CMC Marketsvs
eToroStock Broker Comparison
Two well‑regarded brokers clash on cost, tools, and global reach. This matchup tests whether analytics and platforms can outweigh the hidden cost of commissions.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
CMC Markets and eToro are closely matched overall, but the clearest differentiator is eToro's commission-free real stock trading versus CMC's per-trade stock commissions.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Commission model: eToro offers commission-free real stock trading.
- 2Stock ownership: eToro provides fractional shares; CMC does not.
- 3Research tools: CMC Markets offers more extensive tools and stock screener.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs eToro?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you value short selling on shares, advanced charting, and a robust stock screener on the Next Generation platform. It also offers phone support and access to 10,000+ share CFDs across UK, US, European, Asian, and Australian exchanges.
Choose eToro if…
Choose eToro if you prefer commission-free real stock trading, fractional shares, and a beginner-friendly interface. The platform supports USD-denominated accounts and a social trading community that complements learning and diversification.
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 due to commission-free real stock trading.
Best for safety & regulation
CMC Markets vs eToro: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $50 |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips▼ lower | 1 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | $10/month (after 12 months) |
| Deposit fee |
CMC Markets vs eToro Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 10,000+ share CFDs across UK, US, European, Asian, and Australian exchanges
- Next Generation platform with stock screener, pattern recognition, and Reuters news
- LSE-listed company, strong financial transparency and FCA/ASIC regulation
- Short selling on shares available, go long or short on 10,000+ equities
Cons
- CFDs only, no real share ownership, ISA wrapper, or dividend reinvestment
CMC Markets vs eToro: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
4
CMC Markets
criteria wins
2
eToro
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
CMC Markets vs eToro: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4/5 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.
CMC Markets lists tighter spreads from 0.7, 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.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while eToro requires at least $50. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both CMC Markets 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: CMC Markets 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.
CMC Markets 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.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while eToro supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4.
eToro offers commission-free stock trading while CMC Markets 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 CMC Markets 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.
