eToro vs Trading 212: Comparison for 2025 (UK)
Adam Woodhead
Co-Founder
Adam is a passionate investor who created The Investors Centre (TIC) to combine his professional skills with his love for investment. His goal is to offer a platform filled with valuable resources, practical advice, and effective strategies for anyone looking to make their mark in the investment world.
“Investment is about more than just numbers; it’s about strategy, research, and the willingness to adapt. At TIC, we’re here to provide the tools and knowledge you need to succeed on your investment journey.”
Thomas Drury
Co-Founder
Thomas is an experienced financial trader in leverage instruments, crypto and general investing. He has over a decade experience in finance and holds Chartered Status in the financial industry, Thomas’s speciality is trading CFDs, Forex and Day Trading. His crypto portfolio is heavily weighted towards BTC and Eth, but enjoys trading low cap crypto’s with higher volatility. Thomas’s favourite trading strategy is break out Trading.
“Our commitment at The Investors Centre is unwavering. We strive to provide clear, actionable advice that empowers you to achieve financial success. Our vision is a future where anyone can invest confidently and wisely.”
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
How We Test
Quick Answer: Which Broker Comes Out on Top?
eToro edges ahead for most UK traders in 2025. It offers broader market access, built-in copy trading, and cryptocurrency support — features Trading 212 lacks. While Trading 212 is ISA-friendly, eToro suits those wanting a more versatile and socially-driven trading experience.
How Do eToro and Trading 212 Compare?
| Platform | Regulation | Min Deposit | ISA | Crypto Access | Demo Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | FCA | £50 | No (via Moneyfarm only) | Yes | Yes |
| Trading 212 | FCA | £1 | Yes | No | Yes |
Who Should Use eToro or Trading 212?
Your choice depends on whether you prioritise crypto access, trading tools, or tax-efficient investing. eToro is better for active traders and social investing. Trading 212 suits hands-off investors looking for low-cost, long-term ISA portfolios with limited assets.
When Is eToro the Better Choice?
Choose eToro if you value crypto trading, social investing, and the ability to copy experienced traders. It’s ideal for mobile-first traders and those learning through community insight. The platform also supports active trading with built-in risk controls and no commission on stocks.
When Is Trading 212 More Suitable?
Trading 212 is better suited for long-term investors focused on tax-free ISA gains. It offers simple, commission-free trading of stocks and ETFs with minimal complexity. However, it lacks crypto, copy trading, and rich learning features found on more advanced platforms like eToro.
What Account Types Do eToro and Trading 212 Offer?
Both brokers support basic investing and CFD accounts. eToro connects with Moneyfarm for ISA access but doesn’t offer direct ISA accounts. Trading 212 includes an in-platform ISA. Both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice.
Comparison Table – Account Types
| Account Type | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard/Invest | Yes | Yes |
| ISA | No (Moneyfarm only) | Yes |
| CFD | Yes | Yes |
| Demo | Yes | Yes |
My Takeaway: The biggest difference here is in the ISA offering. eToro provides ISAs through Moneyfarm, but it comes with management fees ranging from 0.25% to 0.75%. Meanwhile, Trading 212 offers a free ISA with no platform charges, making it a budget-friendly choice.
What Can You Trade on Each Platform?
While both brokers support stocks, ETFs, and forex, eToro provides a wider variety including crypto, indices, and commodities. Trading 212 lacks crypto and commodities, making eToro better for diversified and alternative asset trading.
Assets Available per Broker
| Asset | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks & ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | No |
| Commodities | Yes | No |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| ISAs | No | Yes |
How Do Their Fees Compare in 2025?
Both brokers offer 0% stock commission. Trading 212 has lower FX conversion fees and no withdrawal or inactivity charges. eToro, however, includes a £5 withdrawal fee and monthly inactivity charge, making Trading 212 slightly cheaper for long-term inactive users.
Fees Overview
| Fee Type | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Commission | 0% | 0% |
| FX Conversion | 0.5% | 0.15% |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes (£10/mo) | No |
| Withdrawal Fee | £5 | £0 |
| Overnight CFD | Yes | Yes |
How Safe Are These Platforms?
Both eToro and Trading 212 are FCA-regulated and use Tier-1 custodians. They protect client funds up to £85,000 via the FSCS. Only Trading 212 offers direct ISA access, which adds a tax-efficient safety wrapper for eligible UK retail investors.
Regulation and Investor Protection Table
| Platform | Regulated By | ISA Eligible | FSCS Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | FCA | Indirect | Up to £85,000 |
| Trading 212 | FCA | Yes | Up to £85,000 |
Which Has the Better Trading Tools and UX?
eToro offers a visually rich, socially driven platform ideal for beginners and casual traders. Trading 212 provides faster execution and more robust charting, making it slightly more appealing for hands-on users who prioritise speed and simplicity over social features.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Charts | Basic | Intermediate |
| Social Feed | Yes | No |
| Watchlists | Yes | Yes |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Indicators | No | Limited |
Education and Research Tools Compared
eToro offers social learning, market sentiment data, and built-in analysis tools. Trading 212 provides video tutorials and beginner guides, but lacks in-depth research. Overall, eToro better supports continuous learning, while Trading 212 focuses on simplicity for novice users.
Tool Comparison Table
| Tool | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Video Tutorials | Yes | Yes |
| Blog Content | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Sentiment | Yes | No |
| Demo Access | Yes | Yes |
| Market Analysis | Yes | Limited |
Final Verdict – Which Platform Should You Pick?
eToro is the better choice for traders wanting crypto access, social features, and a strong learning environment. Trading 212 suits UK investors focused on ISAs, cost-saving, and simple stock investing. Your choice depends on tax use, asset preferences, and trading style.
Trade Smarter, not Harder
- Copy Trading
- Competitive Fees
- Multi-Asset Platform
61% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFD’s with this provider.
FAQs
Which platform is better for beginners?
Both platforms are beginner-friendly, but beginners often prefer Trading 212 due to its £1 minimum investment, free ISA, and straightforward interface. eToro, however, is excellent for those interested in social trading and cryptocurrency.
Can I trade cryptocurrency on Trading 212?
No, Trading 212 does not support cryptocurrency trading. If you want to trade crypto, eToro is the better option, as it offers over 100 different cryptocurrencies.
Does eToro charge withdrawal fees?
Yes, eToro charges a £4 withdrawal fee. In contrast, Trading 212 does not charge any withdrawal fees, making it a more cost-effective option for frequent withdrawals.
Which platform is safer?
Both platforms are FCA-regulated and offer FSCS protection of up to £85,000. They also have two-factor authentication and account segregation for added security.
Can I open an ISA on eToro or Trading 212?
Trading 212 offers a free ISA with no platform fees, while eToro provides ISAs through Moneyfarm, which charges management fees between 0.25% and 0.75%. If an ISA is a priority, Trading 212 is the better option.
References
- eToro Official Website – Stocks & beyond: Invest in 7000+ assets on eToro
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – Financial Conduct Authority | FCA
- Statista – Statista – The Statistics Portal for Market Data, Market Research and …
- Trading 212 Official Website – Details on Trading 212’s commission-free model, ISAs, and account types.
- UK Cryptocurrency Regulation Report (Gov.uk) – Official UK government stance on cryptocurrency trading and taxation
