IG Group vs eToro 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
IG Group suits traders who value tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $50), MetaTrader support, more instruments (17,000 vs 3,000). eToro suits traders who prioritise copy trading.
Head to head
| IG Group | eToro | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 195355 | FCA 583263 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | None | $50 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.6 pips | 1 pips |
| Instruments | 17,000+ | 3,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | No |
| Copy trading | No | Yes |
| Real stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | $12/mo after 2mo | $10/mo after 12mo |
| Founded | 1974 | 2007 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | Tel Aviv, Israel |
Regulation: IG Group vs eToro
IG Group is regulated by FCA under licence 195355 (IG Markets Ltd). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
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.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Spreads and fees
IG Group's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. eToro's EUR/USD spread is 1 pips. IG Group offers tighter spreads on this pair.
IG Group charges an inactivity fee of $12/month after 2 months without trading. eToro charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months.
Platforms and tools
IG Group supports MetaTrader. eToro uses a proprietary platform only — traders who need MT4/MT5 for automated strategies should choose IG Group.
eToro offers copy trading, IG Group does not.
Minimum deposit
IG Group requires a minimum deposit of None. eToro requires $50. IG Group has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider IG Group.
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. IG Group also has the lower minimum deposit of None, making it easier to start with a small amount. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
IG Group is better for experienced traders who need MetaTrader for automated strategies and custom indicators. IG Group's tighter spreads (0.6 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. IG Group offers more instruments (17,000) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: IG Group vs eToro
Choose IG Group if you want tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $50), MetaTrader support, more instruments (17,000 vs 3,000). The FCA licence (195355) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose eToro if you want copy trading. The FCA licence (583263) means strong tier-1 regulatory protection.
Both brokers are legitimate and regulated. The choice comes down to your specific trading requirements.
Frequently asked questions
IG Group vs eToro: which is better?
IG Group is better for tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $50), MetaTrader support, more instruments (17,000 vs 3,000). eToro is better for copy trading. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is IG Group or eToro safer?
Both IG Group (FCA 195355) and eToro (FCA 583263) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for IG Group and eToro?
IG Group minimum deposit: None. eToro minimum deposit: $50. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do IG Group and eToro have MetaTrader?
IG Group supports MT4 and MT5. eToro does not offer MetaTrader — it uses a proprietary platform.