HEAD TO HEAD
Tickmill vs eToro
vs
- 01 Trading costs
- 02 Platforms
- 03 Account conditions
At a glance
Typical EUR/USD spread (pips)
Typical GBP/USD spread (pips)
Commission per lot / side (USD)
Minimum deposit (USD)
| Compare the details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Account model | Raw / Classic | Forex CFD |
| Typical EUR/USD (pips) | 0.0 | 1 |
| Typical GBP/USD (pips) | — | — |
| Commission / lot / side ($) | $3.00 | — |
| Min. deposit ($) | $100 | $50 |
| Platforms | MT4 / MT5 / TradingView | eToro Web / eToro Mobile / CopyTrader |
| Overnight financing | Pair-dependent | Pair-dependent |
| Regulated entity | Tickmill UK Ltd, FCA 717270, 30:1, FSCS to GBP 85,000 | eToro (UK) Ltd, FCA 583263, 30:1, FSCS to GBP 85,000 |
Which is the better fit?
Consider Tickmill
Tickmill is a legitimate, regulated forex and CFD broker with competitive trading costs, particularly on its Raw account. It is a strong choice for active forex traders, scalpers and algorithmic traders using MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5. However, Tickmill is less compelling for investors wanting a huge range of markets, and recent complaints about account reviews and delayed withdrawals deserve attention.
Consider eToro
eToro is worth considering if CopyTrader, ease of use and having several asset classes under one roof matter more to you than getting the absolute lowest possible cost for every individual trade.
Tickmill is the better choice for active forex and CFD traders, while eToro is better for investors who want a broader range of assets, a simpler platform and a stronger social and copy-trading ecosystem.
If I had to pick one specifically for someone comparing brokers for serious trading, Tickmill wins. Its Raw account offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3 commission per lot per side in the EU, and traders can use MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView and Tickmill Trader.
eToro is the better fit if your priority is buying stocks and ETFs, investing in crypto, following other investors or using CopyTrader rather than running an execution-heavy forex strategy. Its platform currently provides thousands of stocks and ETFs alongside currencies, commodities, indices and more than 200 cryptoassets, although the exact selection varies by country.
Tickmill vs eToro at a glance
Forex and CFD trading
- Tickmill
- Strong focus, Raw pricing, MT4/MT5
- eToro
- Available, but part of a broader investment platform
- Winner
- Tickmill
Forex spreads
- Tickmill
- Raw spreads from 0.0 pips
- eToro
- Varies by instrument
- Winner
- Tickmill
Trading platforms
- Tickmill
- MT4, MT5, TradingView, Tickmill Trader
- eToro
- Proprietary web/mobile platform with advanced charting
- Winner
- Tickmill
Algorithmic trading
- Tickmill
- Strong MT4/MT5 EA support
- eToro
- Not the platform's main proposition
- Winner
- Tickmill
Stocks and ETFs
- Tickmill
- Primarily CFD-focused offering
- eToro
- Thousands of stocks and ETFs, including underlying assets where available
- Winner
- eToro
Crypto
- Tickmill
- Crypto CFDs available
- eToro
- 200+ cryptoassets on its global offering
- Winner
- eToro
Copy trading
- Tickmill
- Tickmill Social Trading
- eToro
- CopyTrader and large social-investing ecosystem
- Winner
- eToro
Minimum deposit
- Tickmill
- Typically 100 on main accounts
- eToro
- First deposit varies from $10 to $10,000 by region
- Winner
- Depends
Beginner usability
- Tickmill
- More trading-oriented
- eToro
- Simpler consumer investing experience
- Winner
- eToro
Regulation
- Tickmill
- FCA, CySEC and other entities
- eToro
- FCA, CySEC, ASIC and other entities
- Winner
- Draw
Best for
- Tickmill
- Active traders, forex, CFDs, MT4/MT5 users
- eToro
- Investors, beginners, stocks, ETFs, crypto, copy trading
- Winner
- Depends on use case
| Category | Tickmill | eToro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex and CFD trading | Strong focus, Raw pricing, MT4/MT5 | Available, but part of a broader investment platform | Tickmill |
| Forex spreads | Raw spreads from 0.0 pips | Varies by instrument | Tickmill |
| Trading platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, Tickmill Trader | Proprietary web/mobile platform with advanced charting | Tickmill |
