eToro and Forex.com square off in a clash of cost, tools, and global reach. The axis of tension centers on commission structure, research capabilities, and exchange access.
eToro and Forex.com remain closely matched overall; the clearest differentiator is eToro's commission-free trading versus Forex.com's paid model.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
eToro is best for low-cost trading due to commission-free stock trades.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $50▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 1 pips | 1 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | eToro | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Fail | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: eToro rates 4.1/5 and Forex.com rates 3.9/5. 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.
Both eToro and Forex.com start from the same spread of 1. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
eToro has $50, while Forex.com requires at least $100. This makes eToro more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both eToro and Forex.com 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.
eToro lists maximum leverage of 1:5, while Forex.com lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Forex.com charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for eToro are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
eToro supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Forex.com supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Forex.com has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
eToro offers commission-free stock trading while Forex.com 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 eToro and Forex.com 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.
Equally matched; both provide strong regulatory oversight.
Forex.com appeals to active traders with short selling and advanced charts.
eToro suits beginners with its simple interface and social trading.
eToro offers access to more global exchanges than Forex.com.
| N/A |
| 1.7 pips |
| Inactivity fee | $10/month (after 12 months)▼ lower | $15/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrillApple PayGoogle Pay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill | Bank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | USD 5 per withdrawal | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | No | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC CNB CMVM AMF FSRA FSA Seychelles Finanstilsynet HCMC CySEC Finanstilsynet ASF MFSA Finansinspektionen FSC MNB KNF CMA | FCA ASIC MAS IIROC CFTC NFA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
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