Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of E*TRADE vs eToro, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Bottom line: In an E*TRADE vs. eToro comparison for investment options, E*TRADE is the better pick if you want a wide mix of traditional investments and account types. It earns 4.5/5 stars and ranks #4 of 14 for Range of Investments. eToro stands out for crypto and fractional shares but offers fewer conventional choices, reflected in its 2.5/5 stars and #14 of 14 ranking.
Both brokers support stock and options trading. E*TRADE also offers margin trading, OTC stocks, mutual funds, and futures, plus traditional and Roth IRAs and access to advisor services. eToro does not offer margin, OTC stocks, mutual funds, futures, IRAs, or advisor services. Neither platform supports forex.
If you want crypto or to buy fractional shares of stocks, eToro fits the bill with crypto trading across 104 coins. If you prefer a platform for mutual funds, futures, OTC stocks, margin, and retirement accounts—all under one roof—E*TRADE is the stronger choice. E*TRADE does not offer crypto or fractional shares.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | No |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | No | Yes |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | No |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Futures Trading | Yes | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | Yes |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 104 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2026, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2026
If you’re choosing between E*TRADE and eToro for trading platforms and tools, E*TRADE is the stronger pick for most traders. It earns 4 stars and ranks #6 out of 14 brokers at StockBrokers.com, while eToro earns 1.5 stars and ranks #11. E*TRADE offers desktop apps for Windows and Mac plus deeper charting and watchlist control; eToro sticks to web-based trading with fewer built-in studies, though it does offer a larger set of drawing tools. Both support paper trading.
Platform access and workflow favor E*TRADE: it provides downloadable platforms for both Windows and Mac in addition to a browser platform; eToro offers a browser platform only. Both brokers include paper trading, but neither provides a built-in trading journal. Watchlists are far more detailed at E*TRADE (43 columns) than at eToro (7). E*TRADE also lets you adjust open orders directly on a stock chart; eToro does not. Both brokers let you save multiple chart profiles, and neither supports creating custom studies.
Charting depth is where E*TRADE pulls ahead. It includes 121 technical indicators versus 46 on eToro. eToro counters with more drawing tools (48 vs 37), and both let you add notes to charts. Only E*TRADE can overlay historical trades, display corporate events (earnings, splits, dividends), set custom date ranges, and show automated chart patterns. Study editing is also more flexible at E*TRADE; for example, an SMA study has 8 customization fields versus 5 on eToro. If you value extensive indicators and advanced chart controls, E*TRADE stands out; if you mainly annotate charts and want simple web access, eToro can suffice.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | Yes | No |
| Paper Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 43 | 7 |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 121 | 46 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 37 | 48 |
| Advanced Trading |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Brokers for 2026, Best Paper Trading Apps & Platforms for 2026
A full-featured account for investing
Get up to $1K on new brokerage account*
E*TRADE and eToro both give beginner investors plenty of ways to learn: each covers stocks, ETFs, options, and bonds, and both include paper trading and educational videos. The key differences are in depth and topics. E*TRADE adds mutual fund education and runs live webinars, while eToro does not offer mutual fund lessons or webinars. Neither platform includes quizzes or a way to track your learning progress.
On quality, E*TRADE earns 4 stars for education and ranks #5 out of 14 brokers at StockBrokers.com, while eToro scores 3 stars and ranks #9. Choose E*TRADE if you want broader coverage plus live sessions; pick eToro if you prefer straightforward guides with a demo account to practice.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (ETFs) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | Yes | No |
| Education (Fixed Income) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Webinars | Yes | No |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2026
Bottom line: For stock trading on mobile, E*TRADE has the edge over eToro thanks to Apple Watch support, confirmed after-hours trading on mobile, streaming live TV, customizable watch list columns, landscape charting, and a slightly larger library of technical studies. eToro matches many core needs—iPhone and Android apps, options trading, streaming quotes, alerts, custom watch lists, and solid charting—plus adds videos on demand. Independent ratings reflect the gap: StockBrokers.com gives E*TRADE 4.5 stars (ranked 5 of 14) and eToro 4 stars (ranked 11 of 14). Note: eToro’s status for mobile after-hours stock trading wasn’t specified in the data provided.
App availability is a draw on smartphones—both offer iPhone and Android apps—while E*TRADE is the only one with an Apple Watch app. E*TRADE supports mobile after-hours stock trading; eToro’s support for that specific feature is not stated. Both apps include mobile options trading and streaming quotes. For media, E*TRADE streams live TV, whereas eToro offers videos on demand. Both provide stock alerts and let you build custom watch lists, but only E*TRADE lets you customize watch list columns.
Charting tools are strong on both platforms: each supports after-hours charting, multiple time frames, and side-by-side stock comparisons. E*TRADE allows landscape chart viewing; eToro does not. For technical studies, E*TRADE lists 107 versus eToro’s 103, offering a bit more depth for technical traders.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch App | Yes | No |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - After-Hours | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 107 | 103 |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2026
When comparing E*TRADE and eToro, it becomes clear that both platforms offer unique strengths and cater to different types of investors. E*TRADE stands out with its no minimum deposit requirement, making it highly accessible for new investors, while eToro requires a $50 minimum deposit that might be a barrier for beginners. However, both platforms do offer commission-free regular stock trades, which is appealing to cost-conscious traders. In terms of account transfer fees, E*TRADE charges nothing for partial transfers but applies a $75 fee for full transfers, matching eToro's charge for full transfers and exceeding its $75 fee for partial transfers.
When looking into options trading, E*TRADE has a fee of $0.65 per options contract, which could add up for active options traders. In contrast, eToro shines by offering options trading with zero per-contract charges, making it an attractive option for those who frequently engage in this market. Regarding options exercises and assignments, both platforms offer free services, ensuring that investors can manage their options without incurring additional costs.
Margin trading is an area where E*TRADE provides more flexibility, albeit at a cost. E*TRADE charges interest rates ranging from 12.2% to 12.95% based on the balance, whereas eToro does not offer margin trading. Additionally, E*TRADE charges no fees for IRA annual maintenance or closure, while eToro does not provide details on these charges. Ultimately, the choice between E*TRADE and eToro boils down to the investor's priorities: E*TRADE caters to those looking for versatility in trading options and IRAs, while eToro presents a more attractive option for fee-conscious traders, especially in options trading without the burdensome per-contract fees.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $50.00 |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.65 | $0.00 |
| Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | |
| IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 |
Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2026
When it comes to day trading, both E*TRADE and eToro offer some essential features, but they differ significantly in their offerings. E*TRADE provides a more integrated experience with streaming time and sales for stocks, ensuring that traders have real-time access to crucial market data. This platform also supports streaming live TV, enabling traders to stay updated with financial news as they execute trades. Additionally, E*TRADE excels with features like direct market routing for stocks and trading hotkeys for faster trade entries, enhancing the trading experience with quick and precise execution. Furthermore, E*TRADE provides level 2 quotes, giving traders deeper insights into market depth.
On the other hand, eToro also offers streaming time and sales for stocks, but lacks many of the advanced features that could improve a day trader's efficiency. It does not support streaming live TV, direct market routing, or trading hotkeys, which could limit quick access to data and execution speed. Additionally, eToro does not offer level 2 quotes, which might put more detailed market information out of reach for traders. While neither platform provides strategy backtesting, short locator tools, or order liquidity rebates, E*TRADE's suite of features could present a more appealing option for dedicated day traders seeking comprehensive market access and tools for efficient trading.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming TV | Yes | No |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | Yes | No |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | No |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No |
| Short Locator | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms of 2026 for Beginners and Active Traders
E*TRADE vs eToro for market research: E*TRADE is the stronger pick. It earns 4.5/5 stars and ranks #3 of 14 brokers at StockBrokers.com, while eToro gets 2/5 stars and ranks #14. E*TRADE covers more asset classes, adds more tools, and offers downloadable reports, making it better for investors who want thorough, traditional research. eToro does include social sentiment and ESG insights, which may appeal to some, but its research lineup is thinner overall.
