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Firstrade vs eToro 2025

StockBrokers.com

Written by StockBrokers.com

July 03, 2025

In this head to head comparison of Firstrade vs eToro, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

Firstrade
4/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.00
eToro
3.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $50.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.00

Range of investments

When choosing between Firstrade and eToro for your investment needs, it's essential to understand their distinctive offerings. Firstrade stands out with a broad selection of investment options, making it the go-to choice for traditional investors. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars for its investment range, Firstrade offers stock, margin, and options trading, along with mutual funds and over-the-counter stocks. In contrast, eToro, rated 2.5 stars and ranked last among its peers, excels primarily in the crypto space, providing access to 26 different coins, but lacks options like margin trading and mutual funds. Whether you're interested in traditional assets or emerging digital currencies, each platform offers uniquely tailored services to suit different investment strategies.

Firstrade caters to a more conventional investor profile, offering a comprehensive range of investment choices, including trading stocks, options, and mutual funds. It also supports margin trading and provides access to over-the-counter stocks. For those planning for retirement, Firstrade offers traditional and Roth IRA accounts, adding a layer of versatility not available on eToro. However, Firstrade does not support crypto trading, which may limit options for those interested in digital currencies.

In contrast, eToro shines in the cryptocurrency niche and allows fractional share trading but does not offer some of the key traditional financial instruments that Firstrade provides, like mutual funds or OTC stocks. While eToro does not support margin trading or retirement accounts, it offers options trading alongside its crypto selections. This makes eToro an appealing choice for investors primarily interested in cryptocurrencies and stocks available via fractional trading.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
eToro logoeToro
Stock Trading info Yes Yes
Margin Trading info Yes No
Fractional Shares info Yes Yes
OTC Stocks info Yes No
Mutual Funds info Yes No
Options Trading info Yes Yes
Futures Trading info No No
Crypto Trading info No Yes
Crypto Trading - Total Coins info 0 26
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2025: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to an Advanced Market

Trading platforms and tools

In the realm of online trading, Firstrade and eToro offer unique advantages that cater to different trader preferences. Firstrade receives a slightly higher rating of 3 stars compared to eToro's 2.5 stars for their trading platforms and tools. While both platforms provide browser-based trading options, neither offers a downloadable platform for Windows or Mac users. Firstrade outshines eToro with its 102 technical indicators and 50 watchlist columns, compared to eToro's 46 indicators and 7 columns. However, eToro compensates with features like paper trading, the ability to add notes to charts, and the option to save multiple chart profiles, which Firstrade does not provide.

Both Firstrade and eToro lack the capability to adjust open orders directly on stock charts and do not support chart pattern automation or custom date ranges. eToro impresses with 48 drawing tools for technical analysis, surpassing Firstrade's offerings of only 8. Moreover, while both platforms allow index overlays on charts, neither can display corporate events like earnings or dividends. Notably, Firstrade offers more customization when editing an SMA study with 6 fields to eToro's 5.

In conclusion, Firstrade and eToro each have unique strengths tailored for specific trading needs. Firstrade appeals to traders emphasizing technical indicators and extensive watchlist customization, while eToro caters to those valuing paper trading and charting flexibility. The choice between the two platforms largely hinges on personal preference regarding trading tools and features, as reflected in their close rankings among online brokers.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
eToro logoeToro
Web Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Trading Platform info No No
Desktop Platform (Mac) info No No
Paper Trading info No Yes
Watch Lists - Total Fields info 50 7
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 102 46
Charting - Drawing Tools info 8 48
Platforms & Tools 3/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers & Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Paper Trading Apps & Platforms for 2025

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Beginners and education

When comparing Firstrade and eToro for beginner and investor education, both online brokers offer a solid foundation for those looking to learn about stocks. Firstrade stands out with its options education and features such as webinars and educational videos, although it lacks resources for ETFs, mutual funds, or bonds education. Unfortunately, Firstrade doesn’t offer paper trading or learning progress tracking, which could be a disadvantage for those eager to practice trading without financial risk.

