eToro vs Interactive Brokers – Best Broker for UK Investors 2025
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Updated 12/02/2025
Quick Answer: Which Broker is Right for You?
If you’re looking for an intuitive, beginner-friendly platform with social trading features, eToro is a great choice. However, if you prioritise low fees, tax-efficient accounts, and professional trading tools, Interactive Brokers is the smarter option. Consider your trading goals—ease of use vs. cost efficiency and advanced tools—before making a decision.
eToro
- Copy Trading
- User Friendly Platform
- Trusted Brand
- 30 Million+ Users
Interactive Brokers
- Low-Cost Trading
- Advanced Research Tools
- Global Market Access
- Low Forex Spreads
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.
I’ve used both eToro and Interactive Brokers (IBKR) extensively as a UK investor, and I know how hard it can be to pick the right one. Learn more about what eToro is and how it works.. Whether you’re after social trading or low fees and advanced tools, this guide will help you choose the best fit. I’ll share my personal experiences, highlight key differences, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
eToro vs Interactive Brokers – Quick Comparison
Both brokers cater to different investor types. eToro is best for casual traders and those interested in copy trading, while IBKR is ideal for serious investors looking for in-depth market access. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beginners & social traders | Experienced investors & professionals |
| Commission-free stocks | Yes (CFD-heavy) | Yes (for some UK accounts) |
| Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| Tax-efficient accounts (ISA, SIPP) | No | Yes |
| Forex & Crypto | Strong crypto offering | Wide forex access, limited direct crypto |
| Fees | Higher spreads & withdrawal fees | Lower commissions, complex structure |
| Ease of Use | Very beginner-friendly | Advanced tools, steeper learning curve |
Best Broker for Different Types of Traders
eToro – Who It’s Best For
- Beginners – Simple interface, easy setup, no prior experience needed.
- Social Traders – Copy trading lets you mirror successful investors.
- Crypto Investors – Wide selection of cryptocurrencies available.
- Casual Traders – Best for those who trade occasionally and prefer a hassle-free experience.
Interactive Brokers – Who It’s Best For
- Serious Investors – Access to global markets and professional-grade tools.
- UK Investors Seeking Tax Efficiency – ISAs & SIPPs available for tax benefits.
- Active Traders – Low commissions and deep research capabilities.
- Forex Traders – Extensive forex market with a wide range of currency pairs.
Security & Regulation – Which Broker is Safer?
How Each Broker Protects Your Money
Both eToro and IBKR are regulated by the FCA in the UK, ensuring compliance with strict financial laws.
| Security Feature | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| FCA Regulation | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Fund Protection | £85,000 FSCS | Private insurance & SIPC (for US) |
| Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (Enhanced options) |
| Segregated Accounts | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Device Recognition | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
Security has been solid on both platforms, but IBKR feels more robust with additional authentication options. eToro’s login process is smooth, but I appreciate IBKR’s two-factor authentication (2FA) and device recognition for extra protection.
Trading Experience & Tools – Which Broker Has the Edge?
| Feature | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Copy Trading | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Advanced Charting | ✗ Basic | ✓ Professional |
| Algorithmic Trading | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Market Research Tools | ✓ Limited | ✓ Extensive |
| Mobile Trading App | ✓ Simple | ✓ Advanced |
eToro’s Copy Trading & Social Features
- Unique feature allowing users to copy successful traders automatically.
- Ideal for beginners who want to follow experienced investors.
- Community-driven, with interactive feeds and sentiment analysis.
Interactive Brokers’ Advanced Trading Tools & Research
- Industry-leading tools such as IBKR Trader Workstation (TWS) for pro traders.
- Advanced charting, algorithmic trading, and deep research integrations.
- Better suited for those who need detailed fundamental and technical analysis.
Ease of Use – Which Platform is More Beginner-Friendly?
Navigating Both Platforms
I’ve spent a lot of time on both eToro and IBKR, and the difference in user experience is clear. eToro is designed for beginners, with a sleek interface and straightforward navigation. It took me just a few minutes to set up an account and start trading.
IBKR, on the other hand, is packed with features that can be overwhelming at first. The layout feels cluttered, and finding specific tools requires patience. While powerful, it has a steep learning curve, making it more suitable for experienced traders.
