Two regulated crypto brokers clash over asset depth, ownership, and staking within a CFD-centric model. The debate centers on security, coin selection, and user-friendly pricing.
eToro outpaces Plus500 in editorial score, driven by 100+ coins, staking, and real ownership beyond CFDs.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
eToro wins for security due to segregated crypto custody and broad regulator oversight.
Plus500 wins for low fees with spread-only pricing and no commissions.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.4/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $50▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads From | 1 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | $10/month (after 12 months) | $10/month (after 3 months) |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | eToro | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Fail |
eToro rates 4.4/5 versus 3.7/5 for Plus500. eToro edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Plus500 lists a lower spread from 0.6, 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.
eToro has $50, while Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes eToro more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both eToro and Plus500 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: eToro requires a lower minimum deposit ($50), lowering the barrier to entry, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
eToro offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Plus500'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 Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile.
eToro offers staking while Plus500 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.
eToro lists 100+ coins, providing broader selection than Plus500's 15.
Plus500 is best for beginners due to a simple platform and no minimum deposit.
eToro offers staking and yield-earning options while Plus500 does not, making eToro the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
| Deposit Fee |
|---|
| Free |
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrillApple PayGoogle Pay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrillApple Pay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | USD 5 per withdrawal | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA CNB CMVM ASIC HCMC AMF FSA Seychelles FSRA CySEC Finanstilsynet Finanstilsynet ASF MFSA Finansinspektionen FSC MNB KNF CMA | FCA MAS ASIC CySEC CMA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | Yes | No |
|---|
| 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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