eToro vs Trading 212: Comparison for 2025 (UK)
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Updated 26/01/2025
Quick Answer: eToro or Trading 212, which is best?
If you’re into social trading or cryptocurrencies, eToro edges ahead with its CopyTrader feature. For commission-free share dealing and a low entry point, Trading 212 is a fantastic option. Both platforms are safe, FCA-regulated, and beginner-friendly, but the best choice depends on your trading goals.
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When I started trading a few years ago, finding the right platform was a little overwhelming. Two popular options for UK investors are eToro and Trading 212, both offering unique features.
According to Statista, the UK saw a 20% rise in online trading accounts in 2023, reflecting how platforms like these are growing in popularity.
Here I share my experiences with these platforms, breaking down key differences and who they’re best for.
eToro and Trading 212 Overview
Both eToro and Trading 212 are widely used platforms offering access to stocks, ETFs, and more. However, they appeal to different types of investors due to their features, fee structures, and usability. Here’s an overview based on my experiences:
Key Differences
| Feature | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | £10 (stocks/crypto) | £1 (stocks) |
| Cryptocurrency Trading | ✅ Supported | ❌ Not available |
| Copy Trading Feature | ✅ Available | ❌ Not available |
| Withdrawal Fees | £4 per withdrawal | ❌ No fees |
| ISA Availability | ✅ Through Moneyfarm | ✅ Supported |
Recommended For:
eToro:
- Social Traders: The CopyTrader tool lets you mimic successful investors.
- Crypto Enthusiasts: eToro supports over 100 cryptocurrencies.
- Education Seekers: The eToro Academy is a great starting point for learning.
Trading 212:
- Cost-Conscious Investors: No fees for withdrawals or inactivity.
- Beginners: The £1 minimum investment allows you to start small.
- ISA Users: Offers straightforward Stocks and Shares ISAs.
Key Metrics: How eToro and Trading 212 Compare
To truly understand these platforms, I’ve broken down their key features into the categories that matter most. From account options to fees, here’s how eToro and Trading 212 stack up.
Account Types
Both platforms offer various account options, but they serve slightly different needs.
| Account Type | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Account | ✅ Yes: Stocks, ETFs, crypto | ✅ Yes: Stocks, ETFs |
| ISA Account | ✅ Yes (via Moneyfarm) | ✅ Yes (no platform fee) |
| CFD Account | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Demo Account | ✅ £100,000 virtual funds | ✅ Unlimited access |
| Pro/Advanced Account | ❌ Not available | ✅ Trading 212 Pro (CFD) |
ISA?
The ISA offering is where these platforms differ:
- eToro: Offers ISAs through Moneyfarm, which charges management fees of 0.25%–0.75% depending on portfolio size.
- Trading 212: Provides a free ISA account with no platform charges, which is ideal for UK investors looking to save on costs.
Available Markets and Products
Both platforms provide access to stocks, ETFs, and CFDs, but eToro has a significant edge in cryptocurrency trading, while Trading 212 includes investment trusts.
| Product Type | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks | ✅ Yes: Global stocks | ✅ Yes: Wide variety |
| ETFs | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | ✅ 100+ options | ❌ Not supported |
| CFDs | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Commodities | ✅ Gold, oil, etc. | ✅ Gold, oil, etc. |
| Investment Trusts | ❌ Not available | ✅ Yes |
My Takeaways on Markets and Products
eToro is ideal for those seeking access to cryptocurrencies, as it supports over 100 coins. According to a BBC report, 10% of UK adults now own cryptocurrencies, making eToro a strong contender for crypto traders. However, Trading 212’s inclusion of investment trusts gives it an edge for traditional portfolio diversification.
Fees & Costs
While both platforms offer commission-free share trading, the detailed fee structures reveal significant differences between them.
| Fee Type | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Share Trading Fees | ❌ No fees | ❌ No fees |
| Currency Conversion | 0.50% per transaction | 0.15% per transaction |
| Withdrawal Fees | £4 per withdrawal | ❌ No fees |
| Inactivity Fees | £8/month after 12 months | ❌ No fees |
| Crypto Trading Fees | 1% spread | ❌ Not available |
| ISA Platform Fee | 0.25%-0.75% (via Moneyfarm) | ❌ No fees |
| Leverage Costs (CFDs) | Variable, depending on position size | Variable, depending on position size |
| Overnight Fees (CFDs) | Charged for positions held overnight | Charged for positions held overnight |
My Takeaways on Fees
Trading 212 is the more affordable option, especially for investors prioritising low costs. Its absence of withdrawal and inactivity fees makes it a budget-friendly choice. Meanwhile, eToro’s crypto trading fees are in line with industry standards, but its additional costs—like the £4 withdrawal fee—might deter fee-conscious traders.
Safety & Regulation
Both platforms are fully FCA-regulated and offer robust safety measures, which is essential for UK investors.
| Safety Feature | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| FCA Regulation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| FSCS Protection | ✅ £85,000 coverage | ✅ £85,000 coverage |
| Two-Factor Authentication | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Account Segregation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
My Takeaways on Safety
Both platforms excel in safety. According to MoneyHelper, 88% of UK investors prefer FCA-regulated platforms for their transparency and security. Knowing that eToro and Trading 212 provide FSCS protection gives me peace of mind about fund safety.
