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eToro vs AvaTrade (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare eToro against AvaTrade across spreads, regulations, platforms, and trading costs. Read our algorithmic breakdown and expert verdict to find out which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
Verdict: AvaTrade Wins
After exhaustive side-by-side testing, **AvaTrade** emerges as the overall winner in this matchup. While eToro remains an excellent choice for social traders, beginners & crypto enthusiasts, AvaTrade proves superior due to its heavily regulated across 7+ jurisdictions and excellent mobile app (avatradego).
eToro vs AvaTrade: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 2006 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5/5.0 | 4.5/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 - $200 (varies by region) | $100 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 1.0 pips | 0.9 pips (Standard) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) | 1:400 (Pro) | 1:30 (Retail) |
| MetaTrader 4 | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | No | Yes |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes (Industry Leader) | Yes (DupliTrade/AvaSocial) |
| Forex Pairs | 49 | 55+ |
| Deposit Methods | Card, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Bank Transfer | Card, Bank, Skrill, Neteller, Wire |
| Withdrawal Speed | 2-5 business days | 1-2 business days |
| Execution Type | Market Maker | Market Maker |
eToro vs AvaTrade: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between eToro and AvaTrade, it's essential to look beyond just the advertised spreads. We must factor in commissions, swap rates, and non-trading fees like deposit or inactivity charges. eToro offers pricing characterized by $0 (Spread only) alongside 1.0 pips spreads. In contrast, AvaTrade utilizes a model with $0 (Spread only) and 0.9 pips (Standard) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, AvaTrade provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | eToro | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 1.0 pips | 0.9 pips (Standard) |
| Commission Defaults | $0 (Spread only) | $0 (Spread only) |
| Execution Model | Market Maker | Market Maker |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 2-5 business days | 1-2 business days |
Safety & Regulation: Is eToro or AvaTrade Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both eToro and AvaTrade are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. eToro is armed with 4 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2007. AvaTrade, licensed since 2006, counters with 3 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. eToro holds a slight edge in absolute tier-1 licenses. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
eToro
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)CySEC (Cyprus)FinCEN/FINRA (US)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (UK) / €20,000 (CY)
- Licensed Since: 2007
AvaTrade
Tier 1- Regulators:Central Bank of IrelandASIC (Australia)FSCA (South Africa)FSA (Japan)ADGM (Abu Dhabi)
- Investor Protection: Up to €20,000 (EU ICF)
- Licensed Since: 2006
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. eToro equips its clients with eToro Web Platform, eToro Mobile App. AvaTrade, on the other hand, grants access to MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, WebTrader, AvaOptions, AvaSocial. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | eToro | AvaTrade |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (AvaTradeGO) | |
| Copy Trading Network | Yes (Industry Leader) | Yes (DupliTrade/AvaSocial) |
Pros & Cons: eToro vs AvaTrade
eToro
Pros
- World's leading Social/Copy Trading network (CopyTrader)
- Extremely user-friendly proprietary platform
- Offers real stocks and crypto alongside CFDs
- Vibrant social community feed inside the app
- Highly regulated globally
Cons
- Spreads are wider than discount/ECN competitors
- Not compatible with MT4/MT5
- $5 withdrawal fee and USD base currency only
AvaTrade
Pros
- Heavily regulated across 7+ jurisdictions
- Excellent mobile app (AvaTradeGO)
- DupliTrade and AvaSocial copy trading
- AvaOptions for vanilla options
- Strong educational resources
Cons
- Spreads slightly wider than ECN brokers
- Inactivity fee after 3 months
- Not available in the US
Expert Verdict: eToro vs AvaTrade
When we place eToro and AvaTrade side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. eToro, licensed since 2007, has carved out a massive niche focusing on social traders, beginners & crypto enthusiasts. Their execution model heavily leans into Market Maker, and their platform environment highlights eToro Web Platform.
Conversely, AvaTrade, operational out of Dublin, Ireland, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for beginners, copy traders & options enthusiasts. Their $0 (Spread only) commission structure combined with 0.9 pips (Standard) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is world's leading social/copy trading network (copytrader), and you intend to start with a minimum of $10 - $200 (varies by region), eToro is the logical path forward. If, however, you value heavily regulated across 7+ jurisdictions and require MT4, AvaTrade edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
eToro vs AvaTrade: Frequently Asked Questions
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Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. 68–80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the brokers listed on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews, which are based on independent analysis.
Comparison data updated February 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy