AvaTradevs
eToroStock Broker Comparison
Two regulated brokers clash over cost models, market access, and platforms. The axis pits commission-free trading against fixed spreads and advanced tools.
Our Verdict
eToro winsby 0.3 pts
eToro is the editorial winner on score (4.1 vs 3.8). AvaTrade offers fixed spreads and phone support, but does not overcome the score gap.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1AvaTrade offers phone support unavailable on eToro.
- 2eToro offers commission-free real stock trading.
- 3eToro supports fractional shares.
Who should choose AvaTrade vs eToro?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose AvaTrade if…
Choose AvaTrade if you value direct phone support for complex orders and quick assistance, and you benefit from fixed spreads on 600+ stock CFDs. It also offers short selling and advanced charting tools to support technical strategies.
Choose eToro if…
Choose eToro if you want commission-free real stock trading and fractional shares from $10, giving accessible ownership. Its brokerage model provides access via 17 exchanges and a strong social and copy-trading community, though FX costs apply for non-US investors.
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 with commission-free real stock trading.
Best for safety & regulation
AvaTrade vs eToro: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $50▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.9 pips▼ lower | 1 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $50/month (after 3 months) | $10/month (after 12 months)▼ lower |
AvaTrade vs eToro Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fixed spread pricing on 600+ stock CFDs, cost predictability for systematic traders
- Available on MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, and DupliTrade copy-trading platform
- Regulated by CBI, ASIC, FSA (Japan), and FSRA (Abu Dhabi)
- Short selling available on all share CFDs
Cons
- CFDs only, no real stock ownership, ISA, or dividend reinvestment programme
AvaTrade vs eToro: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
AvaTrade
criteria wins
2
eToro
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | AvaTrade | 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 |
AvaTrade vs eToro: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: AvaTrade rates 3.8/5 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.
AvaTrade lists tighter spreads from 0.9, 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.
eToro has $50, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes eToro more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both AvaTrade 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: 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.
AvaTrade 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.
AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while eToro supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
eToro offers commission-free stock trading while AvaTrade 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 AvaTrade 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.