Platform and Experience
| Feature | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile App Usability | ✅ Intuitive with CopyTrader | ✅ Simple and fast |
| Desktop Platform | ✅ Comprehensive tools | ✅ Minimalistic interface |
| Charting Tools | ✅ 56 tools | ✅ 27 tools |
| Social Features | ✅ CopyTrader and community | ❌ Not available |
Mobile Platforms
- eToro: Great for advanced features like CopyTrader but may feel slightly cluttered for beginners.
- Trading 212: Quick and efficient, perfect for on-the-go trading with a clean interface.
Desktop Platforms
- eToro: Offers advanced charting and overlay tools, ideal for experienced investors.
- Trading 212: A simpler interface makes it a great choice for beginners or traders wanting a streamlined experience.
My Takeaways on Platforms
Mobile trading continues to grow, accounting for over 60% of trades on online platforms in 2024, according to Statista. While both apps are user-friendly, I found Trading 212 better for quick trades, while eToro is unmatched in its social trading features.
Trading 212 vs eToro Scoring Comparison
| Review Factor | eToro Rating (Out of 5) | Trading 212 Rating (Out of 5) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | eToro’s fees include withdrawal charges (£4) and inactivity fees, while Trading 212 has no such fees. |
| Account Types | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Both platforms offer multiple accounts, but Trading 212 shines with its free ISA and Pro accounts. |
| Available Markets | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | eToro offers 100+ cryptocurrencies and social trading. Trading 212 supports investment trusts. |
| Platform (Mobile) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | eToro’s mobile app is feature-rich but more complex. Trading 212 is beginner-friendly and intuitive. |
| Platform (Desktop) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | eToro offers advanced tools and charting. Trading 212’s simplicity suits quick trades. |
| Education & Tools | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | eToro provides CopyTrader and its Academy, while Trading 212 has video tutorials and community forums. |
| Customer Support | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Trading 212 offers quicker live chat. eToro prioritises premium users but lacks phone support. |
| Safety & Regulation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Both platforms are FCA-regulated and FSCS-protected, offering strong safety measures for UK users. |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5) | eToro leads with broader market options and social trading, while Trading 212 excels in affordability and simplicity. |
Insights from the Table:
- eToro’s Overall Score: 34/40 (4.5/5) – Best for advanced traders, cryptocurrency enthusiasts, and those interested in social trading.
- Trading 212’s Overall Score: 32/40 (4.3/5) – Perfect for budget-conscious and beginner investors, with no-fee ISAs and a straightforward mobile experience.
Conclusion: My Final Thoughts on eToro vs Trading 212
After using both platforms extensively, I’d say eToro and Trading 212 cater to different audiences.
If you’re into cryptocurrencies or want to explore social trading, eToro is an excellent choice. Its CopyTrader feature allows you to learn from experienced traders, and its wide range of crypto options makes it attractive for diversification. However, eToro’s fees—such as the £4 withdrawal fee and inactivity charges—can be a drawback for cost-conscious investors.
Trading 212, on the other hand, shines with its low fees, free ISA, and beginner-friendly platform. Its £1 minimum investment makes it accessible for those starting their trading journey. However, it lacks crypto trading, which might disappoint some investors.
In summary, eToro is better for investors looking for features and tools like crypto trading and education, while Trading 212 is the go-to option for low-cost investing. Personally, I use Trading 212 for its ISA and low fees but rely on eToro for crypto trades and its social trading features. Testing both platforms is the best way to find which works for you.
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FAQs
Trading 212 is generally cheaper, with no withdrawal or inactivity fees and a lower currency conversion cost of 0.15%. eToro, while feature-rich, has higher fees, including a £4 withdrawal fee and a 1% spread on crypto trades.
Yes, both platforms are beginner-friendly. Trading 212’s simple interface and £1 minimum investment make it especially accessible. eToro offers excellent educational tools, including the eToro Academy, but its advanced features may take some time to learn.
Both platforms are FCA-regulated and provide FSCS protection up to £85,000. They also use account segregation and two-factor authentication, ensuring funds and data are secure.
Yes, both platforms offer Stocks and Shares ISAs. Trading 212’s ISA is completely free of platform fees, while eToro offers ISAs via Moneyfarm, which incurs annual management fees.
eToro is the better option for cryptocurrency trading, with over 100 tradeable coins and features like staking. Trading 212 does not support cryptocurrency trading, making eToro the clear choice for crypto enthusiasts.
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References:
Statista – Growth in online trading accounts in the UK:
www.statista.com
BBC – Cryptocurrency adoption in the UK:
www.bbc.co.uk
MoneyHelper (UK Government) – Importance of FCA regulation and FSCS protection:
www.moneyhelper.org.uk
Investopedia – Overview of industry-standard fees:
www.investopedia.com
FCA Official Site – FCA regulation and investor protections:
www.fca.org.uk
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