eToro vs IG: Which Broker Suits You?
eToro scores 3.6 and IG 4.2 out of 5 on our published methodology. IG leads on Platform & Tools, Regulation & Trust and Asset Range, and they tie on Costs & Fees and Account Access & Support. Both accept clients in the UK, the EU and other countries.
Score by score
Each category is scored 1–5 using our published methodology. The overall score is the plain average of the first five; ease of use is shown separately.
Key facts side by side
| eToro | IG | |
|---|---|---|
| What you own | Mixed | Mixed |
| Available assets | Stocks, ETFs and crypto, plus a large CFD range | CFDs and spread betting, plus genuine UK share dealing and ISAs |
| Regulated by | FCA, CySEC, ASIC; SEC-registered US entity | FCA, ASIC and other regional regulators |
| Stands out for | CopyTrader, the most developed social investing product | Trading since 1974, LSE-listed, with very wide market access |
| Watch out for | Heavy CFD component outside the US, plus currency conversion fees and small per-trade stock commissions | Most of the range is leveraged rather than owned |
| Accepts clients in | The US, the UK, the EU and other countries | The UK, the EU and other countries |
Is eToro cheaper than IG?
Both score 3/5 on Costs & Fees, so neither has a clear overall cost advantage on our measures; which is cheaper for you depends on what you trade, how often, and in which currency. Fees differ by country and account type and change often, so check both brokers’ current price lists before you choose.
Which is safer, eToro or IG?
eToro is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC; SEC-registered US entity; IG by FCA, ASIC and other regional regulators. IG scores higher on our Regulation & Trust measure (5/5 against 4/5). Which company holds your account, and which investor compensation scheme covers it, depends on where you live. Compensation schemes cover a broker failing, never investment losses.
Which is better for beginners?
On ease of use for a beginner, which sits outside the overall score, eToro scores 4/5 and IG 3/5. eToro is the gentler place to start.
Who each one tends to suit
eToro
- Tends to suit
- Social & copy trading
- Stands out for
- CopyTrader, the most developed social investing product
- Watch out for
- Heavy CFD component outside the US, plus currency conversion fees and small per-trade stock commissions
IG
- Tends to suit
- Established multi-market trading
- Stands out for
- Trading since 1974, LSE-listed, with very wide market access
- Watch out for
- Most of the range is leveraged rather than owned
More head-to-heads
Scores and facts come from our own reviews as of September 2026 and follow one published methodology. Plain Investor has no commercial relationship with either broker. This is general education, not personal financial advice. Fees, features and regulation change, so confirm current terms with each broker before opening an account.