Mobile App & Web Interface Comparison
| Feature | eToro | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | ✓ Very intuitive | ✗ Complex interface |
| Mobile App | ✓ Simple & user-friendly | ✓ Feature-rich but harder to use |
| Web Interface | ✓ Clean & easy to navigate | ✗ Advanced but overwhelming |
| Customization | ✗ Limited | ✓ Extensive |
Learning Curve – Which Broker Is Easier to Master?
If you’re new to trading, eToro is the clear winner. Within a day, I felt comfortable navigating the platform. IBKR, however, took me weeks to understand fully. While IBKR’s tools are fantastic for experienced traders, beginners may struggle with its complexity.
Customer Support & User Experience
My Experience Contacting Support on Both Platforms
Customer service is crucial, especially when dealing with financial platforms. I’ve tested support on both eToro and IBKR, and here’s my experience:
- eToro: Offers live chat and ticket-based support, but response times vary. When I had an issue with a withdrawal, it took over 48 hours to get a resolution.
- IBKR: Has phone, chat, and email support, with much faster response times. I reached an agent within 10 minutes when I needed help verifying my account.
While both platforms provide adequate support, IBKR is more responsive, making it a better choice for users who may need frequent assistance.
Final Verdict – Which Broker Do I Recommend?
Pros & Cons for UK Users
eToro Pros
- Beginner-friendly interface – The platform is visually intuitive, making it easy to start trading quickly.
- Zero commission stocks – UK users can trade stocks with no commission, but currency conversion fees apply.
- Social & copy trading features – The ability to copy successful traders can be a great way to learn.
eToro Cons
- Higher spreads & withdrawal fees – While stock trading is commission-free, eToro makes money through spreads.
- Limited tax-efficient accounts – No ISAs or SIPPs, meaning UK investors miss out on tax advantages.
- CFD-heavy trading model – Many assets are available as CFDs, which come with higher risk and fees.
Interactive Brokers Pros
- Low trading fees – IBKR offers some of the lowest commissions available, making it cost-effective for frequent traders.
- Advanced research tools – Professional-grade analysis, market data, and deep research tools.
- ISAs & SIPPs available – Ideal for UK investors looking for tax-efficient investing options.
Interactive Brokers Cons
- Steep learning curve – The platform is feature-rich but complex, requiring time to master.
- Complex fee structure – While IBKR has low fees, understanding them can be difficult for new users.
- No social trading features – Unlike eToro, IBKR does not offer copy trading or social features.
Making Investing Simple
Investing can feel overwhelming, especially when choosing the right broker. To make the process easier, start by testing both eToro and Interactive Brokers with a small deposit. This allows you to explore the platform’s features, understand fees, and see which one aligns with your trading style.
If you value simplicity and social trading, eToro’s user-friendly interface will get you started quickly. However, if you’re focused on low fees and long-term tax efficiency, IBKR’s advanced tools and ISA/SIPP options may be the better fit. Taking the time to experiment with both will help you gain confidence in your decision. Test both platforms with a small deposit to see which fits your style best. Whether you’re looking for simplicity or advanced trading capabilities, choosing the right broker depends on your investing goals.
Investing Made Social
- Copy Trading
- User Friendly Platform
- Trusted Brand
- 30 Million+ Users
51% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFD’s with this provider.
FAQs
eToro is better for beginners, while IBKR suits experienced traders.
Yes, IBKR generally has lower fees, especially for frequent traders.
Yes, both offer real stocks, but eToro includes CFDs.
eToro is much easier to use, making it ideal for beginners.
Only IBKR provides ISAs and SIPPs.
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References:
- www.statista.com/statistics/1259954/etrading-app-monthly-active-users-uk/
- www.statista.com/statistics/1341132/most-well-known-neobanking-and-neobrokerage-brands-in-the-uk/
- www.statista.com/statistics/1427374/ease-of-using-trading-app-features-for-retail-investors-in-the-uk-by-broker/
- www.fnlondon.com/articles/revolut-challenges-hargreaves-lansdown-aj-bell-theres-a-new-stockbroker-in-town-f0dca900
Join eToro today and start trading with ease!
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.
