eToro vs Interactive Brokers: Full Comparison 2026
eToro and Interactive Brokers sit at opposite ends of the broker spectrum. eToro is built for beginners with its simple interface and social trading. Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is the tool of choice for serious investors who want access to every market on earth at the lowest possible cost. Here's the full comparison.
Fee comparison
| Feature | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| ETF commission | €0 (+0.5% FX) | From €1.25 |
| Stock commission | €0 (+0.5% FX) | From €1.25 |
| FX conversion | 0.5% | 0.002% (virtually free) |
| Annual fee | €0 | €0 |
| Minimum deposit | €50 | €0 |
| Available ETFs | ~300 | 13,000+ |
| Markets | Limited | 150+ worldwide |
| Interest on cash | Low | Competitive (EUR ~1.3%) |
On the surface, eToro looks cheaper with zero commissions. But the hidden 0.5% FX conversion fee is significant. On a €10,000 investment, eToro's FX fee costs €50. IBKR's trade commission might be €1.25, and FX conversion on the same amount costs just €0.20. For larger portfolios, IBKR is dramatically cheaper.
Platform complexity
This is the real tradeoff. eToro takes 5 minutes to figure out — type a stock name, click buy, done. IBKR has three platforms (Client Portal, GlobalTrader app, and Trader Workstation), dozens of order types, and a learning curve that can intimidate beginners. If you've never invested before, eToro is the gentler start. If you plan to invest seriously, learning IBKR pays off quickly.
Available investments
IBKR is unmatched here. Access to 150+ markets, 13,000+ ETFs, stocks from virtually every exchange, options, futures, bonds, forex, and funds. eToro has around 3,000 assets total but adds crypto trading and the unique CopyTrader feature. For European investors wanting UCITS ETFs on Xetra or Euronext, both work — but IBKR gives you far more choices.
Who is each broker for?
Our verdict
Choose Interactive Brokers if: You're investing €500+/month, want the lowest total cost, need access to global markets, or plan to hold a portfolio above €10,000. The learning curve is worth it.
Choose eToro if: You're investing under €200/month, want the simplest possible experience, are interested in crypto, or want to copy other investors' strategies.
For serious long-term investors in Europe, Interactive Brokers is the better choice on pure economics. The 0.002% FX fee versus eToro's 0.5% saves hundreds of euros annually on a mid-sized portfolio.
See exactly how much each broker costs you over time