In terms of coverage, both brokers offer stock and ETF research. Only E*TRADE adds mutual funds, pink sheets/OTC, and bonds. E*TRADE also shows portfolio allocation by asset class; eToro does not. For data sources, both provide stock research using social media sentiment, while only eToro includes ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) research.
On reports and tools, E*TRADE delivers eight downloadable stock PDF reports and also provides PDFs for ETFs and mutual funds. eToro offers no downloadable reports. For idea generation, E*TRADE includes stock, ETF, mutual fund, and bond screeners; eToro does not offer screeners. These gaps help explain the rating difference and why E*TRADE fits research-focused investors, while eToro suits those who value social features and ESG signals over traditional reports.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | No |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Screener - ETFs | Yes | No |
| Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
| Research - Fixed Income | Yes | No |
| Screener - Fixed Income | Yes | No |
| Research |
|
|
When comparing the banking capabilities of online brokers E*TRADE and eToro, E*TRADE clearly stands out with its comprehensive range of services. E*TRADE offers checking and savings accounts, alongside the availability of debit and credit cards, which allow customers to manage their finances with ease. Additionally, E*TRADE provides mortgage loans and Certificates of Deposit (CDs), offering diverse options for investment and financial planning. On the other hand, eToro does not offer any of these banking services, limiting its functions to trading and investment activities without the added banking tools available through E*TRADE. This makes E*TRADE a more versatile choice for those seeking a full-service online broker with extensive banking features.
| Feature |
E*TRADE
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Checking Accounts | Yes | |
| Savings Accounts | Yes | |
| Debit Cards | Yes | |
| Credit Cards | Yes | |
| Mortgage Loans | Yes | |
| Brokerage CDs | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Brokerage Checking Accounts for 2026
After opening live accounts and testing 14 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that E*TRADE is better than eToro. E*TRADE finished with an overall score of 86.0%, while eToro finished with a score of 51.4%.
With two distinct platforms (E*TRADE Web and Power E*TRADE) the broker effectively serves both the "set-it-and-forget-it" investor and the high-volume derivatives trader. Whether you aim to construct a long-term retirement portfolio or deploy complex options strategies, E*TRADE provides a sophisticated, dependable environment that grows with your ambition.
Comparing E*TRADE vs eToro for crypto trading: E*TRADE does not offer crypto trading and provides 0 coins, while eToro supports crypto trading with access to 104 cryptocurrencies.
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2026
When comparing online brokers E*TRADE and eToro, E*TRADE offers both traditional and Roth IRA accounts with no annual or closure fees, while eToro does not provide traditional or Roth IRA account options.
Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2026
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Advanced Trading |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Customer Service |
| N/A | |
| Education |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | E*TRADE Review | eToro Review |
| Broker Screenshots | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
|
|
| Trading Fees | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $50.00 | |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Penny Stock Fees (OTC) | $6.95 | N/A | |
| Mutual Fund Trade Fee | $0.00 | N/A | |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.65 | $0.00 | |
| Futures (Per Contract) | $1.50 | (Not offered) | |
| Broker Assisted Trade Fee | $25 | $0 |
| Margin Rates | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 12.95% | Not offered | |
| Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 12.7% | Not offered | |
| Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 12.2% | Not offered | |
| Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 11.7% | Not offered | |
| Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 11.2% | Not offered | |
| Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | Varies | Not offered | |
| Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | Varies | Not offered |
| Account Fees | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | ||
| IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 | ||
| Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $0.00 | $75.00 | |
| Account Transfer Out (Full) | $75.00 | $75.00 | |
| Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Investment Options | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | No | |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | No | Yes | |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | No | |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Complex Options Max Legs | 4 | 0 | |
| Futures Trading | Yes | No | |
| Forex Trading | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading | No | Yes | |
| Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 104 | |
| Fixed Income (Treasurys) | Yes | No | |
| Fixed Income (Corporate Bonds) | Yes | No | |
| Fixed Income (Municipal Bonds) | Yes | No | |
| Traditional IRAs | Yes | No | |
| Roth IRAs | Yes | No | |
| Advisor Services | Yes | No | |
| International Countries (Stocks) | 0 | 0 |
| Order Types | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order Type - Market | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Limit | Yes | No | |
| Order Type - After Hours | Yes | No | |
| Order Type - Stop | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - Trailing Stop | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Type - OCO | Yes | No | |
| Order Type - OTO | Yes | No | |