On the other hand, eToro provides educational videos and a unique advantage with its paper trading feature, allowing beginners to practice in a risk-free environment. Similar to Firstrade, eToro does not cover ETFs, mutual funds, or bonds education. However, eToro does not offer options education, webinars, or quizzes. When evaluated by StockBrokers.com, Firstrade received a better educational ranking and rating, earning 3.5 out of 5 stars and securing the 12th spot among 14 brokers, while eToro was ranked last with a 2.5-star rating.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
eToro logoeToro
Education (Stocks) info Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) info No No
Education (Options) info Yes No
Education (Mutual Funds) info No No
Education (Bonds) info No No
Paper Trading info No Yes
Videos info Yes Yes
Webinars info Yes No
Education 3.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2025

Stock trading apps

When evaluating the overall stock trading app experience, Firstrade and eToro offer a comparable set of features, each excelling in distinct areas. Both platforms are highly rated at 4.5 stars, indicating strong user satisfaction, although Firstrade holds a slight edge with a higher ranking at #9 compared to eToro's #11 among stock trading apps reviewed by StockBrokers.com. These apps demonstrate broad compatibility, available on iOS and Android devices but not on Apple Watch, ensuring accessibility to users across popular mobile platforms.

Firstrade stands out with capabilities such as mobile after-hours stock trading, streaming quotes, customizable watch list columns, and the ability to view charts in landscape mode. It provides users with 81 technical studies for chart analysis, which, while fewer than eToro's offering, still allows for detailed market insights. On the other hand, eToro impresses with its provision of videos on demand, after-hours charting, and the facility to display stock comparisons on charts, along with a more extensive library of 103 technical studies, catering to users who favor rich charting capabilities.

Both apps deliver essential functionalities like options trading, custom watch lists, and stock alerts, ensuring traders enjoy a comprehensive trading experience on the go. While Firstrade offers some customization features that eToro lacks, eToro compensates by enhancing charting tools and educational content, making each platform suitable depending on individual trader preferences. Ultimately, your choice between Firstrade and eToro may hinge on which specific features align better with your trading style and analytical needs.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
eToro logoeToro
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple Watch App info No No
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - After-Hours info No Yes
Charting - Technical Studies info 81 103
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025

Fees

When it comes to choosing between Firstrade and eToro for your online trading needs, both stand strong with features catering to different investor preferences. Firstrade emerges as a cost-effective choice for those looking to avoid initial investment barriers, offering a $0 minimum deposit and no fees for stock or options trades. eToro, conversely, requires a modest $50 minimum deposit but matches Firstrade's zero-fee structure for stock and options trading. While both platforms offer commission-free trading, Firstrade maintains an edge with no IRA fees and zero charges for options-related activities.

Firstrade offers comprehensive account fee structures, spotlighting various features like margin trading with interest rates ranging from 13.00% to 13.75% depending on balance. In contrast, eToro does not provide margin trading services, which might limit traders interested in leveraging such options. When discussing account transfers, Firstrade charges $55 for partial and $75 for full transfers, whereas eToro maintains a flat $75 fee for either type of transfer. The slight variance in transfer fees could influence long-term strategic decisions based on potential future transitions between brokers.

For traders considering IRA-related services, Firstrade distinguishes itself by maintaining a $0 charge for both annual fees and closure fees, an area where eToro does not provide comparable service information. This becomes an important aspect for retirement-focused investors who prioritize cost-efficiency in managing long-term accounts. Overall, while both platforms offer competitive free trading experiences, Firstrade provides extra savings with its fee transparency and more detailed margin trading options, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious traders and retirement planners alike.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
eToro logoeToro
Minimum Deposit info $0.00 $50.00
Stock Trades info $0.00 $0.00
Options (Per Contract) info $0.00 $0.00
Options Exercise Fee info $0.00 $0.00
Options Assignment Fee info $0.00 $0.00
IRA Annual Fee info $0.00
IRA Closure Fee info $0.00

Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2025

Day Trading

When it comes to day trading capabilities, Firstrade and eToro each have their own strengths and limitations. For traders requiring streaming time and sales data for stocks, eToro has the edge, offering this feature while Firstrade does not. However, both platforms lack other advanced trading features such as live streaming TV, direct market routing for stocks, ladder trading, and trading hotkeys for keyboard entry. Essential tools like level 2 quotes and both basic and advanced strategy backtesting are also unavailable with both platforms. This could affect traders who rely on detailed market analytics and simulation tools for their trading strategies.

