eToro US review

Tired of hearing about stock market gains when your portfolio doesn’t seem to catch up? You don’t have to get a PhD in finance to make money, as choosing the right trading platform can make a world of difference.

eToro is a social trading platform that offers the perks of diversification while teaching you about the basics of investment. But is it the right platform for you?

Consider yourself lucky because this comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about eToro, its pros, cons, and unique features. From its groundbreaking social trading features to its diverse range of financial instruments, we’ll leave no stone unturned.

Whether you’re a first-time trader or a seasoned investor, this eToro review will answer all your questions and teach you how to trade with eToro like a pro. So, let’s dive in.

Shortly about eToro

• eToro is a leading social trading platform with unique features like copy trading and practice accounts.
• This platform is suitable for beginners as well as seasoned investors and traders, thanks to its user-friendly interface and a diverse range of tradable assets.
• Despite its social trading advantages, eToro falls short with its limited range of customization options and advanced features.
• eToro charges different fees and commissions you should fully understand before committing to the platform.
• Overall, eToro offers an engaging and comprehensive social trading experience for those seeking a community-driven approach to investing.

Criteria Breakdown

You’ve come here to ask several questions like what is eToro? Is eToro legit?

At TopBrokers, we can help you solve this conundrum.

But to answer your question, we had to establish a clear set of criteria, analyzing the key factors that affect your trading experience while using eToro or any other platform. Thanks to these criteria, you can clearly decide to trade with or skip eToro based on your investment goals.

eToro: The Social Trading Pioneer

What is eToro Best Known For?

eToro is a unique social trading platform that allows beginner traders to learn and improve their trading practices. It offers an innovative approach to social trading in a community-driven landscape, where traders can copy the trading practices of seasoned investors.

By doing so, less experienced investors can mitigate some of their investment risks while increasing their trading experience. Thanks to this CopyTrader feature, eToro can leverage the power of community-driven trading, where people can diversify their portfolios and make more informed decisions.

So, does this leave experienced traders with no benefits? On the contrary.

By making their trading practices public, seasoned investors gain access to multiple perks and benefits that make eToro more appealing than other trading platforms. In other words, eToro creates a comprehensive social trading experience that benefits every user, regardless of their experience level.

Description

eToro is a multi-asset social trading platform, offering a comprehensive range of trading opportunities for various traders and investors. The platform aims to make trading accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience level and budget, so it creates a low-risk entry-level investment opportunity for beginners.

At the same time, it encourages successful expert traders to participate in social trading by offering exclusive benefits when they share their trading moves.

This is done through a user-friendly platform with state-of-the-art security features and technology to protect all users’ funds and data.

Features

Now, it’s time to talk about eToro’s unique features. So, what exactly makes eToro a favorable trading platform? In other words, what are its unique selling points and why should you choose it over any other platform?

As a matter of fact, different features make eToro more appealing than other choices on the market. These include its user-friendly interface, various social trading features, and a wide variety of crypto (non-crypto assets such as stocks, indices, ETFs, CFDs, and commodities are unavailable to U.S. clients).

Do you sometimes feel lost when using a trading platform for the first time? You’re not alone. Many users find online trading platforms too complicated, especially if you’re a novice user. But this isn’t the case with eToro.

Thanks to the graphical user interface or GUI, you don’t have to be tech-savvy to invest with eToro. The platform walks you through the investment process step-by-step, and you won’t feel lost.

But that’s not all.

Traders and investors can easily navigate different assets to diversify their portfolios and achieve maximum profit while learning from the best traders and investors using their CopyPortfolios and practice accounts. They can link and share insights with a global community of experts, ready to share their knowledge in a community-driven experience that benefits everyone.

Pros

Let’s dig a little deeper to learn about the advantages of using eToro compared to other trading platforms. Here are some of its unique pros.

User-Friendly Trading Experience

Believe it or not, many enthusiastic traders become frustrated and eventually give up because they find online trading platforms too complicated. Yes, it’s true that any platform will have some learning curve, but the process is much easier with eToro.

eToro understands that you don’t have to be tech-savvy or a computer wizard to be a successful trader. As a result, it offers a straightforward and easy-to-use platform, available as a website, desktop, or app version.

