Written by StockBrokers.com
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.
Bottom line: In the Firstrade vs eToro matchup, Firstrade better serves investors who want a wide mix of traditional securities and retirement accounts, while eToro is the pick for crypto. Firstrade covers stocks, options, mutual funds, OTC stocks, fractional shares, and margin, plus Traditional and Roth IRAs. eToro also supports stocks, fractional shares, and options, but stands out mainly for crypto with 104 coins; it does not offer margin, mutual funds, OTC stocks, or IRAs. For range of investments, Firstrade holds a 4-star rating and ranks #5 of 14, while eToro sits at 2.5 stars and ranks #14 (StockBrokers.com).
Trading products compared: both brokers let you trade stocks and fractional shares. Firstrade adds margin trading and access to OTC stocks; eToro does not. Both offer options trading. Neither platform supports forex or futures. Crypto is the key split—Firstrade has no crypto access, and eToro offers crypto trading with 104 supported coins.
Account types and extras: Firstrade offers Traditional and Roth IRA accounts, making it a straightforward home for long-term retirement investing alongside mutual funds and margin. eToro does not offer IRA accounts or mutual funds, and neither broker provides advisor services. Choose Firstrade if you want retirement accounts and a fuller slate of traditional investments; choose eToro if crypto selection is your priority.
| Feature |
Firstrade
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | No |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | No |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Futures Trading | No | 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
Firstrade vs eToro: for trading platforms and tools, eToro has a slight edge thanks to paper trading, chart notes, more drawing tools, and the ability to save multiple chart layouts. Firstrade counters with far more technical indicators, automated chart pattern detection, and very detailed watch lists. Overall, eToro earns 1.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #11 of 14 brokers, while Firstrade scores 1 star and ranks #12—so most traders seeking easier practice and flexible web charting will lean eToro, while indicator-focused users may prefer Firstrade.
Neither broker offers a downloadable desktop platform for Windows or Mac; both run in the browser. eToro includes paper trading for risk-free practice, while Firstrade does not. A trading journal is missing on both. You can’t adjust open orders directly on a chart with either platform. For watch lists, Firstrade allows up to 50 columns (fields) versus 7 on eToro, which can matter if you track many data points. Neither platform supports custom chart date ranges.
Charting strengths differ: Firstrade provides 102 technical indicators (versus 46 on eToro) and even shows automated technical analysis for chart patterns, something eToro lacks. eToro, however, offers 48 drawing tools (versus 8 on Firstrade), lets you add notes to charts, and can save multiple chart profiles. Neither broker displays historical trades or corporate events on charts, and neither supports custom studies. When editing an SMA, Firstrade offers 6 customization fields compared with 5 on eToro.
| Feature |
Firstrade
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Trading Platform | No | No |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | No |
| Paper Trading | No | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 50 | 7 |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 102 | 46 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 8 | 48 |
| Advanced Trading |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Brokers for 2026, Best Paper Trading Apps & Platforms for 2026
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In the eToro vs Firstrade education comparison, both brokers cover beginner needs with stock and options education plus video lessons. eToro pulls ahead by adding ETF education, bonds education, and paper trading so you can practice without risking real money. Firstrade counters with live webinars, which eToro does not offer. Neither broker provides mutual funds education, quizzes, or tools to track learning progress. According to StockBrokers.com, eToro is rated 3 out of 5 stars and ranks #9 of 14 for education, while Firstrade is rated 2.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #13.
Choose eToro if you want a wider mix of topics and a practice account to learn by doing. Pick Firstrade if live webinars fit your learning style. Both can work for beginners seeking simple stock market and options education, but eToro’s extras make it the stronger overall choice for most new investors.
| Feature |
Firstrade
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (ETFs) | No | Yes |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No |
| Education (Fixed Income) | No | Yes |
| Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Webinars | Yes | No |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2026
Bottom line for Firstrade vs eToro stock trading apps: both deliver capable iPhone and Android experiences and each earns 4 stars. Firstrade is ranked higher by StockBrokers.com (#8 of 14 vs eToro at #11). Firstrade leans ahead for mobile convenience and customization, while eToro stands out for chart depth and on-demand videos. Note: Firstrade supports mobile after-hours trading; eToro’s mobile after-hours availability isn’t confirmed.
Core features line up closely. Both brokers offer iPhone and Android apps, streaming quotes, stock alerts, and custom watchlists; neither has an Apple Watch app or streaming live TV. Firstrade lets you customize watchlist columns, which eToro lacks. Only eToro includes videos on demand.
