eToro and Trading 212 are two of the most popular investing platforms for UK investors, but they serve different needs.
This eToro vs Trading 212 comparison in 2026 explains which platform is better for low fees, ISAs, asset choice, and ease of use, so you can quickly decide which suits your investing style.
Quick answer – which broker is better?
eToro is better for active UK traders who want crypto access, copy trading, and broader markets, while Trading 212 is better for long-term, cost-conscious investors focused on ISAs and low fees. Both are FCA-regulated, but the right choice depends on whether you prioritise advanced features or tax-efficient simplicity.
We compared eToro and Trading 212 using hands-on testing, fee analysis, and real UK investor use cases.
Our review is based on opening and using live accounts, analysing published fee schedules, and assessing how each platform performs for UK investors using ISAs, GBP funding, and FCA-regulated services.
eToro vs Trading 212 at a glance
| Feature | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| FCA regulated | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum deposit | £50 | £1 |
| Stock commission | 0% | 0% |
| Stocks & ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | No |
| ISA | Indirect via Moneyfarm | Yes, in-app |
| SIPP | No | No |
| Copy trading | Yes | No |
| Demo account | Yes | Yes |
| FSCS protection | Up to £85,000 | Up to £85,000 |
Who should use eToro or Trading 212?
Your choice depends on whether you prioritise advanced trading features or tax-efficient investing.
- Choose eToro if you:
- Want crypto exposure alongside stocks and ETFs.
- Use copy trading to follow experienced investors.
- Actively trade multiple asset classes from one platform.
- Choose Trading 212 if you:
- Want a free Stocks and Shares ISA.
- Invest long term with minimal fees.
- Prefer a simple, beginner-friendly app with GBP accounts
Assets available compared
eToro offers a broader asset range, including crypto and commodities, while Trading 212 focuses on stocks, ETFs, and CFDs without crypto exposure.
| Asset type | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks & ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | Yes |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | No |
| Crypto | Yes | No |
| Investment trusts | Yes | Yes |
Key point: If crypto or commodities matter, eToro is the clear winner. If you only need shares and ETFs, Trading 212 covers more listings overall.
Fees compared – which is cheaper in the UK?
Trading 212 is cheaper for most UK investors, especially long-term ISA users. eToro remains competitive for trading, but adds inactivity and withdrawal fees.
| Fee type | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Stock commission | 0% | 0% |
| FX conversion | 0.50% | 0.15% |
| Inactivity fee | £10 per month | None |
| Withdrawal fee | £5 | £0 |
| CFD overnight fees | Yes | Yes |
Why fees matter for UK investors:
FX and inactivity fees tend to affect long-term investors more than traders. A 0.35% FX fee difference may seem small, but over years of ISA contributions or overseas investing, it can materially reduce returns, especially for inactive accounts.
Cost takeaway:
- If low costs and a free Stocks and Shares ISA are your priority, Trading 212 is the stronger choice for UK investors.
- If you want crypto access, copy trading, and a broader range of assets in one app, eToro offers more flexibility despite higher fees.
Trading platforms & tools compared
eToro focuses on social and multi-asset trading, while Trading 212 prioritises execution and simplicity.
eToro platform highlights
- 106 technical indicators
- 9 drawing tools
- CopyTrader and Smart Portfolios
- Market sentiment indicators
- Web and mobile platforms
Trading 212 platform highlights
- Clean, fast execution
- Chart annotations and notes
- Pies and AutoInvest rebalancing
- Web and mobile platforms
Mobile app comparison
Both investment apps are among the best-rated in the UK, but they serve different user types.
Trading 212 mobile app
- Ranked higher overall for speed and usability.
- Ideal for quick ISA contributions and portfolio tracking.
eToro mobile app
- Strong for crypto and social trading.
- Rich visuals but slightly busier interface.
Do eToro or Trading 212 offer staking or earn features for UK users?
Only eToro offers staking and crypto earn features to UK users, covering selected proof-of-stake assets. Trading 212 does not support crypto, staking, or yield products. Any staking rewards earned on eToro are taxable as income and are not FSCS-protected.
Staking and earn features compared
| Feature | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto staking | Yes | No |
| Supported assets | Selected PoS coins | N/A |
| Automatic rewards | Yes | N/A |
| Taxable in UK | Yes (income tax) | N/A |
| FSCS protection | No | N/A |
| Opt-out option | Limited | N/A |
Which platform has better customer support for UK users?
eToro generally offers broader support resources, while Trading 212 keeps support simple but limited. Neither platform provides phone support for UK users, which is a drawback compared with traditional UK trading platforms.
Customer support comparison
| Support feature | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Support channels | Ticket, help centre | In-app, email |
| Phone support | No | No |
| Live chat | Limited | No |
| Help articles | Extensive | Basic |
| Peak-time delays | Moderate | Moderate to high |
Support takeaway: eToro is better for complex queries. Trading 212 is sufficient for basic investing issues.
How do GBP deposits and withdrawals work on each platform?
Trading 212 is far simpler for GBP users, offering direct GBP deposits and withdrawals with no FX fees. eToro accounts are usually USD-based, which can trigger conversion costs unless users actively manage GBP via eToro Money.
