Two brokers compete on cost models, tools, and market reach. The tension lies in fixed spreads versus commission-free and broader exchange access.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose easyMarkets if you prefer fixed share CFD spreads and the dealCancellation option.
Choose if…
Choose E*TRADE if you want extended hours trading and commission-free stocks and ETFs.
| Editorial score | 3.4/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $25 | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | easyMarkets | E*TRADE |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ETRADE rates 4.3/5 versus 3.4/5 for easyMarkets. ETRADE edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
easyMarkets starts from 0.7. Current spread data is not available for E*TRADE. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
easyMarkets requires $25. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for E*TRADE.
Both easyMarkets and E*TRADE 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, easyMarkets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
easyMarkets lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while E*TRADE lists up to 1:4. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
easyMarkets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, while E*TRADE supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. easyMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
E*TRADE offers commission-free stock trading while easyMarkets 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.
easyMarkets scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
E*TRADE wins for low-cost trading due to commission-free stocks and ETFs.
E*TRADE wins for safety & regulation due to SEC/FINRA oversight and SIPC protection.
E*TRADE wins for long-term investing due to dividend reinvestment and 40+ year history.
ETRADE wins for active traders with Power ETRADE, options analytics, and futures.
easyMarkets wins for beginners due to a low $25 minimum deposit.
E*TRADE wins for global market access with eight exchanges.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank TransferACHWire TransferCheque |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCardSkrillNeteller | Bank TransferACHWire Transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free ACH; $25 wire transfer |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | HCMC CySEC MNB ASIC CNV | SEC FINRA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
E*TRADE leads on the editorial score, supported by stronger trust/regulation, advanced platforms, and broader exchange access than easyMarkets.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
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