| Algorithmic trading | Strong MT4/MT5 EA support | Not the platform's main proposition | Tickmill |
| Stocks and ETFs | Primarily CFD-focused offering | Thousands of stocks and ETFs, including underlying assets where available | eToro |
| Crypto | Crypto CFDs available | 200+ cryptoassets on its global offering | eToro |
| Copy trading | Tickmill Social Trading | CopyTrader and large social-investing ecosystem | eToro |
| Minimum deposit | Typically 100 on main accounts | First deposit varies from $10 to $10,000 by region | Depends |
| Beginner usability | More trading-oriented | Simpler consumer investing experience | eToro |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC and other entities | FCA, CySEC, ASIC and other entities | Draw |
| Best for | Active traders, forex, CFDs, MT4/MT5 users | Investors, beginners, stocks, ETFs, crypto, copy trading | Depends on use case |
The main mistake is treating Tickmill and eToro as interchangeable brokers. They overlap, but they are designed around different types of customer.
What is the main difference between Tickmill and eToro?
Tickmill is strongest when the user cares about spreads, commissions, execution, MetaTrader, TradingView, Expert Advisors and short-term forex or CFD trading.
eToro is strongest when the user cares about accessing many different asset classes from one account, buying stocks and ETFs, investing in crypto, discovering other investors and automatically copying portfolios.
That distinction matters more than comparing minor features one by one.
Is Tickmill or eToro cheaper?
Tickmill trading fees
Tickmill Europe offers two main MetaTrader account structures:
- Raw Account: spreads from 0.0 pips and a $3 commission per lot per side.
- Classic Account: spreads from 1.6 pips and no trading commission.
- Starting deposit: 100 in the supported account currency.
- Raw round-turn commission: $6 per standard lot before spread and overnight financing costs.
Tickmill's spreads are variable, so "from 0.0 pips" is a minimum rather than a promise that every trade will execute at zero spread.
For an active forex trader doing meaningful volume, the Raw structure is the important one. Separating a tight market spread from a fixed commission makes trading costs easier to model, particularly for scalping, day trading and automated strategies.
eToro trading fees
eToro uses different pricing depending on the asset and the user's country.
Its current published fee schedule states that:
- ETF trades can carry zero eToro commission.
- A $1 or $2 stock commission may apply when opening and closing stock positions, depending on the user's country and stock exchange.
- Manual crypto trades start at 1% per position for Bronze, Silver and Gold users, with lower rates available at certain higher Club tiers and trading volumes.
- Stock and ETF CFDs carry a 0.15% opening/closing spread charge per trade.
- Crypto CFDs carry a 1% charge per trade.
- CFD positions held overnight can incur financing fees.
- Withdrawals from a USD investment account can cost $5, while withdrawals from eligible local-currency accounts are free.
This means there is no useful blanket claim that eToro is simply "expensive" or "cheap".
For frequent forex trading, Tickmill's Raw pricing structure is more compelling. For somebody buying unleveraged ETFs and holding them for the long term, eToro's cost structure may be more attractive.
Fees winner: Tickmill for active traders
If you expect to trade forex or CFDs frequently, Tickmill wins on costs.
If you expect to buy and hold ETFs or selected underlying shares rather than actively trade leveraged products, eToro deserves the closer look.
Which has better trading platforms, Tickmill or eToro?
Tickmill currently supports:
- MetaTrader 4
- MetaTrader 5
- TradingView
- Tickmill Trader
- MetaTrader WebTrader
- Mobile trading
Tickmill also allows users with an appropriate account to place trades directly through TradingView. MT4 and MT5 support Expert Advisors and automated trading workflows, making Tickmill materially more flexible for systematic traders.
eToro takes a different approach. Its web and mobile experience is designed around a proprietary multi-asset platform, with social features, portfolio management and simplified execution integrated into the same interface.