GBP deposits and withdrawals compared
| Support feature | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Support channels | Ticket, help centre | In-app, email |
| Phone support | No | No |
| Live chat | Limited | No |
| Help articles | Extensive | Basic |
| Peak-time delays | Moderate | Moderate to high |
UK user insight: Frequent deposits and withdrawals favour Trading 212. eToro suits investors trading mostly US assets.
How long does it take to open and verify an account in the UK?
Both platforms allow fast UK account opening, but Trading 212 is usually quicker due to its simpler structure. eToro verification can take longer when crypto features are enabled.
Account opening comparison
| Step | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Application time | 5–10 minutes | 3–5 minutes |
| ID required | Photo ID + address | Photo ID + address |
| Typical verification time | Same day to 48h | Same day |
| Demo account access | Immediate | Immediate |
| Funding after approval | Instant to same day | Instant |
Speed verdict: Trading 212 is marginally faster for most UK users.
ISAs, SIPPs & tax efficiency
Trading 212 is far superior for tax-efficient UK investing.
| Feature | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks & Shares ISA | Via Moneyfarm | Yes |
| ISA platform fee | 0.25%–0.75% | £0 |
| Cash ISA | Via Moneyfarm | Yes |
| SIPP | No | No |
Why ISA structure matters:
Trading 212’s in-platform ISA allows you to use your full annual ISA allowance without platform or management fees. eToro’s ISA access via Moneyfarm introduces ongoing management costs, which can reduce long-term compounding for passive investors.
Education & market research
eToro offers stronger education and research tools overall.
| Feature | eToro | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner guides | Yes | Yes |
| Video tutorials | Yes | Yes |
| Market commentary | Yes | Limited |
| Trading sentiment data | Yes | No |
| Demo account | Yes | Yes |
Learning verdict: Beginners who want guidance benefit more from eToro’s ecosystem.
How does tax reporting work for HMRC and UK users?
Neither eToro nor Trading 212 reports trades directly to HMRC, so UK investors must calculate and declare Capital Gains Tax and dividend income themselves. Trading 212 makes this easier with cleaner GBP-based reports and ISA tax shielding. eToro provides downloadable statements, but crypto and USD trades increase tax complexity.
Safety, regulation & investor protection
Both platforms are legitimate and regulated for UK users.
- FCA regulated brokers.
- Client funds held in segregated accounts.
- FSCS protection up to £85,000 for eligible cash and investments.
- Cryptoassets are not FSCS protected and remain high risk.
What’s changed recently?
The core differences remain unchanged, but ISA access has improved.
- eToro expanded UK ISA access through Moneyfarm.
- Trading 212 retained its fee-free ISA model.
- No major fee cuts or platform downgrades.
- Both platforms remain fully FCA-compliant.
Final verdict – which broker should you choose?
Choose Trading 212 if you want the cheapest and simplest way to invest through a UK Stocks and Shares ISA with no platform, inactivity, or withdrawal fees.
Choose eToro if you want access to cryptocurrency, copy trading, and a broader multi-asset platform, and are comfortable paying higher FX and inactivity fees.
Neither platform is universally better. The right choice depends on whether you value low-cost, tax-efficient investing or features and flexibility.
FAQs
Is eToro or Trading 212 better for beginners in the UK?
Trading 212 is generally better for beginners in the UK. It offers a simpler app, GBP-based accounts, and a free Stocks and Shares ISA with no platform, withdrawal, or inactivity fees. eToro’s crypto features and social trading tools add complexity that many new investors do not need.
Can I trade cryptocurrency on Trading 212?
No, Trading 212 does not support cryptocurrency trading. UK investors who want to trade crypto alongside stocks and ETFs need to use eToro or another FCA-registered crypto platform. Cryptoassets are high risk and not FSCS protected.
Does eToro offer a Stocks and Shares ISA?
eToro does not offer a direct in-platform ISA. UK users can access ISAs through eToro’s partnership with Moneyfarm, which includes management fees. Trading 212 offers a free, in-app Stocks and Shares ISA with no platform charges.
Which platform is cheaper for UK investors?
Trading 212 is cheaper for most UK investors. It has lower FX fees, no withdrawal fees, and no inactivity charges. eToro charges FX conversion fees, a £5 withdrawal fee, and a monthly inactivity fee after 12 months of no activity.
Are eToro and Trading 212 safe and regulated in the UK?
Yes, both eToro and Trading 212 are FCA regulated. Eligible UK client funds are protected up to £85,000 under FSCS rules. Cryptoassets on eToro are not FSCS protected and carry additional risk.
Can I hold funds in GBP on eToro and Trading 212?
Trading 212 accounts are GBP-based by default. eToro accounts are typically USD-based, which can trigger FX fees, although UK users can reduce conversions by using eToro Money for GBP handling on supported assets.
Do either eToro or Trading 212 offer a SIPP?
No, neither eToro nor Trading 212 currently offer a SIPP. UK investors looking for pension investing will need to use a dedicated SIPP provider regulated in the UK.
Is eToro or Trading 212 better for UK investors overall?
Neither platform is universally better for all UK investors. eToro is better for active traders who want crypto access, copy trading, and broader markets, while Trading 212 is better for long-term, cost-conscious investors focused on ISAs, low fees, and simplicity. Both are FCA-regulated.
