eTorovs
IGStock Broker Comparison
Two modern brokers clash on cost, access, and regulation, pitting commission-free stocks against a broader tools and asset suite.
Our Verdict
IG winsby 0.4 pts
IG edges out eToro on overall editorial score (4.5 vs 4.1) and platform depth, signaling stronger trust/regulation and tools.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1eToro offers commission-free real stock trading.
- 2eToro provides fractional shares; IG does not.
- 3IG provides 13,000+ shares across 30+ exchanges.
Who should choose eToro vs IG?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose eToro if…
Choose eToro if you want commission-free real stock trading and fractional shares from $10. You also have 24/5 live chat support.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you want access to 13,000+ shares across 30+ exchanges and a Stocks & Shares ISA with no annual platform fee. You also gain short selling and extended-hours trading.
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 because it offers commission-free real stock trading.
Best for safety & regulation
eToro vs IG: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $50 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 1 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $10/month (after 12 months)▼ lower | £12/month (after 24 months) |
eToro vs IG Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- USD-only accounts mean FX conversion costs for non-US investors
eToro vs IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
eToro
criteria wins
5
IG
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| 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
The scores are close: eToro rates 4.1/5 and IG rates 4.5/5. IG 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.
IG lists tighter spreads from 0.6, 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.
IG has no minimum deposit, while eToro requires at least $50. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both eToro and IG 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: IG 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.
eToro lists maximum leverage of 1:5, while IG lists up to 1:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
eToro supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
eToro offers commission-free stock trading while IG 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 IG 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.
