When it comes to online trading, selecting the right broker can significantly impact your success—especially in the fast-paced world of Contracts for Difference (CFDs). Two platforms frequently compared are Plus500 and eToro, each offering distinct features tailored to different types of traders. But which one aligns better with your investment goals?
This comprehensive guide breaks down the key differences between Plus500 and eToro across critical categories such as product offerings, fees, safety, educational resources, and more—helping you make a well-informed decision.
At a Glance: Plus500 vs eToro
Before diving into details, here's a high-level comparison of both platforms.
Plus500 Overview
Founded in 2008, Plus500 is a globally recognized fintech company listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: PLUS) and part of the FTSE 250 index. It specializes exclusively in CFD trading across over 2,800 instruments—including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies.
With more than 25 million users worldwide and over $800 billion in traded value, Plus500 has built a reputation for its intuitive platform, tight spreads, and strong regulatory compliance.
👉 Discover a streamlined CFD trading experience with advanced tools and low costs.
Note: CFDs are complex financial instruments with high risk due to leverage. 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
eToro Overview
Launched in 2007, eToro is a multi-asset investment platform known for pioneering social and copy trading. It allows users to trade stocks, ETFs, commodities, and cryptocurrencies—either through direct ownership or CFDs.
eToro stands out with its community-driven approach, enabling users to automatically mirror the trades of top-performing investors via its CopyTrader feature.
The platform serves over 30 million registered users and manages $7.5 billion in assets globally.
Note: 61% of retail investor accounts lose money trading CFDs on this platform. Not available for U.S. residents for CFD trading.
Product Offerings Compared
Plus500: Focused on CFDs
Plus500 offers over 2,800 CFDs, covering:
- Forex pairs
- Global stock indices
- Individual stocks
- Commodities (gold, oil, etc.)
- ETFs
- Options
- Cryptocurrencies (as CFDs only)
Importantly, Plus500 does not allow ownership of underlying assets—every trade is a derivative contract based on price movement.
eToro: Broader Investment Options
eToro provides access to over 5,000 financial instruments, including:
- Stocks (with fractional shares)
- ETFs
- Commodities
- Currencies
- Cryptoassets (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
Unlike Plus500, eToro lets you own real assets—you can buy actual shares or crypto—or opt for leveraged CFD trading.
👉 Explore a platform that blends traditional investing with innovative social trading tools.
Fee Structure: Which Is More Cost-Effective?
| Feature | Plus500 | eToro |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Commissions | 0% on all CFDs | 0% on stocks/ETFs; 1% on crypto trades |
| Minimum Trade Size | $100 | $10 (or $200 for CopyTrader) |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Fees | $0 | $5 (minimum withdrawal: $30) |
| Inactivity Fee | Up to $10/month after 3 months of inactivity | $10/month after 1 year of inactivity |
| Overnight Financing | Applied on open positions past funding time | Small fee based on position value |
| Currency Conversion Fee | Up to 0.7% on trades in foreign currencies | Charged during non-USD deposits/withdrawals |
While both platforms offer commission-free trading on most assets, eToro charges a 1% fee on crypto transactions, making Plus500 more cost-efficient for frequent crypto speculators.
Order Types and Trading Tools
Both platforms support essential order types:
eToro
- Market Orders
- Limit Orders
- Stop Loss (S.L.)
- Take Profit (T.P.)
These tools help manage risk and automate exits but lack advanced features like trailing stops.
Plus500
In addition to market and limit orders, Plus500 offers:
- Close at Loss Order (Stop Loss)
- Close at Profit Order (Take Profit)
- Trailing Stop Order
- Guaranteed Stop Order (protects against slippage at a premium)
This makes Plus500 more appealing to experienced traders seeking enhanced risk control.
Safety and Regulation
Both brokers are regulated by top-tier financial authorities.
Plus500 Regulation
Regulated by:
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), UK
- Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
- ASIC (Australia), FMA (New Zealand), FSCA (South Africa), MAS (Singapore)
Client funds are held in segregated accounts. UK clients benefit from FSCS protection up to £85,000. Plus500 also offers negative balance protection, ensuring you can’t lose more than your deposited capital.
eToro Regulation
Regulated by:
- FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), ASIC (AU), FINRA & SEC (USA), AMF (France), MFSA (Malta)
For U.S. users:
- Stocks and ETFs are protected by SIPC up to $500,000 per customer
- Additional insurance via Apex Clearing covers up to $37.5 million in securities and $900,000 in cash
- Cryptocurrencies are not insured
Both platforms keep client funds separate from operational funds—a critical security measure.