The platform walks you through the trading process, from helping you create an account to teaching you about the unique features available. It’s one of the easiest platforms to use, and this makes it more appealing, especially to beginners.

Innovative Social Trading Features

This feature is probably what gives eToro a competitive edge over its competitors. In simple words, social trading uses the power of the community to leverage investment decisions. It allows beginner and less experienced users to copy the practices of successful and seasoned investors in the CopyTrader feature.

Thanks to this feature, users can maximize their profits and minimize their risks. It’s like they’re hiring experts to give them investment advice or to invest their money on their behalf.

But it doesn’t stop here. By continuously copying major investors’ moves, beginner traders can learn about the best practices. This means that they can make better investment decisions in the future.

So, is it all about beginner traders? Not at all.

As a seasoned trader, eToro appreciates your contribution to the trading community and it offers the Popular Investor program. This exclusive program offers rewards like getting paid for assets under copy, providing global exposure by allowing millions of users to access your investment decisions. Of course, there’s a minimum requirement for joining this program.

Regulated and Secure Platform

Protecting and securing your personal data and funds is paramount when trading online. Luckily, eToro is overseen and regulated by top-tier financial authorities including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). eToro is regulated in the U.S. by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), ensuring compliance with U.S. financial regulations.

So, what does this mean for you as an investor?

Well, for starters, you know that there will be no ill practices that involve manipulating your investments. This multi-layered regulation system guarantees that any abnormality will be detected, which translates to more safety and security for you as an investor.

Practice Accounts

What if you’re not sure about your trading skills?

Thanks to eToro, you can have an almost real trading experience without risking any real cash. The platform offers practice accounts as one of its many educational tools. Using your demo account and money, you can learn about the basics of online trading without any risk of financial loss.

Many first-time traders love this feature as it offers a unique hands-on learning opportunity. It also gives them the confidence needed before they can use their money.

Diverse Range of Tradable Assets

Want to create a diverse portfolio? No problem.

eToro currently provides access to over 5,000 tradable assets, though only 70 cryptocurrency instruments are available to U.S. clients. This wide selection allows investors to diversify their portfolios and manage risk effectively. This platform creates a unique opportunity for those interested in different trading options, allowing them to explore different markets using one tool.

The list of tradable assets includes cryptocurrencies, while other assets such as ETFs, CFDs, stocks, indices, and commodities are not available to U.S. clients. By focusing on cryptocurrencies, eToro provides a specialized platform for U.S. investors while offering a more versatile range of assets to international users.

Cons

Although eToro offers some unique benefits, it comes with some disadvantages that you should take into consideration.

Limited Advanced Trading Tools and Customization

Some experienced users might find eToro a little disappointing. Some eToro reviews show that it’s more accommodating for beginner investors and traders, but seasoned users who need more advanced capabilities might find themselves a little frustrated with the platform.

eToro lacks some customization options and trading tools that other trading platforms provide. These include advanced charting tools, extensive technical analysis, and advanced order types. Those with more sophisticated trading needs will find eToro less appealing.

Presence of Non-Trading Fees

All platforms charge trading fees. As a matter of fact, eToro offers some commission-free trading options. Nevertheless, the platform’s non-trading fees significantly add to the cost of using it.

You might think there’s nothing wrong with leaving your money untouched for a while on eToro, right? Beware, because this platform will start charging you an inactivity fee after 12 months of inactivity.

Moreover, it offers withdrawal fees, impacting your trading experience. So, it’s crucial to understand the fee structure and how these charges work as they affect your trading strategy.

Limited Research and Educational Resources

eToro offers some research and educational materials to help traders take their first steps in the investment world. However, its library is a bit limited compared to its competitive platforms.

As you become more experienced, you’ll probably need more analysis, in-depth charting options, and other comprehensive trading guides. Unfortunately, eToro lacks these features, leaving some of its experienced users feeling dissatisfied with the service.

Mixed Reviews on Customer Support

Users have mixed reviews about eToro’s customer support. Some praise the platform’s customer support experience, highlighting the responsiveness of representatives and their ability to handle all issues promptly.

