eToro vs AvaTrade 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at eToro if you value lower minimum deposit ($50 vs $100), real stock ownership, more instruments (3,000 vs 1,260). AvaTrade plates up better for anyone who leans on tighter spreads, MetaTrader support.
The two menus, side by side
| eToro | AvaTrade | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 583263 | CBI C53877 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $50 | $100 |
| EUR/USD spread | 1 pips | 0.9 pips |
| Instruments | 3,000+ | 1,260+ |
| MetaTrader | No | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | Yes | Yes |
| Real stocks | Yes | No, CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | $10/mo after 12mo | $50/mo after 3mo |
| Founded | 2007 | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Tel Aviv, Israel | Dublin, Ireland |
The kitchen inspection: eToro vs AvaTrade
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.
AvaTrade is regulated by CBI under licence C53877 (AvaTrade EU Ltd). The CBI 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.
Ingredient costs and the bill
eToro's EUR/USD spread is 1 pips. AvaTrade's EUR/USD spread is 0.9 pips. AvaTrade offers tighter spreads on this pair.
eToro charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months without trading. AvaTrade charges an inactivity fee of $50/month after 3 months.
Platforms and tools
AvaTrade supports MetaTrader. eToro uses a proprietary platform only, traders who need MT4/MT5 for automated strategies should choose AvaTrade.
Both brokers offer copy trading.
The cover charge
eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50. AvaTrade requires $100. eToro has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider eToro.
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 also has the lower minimum deposit of $50, 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?
AvaTrade is better for experienced traders who need MetaTrader. AvaTrade's tighter spreads (0.9 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. eToro offers more instruments (3,000) for portfolio diversification.
The verdict: eToro vs AvaTrade
Book a table at eToro if what you are after is lower minimum deposit ($50 vs $100), real stock ownership, more instruments (3,000 vs 1,260). Its FCA licence (583263) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with AvaTrade if you want tighter spreads, MetaTrader support. Its CBI licence (C53877) means solid tier-1 protection.
Neither kitchen is a bad one; both hold real licences. In the end it is your own trading appetite that picks the table.
Frequently asked questions
eToro vs AvaTrade: which is better?
eToro is better for lower minimum deposit ($50 vs $100), real stock ownership, more instruments (3,000 vs 1,260). AvaTrade is better for tighter spreads, MetaTrader support. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is eToro or AvaTrade safer?
Both eToro (FCA 583263) and AvaTrade (CBI C53877) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for eToro and AvaTrade?
eToro minimum deposit: $50. AvaTrade minimum deposit: $100. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do eToro and AvaTrade have MetaTrader?
AvaTrade supports MT4 and MT5. eToro does not offer MetaTrader.