eToro vs IC Markets: Which Broker Is Better for Trading in 2025?

In this article I will compare eToro and IC Markets and help you identify the right broker for your trading requirements for the year 2025. Both of these platforms are well regulated and widely used, however, each provides different advantages for the trader.

To help you identify which of these brokers is more likely to suit your strategies and objectives, I will compare the brokers in terms of pricing, platforms, available assets, security, and overall efficacy.

What is eToro?

Established in 2007, eToro has become one of the most popular online brokers and social trading platforms across the globe. eToro’s users can trade stocks, crypto, forex, commodities, and ETFs.

eToro’s Copy Trading feature, where users can automatically replicate the investments of successful traders, has made the platform especially popular among beginner traders. eToro has passed the regulations of the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, which are some of the most respected regulatory bodies.

eToro’s innovativeness has allowed it to provide easy mobile and web trading interfaces, a large social trading community, and commission-free stock trading in most countries and regions, making it one of the most accessible platforms.

What is IC Markets?

Established in 2007, IC Markets is a leading forex and CFD broker, recognized for its low spreads, fast execution, and an institutional-grade trading environment.

Professional and algorithmic traders in particular appreciate its accessibility for trading forex, indices, commodities, bonds, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

IC Markets supports advanced trading automation through Expert Advisors (EAs) and automated strategies offered on its cTrader and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms.

Regulated by CySEC, ASIC, and FSA, IC Markets shows dedication to Transparency and client fund protection. Thanks to deep liquidity and high-speed connectivity, IC Markets is best suited for high-frequency traders, scalpers, and traders looking for tight spreads along with superior execution.

Key Differences: eToro vs IC Markets

Trading Platforms

Fees & Commissions

Licenses

Markets & Instruments

Security and Trust

eToro

• Multiple Tier 1 authorities regulate it — the Financial Conduct Authority (UK), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC, Australia), and Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC, EU) — credibility and regulatory oversight multiplies.
• Client funds are segregated — This means user funds are set apart from the broker’s operational funds.
• Offers two-factor authentication (2FA) and other standard industry security measures to protect accounts.
• Having a large global user base and public track record increases trust, transparency, and goodwill.

✅ IC Markets

• Regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus) and the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) for specific entities — compliance in several jurisdictions is maintained.
• Client funds are kept in segregated accounts with tier-one banks, ensuring enhanced security.
• Advanced institutional-grade execution infrastructure is in place for additional professional trading reliability.
• Clear and regular audits are conducted, with operational transparency and risk disclosures.

Pros & Cons

 Pros & Cons eToro

Pros

• Social and copy trading features are good for starters
• Many stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies
• Commission-free stock trading (in a lot of different areas)
• Trading platform and mobile app are easy to use
• Excellent regulation (FCA, CySEC, ASIC)

Cons

• Larger spreads than ECN brokers
• No MT4/MT5 (limits for pro traders)
• $10 inactivity fee
• $5 withdrawal fee
• Little advanced technical and automated trading tools

Pros & Cons IC Markets

Pros

• Spreads and commissions are very low
• MT4, MT5, cTrader support — great for algo traders
• Quick execution with great liquidity (awesome for scalping)
• No fees for inactivity or withdrawals
• Strong support for pro traders and EAs

Cons

• No effective social or copy trading
• Limited crypto & stock CFDs
• No trading on a proprietary platform — might be less friendly to beginners
• New traders face a steeper learning curve

Conclusion

Both brokers are well respect and regulated. However, they are designed for serve different types of traders. For people just starting, eToro is the better choice, as well as for casual investors for easy access to stock and crypto and especially social trading features with CopyTrader.

It is designed for learning as well. eToro also has an easy to use the platform. In contrast, IC Markets is for serious forex and CFD traders.

These are traders looking for a strong environment for scalping/automated trading with fast execution, MT4/MT5/cTrader support, and needing tight spreads. To summarize, use eToro if you want simplicity and community trading. Use IC Markets if you want low-cost, advanced forex trading.

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