Choosing the right trading platform is important for both beginners and experienced traders. In 2026, two of the most popular brokers eToro and IG Markets stand out for their global presence, unique trading features, and regulatory trust.
In this review, we compare eToro and IG Markets in terms of platform capabilities, fees, assets offered, safety, and overall trading experience so you can decide which broker aligns best with your trading style and goals.
eToro vs IG Markets: Key features
Here are the core features of both eToro and IG Markets compared side-by-side.
| Features | eToro | IG Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trading platform | Web version, mobile apps for Android and iOS, social trading, copy trading, and pre-built copy portfolios | MT4, ProRealTime, L2 dealer, Trading View, and IG tastytrade platform |
| Trading assets | Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Bonds, Index Funds, Stocks, Currencies, ETFs, Fixed income investments | Indices, Forex, Shares, Commodities, Crypto, ETFs, Options, interest rates, knock-out trading, Bonds |
| Account types | Professional, corporate, and personal accounts | Leveraged and non-leveraged accounts |
| Demo account | Yes -$100,000 virtual balance | Yes- $200,000 virtual balance |
| Funding methods | Debit card, online banking, PayPal, and wire transfer | Credit, debit, bank transfer, BPAY, or PayPal |
| Minimum deposit | $50 | $0 |
| Minimum withdrawal | $30 | $100 |
| Customer services | 24/7 chatbot and live chat, and ticket raising | 24/5 live chat, e-mail, and WhatsApp |
Fees and commissions of eToro and IG Markets
Here’s a breakdown of the trading fees and other charges on both platforms.
eToro charges
eToro’s fee structure includes several free features along with some standard charges for specific services.
- Withdrawal fees: $5
- Trading fees for Stocks and ETFs: No trading fees
- Regulatory fees: $0
- Options trading fees: $0 commission and contract fees
- Options regulatory fees: $0.02945 per contract
- Incoming wire transfer fees: $8 to $14
- Inactivity fees: $10/month after 12 months of inactivity
- Deposit fees: $0
- Currency conversion fees: 1.5% or 3.0%, depending on method
- Account closure fees: $5
IG Markets charges
IG Markets offers competitive pricing with zero commissions on many services. Here are the typical fees.
- Account documentation fee: $50
- Deposit fee: $0Withdrawal fee: $0, third-party charges may apply
- Spread: 0.6 pips for forex, 0.8 pips for major Indices, and 0.1 pips for commodities.
- Account opening charges: $0
- Inactivity charges: $0
Regulation and safety of eToro and IG Markets
Here are the regulations and safety measures provided by both brokers.
| Features | eToro | IG Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory bodies | FCA, CySEC, MFSA, ADGM, ASIC, FSAS, FINRA, and SEC | FINMA, FCA, NFA, MAS, JFSA, FSCA, FFSA, DFSA, and ASIC |
| Safety measures | 2FA, biometric login, login alerts, segregated accounts, and negative balance protection | 2FA, SSL, segregated account, negative balance protection |
| Compensation scheme | UK: FSCS up to £85,000 and EU: ICF up to €20,000 | UK: FSCS up to £85,000 |
eToro vs IG Markets: Pros, cons, and overall ratings
Here are the pros, cons, and an overall rating to help you decide between eToro and IG Markets.
| Aspect | eToro | IG Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Social & Copy Trading | Advanced platforms (MT4, ProRealTime, etc.) |
| User-friendly interface | Wide asset selection incl. options | |
| $0 stock/ETF commissions | No deposit/withdrawal fees | |
| Strong crypto trading access | Strong global regulation | |
| $100,000 demo account | $200,000 demo account | |
| Cons | Currency conversion fees | Complex for beginners |
| $5 withdrawal fee | $100 minimum withdrawal | |
| Limited charting tools | $50 documentation fee | |
| $30 minimum withdrawal | No social/copy trading | |
| Overall rating by Trading Critique | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
Read more: eToro broker review 2026: Fees, minimum deposit & more
Conclusion
Both eToro and IG Markets are trusted platforms, but they serve different types of traders. eToro is best for beginners and social traders looking for a simple experience with copy trading features. IG Markets is ideal for advanced users who need powerful tools and a wider asset selection. Choose the one that matches your trading style and experience level.
Pro tip
Now you’ve found the best broker for your needs by reading this review explore eToro or IG Markets and start trading with confidence. Find the best Forex brokers with our broker finder tool and stay informed on the latest in stocks, CFDs, and crypto. Make smarter trading choices and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many assets are available on IG Markets in 2026?
As of 2026, IG Markets offers access to over 17,000+ financial instruments, including forex, shares, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, bonds, options, interest rates, and knock-out products.
2. What is eToro’s minimum deposit requirement in 2026?
In 2026, eToro’s minimum deposit is $50 for most countries. However, the amount may vary based on your location or payment method.
3. How many users does eToro have globally?
As of 2026, eToro has over 30 million registered users worldwide, making it one of the largest social trading platforms globally.
4. Can I trade crypto on both eToro and IG Markets?
Yes, both eToro and IG Markets support cryptocurrency trading in 2026. eToro offers direct crypto trading, and IG Markets provides crypto CFD trading on popular coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc.
5. Can beginners use IG Markets safely in 2026?
Yes, beginners can safely use IG Markets in 2026. It is highly regulated, offers a free $200,000 demo account, and includes educational resources.
