires at least $50. This makes InstaForex more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
eToro holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, CNB), providing stronger investor protections. InstaForex may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: InstaForex requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry, and eToro provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
eToro offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus InstaForex'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.
eToro supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while InstaForex supports MetaTrader 4. eToro has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. InstaForex has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4.
eToro offers staking while InstaForex 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.
