CMC Markets vs eToro Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of CMC Markets and eToro across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
CMC Markets offers a broad range of share CFDs on 10,000+ stocks across major global exchanges via its Next Generation platform - an FCA-regulated CFD route to equity exposure without real share ownership.
eToro's zero-commission real stocks and fractional share offering make it accessible for beginners, though its USD-denominated accounts mean non-US investors face FX conversion costs on every transaction.
CMC Markets and eToro are extremely closely matched with scores of 4/5 and 4.1/5. The right choice depends on your individual trading priorities.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
eToro offers commission-free trading while CMC Markets does not, making eToro the more cost-effective choice for frequent stock traders.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
eToro is better suited for long-term investing: fractional shares.
Both brokers offer equivalent conditions for active trading across commissions, platforms, and charting tools.
eToro edges out CMC Markets with a higher editorial score (4.1/5 vs 4/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
CMC Markets vs eToro: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | $50 |
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
| Extended hours | No | No |
| IPO access | No | No |
| Short selling | Yes | No |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA BaFin FMA | FCA ASIC AMF CySEC FSRA CMVM Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet ASF FSC CNB MNB KNF Finanstilsynet HCMC MFSA CMA FSA Seychelles |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
| Visit broker | Visit CMC Markets | Visit eToro |
CMC Markets vs eToro Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- 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
- CFDs only - no real share ownership, ISA wrapper, or dividend reinvestment
- Commission structure on shares (UK: £9 min, US: $10 min) adds up for small trades
- 5:1–20:1 leverage cap on retail share CFDs under FCA rules
- Inactivity fee of £10/month after 12 months without a trade
- Commission-free real stock trading
- Fractional shares from $10
- Strong social and copy-trading community
- Regulated by FCA, CySEC, and ASIC
- Clean, beginner-friendly interface
- USD-only accounts mean FX conversion costs for non-US investors
- Withdrawal fee of $5 per transaction
- Limited research tools compared to professional brokers
- $5 inactivity fee after 12 months
CMC Markets vs eToro: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| 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
Based on our independent editorial scoring, eToro ranks higher with a score of 4.1/5 vs 4/5 for CMC Markets. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
eToro offers commission-free stock trading while CMC Markets does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can significantly reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Both CMC Markets and eToro hold top-tier regulatory licences, indicating a high standard of investor protection. Confirm each broker's specific regulatory bodies and compensation scheme coverage to ensure they apply in your jurisdiction.
CMC Markets has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while eToro requires at least $50. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
CMC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile and eToro offers Proprietary Web/Mobile. Platform availability affects the tools, charting, and order types available to you. If you rely on a specific platform like MetaTrader or a proprietary web app, confirm compatibility before opening an account.
For beginners: CMC Markets has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum); eToro has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
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