eToro vs IG Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of eToro and IG across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
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.
IG edges ahead with a score of 4.5/5 vs eToro's 4.1/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
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 IG 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.
IG edges out eToro with a higher editorial score (4.5/5 vs 4.1/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
eToro vs IG: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $50 | No minimum |
| Commission-free | Yes | No |
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
| IPO access | No | No |
| Short selling | No | Yes |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC AMF CySEC FSRA CMVM Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet ASF FSC CNB MNB KNF Finanstilsynet HCMC MFSA CMA FSA Seychelles | FCA ASIC DFSA CMVM BaFin Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet FMA CBI KNF Finanstilsynet |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView |
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
| Visit broker | Visit eToro | Visit IG |
eToro vs IG Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- 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
- Exchange-listed options trading alongside real share dealing in one account
- Bonds trading available in the same account as equities and options
- Stocks & Shares ISA with no annual platform fee
- 13,000+ shares across 30+ global exchanges
- FCA-regulated and LSE-listed - among the highest regulatory standards in UK retail
- Integrated ProRealTime charts, Reuters news, and Morningstar research
- Share dealing commission (£8 or 0.1%) is higher than commission-free platforms
- No SIPP - pension wrapper requires a separate provider
- Options trading requires a DMA account and is not available to all retail clients
- No fractional shares on the share dealing account
eToro vs IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | eToro | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Fail | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
eToro vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IG ranks higher with a score of 4.5/5 vs 4.1/5 for eToro. 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 IG 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 eToro and IG 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.
IG has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while eToro requires at least $50. This makes IG more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
eToro supports Proprietary Web/Mobile and IG offers MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView. 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: IG has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum); IG 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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