eToro vs CMC Markets 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
eToro suits traders who value copy trading. CMC Markets suits traders who prioritise tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $50), MetaTrader support, more instruments (12,000 vs 3,000).
Head to head
| eToro | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 583263 | FCA 173730 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $50 | None |
| EUR/USD spread | 1 pips | 0.5 pips |
| Instruments | 3,000+ | 12,000+ |
| MetaTrader | No | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | Yes | No |
| Real stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | $10/mo after 12mo | $10/mo after 12mo |
| Founded | 2007 | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Tel Aviv, Israel | London, UK |
Regulation: eToro vs CMC Markets
eToro is regulated by FCA under licence 583263 (eToro (UK) Ltd). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
CMC Markets is regulated by FCA under licence 173730 (CMC Markets UK plc). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Spreads and fees
eToro's EUR/USD spread is 1 pips. CMC Markets's EUR/USD spread is 0.5 pips. CMC Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
eToro charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months without trading. CMC Markets charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months.
Platforms and tools
CMC Markets supports MetaTrader. eToro uses a proprietary platform only — traders who need MT4/MT5 for automated strategies should choose CMC Markets.
eToro offers copy trading, CMC Markets does not.
Minimum deposit
eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50. CMC Markets requires None. CMC Markets has the lower barrier to entry.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
eToro is generally better for beginners because it offers copy trading, allowing new traders to replicate experienced traders automatically while learning. CMC Markets also has the lower minimum deposit of None. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
CMC Markets is better for experienced traders who need MetaTrader. CMC Markets's tighter spreads (0.5 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. CMC Markets offers more instruments (12,000) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: eToro vs CMC Markets
Choose eToro if you want copy trading. The FCA licence (583263) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose CMC Markets if you want tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $50), MetaTrader support, more instruments (12,000 vs 3,000). The FCA licence (173730) means strong tier-1 regulatory protection.
Both brokers are legitimate and regulated. The choice comes down to your specific trading requirements.
Frequently asked questions
eToro vs CMC Markets: which is better?
eToro is better for copy trading. CMC Markets is better for tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $50), MetaTrader support, more instruments (12,000 vs 3,000). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is eToro or CMC Markets safer?
Both eToro (FCA 583263) and CMC Markets (FCA 173730) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for eToro and CMC Markets?
eToro minimum deposit: $50. CMC Markets minimum deposit: None. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do eToro and CMC Markets have MetaTrader?
CMC Markets supports MT4 and MT5. eToro does not offer MetaTrader.