eTorovs
Plus500Stock Broker Comparison
Two regulated platforms compete for traders seeking offshore access and modern interfaces. They differ most in how they charge and what ownership features they offer.
Our Verdict
eToro winsby 0.5 pts
eToro edges Plus500 on the editorial score. The higher score reflects stronger performance across the combined criteria.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1eToro offers commission-free trading and fractional shares.
- 2Plus500 supports short selling and 1,800+ share CFDs.
- 3Exchanges covered: 17 for eToro, 18 for Plus500.
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 offers commission-free real stock trading, making it the cost leader.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
eToro vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $50▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 1 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $10/month (after 12 months) | $10/month (after 3 months) |
| Deposit fee |
eToro vs Plus500 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 Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
eToro
criteria wins
1
Plus500
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | eToro | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Fail |
eToro vs Plus500: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: eToro rates 4.1/5 and Plus500 rates 3.6/5. 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.
Plus500 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.
eToro has $50, while Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes eToro more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both eToro and Plus500 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 Plus500 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.
eToro supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile.
eToro offers commission-free stock trading while Plus500 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 Plus500 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.