| Order Type - Broker Assisted | Yes | No |
| Beginners | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (ETFs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | Yes | No | |
| Education (Fixed Income) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | No | |
| Retirement Calculator | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary | Yes | No | |
| Paper Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Progress Tracking | No | No | |
| Interactive Learning - Quizzes | No | No |
| Stock Trading Apps | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple Watch App | Yes | No | |
| Trading - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading - After-Hours | Yes | No | |
| Trading - Simple Options | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading - Complex Options | Yes | No | |
| Order Ticket RT Quotes | Yes | Yes | |
| Order Ticket SRT Quotes | Yes | Yes |
| Stock App Features | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Research - Market Movers | Yes | Yes | |
| Stream Live TV | Yes | No | |
| Videos on Demand | No | Yes | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Option Chains Viewable | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist (Real-time) | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist (Streaming) | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlists - Create & Manage | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlists - Column Customization | Yes | No |
| Stock App Charting | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - After-Hours | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 107 | 103 | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Stock Comparisons | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Trading Platform | Power E*TRADE | N/A | |
| Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | Yes | No | |
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Paper Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Trade Journal | No | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 43 | 7 |
| Stock Chart Features | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 121 | 46 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 37 | 48 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Historical Trades | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Corporate Events | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Custom Date Range | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Custom Time Bars | No | No | |
| Charting - Automated Analysis | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Save Profiles | Yes | Yes | |
| Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | 8 | 5 | |
| Charting - Custom Studies | No | No |
| Day Trading | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | Yes | |
| Streaming TV | Yes | No | |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | Yes | No | |
| Ladder Trading | No | No | |
| Trade Hot Keys | Yes | No | |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No | |
| Short Locator | No | No | |
| Order Liquidity Rebates | No | No |
| Research Overview | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | No | |
| Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB | Yes | No | |
| Research - Fixed Income | Yes | No | |
| Screener - Stocks | Yes | No | |
| Screener - ETFs | Yes | No | |
| Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | No | |
| Screener - Fixed Income | Yes | No | |
| Portfolio Asset Allocation | Yes | No |
| Stock Research | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Research - PDF Reports | 8 | 0 | |
| Stock Research - Earnings | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - Insiders | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - Social | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - News | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - ESG | No | Yes | |
| Stock Research - SEC Filings | Yes | Yes |
| ETF Research | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs - Investment Objective | Yes | Yes | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date | Yes | No | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio | Yes | No | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Total Assets | Yes | No | |
| ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Sector Exposure | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Risk Analysis | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - Ratings | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap | Yes | No | |
| ETFs - PDF Reports | Yes | No |
| Mutual Fund Research | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual Funds - Investment Objective | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Chart | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Prospectus | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - Country Allocation | Yes | No | |
| Mutual Funds - StyleMap | Yes | No |
| Options Trading | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option Chains - Total Greeks | 5 | 4 | |
| Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | No |
| Banking | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (Member FDIC) | Yes | ||
| Checking Accounts | Yes | ||
| Savings Accounts | Yes | ||
| Credit Cards | Yes | ||
| Debit Cards | Yes | ||
| Mortgage Loans | Yes |
| Customer Service | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Support (Prospective Customers) | Yes | No | |
| Phone Support (Current Customers) | Yes | No | |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Prospective Customers) | No | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| 24/7 Support | Yes | No |
| Overall | E*TRADE | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Advanced Trading |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | E*TRADE Review | eToro Review |
Charles Schwab
Interactive Brokers
Fidelity
E*TRADE
Merrill Edge
TradeStation
tastytrade
Finviz
Stock Rover
Seeking Alpha
TipRanks
TrendSpider
Trade Ideas
TraderSync
TradingView
Tradervue
TradeZella