eTorovs
IC MarketsForex Broker Comparison
In this head-to-head comparison, the brokers clash on regulation, costs, and platform choice, testing how each balances safety with trading efficiency.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.5 pts
IC Markets edges ahead of eToro with a higher editorial score of 4.7 versus 4.2.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Proprietary platform on eToro; MT4/MT5 on IC Markets.
- 2IC Markets offers phone support; eToro does not.
- 3Inactivity fee applies at eToro; IC Markets has none.
Who should choose eToro vs IC Markets?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose eToro if…
Choose eToro if you want a proprietary platform with no MT4/MT5 option. You also face an inactivity fee and no phone support.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want MT4/MT5 and cTrader access with true ECN spreads. You also benefit from phone support and no inactivity fee.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
IC Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 1.00 pips for eToro, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
eToro vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
eToro vs IC Markets Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
Social and copy trading leader
Multi-asset (stocks, crypto, FX)
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
eToro vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
eToro
criteria win
6
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | eToro | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Fail | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Fail | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
eToro vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 4.2/5 for eToro. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
IC Markets starts from 0 pips, tighter than eToro's 1 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
eToro has $50, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes eToro more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both eToro and IC Markets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker'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 brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
eToro lists maximum leverage of 30:1, while IC Markets lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
IC Markets charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for eToro are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
eToro supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. eToro has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
