When it comes to choosing a reliable online trading platform, two names consistently rise to the top: eToro and Plus500. Both are globally recognized, regulated, and trusted by millions of traders. But which one is right for you? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between eToro and Plus500—covering platform features, fees, asset offerings, user experience, security, and customer support—so you can make an informed decision based on your trading goals.
Whether you're drawn to eToro’s social trading community or prefer Plus500’s streamlined, no-frills approach, this guide delivers clear insights without bias or sales tactics.
Key Takeaways
- eToro excels with its social trading network, educational resources, and multi-asset access, making it ideal for beginners and community-oriented traders.
- Plus500 focuses on efficiency, offering competitive spreads, a clean interface, and strong CFD and forex trading tools—perfect for experienced or cost-conscious traders.
- Both platforms are highly regulated and secure, but differ in fee structures: eToro charges withdrawal and currency conversion fees, while Plus500 imposes a dormancy fee and optional add-ons like Guaranteed Stops.
- Demo accounts, responsive support, and risk management tools are available on both platforms, enhancing accessibility and trader confidence.
eToro vs Plus500: A Side-by-Side Overview
Choosing between eToro and Plus500 ultimately comes down to your trading style and priorities.
eToro has built a reputation as a social trading pioneer, allowing users to follow, copy, and interact with successful traders worldwide. It supports stocks, ETFs, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs—making it a true multi-asset platform.
In contrast, Plus500 maintains a lean, focused approach, specializing in CFDs and forex with minimal distractions. Its interface is designed for speed and precision, appealing to traders who want to execute trades quickly without extra features.
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With over 25 million registered users, Plus500 demonstrates strong market trust. Meanwhile, eToro operates in more than 100 countries and continues to expand its ecosystem. Your choice should reflect whether you value community-driven insights or efficiency and low costs.
Platform Experience: Interface & Usability
eToro: Social-First Design
eToro’s platform is intuitive and visually engaging, especially for newcomers. The homepage features a live feed of top traders’ activities—similar to a social media timeline—where you can view open positions, performance stats, and commentary.
Its WebTrader and mobile app offer seamless navigation, real-time charts, copy trading functionality, and integration with market news. While it doesn’t support MetaTrader, eToro compensates with proprietary tools tailored for social engagement and learning.
Plus500: Minimalist & Efficient
Plus500 uses its own proprietary web and mobile platform, known for its clutter-free layout and fast execution. The dashboard gives instant access to price alerts, economic calendars, and risk management tools like stop-loss and take-profit orders.
There’s no social element—just straightforward CFD trading. This simplicity benefits active traders who want to minimize distractions and focus on strategy.
Both platforms offer demo accounts with virtual funds, letting you test drive the interface before going live.
Asset Selection & Trading Options
| Feature | eToro | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks (real & CFD) | ✅ Yes (commission-free) | ❌ CFDs only (Invest platform available in select regions) |
| ETFs | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | ✅ Over 70 coins | ✅ Major cryptos via CFD |
| Commodities | ✅ Gold, silver, oil | ✅ Wide range |
| Forex Pairs | ✅ 47+ pairs | ✅ 70+ pairs |
| Indices | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
eToro shines with real stock ownership in certain markets and a broader educational push through its Investment Funds and Smart Portfolios. It also allows fractional shares, lowering entry barriers.
Plus500 offers deeper liquidity in forex and tighter spreads on major pairs like EUR/USD (often under 1 pip), making it attractive for short-term traders.
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Fee Structure: What You Really Pay
Spreads
Spreads are the primary cost in CFD trading.
Plus500 generally offers tighter spreads, especially on forex. For example:
- EUR/USD: ~0.6 pips (variable)
eToro’s spreads are slightly wider:
- EUR/USD: ~3.0 pips
While eToro promotes zero commissions on stock trades, remember that wider spreads can offset that benefit.
Hidden & Additional Fees
| Fee Type | eToro | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | $25 flat fee | None |
| Inactivity Fee | After 12 months | After 3 months |
| Currency Conversion | ~0.5% for non-USD | None (but spreads may vary) |
| Overnight Fees | Applies to leveraged positions | Applies |
| Guaranteed Stop | Not available | Optional (extra cost) |
💡 Tip: Frequent withdrawals or non-USD accounts may make eToro more expensive over time.
Security & Regulation
Both platforms prioritize safety through strict compliance and advanced security protocols.
Regulatory Oversight
- eToro: Regulated by the UK’s FCA, Cyprus’ CySEC, Australia’s ASIC, and others.
- Plus500: Licensed by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS (Singapore), and six Tier-1 regulators.
Plus500 is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange (PLUS.L), adding transparency. However, eToro maintains a stronger reputation for regulatory consistency across regions.
Fund Protection
- Client funds held in segregated accounts
- SSL encryption for data protection
- Mandatory KYC verification
- Negative balance protection (required under EU/UK regulations)
These measures ensure your capital remains protected even in extreme market conditions.
Customer Support & Educational Resources
Support Availability
| Platform | Live Chat | Phone | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Mon–Fri, 24h |
| Plus500 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | 24/7 |
While both lack phone support, Plus500 offers round-the-clock assistance—an advantage during volatile markets.
Response times are typically under two minutes via live chat on both platforms.
Learning Tools
- eToro Academy: Comprehensive courses, webinars, quizzes, and video tutorials covering basics to advanced strategies.
- Plus500: Offers an economic calendar, market analysis, and beginner guides—but fewer structured learning paths.
For new traders, eToro’s educational ecosystem provides a clear edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eToro better than Plus500?
It depends on your needs. eToro is better if you value social trading, educational content, and real stock ownership. Plus500 wins for tighter spreads, 24/7 support, and a cleaner interface ideal for experienced traders.
Can I trade real stocks on Plus500?
Not directly. Plus500 primarily offers CFDs. However, its Invest platform (available in select EEA countries and the U.S.) allows real stock trading with no commission.
Are there withdrawal fees on eToro?
Yes. eToro charges a $25 flat fee per withdrawal, regardless of amount. This can impact small or frequent withdrawals.
Does Plus500 offer copy trading?
No. Unlike eToro, Plus500 does not have social or copy trading features. All trades are executed independently.
Which platform has lower overall costs?
Plus500 tends to be more cost-effective due to tighter spreads and no withdrawal fees. However, dormancy fees kick in after just three months of inactivity.
Is my money safe on these platforms?
Absolutely. Both eToro and Plus500 are regulated by top-tier authorities, use segregated accounts, and apply robust encryption—ensuring your funds and data remain secure.
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Final Verdict: Which Platform Fits You?
- Choose eToro if you’re new to trading, enjoy learning from others, or want to invest in real stocks and crypto with zero commission.
- Choose Plus500 if you're an active trader focused on forex and CFDs, prefer competitive pricing, and want a distraction-free environment.
Both platforms deliver reliability, security, and solid performance—but your trading style should guide your decision.
No matter where you start, always use a demo account first, manage risk wisely, and stay informed. The right platform isn’t just about features—it’s about alignment with your goals.