Choose eToro if you want…
Beginners and copy-traders; multi-asset traders who want stocks + crypto + FX in one regulated EU account.
eToro
⭐ 4.4 / 5
VS
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
eToro vs IG — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared eToro and IG across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. IG 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.
| eToro | IG | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.4 / 5 | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | IG |
| Regulators | CySEC, FCA, ASIC, FSRA, MFSA | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | IG |
| Min. deposit | $50 | $0 (no minimum) | IG |
| Spreads from | 1.0 pip (variable) | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | IG |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:400 (offshore) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | — |
| Platforms | eToro WebTrader, eToro Mobile | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | IG |
| Founded | 2007 | 1974 | — |
| HQ | Tel Aviv / Limassol / London | London, United Kingdom | — |
Pros & cons compared
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
IG pros
- ✓ Founded 1974 — oldest CFD/spread-bet broker (LSE: IGG)
- ✓ Nine tier-1 regulators across UK, US, EU, APAC, Africa
- ✓ 17,000+ instruments — broadest in retail FX/CFD industry
- ✓ L2 Dealer DMA + ProRealTime for advanced traders
- ✓ Direct US CFTC/NFA regulation (one of few non-US brokers)
Cons
- ✗ Spreads on Standard account (0.6 pips FX) not the absolute tightest
- ✗ Proprietary platform learning curve
- ✗ EU leverage 1:30 (ESMA)
Which one should you choose?
Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — eToro or IG?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), IG wins 5 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is eToro more regulated than IG?
eToro holds licenses from: CySEC, FCA, ASIC, FSRA, MFSA. IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at eToro vs IG?
eToro spreads start from 1.0 pip (variable). IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, eToro or IG?
eToro: $50. IG: $0 (no minimum). IG has the lower entry barrier.