The practical choice is straightforward:
Choose Tickmill if your workflow revolves around MT4, MT5, TradingView, indicators, EAs or automated strategies.
Choose eToro if you want a cleaner investing interface and do not want to build your workflow around professional forex software.
Which broker offers more markets?
eToro's global markets page currently lists thousands of stocks, more than 1,200 ETFs, currencies, indices, commodities and more than 200 cryptoassets. Availability varies by jurisdiction, so the exact number available inside an individual account may be lower.
More importantly, eligible eToro users can invest in underlying stocks and ETFs rather than being restricted entirely to CFDs. Short positions, leveraged trades and some positions affected by local product restrictions can instead be executed as CFDs.
Tickmill is much more trading-focused. Its Raw and Classic accounts cover forex, stock indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, stocks and other CFD markets. Tickmill states that its forex offering includes 62 currency pairs.
That makes the winner dependent on what "more markets" means to you.
For forex depth and trading infrastructure, Tickmill is highly competitive.
For building one portfolio across stocks, ETFs, crypto and other asset classes, eToro is the stronger platform.
Tickmill vs eToro for forex trading
There are three main reasons.
First, Tickmill offers a dedicated Raw pricing structure with spreads from 0.0 pips and a transparent per-lot commission.
Second, Tickmill supports both MT4 and MT5, which matters for traders using custom indicators, Expert Advisors, backtesting or existing MetaTrader strategies.
Third, Tickmill is structurally built around forex and leveraged trading rather than treating FX as one market among thousands inside an investment app.
eToro does offer currency CFD trading and provides leverage where regulations permit it. Its global markets page lists 69 currencies, with retail leverage of up to 1:30 referenced for eligible markets.
For somebody occasionally trading EUR/USD, eToro can do the job.
For somebody choosing a broker specifically because they trade forex, Tickmill is the stronger choice.
Tickmill vs eToro for stocks and ETFs
The core difference is ownership.
eToro allows eligible clients to invest in underlying stocks and ETFs, including fractional positions. Leveraged and short positions are generally handled as CFDs, and product treatment can vary by jurisdiction.
Tickmill's stock offering is more naturally positioned toward CFD traders.
If your objective is to buy shares in companies, accumulate ETFs and build a longer-term investment portfolio, choosing a platform designed around that activity makes more sense than selecting a forex-first broker simply because it also lists stock CFDs.
Stocks and ETFs winner: eToro.
Tickmill vs eToro for copy trading
eToro's CopyTrader allows users to select investors and automatically replicate their positions. The minimum allocation to copy one investor is currently $200, and eToro states that it does not charge an additional fee simply for using CopyTrader, although the normal costs associated with the copied investments still apply.
Tickmill Social Trading also allows followers to automatically copy Strategy Providers. Followers can use MT4 or MT5 accounts, apply risk settings and follow multiple strategies. Tickmill itself does not charge clients for Social Trading, but Strategy Providers can impose performance fees of up to 50% of profits.
That creates an interesting distinction competitors often miss.
eToro is better if you want social investing to be central to the entire platform experience.
Tickmill Social Trading is more interesting if you already want Tickmill's forex execution and MetaTrader infrastructure, then want copy trading layered on top.
Overall, eToro still wins this category because social and copy investing is one of its core products rather than an additional trading feature.
Which is better for beginners?
Its interface is closer to a modern consumer investment app than a traditional forex terminal. Users can search for an asset, choose an investment amount, follow other investors and manage different asset classes from one portfolio.
Every eToro account also includes a $100,000 virtual portfolio for practising without real capital.
Tickmill also offers demo accounts, but its strongest features become valuable once you know why you want things such as Raw spreads, MT5, Expert Advisors, TradingView execution or specific order types.
There is an important qualification, though.
A simpler interface does not make leveraged trading safer. CFDs can produce rapid losses, regardless of how easy the app is to use.
Which has the lower minimum deposit?
