eToro vs Plus500: Which Broker Suits You?
eToro scores 3.6 and Plus500 3.0 out of 5 on our published methodology. eToro leads on Platform & Tools, Asset Range and Account Access & Support, and they tie on Costs & Fees and Regulation & Trust. 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 | Plus500 | |
|---|---|---|
| What you own | Mixed | CFDs only |
| Available assets | Stocks, ETFs and crypto, plus a large CFD range | CFDs on shares, indices, forex, commodities and crypto |
| Regulated by | FCA, CySEC, ASIC; SEC-registered US entity | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, MAS and others |
| Stands out for | CopyTrader, the most developed social investing product | A simple proprietary platform backed by an LSE-listed parent |
| Watch out for | Heavy CFD component outside the US, plus currency conversion fees and small per-trade stock commissions | No real asset ownership at all, and no MT4 or MT5 |
| Accepts clients in | The US, the UK, the EU and other countries | The UK, the EU and other countries |
Is eToro cheaper than Plus500?
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 Plus500?
eToro is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC; SEC-registered US entity; Plus500 by FCA, ASIC, CySEC, MAS and others. Both score 4/5 on our Regulation & Trust measure. 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 Plus500 3/5. eToro is the gentler place to start. Beginners should know that CFDs are leveraged derivatives rather than ownership, and that most retail accounts trading them lose money.
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
Plus500
- Tends to suit
- Simple CFD trading
- Stands out for
- A simple proprietary platform backed by an LSE-listed parent
- Watch out for
- No real asset ownership at all, and no MT4 or MT5
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.