Neither Firstrade nor eToro provides a short locator tool, which means traders aiming to view real-time availability of shares for short selling will need alternative solutions. Additionally, lacking order liquidity rebates, both platforms might not fully satisfy traders looking for incentives related to maker/taker fees. While eToro’s offering of streaming time and sales for stocks may be beneficial for some day traders, those in need of a more comprehensive suite of trading tools might find both platforms lacking in features that support high-frequency trading or in-depth market analysis.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
eToro logoeToro
Streaming Time & Sales info No Yes
Streaming TV info No No
Direct Market Routing - Stocks info No No
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks info No No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting info No No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv info No No
Short Locator info No No

Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms for 2025

Market Research

When it comes to market research capabilities, Firstrade outpaces eToro significantly. Firstrade offers a comprehensive suite of research tools and assets, allowing investors to delve into stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, pink sheets, OTCBB, and bonds. Investors can also explore a wide range of portfolio allocation insights by asset class, augmented by social media sentiment and ESG research data. Most notably, Firstrade provides downloadable PDF reports for stocks and ETFs, along with an array of screeners for trade ideas across several asset types, making it a strong choice for research-driven investors. Conversely, eToro covers stock and ETF research but lacks in-depth resources across mutual funds, bonds, and other critical investment categories, limiting its research capabilities. This disparity is reflected in ratings, with Firstrade earning 4.5 stars against eToro's 1.5 stars, and StockBrokers.com ranking Firstrade #6 and eToro #14 out of 14 brokers.

Firstrade excels at providing a wide array of research tools, making it an ideal platform for investors who require detailed market insights. With capabilities such as a stock screener, ETF screener, and mutual fund screener, investors can easily generate trade ideas tailored to their investment strategy. Firstrade's inclusion of downloadable PDF reports offers valued documentation and insights, although it doesn't extend to mutual funds. Additionally, the ability to view portfolio allocations by asset class further empowers investors with control and precision.

In contrast, eToro provides a less comprehensive approach to market research. While it does offer basic stock and ETF research enhanced with social media sentiment and ESG analysis, it falls short in mutual fund and bond research, lacking the depth that investors might need for informed decision-making. The absence of downloadable PDF reports and trade idea screeners is also a downside for research-inclined users. Overall, eToro's market research features are geared towards a more casual investor demographic, one that might not require as much detailed analysis as Firstrade offers.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
eToro logoeToro
Research - Stocks info Yes Yes
Screener - Stocks info Yes No
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Screener - ETFs info Yes No
Research - Mutual Funds info Yes No
Screener - Mutual Funds info Yes No
Research - Bonds info Yes No
Screener - Bonds info Yes No
Research 4.5/5 Stars 1.5/5 Stars

Banking

When comparing Firstrade and eToro on their banking capabilities, Firstrade stands out by offering a few more options for financial management. Firstrade provides checking accounts and debit cards, along with certificates of deposit (CDs), giving users a bit more breadth in banking services. Meanwhile, eToro does not offer these services, focusing solely on trading and investment. Neither Firstrade nor eToro offer savings accounts, credit cards, or mortgage loans. Therefore, for those looking for an online broker that extends beyond trading to include some basic banking functions, Firstrade offers a slight edge over eToro.

Feature Firstrade logoFirstrade
eToro logoeToro
Checking Accounts info Yes No
Savings Accounts info No No
Debit Cards info Yes No
Credit Cards info No No
Mortgage Loans info No No
CDs info Yes No

Dive deeper: Best Brokerage Checking Accounts for 2025

Winner

After opening live accounts and testing 14 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that Firstrade is better than eToro. Firstrade finished with an overall score of 81.8%, while eToro finished with a score of 66.1%.

Firstrade scored well for penny stock trading in our 2024 Annual Awards, and is a great choice for Chinese-speaking investors. However, it lags behind the competition in certain areas, especially platforms, tools and education.

