eToro and Plus500 are two popular trading platforms frequently compared by beginner and intermediate investors. Both platforms provide access to financial markets such as stocks, forex, indices, and crypto, but differ in features, accessibility, and trading styles.
If you are comparing eToro and Plus500, use this side-by-side comparison to understand which platform is better for your trading style, experience, and assets.
1. Platform Overview
eToro
eToro’s social trading platform emphasizes community-backed investing and long-term portfolio building. Users can invest in real stocks, ETFs, and crypto — or trade CFDs. Its standout feature is copy trading, allowing users to mirror trades from top-performing investors.
Plus500
Plus500 is a CFD-only trading platform offering a broad selection of forex, indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. It targets short-term, speculative traders who prioritize speed, leverage, and risk management.
2. Available Assets
| Asset Class | eToro | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks | Real stocks & CFDs | CFDs only |
| ETFs | Real ETFs & CFDs | CFDs only |
| Forex | CFDs | CFDs |
| Cryptocurrencies | Spot + CFDs | CFDs only |
| Indices | CFDs | CFDs |
| Commodities | CFDs | CFDs |
| Options | Not available | Limited CFDs |
Verdict: eToro offers both real asset ownership and CFDs, while Plus500 is CFD-only. Choose eToro if you want to own assets directly.
3. User Interface & Experience
eToro
- Clean and intuitive platform
- Newsfeed and community interaction
- Great for beginners and long-term investors
- Mobile and desktop apps are user-friendly
Plus500
- Streamlined, fast interface
- Optimized for real-time order execution
- Efficient charting tools
- Responsive mobile and web apps
Verdict: eToro is better for portfolio building and social investing. Plus500 is suited to fast-paced CFD trading.
4. Fees and Spreads
| Fee Type | eToro | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Stock trading | Commission-free (real stocks) | Not available |
| CFD spreads | Variable spreads | Variable spreads |
| Deposit fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal fee | $5 flat fee | No fee (unless minimum not met) |
| Inactivity fee | $10/month after 12 months | $10/month after 3 months |
| Forex fees | Built into spreads | Built into spreads |
Verdict: Both platforms rely on spreads. eToro has a withdrawal fee, while Plus500 doesn’t (under normal conditions). Inactivity penalties apply sooner with Plus500.
5. Regulation and Security
| Platform | Regulated By |
|---|---|
| eToro | FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), ASIC (Australia), FinCEN (USA) |
| Plus500 | FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), ASIC (Australia), FMA (NZ), MAS (Singapore) |
Verdict: Both platforms are highly regulated and secure. Focus more on features than safety, as both are trusted globally.
6. Social and Copy Trading
eToro
- Leader in social trading
- Copy trades of top investors
- Public profiles with performance stats
- Popular Investor Program for top traders
Plus500
- No copy trading or social tools
- Manual trading only
Verdict: eToro is the clear winner for social and copy trading. Ideal for beginners and passive investors.
7. Leverage and Risk Management
eToro
- Leverage for CFD assets (varies by region)
- Risk scores for copied traders
- Regulatory limits for retail leverage
Plus500
- Up to 1:30 leverage for retail (higher for pros)
- Includes stop-loss, guaranteed stop, and take-profit
- Built for speculative leveraged trading
Verdict: Plus500 is more leverage-focused. eToro is more risk-conscious, ideal for long-term investors.
8. Education and Support
eToro
- Basic educational content and news
- Learn through community interaction
- Help center and ticket-based support
Plus500
- Guides and platform tutorials
- No community but good documentation
- 24/7 live chat and email support
Verdict: Plus500 offers more responsive support, while eToro provides learning via community engagement.
Final Verdict: Which Platform Is Right for You?
Choose eToro if you want to:
- Own real stocks, ETFs, and crypto
- Build a long-term investment portfolio
- Use social trading and copy investor tools
- Trade in a beginner-friendly environment
Choose Plus500 if you want to:
- Trade short-term using CFDs and leverage
- Execute trades quickly with simple tools
- Manage trading risks using margin and stop-loss
- Trade solo without social interaction
Summary Table
| Feature | eToro | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Asset Ownership | Real & CFDs | CFDs only |
| Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| Fees | Low (some withdrawal fees) | Low (spread-based) |
| Interface | Beginner-friendly | Clean and fast |
| Leverage | Moderate | Higher (CFD-focused) |
| Regulation | Strong global licenses | Strong global licenses |
| Best For | Social traders & investors | Short-term CFD traders |
Conclusion
Both eToro and Plus500 are regulated, reputable, and offer excellent tools for different trading styles. If you’re focused on long-term investing, asset ownership, or learning from top traders, eToro is the clear choice. For short-term, independent CFD trading with high-speed execution and leverage tools, Plus500 is better optimized.
Ultimately, the right platform depends on your goals, trading strategy, and risk tolerance. Consider starting with both using small capital to see which suits you better.