On the other hand, some users have reported inconsistency with the speed and quality of response, with some delayed answers. They felt the need to contact the customer support employees several times, which can be inconvenient when dealing with an emergency, especially if you’re a novice trader.

Criteria Evaluation

Now, it’s time to highlight how eToro performs with respect to the predetermined criteria. These factors play a big role in affecting your decision when picking an online trading platform.

Regulation and Security: 5/5

Having a secure and safe trading platform is almost every trader’s first priority. No one wants to use an online platform that jeopardizes their investment data and leaves their personal information exposed.

Luckily, eToro excels in the regulation and security arena, as it’s regulated by top-tier regulatory bodies. These institutions oversee the platform’s transactions, providing traders with confidence.

Being regulated by the FCA, CySEC, ASIC, and FINRA in the U.S., eToro ensures compliance with strict regulatory standards. The platform also implements trustworthy security measures, such as two-factor authentication and encryption, to safeguard your personal and financial data, offering a secure environment for investors.

Trading Platforms: 4/5

You can use eToro’s web, desktop, or mobile version to trade different assets and make money. Thanks to these available versions, eToro is always accessible, allowing you to decide on the best investment strategies whenever and wherever you like.

So, why did eToro lose a point? Despite the user-friendliness and versatility of eToro, it lacks the advanced tools that other platforms offer. As an advanced trader with more sophisticated needs, the lack of customization and advanced options will be frustrating.

Product Offerings: 4/5

eToro offers more than 5,000 tradable assets, allowing you to diversify your portfolio based on your investment preferences. Investors outside the U.S. can choose from cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, CFDs, indices, and commodities, with the number of assets continually growing.

However, for U.S. clients, only cryptocurrencies are available, which may feel limiting if crypto trading is your primary focus, as the selection remains more restrictive compared to the broader asset range offered internationally.

Fees and Commissions: 3/5

All platforms charge different fees and commissions, and eToro offers some free-of-charge services. Nevertheless, the fee and commission structure is one of the platform’s biggest drawbacks.

Many users consider the platform more expensive than its competitors, making it less appealing to users on a tight budget. For example, it charges a $5 fee on all transactions, which can be too much for someone with a small trading volume.

Other payments include overnight fees, spreads, and asset transfer fees. Moreover, it charges a conversion fee if you use a currency other than the USD.

Additionally, eToro charges non-trading fees like the inactivity fee. After 12 months of inactivity, eToro will start charging you $10 monthly for not using your account.

Research and Education: 3/5

The good thing is that eToro offers an excellent learning opportunity with its social trading features. Users can access the trading practices of the top investors and copy them, thanks to the CopyTrading feature, which helps them minimize their risks.

However, that’s it. eToro lacks advanced resources and materials that can help you become a more successful investor.

As your investment increases, you’ll need more resources to help you understand the market dynamics like in-depth analysis tools and advanced charting options. Unfortunately, eToro lacks these valuable resources.

Social Trading Features: 5/5

By now, you already know how this feature makes eToro one of the most popular trading platforms. Social trading provides insights into the best practices in the industry and helps traders leverage the power of the community to make more informed decisions.

Thanks to the ground-breaking CopyTrader functionality, eToro earns a perfect score in the social trading feature.

Customer Support: 3/5

Because of the mixed reviews, eToro lost two points in customer support rating. Users have polarized options regarding the quality of customer support interactions. Some reported receiving good service with reliable and prompt assistance, while others didn’t.

Since having reliable customer support is crucial, eToro should improve its operations to help novice and experienced users. Working on providing customers with the required timely assistance will definitely increase the platform’s popularity.

User Reviews: 4/5

In general, eToro has a favorable but not perfect rating among users. It has a large and active community, which provides less experienced traders with a positive learning environment. The user-friendly interface and CopyTrader feature make it a good choice for beginner investors.

However, some users had concerns regarding the platform’s limited advanced trading tools, non-trading fees, and inconsistent customer support experiences. They found these limitations convincing enough to switch to other platforms, despite the exclusive social trading benefit.

We believe that it’s crucial to address these issues as areas for improvement to maintain the platform’s status as one of the best choices in the market.

Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

Many users agree that eToro offers a unique social trading community. It creates a valuable learning opportunity, allowing beginners to learn the best trading practices from the industry’s leading investors.

eToro fans expressed satisfaction due to their ability to connect with a global network of traders, share their insights, and leverage the collection wisdom of copy trading. Moreover, the demo accounts provide a safe option for those who want to learn about trading without risking their money.

Both novice and experienced traders have praised the platform’s ability to democratize trading. However, the lack of advanced and customizable features can make the platform less appealing to those with sophisticated trading needs and preferences.

Price

eToro has a straightforward pricing structure, though some users may find it less appealing. U.S. clients can trade cryptocurrencies, which are subject to trading fees, as eToro does not offer commission-free trading for crypto assets.

Additionally, non-trading fees such as minimum withdrawal and inactivity fees can increase the overall cost of using the platform. We strongly recommend reviewing eToro’s fee schedule to understand how these charges may affect your total trading expenses before committing to the platform.

Where to Find eToro

To start your trading experience today, click here. The platform is also available as a desktop and mobile version, allowing you to access it at any time. Thanks to this accessibility, traders can trade on the go and make the best investment decisions wherever they are.

Alternatives to eToro

So, what if eToro doesn’t meet your specific needs as a U.S. trader?

TopBrokers is here to help, with a mission to educate investors and guide them toward the best investment decisions. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of alternatives that might better suit your preferences if eToro falls short.

Forex.com

Forex.com is a trusted platform for U.S. clients, offering access to a wide range of forex pairs and CFDs. It features competitive pricing, with tight spreads and no hidden fees, along with advanced charting tools for in-depth market analysis. However, it’s worth noting that Forex.com has limited asset classes beyond forex and CFDs.

OANDA

OANDA is another excellent choice for U.S. traders, known for its transparent pricing model and no minimum deposit. It offers a range of assets including forex and CFDs, and boasts powerful research tools. While OANDA provides a user-friendly experience, some users find the spreads slightly higher than other brokers.

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers is a top choice for professional traders, offering an extensive range of tradable assets including stocks, ETFs, options, and forex. Known for its low trading fees and access to global markets, Interactive Brokers is well-suited for active and experienced traders. However, its platform can be overwhelming for beginners due to its complexity.

Fullerton Markets

For traders seeking an alternative to eToro with more flexibility, Fullerton Markets is a solid option. It provides competitive spreads and various account types to cater to both new and experienced traders. However, Fullerton Markets has fewer assets compared to larger brokers and may not offer as many advanced trading tools as other platforms.

Each of these alternatives offers unique benefits, so consider what features are most important to you and explore the reviews on TopBrokers to find the best fit.

Final Thoughts

We’ve now reached the end of our detailed eToro trading platform review. And let’s say it – we are big fans of this revolutionary social trading platform. Sign up to eToro here!

eToro blends the latest technology with a user-friendly interface, creating an entry point for all traders, including first-timers. The platform offers a unique and enriching social trading experience that allows traders to connect, communicate, and gain from one another.

Thanks to its copy trading, novice traders can mitigate their investment risks as they follow in the footsteps of the industry leaders. With time, they can learn to develop their own investment strategies to maximize their profits.

Despite these cool features, eToro has some limitations, especially when it comes to its customization options and advanced tools. It can be less appealing to those with sophisticated trading preferences or who want more comprehensive resources. Additionally, you should carefully understand the fee structure to avoid unnecessary surprises.

So, is it the right platform for you? The answer depends on your personal goals and preferences.

If you’re seeking a comprehensive social trading experience, eToro will be the right platform for you. However, if you want a more cost-efficient platform, more comprehensive customization tools, and in-depth analysis reports, you can check TopBrokers’ promotions for other cool trading platforms.

Our mission is to empower all through extensive research and analysis, so check our website today for more in-depth comparisons of various platforms.

Disclaimer

eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks, cryptocurrencies  as well as trading CFDs.

Please note that CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

This communication is intended for information and educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or investment recommendation. Past performance is not an indication of future results.

Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more

eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs and makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication, which has been prepared by our partner utilizing publicly available non-entity specific information about eToro.