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with Firstrade or eToro?

Firstrade does not offer cryptocurrency trading, while eToro provides access to trading with 26 different coins, making eToro a more suitable choice for investors interested in the crypto market.

Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2025

Does Firstrade or eToro offer IRAs?

Firstrade offers both traditional and Roth IRA accounts with no annual or closure fees, whereas eToro does not provide traditional or Roth IRA options.

Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2025

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Compare

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Overall Rating Firstrade eToro
Overall 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 3/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Research 4.5/5 Stars 1.5/5 Stars
Customer Service 3.5/5 Stars N/A
Education 3.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review Firstrade Review eToro Review
Broker Screenshots Firstrade eToro
Trading Platform & Tools Gallery (click to expand)
Research Gallery (click to expand)
Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand)
Education Gallery (click to expand)
Trading Fees Firstrade eToro
Minimum Deposit info $0.00 $50.00
Stock Trades info $0.00 $0.00
Penny Stock Fees (OTC) info $0.00 N/A
Mutual Fund Trade Fee info $0 N/A
Options (Per Contract) info $0.00 $0.00
Futures (Per Contract) info (Not offered) (Not offered)
Broker Assisted Trade Fee info $19.95 $0
Margin Rates Firstrade eToro
Margin Rate Under $25,000 info 13.75% Not offered
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 info 13.50% Not offered
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 info 13.00% Not offered
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 info 12.50% Not offered
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 info 12.50% Not offered
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 info 12.50% Not offered
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 info 12.50% Not offered
Account Fees Firstrade eToro
IRA Annual Fee info $0.00
IRA Closure Fee info $0.00
Account Transfer Out (Partial) info $55.00 $75.00
Account Transfer Out (Full) info $75.00 $75.00
Options Exercise Fee info $0.00 $0.00
Options Assignment Fee info $0.00 $0.00
Investment Options Firstrade eToro
Stock Trading info Yes Yes
Margin Trading info Yes No
Fractional Shares info Yes Yes
OTC Stocks info Yes No
Options Trading info Yes Yes
Complex Options Max Legs info 4 0
Futures Trading info No No
Forex Trading info No No
Crypto Trading info No Yes
Crypto Trading - Total Coins info 0 26
Mutual Funds (No Load) info 15460 0
Mutual Funds (Total) info 19666 0
Bonds (US Treasury) info Yes No
Bonds (Corporate) info Yes No
Bonds (Municipal) info Yes No
Traditional IRAs info Yes No
Roth IRAs info Yes No
Advisor Services info No No
International Countries (Stocks) info 0 0
Order Types Firstrade eToro
Order Type - Market info Yes Yes
Order Type - Limit info Yes No
Order Type - After Hours info Yes No
Order Type - Stop info Yes Yes
Order Type - Trailing Stop info Yes Yes
Order Type - OCO info Yes No
Order Type - OTO info Yes No
Order Type - Broker Assisted info Yes No
Beginners Firstrade eToro
Education (Stocks) info Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) info No No
Education (Options) info Yes No
Education (Mutual Funds) info No No
Education (Bonds) info No No
Education (Retirement) info Yes No
Retirement Calculator info Yes No
Investor Dictionary info Yes No
Paper Trading info No Yes
Videos info Yes Yes
Webinars info Yes No
Webinars (Archived) info Yes No
Progress Tracking info No No
Interactive Learning - Quizzes info No No
Stock Trading Apps Firstrade eToro
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple Watch App info No No
Trading - Stocks info Yes Yes
Trading - After-Hours info Yes No
Trading - Simple Options info Yes Yes
Trading - Complex Options info Yes No
Order Ticket RT Quotes info Yes Yes
Order Ticket SRT Quotes info Yes Yes
Stock App Features Firstrade eToro
Market Movers (Top Gainers) info Yes Yes
Stream Live TV info No No
Videos on Demand info No Yes
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Option Chains Viewable info Yes Yes
Watch List (Real-time) info Yes Yes
Watch List (Streaming) info Yes Yes
Watch Lists - Create & Manage info Yes Yes
Watch Lists - Column Customization info Yes No
Stock App Charting Firstrade eToro
Charting - After-Hours info No Yes
Charting - Can Turn Horizontally info Yes No
Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes Yes
Charting - Technical Studies info 81 103
Charting - Study Customizations info Yes Yes
Charting - Stock Comparisons info No Yes
Trading Platforms Firstrade eToro
Active Trading Platform info N/A N/A
Desktop Trading Platform info No No
Desktop Platform (Mac) info No No
Web Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Paper Trading info No Yes
Trade Journal info No No
Watch Lists - Total Fields info 50 7
Stock Chart Features Firstrade eToro
Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart info No No
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 102 46
Charting - Drawing Tools info 8 48
Charting - Notes info No Yes
Charting - Index Overlays info Yes Yes
Charting - Historical Trades info No No
Charting - Corporate Events info No No
Charting - Custom Date Range info No No
Charting - Custom Time Bars info No No
Charting - Automated Analysis info No No
Charting - Save Profiles info No Yes
Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis info Yes Yes
Charting - Study Customizations info 6 5
Charting - Custom Studies info No No
Day Trading Firstrade eToro
Streaming Time & Sales info No Yes
Streaming TV info No No
Direct Market Routing - Stocks info No No
Ladder Trading info No No
Trade Hotkeys info No No
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks info No No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting info No No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv info No No
Short Locator info No No
Order Liquidity Rebates info No No
Research Overview Firstrade eToro
Research - Stocks info Yes Yes
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Mutual Funds info Yes No
Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB info Yes No
Research - Bonds info Yes No
Screener - Stocks info Yes No
Screener - ETFs info Yes No
Screener - Mutual Funds info Yes No
Screener - Bonds info Yes No
Misc - Portfolio Allocation info Yes No
Stock Research Firstrade eToro
Stock Research - PDF Reports info 1 0
Stock Research - Earnings info Yes Yes
Stock Research - Insiders info Yes Yes
Stock Research - Social info Yes Yes
Stock Research - News info Yes Yes
Stock Research - ESG info Yes Yes
Stock Research - SEC Filings info Yes Yes
ETF Research Firstrade eToro
ETFs - Strategy Overview info Yes Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date info Yes No
ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio info Yes No
ETF Fund Facts - Net Assets info Yes No
ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings info Yes No
ETFs - Top 10 Holdings info Yes No
ETFs - Sector Exposure info Yes No
ETFs - Risk Analysis info Yes No
ETFs - Ratings info Yes Yes
ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap info Yes No
ETFs - PDF Reports info Yes No
Mutual Fund Research Firstrade eToro
Mutual Funds - Strategy Overview info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Performance Chart info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Prospectus info Yes No
Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Country Allocation info Yes No
Mutual Funds - StyleMap info Yes No
Options Trading Firstrade eToro
Option Chains - Basic View info Yes Yes
Option Chains - Strategy View info Yes No
Option Chains - Streaming info No No
Option Chains - Total Columns info 8 0
Option Chains - Greeks info 5 4
Option Chains - Quick Analysis info No Yes
Option Analysis - P&L Charts info Yes No
Option Probability Analysis info No No
Option Probability Analysis Adv info Yes No
Option Positions - Greeks info No No
Option Positions - Greeks Streaming info No No
Option Positions - Adv Analysis info No No
Option Positions - Rolling info Yes No
Option Positions - Grouping info No No
Banking Firstrade eToro
Bank (Member FDIC) info No No
Checking Accounts info Yes No
Savings Accounts info No No
Credit Cards info No No
Debit Cards info Yes No
Mortgage Loans info No No
Customer Service Firstrade eToro
Phone Support (Prospect Customers) info Yes No
Phone Support (Current Customers) info Yes No
Email Support info Yes Yes
Live Chat (Prospect Customers) info Yes Yes
Live Chat (Current Customers) info Yes Yes
24/7 Support info No No
Overall Firstrade eToro
Overall 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 3/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Research 4.5/5 Stars 1.5/5 Stars
Education 3.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review Firstrade Review eToro Review
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