Charting is where differences are clearest. Firstrade supports landscape charts, multiple time frames, and comparing symbols on one chart, but it does not provide after-hours charting. eToro also offers multiple time frames and symbol comparisons, adds after-hours charting, and includes more technical studies (103 vs Firstrade’s 81). Mobile options trading is available on both apps.
| Feature |
Firstrade
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch App | No | No |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - After-Hours | No | Yes |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 81 | 103 |
| Mobile Trading Apps |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2026
When comparing Firstrade and eToro in terms of account fees and charges, each platform offers distinct advantages, catering to different investor needs. Firstrade stands out with its $0 minimum deposit and absence of trading fees for stocks and options, making it ideal for cost-conscious investors. While eToro also offers free stock and options trading, it requires a $50 minimum deposit, potentially making it less accessible for some users compared to Firstrade. However, eToro's unique platform features could still appeal to those who appreciate its social trading environment.
In terms of advanced trading, particularly for those interested in margin trading, Firstrade offers this capability with varying interest rates based on the balance amount, starting at 12.75% for balances below $25,000. eToro does not provide margin trading options, making Firstrade the clear choice for margin traders. Both platforms, however, charge similar fees for full account transfers, with Firstrade charging $75 for full ACAT transfers and eToro matching that price.
Focusing on retirement account management, Firstrade again maintains its fee-free stance with no charges for IRA annual or closure fees. This can be a significant draw for those planning their retirement portfolios. Conversely, eToro does not offer specific IRA fees or accounts, which might mean moving to Firstrade could provide more comprehensive options for long-term investment planning. Overall, choosing between these two platforms will heavily depend on individual trading needs and financial strategies.
| Feature |
Firstrade
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $50.00 |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.00 | $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 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
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | No | Yes |
| Streaming TV | No | No |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | No | No |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | No | 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
Firstrade vs eToro for market research: Firstrade comes out ahead. It earns 4 out of 5 stars and ranks #6 of 14 brokers on StockBrokers.com, while eToro holds 2 stars and ranks #14. If you want broader asset coverage, downloadable reports, and built-in screeners, Firstrade is the stronger choice; eToro fits traders who only need basic stock and ETF insights with social and ESG data.
Both brokers provide stock and ETF research, along with social media sentiment and ESG research. Firstrade goes further by also offering research on mutual funds, pink sheets/OTCBB, and bonds—areas eToro doesn’t cover. Only Firstrade lets you view your portfolio allocation by asset class; eToro does not.
On reports and tools, Firstrade supplies one downloadable PDF stock report and offers downloadable ETF reports. Neither broker offers mutual fund PDFs, and eToro does not provide downloadable stock or ETF reports. For trade ideas, Firstrade includes screeners for stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and bonds, while eToro does not offer screeners in these categories.
| Feature |
Firstrade
|
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 features of online brokers Firstrade and eToro, you'll find some noteworthy differences. Firstrade provides checking accounts, which are a versatile tool for those looking to manage their everyday finances efficiently. In addition, Firstrade offers access to Certificates of Deposit (CDs), allowing users to benefit from potentially higher interest rates on their savings over time. For added convenience, Firstrade also issues debit cards, facilitating seamless transactions and cash withdrawals. However, Firstrade does not extend its offerings to include savings accounts, credit cards, or mortgage loans. On the other hand, eToro's focus leans more towards trading and investment functionalities, without offering checking or savings accounts, debit or credit cards, mortgage loans, or CDs to its users. This distinction means that while Firstrade supports basic banking needs alongside trading functions, eToro concentrates primarily on providing a comprehensive trading platform without additional banking services. This makes Firstrade a more complete choice for those seeking integrated banking and trading in one place, whereas eToro is well-suited for those looking purely for a trading-focused service.
| Feature |
Firstrade
|
eToro
|
|---|---|---|
| Checking Accounts | Yes | |
| Savings Accounts | No | |
| Debit Cards | Yes | |
| Credit Cards | No | |
| Mortgage Loans | No | |
| 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 Firstrade is better than eToro. Firstrade finished with an overall score of 67.8%, while eToro finished with a score of 51.4%.
Firstrade is a good choice for options traders and self-reliant investors due to its aggressive pricing model that completely eliminates per-contract fees on options. While it lacks asset classes like crypto and futures, it impresses with institutional-grade infrastructure, supporting complex account types like Trusts and Business IRAs and wide international accessibility.
