eToro vs Interactive Brokers (IBKR): 2026 Comparison

Choosing between eToro and Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is one of the most common dilemmas for European retail investors. Both brokers are widely available, well regulated and listed on Nasdaq, but they are built for very different investors.

In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse Interactive Brokers vs eToro on the features that matter most: fees, products, platforms, interest on cash, account types, safety and support. Below, you’ll find a quick verdict, a comparison table, worked fee examples and the pros and cons of each broker.

eToro vs Interactive Brokers: quick take

1. Interactive Brokers is our recommended choice overall. It is best for long-term and multi-asset investors, with 170 markets, low commissions, very cheap currency conversion and interest on cash in several currencies.
2. eToro is best for beginners and social investors, with the most intuitive platform, CopyTrader, Smart Portfolios and commission-free ETFs.

eToro vs Interactive Brokers in a nutshell

1. Overview

About Interactive Brokers

Founded in 1978 and listed on Nasdaq (ticker: IBKR), Interactive Brokers has weathered multiple major financial crises, demonstrating resilience and a rigorous risk management process. It serves more than 5.5 million client accounts and joined the S&P 500 in August 2025.

It offers stocks, options, futures, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, forex and more across 170 markets in 40 countries. European clients are served by Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited, regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. New users can also benefit from a referral bonus.

If you’re wondering whether Interactive Brokers is safe, read our full review on IBKR for deeper insights.

About eToro

Founded in 2007 and listed on Nasdaq since May 2025 (ticker: ETOR), eToro is the established leader in social investing, with 4.28 million funded accounts (June 2026) and around 40 million registered users.

You can invest in real stocks, ETFs and crypto, plus CFDs across multiple asset classes, through one of the cleanest interfaces in the industry. Its key differentiators are CopyTrader, which copies the trades of other investors automatically, and Smart Portfolios, thematic portfolios built by eToro. European clients are served by eToro (Europe) Ltd, regulated by CySEC, and can hold a EUR account.

If you’re wondering whether eToro is safe to use, read our full eToro review.

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

2. Products and market access

If you want options, futures, bonds or mutual funds, Interactive Brokers is the only choice between the two. If your investing is focused on stocks, ETFs and crypto, and you value copy trading, eToro can meet your needs. CFDs are complex, leveraged instruments and most retail accounts lose money trading them.

3. Trading platforms

Interactive Brokers offers platforms that scale with your experience:

• Trader Workstation (TWS): the flagship desktop platform, with advanced charting, multi-leg options tools, algorithmic orders and real-time risk analytics. The learning curve is steep.
• Client Portal and IBKR Desktop: simpler interfaces for everyday investing.
• IBKR Mobile: the full-featured mobile app.
• IBKR GlobalTrader: a simplified mobile app for stocks, options and ETFs, designed for newer investors.
• APIs: TWS API, Client Portal Web API and FIX, for algorithmic and institutional trading.

eToro takes a unified approach, with one platform across web and mobile and the social feed at its centre. CopyTrader, Smart Portfolios and the community feed are built directly into the trading experience, and a $100,000 virtual portfolio lets you practise without risk.

Choose IBKR if you want institutional-grade tools or expect your needs to grow. Choose eToro if you value simplicity and social features over depth.

4. Interest on uninvested cash

Interactive Brokers pays interest on cash in many currencies. As of 18 September 2026, the IBKR Pro rates were 3.38% on USD, 1.98% on EUR and 3.21% on GBP. Two conditions apply: no interest is paid on the first $10,000 (or €10,000, or £8,000), and the full rate requires a net asset value (NAV) of $100,000 or more. Below that, the rate is reduced proportionally.

eToro pays interest only on the available USD balance. For residents of the EU and the UK, the rate is 3% on a total balance up to $50,000 and 3.80% above that, and you need to opt in. There is no interest on EUR or GBP cash.

If you keep cash in euros or pounds, IBKR is the better option. If you hold dollars and your balance is below $100,000, eToro’s rate is higher, since IBKR pays nothing on the first $10,000.

5. Account types

Interactive Brokers offers individual, joint, corporate and trust accounts, plus accounts for advisors and professional traders. UK clients can also open a Stocks and Shares ISA.

eToro focuses on individual accounts, with corporate accounts also available, and a Club programme (from Silver to Diamond) that gives discounts on currency conversion as your balance grows.

6. Account opening

Both brokers have a fully digital account opening process. You will need a valid ID, proof of address and your tax identification number. IBKR’s application is longer, with questions on your trading experience for each product, and has no minimum deposit. eToro is quicker to open and requires a first deposit of $50 in most countries.

7. Pricing

Buying €1,000 of a German stock on Xetra

At Interactive Brokers, the tiered commission is 0.05% of €1,000, which is €0.50, so you pay the €1.25 minimum, plus small exchange fees. At eToro, buying from a EUR account costs $1, with another $1 when you sell. Both are cheap for an order of this size.

Buying $1,000 of a US stock from a euro account

At Interactive Brokers, converting the euros costs the $2 minimum (0.002% of the amount is far less), and the commission is the $0.35 minimum, about $2.35 in total. At eToro, the 0.75% conversion fee adds about $7.50 to the $1 commission, about $8.50 in total, and you pay the conversion again when you sell. The more you invest in dollar assets, the more IBKR’s FX advantage matters.

8. Safety and regulation

Both brokers are regulated by top-tier authorities and publish audited results as listed companies. Interactive Brokers has the longer track record, with almost 50 years in business, and a broader regulatory footprint. Investor compensation schemes protect against the failure of the firm, not against investment losses.

9. Customer support

Interactive Brokers offers support by phone, chat and a ticket system, with a detailed help centre and the IBKR Campus education platform.

eToro offers support through live chat and a ticket system, with a detailed help centre and the eToro Academy for beginners.

10. Interactive Brokers pros and cons

11. eToro pros and cons

eToro vs Interactive Brokers: our verdict

Choose Interactive Brokers if you are a long-term or active investor who wants access to many markets and asset classes, low commissions, very cheap currency conversion and interest on cash in your own currency.

Choose eToro if you are starting out, want to copy other investors or invest in thematic Smart Portfolios, and value a simple platform over depth. ETFs are commission-free, but keep in mind the 0.75% conversion fee if you fund in euros or pounds and buy dollar assets.

Ultimately, the best online broker for you will depend on your profile, preferences and objectives. Want to know more? Explore our in-depth broker reviews, comparison table and BrokerMatch tool, or these related comparisons:

• Comparison between eToro and XTB
• Comparison between eToro and Trade Republic
• Comparison between Trade Republic and Interactive Brokers