Educational & Research Resources
Plus500 Learning Tools
- Trading Academy: Video guides, eBooks, FAQs, risk management tools
- Economic Calendar: Track upcoming market events
- Market Insights: Real-time trader sentiment data
- Live Statistics & Traders’ Sentiment Indicators
- Customizable charts with technical analysis tools
Ideal for traders who prefer self-directed learning with data-backed insights.
eToro Learning Tools
- eToro Academy: Articles, webinars, podcasts, live training sessions
- Copy Trading & Popular Investor Program: Learn by following top traders
- Smart Portfolios: Pre-built diversified bundles (min. $500 investment)
- Demo Account: Practice with $100,000 in virtual funds
- ProCharts: Advanced charting capabilities
- Third-party research via TipRanks
Best suited for beginners looking to learn through community interaction and guided investing.
Global Availability
- Plus500: Operates in over 50 countries, including Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
- eToro: Available in 76 countries, including most U.S. states (except NY, HI, NV, MN).
Note: Neither platform offers CFD trading to U.S. residents.
Customer Support Comparison
Plus500
Support channels:
- 24/7 live chat
- Email
Available in up to 32 languages. No phone support.
eToro
Support channels:
- In-app chat via help center
- Email ticketing system
- Phone support (details not prominently displayed)
Available in 19 languages.
While eToro offers more direct contact options, accessibility varies by region.
Pros and Cons Summary
Plus500: Pros
- Wide range of CFDs (2,800+)
- User-friendly, intuitive platform
- Strong global regulation
- Guaranteed stop-loss orders
- Negative balance protection
Plus500: Cons
- No direct asset ownership
- No phone support
- Limited third-party tool integration
- Not ideal for long-term investors
eToro: Pros
- Social and copy trading features
- Fractional share investing
- Real asset ownership option
- Diverse asset selection
- Educational content and demo account
- Smart Portfolios for passive investors
eToro: Cons
- Higher crypto trading fees (1%)
- Limited advanced trading tools
- No retirement or tax-advantaged accounts
- Wallet functionality is restricted
Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Plus500 If You:
✅ Are focused on CFD trading only
✅ Prefer a clean, no-frills interface
✅ Want robust risk management tools like guaranteed stops
✅ Trade frequently and value low spreads
Choose eToro If You:
✅ Are new to investing or want to learn via social trading
✅ Want to own real stocks or crypto
✅ Value community insights and automated strategy replication
✅ Seek diversified portfolios and ESG-integrated investing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main difference between eToro and Plus500?
The core distinction lies in their product models. Plus500 focuses solely on CFDs—ideal for short-term speculation—while eToro offers both real asset ownership and CFD trading, along with unique social investing tools.
Can I trade cryptocurrencies on both platforms?
Yes. However, on Plus500 you trade crypto via CFDs (no actual ownership), whereas eToro allows you to buy real digital coins or trade them as CFDs.
Which platform is better for beginners?
eToro is generally more beginner-friendly due to its educational resources, demo account, and copy trading feature that lets new users follow experienced investors.
Do both platforms offer demo accounts?
Yes. Both provide free demo accounts—eToro’s comes with $100,000 in virtual funds—ideal for practicing strategies risk-free.
Are eToro and Plus500 safe and regulated?
Yes. Both operate under multiple international regulators including CySEC, FCA, ASIC, and others. Client funds are segregated, and both offer negative balance protection where applicable.
Which broker offers more tradable assets?
eToro provides access to over 5,000 instruments including real stocks and ETFs. Plus500 offers over 2,800 CFDs—fewer overall but deeper in derivative markets.
👉 Start your journey with a trusted platform offering powerful tools and secure trading environments.
Core Keywords Integrated:
CFD broker, CFD trading, online trading platform, social trading, copy trading, cryptocurrency trading, regulated broker, investment platform
By evaluating your goals—whether speculative trading or long-term investing—you can confidently choose between Plus500 and eToro based on functionality, fees, safety, and user experience. Always conduct personal due diligence before committing funds.