ActivTradesvs
eToroStock Broker Comparison
Two established brokers square off over stock trading scope and platform design. The tension rests on cost models, exchange coverage, and how each supports different investor needs.
Our Verdict
eToro winsby 0.4 pts
eToro edges ActivTrades on the editorial score. It offers commission-free real stocks and fractional shares and covers more exchanges (17 versus 10) than ActivTrades.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Fractional shares available on eToro only.
- 2eToro offers commission-free real stocks.
- 3eToro provides access to 17 exchanges versus 10 for ActivTrades.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs eToro?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you value phone support and the ability to short sell.
Choose eToro if…
Choose eToro if you want commission-free stocks and fractional shares.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
eToro wins for low-cost trading because it offers commission-free real stocks.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
ActivTrades vs eToro: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $50 |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 1 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/month (after 12 months) |
| Deposit fee |
ActivTrades vs eToro Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supplemental private insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client, above FSCS standard limit
- FCA regulated with ActivTrader volatility protection for equity CFD risk management
- 600+ share CFDs across ActivTrader and MT4 with no minimum deposit
- No commission on standard accounts; no inactivity fee
Cons
- Stock range (600+) narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
ActivTrades vs eToro: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
ActivTrades
criteria wins
2
eToro
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | eToro |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
ActivTrades vs eToro: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and eToro rates 4.1/5. eToro has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
ActivTrades lists tighter spreads from 0.5, compared with eToro's 1. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, while eToro requires at least $50. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and eToro 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: ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while eToro lists up to 1:5. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
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.
eToro offers commission-free stock trading while ActivTrades does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Both ActivTrades and eToro are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
