Choose CMC Markets if you want…
Discretionary traders wanting deep instrument coverage and a sophisticated proprietary platform from a publicly-listed UK broker.
CMC Markets
⭐ 4.5 / 5
VS
eToro
⭐ 4.4 / 5
CMC Markets vs eToro — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared CMC Markets and eToro across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. CMC Markets wins on more criteria (5 categories vs 0), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| CMC Markets | eToro | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 4.4 / 5 | CMC Markets |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland | CySEC, FCA, ASIC, FSRA, MFSA | CMC Markets |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $50 | CMC Markets |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips (Next Generation) | 1.0 pip (variable) | CMC Markets |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:400 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile | eToro WebTrader, eToro Mobile | CMC Markets |
| Founded | 1989 | 2007 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | Tel Aviv / Limassol / London | — |
Pros & cons compared
CMC Markets pros
- ✓ Founded 1989 — among the oldest CFD brokers (LSE: CMCX)
- ✓ FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS — tier-1 regulators across major financial centres
- ✓ 12,000+ instruments — one of the broadest catalogues in retail CFDs
- ✓ Award-winning proprietary 'Next Generation' platform
- ✓ No minimum deposit
Cons
- ✗ Proprietary platform has a learning curve vs. MT4
- ✗ Spread on FX 'Standard' account (0.7 pips) wider than ECN brokers
- ✗ Limited cryptocurrency CFD coverage
eToro pros
- ✓ Largest social/copy-trading network in retail FX/CFDs (30M+ users)
- ✓ Multi-asset: forex, CFDs, real stocks, ETFs, crypto from one account
- ✓ Tier-1 regulation: CySEC, FCA, ASIC, MFSA, FSRA Abu Dhabi
- ✓ Proprietary WebTrader is genuinely beginner-friendly
- ✓ Fractional shares + zero commission on real US stocks
Cons
- ✗ Spreads on FX (1.0+ pip) are wider than ECN brokers
- ✗ $5 withdrawal fee on all withdrawals
- ✗ No MT4 / MT5 — proprietary platform only
Which one should you choose?
Choose eToro if you want…
Beginners and copy-traders; multi-asset traders who want stocks + crypto + FX in one regulated EU account.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — CMC Markets or eToro?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), CMC Markets wins 5 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is CMC Markets more regulated than eToro?
CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. eToro holds licenses from: CySEC, FCA, ASIC, FSRA, MFSA. CMC Markets has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at CMC Markets vs eToro?
CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). eToro spreads start from 1.0 pip (variable). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, CMC Markets or eToro?
CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). eToro: $50. CMC Markets has the lower entry barrier.