In the Firstrade vs eToro comparison for crypto trading, Firstrade offers no cryptocurrency trading (0 coins), while eToro supports crypto trading with access to 104 coins. If crypto is a priority, eToro provides far broader coverage than Firstrade.
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2026
Firstrade offers both traditional and Roth IRA accounts with no annual or closure fees, whereas eToro does not provide traditional or Roth IRA options.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Firstrade | eToro | |
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| Review | Firstrade Review | eToro Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Firstrade | eToro | |
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| Trading Fees | Firstrade | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $50.00 | |
| Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Penny Stock Fees (OTC) | $0.00 | N/A | |
| Mutual Fund Trade Fee | $0 | N/A | |
| Options (Per Contract) | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
| Futures (Per Contract) | (Not offered) | (Not offered) | |
| Broker Assisted Trade Fee | $19.95 | $0 |
| Margin Rates | Firstrade | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 12.75% | Not offered | |
| Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 12.50% | Not offered | |
| Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 12.00% | Not offered | |
| Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 11.50% | Not offered | |
| Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 11.25% | Not offered | |
| Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | 9.35% | Not offered | |
| Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | 8.75% | Not offered |
| Account Fees | Firstrade | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | ||
| IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 | ||
| Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $55.00 | $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 | Firstrade | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | No | |
| Fractional Shares (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
| OTC Stocks | Yes | No | |
| Options Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Complex Options Max Legs | 4 | 0 | |
| Futures Trading | No | 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 | No | No | |
| International Countries (Stocks) | 0 | 0 |
| Order Types | Firstrade | 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 | Firstrade | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (ETFs) | No | Yes | |
| Education (Options) | Yes | Yes | |
| Education (Mutual Funds) | No | No | |
| Education (Fixed Income) | No | Yes | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | No | |
| Retirement Calculator | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary | Yes | No | |
| Paper Trading | No | Yes | |
| Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Progress Tracking | No | No | |
| Interactive Learning - Quizzes | No | No |
| Stock Trading Apps | Firstrade | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple Watch App | No | 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 | Firstrade | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Research - Market Movers | Yes | Yes | |
| Stream Live TV | No | 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 | Firstrade | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - After-Hours | No | Yes | |
| Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Technical Studies | 81 | 103 | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Stock Comparisons | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | Firstrade | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Trading Platform | N/A | N/A | |
| Desktop Trading Platform | No | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | No | |
| Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Paper Trading | No | Yes | |
| Trade Journal | No | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 50 | 7 |
| Stock Chart Features | Firstrade | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | No | No | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 102 | 46 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 8 | 48 | |
| Charting - Notes | No | Yes | |
| Charting - Historical Trades | No | No | |
| Charting - Corporate Events | No | No | |
| Charting - Custom Date Range | No | No | |
| Charting - Custom Time Bars | No | No | |
| Charting - Automated Analysis | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Save Profiles | No | Yes | |
| Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Study Customizations | 6 | 5 | |
| Charting - Custom Studies | No | No |
| Day Trading | Firstrade | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streaming Time & Sales | No | Yes | |
| Streaming TV | No | No | |
| Direct Market Routing - Equities | No | No | |
| Ladder Trading | No | No | |
| Trade Hot Keys | No | No | |
| Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | No | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No | |
| Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No | |
| Short Locator | No | No | |
| Order Liquidity Rebates | No | No |
| Research Overview | Firstrade | 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 | Firstrade | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Research - PDF Reports | 1 | 0 | |
| Stock Research - Earnings | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - Insiders | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - Social | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - News | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - ESG | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Research - SEC Filings | Yes | Yes |
| ETF Research | Firstrade | 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 | Firstrade | 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 | Firstrade | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option Chains - Total Greeks | 5 | 4 | |
| Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | No |
| Banking | Firstrade | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (Member FDIC) | No | ||
| Checking Accounts | Yes | ||
| Savings Accounts | No | ||
| Credit Cards | No | ||
| Debit Cards | Yes | ||
| Mortgage Loans | No |
| Customer Service | Firstrade | eToro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Support (Prospective Customers) | Yes | No | |
| Phone Support (Current Customers) | Yes | No | |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Prospective Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| Live Chat (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
| 24/7 Support | No | No |
| Overall | Firstrade | eToro | |
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| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Firstrade Review | eToro Review |
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