Tickmill's main Classic and Raw accounts currently show a starting deposit of 100, although supported currencies and conditions vary between regulatory entities.
eToro states that its first-time minimum deposit varies from $10 to $10,000 depending on country and local regulations.
That means eToro can have the lower barrier to entry in some countries, but quoting one universal eToro minimum deposit would be inaccurate.
Check the amount shown for your country before opening either account.
Is Tickmill or eToro safer?
Tickmill Group entities include firms regulated by authorities such as the UK's Financial Conduct Authority and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, alongside entities regulated in jurisdictions including Seychelles and South Africa.
eToro also operates through multiple regulated entities. eToro UK Ltd is authorised by the FCA, eToro Europe Ltd is regulated by CySEC, and other group entities are regulated in jurisdictions including Australia, the Middle East and Seychelles.
The important question is not simply "Is Tickmill regulated?" or "Is eToro regulated?"
The important question is:
Which regulated company will actually hold your account, and what protections apply to that entity in your country?
Client compensation schemes, leverage restrictions, asset availability and legal protections can all change with jurisdiction.
Who should choose Tickmill?
Choose Tickmill if:
- Forex or CFD trading is your main activity.
- Low spreads and explicit trading commissions matter.
- You want MT4 or MT5.
- You use Expert Advisors or automated trading.
- You want direct TradingView execution.
- You scalp, day trade or trade frequently.
- You prefer a conventional professional trading environment.
- You want social trading without giving up MetaTrader.
For that user, I would pick Tickmill over eToro.
Who should choose eToro?
Choose eToro if:
- You primarily invest rather than actively trade.
- You want stocks, ETFs and crypto in the same portfolio.
- You value fractional investing.
- CopyTrader is an important feature.
- You want to discover and follow other investors.
- You prefer a simpler web and mobile platform.
- You are building a diversified long-term portfolio.
- MT4 and MT5 are irrelevant to you.
For that user, eToro is the better product.
Tickmill vs eToro: final verdict
That is the useful answer to Tickmill vs eToro.
Tickmill's combination of Raw spreads, transparent forex commissions, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView and trading-focused infrastructure makes it the stronger broker for active forex and CFD traders.
eToro's much broader investment universe, underlying stocks and ETFs, fractional investing, crypto selection, CopyTrader and consumer-friendly interface make it the stronger option for people who want to invest across multiple asset classes.
Overall winner for active forex and CFD traders: Tickmill.
Overall winner for stocks, ETFs, crypto and social investing: eToro.
Do not choose between them based on which broker has the longer feature list. Choose based on what you will actually do after funding the account.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tickmill better than eToro?
Tickmill is better than eToro for active forex and CFD traders who value low Raw spreads, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView and automated trading. eToro is better for investors who want stocks, ETFs, crypto and an integrated social and copy-trading platform.
Is Tickmill cheaper than eToro?
Tickmill is generally more attractive for high-frequency forex and CFD trading because its Raw account starts from 0.0-pip spreads with a $3 commission per lot per side in the EU. eToro's costs depend more heavily on the asset being traded, with different pricing for stocks, ETFs, crypto and CFDs.
Is Tickmill or eToro better for copy trading?
eToro is the stronger overall choice for copy trading because CopyTrader and social investing are central to its platform. Tickmill also offers automated Social Trading through MT4 and MT5, which can make it a better fit for forex traders who want copy trading alongside a MetaTrader account.
Does Tickmill support TradingView?
Yes. Tickmill supports direct trading through TradingView when a compatible Tickmill trading account is connected.
Which broker has more investment options?
eToro has the broader investment selection. Its global platform offers thousands of stocks and ETFs alongside currencies, indices, commodities and more than 200 cryptoassets, although individual availability depends on country and regulation.
Broker features, fees and available instruments vary by country and regulatory entity and can change. Verify the terms applying to your account before depositing funds. CFDs and other leveraged products carry a high risk of loss.
Tickmill vs eToro, scored
- Safety & Regulation3.5vs4.5
- Commissions & Fees5.0vs2.0
- Trading Platforms4.0vs4.0
- Customer Support3.0vs3.0
The terms side by side
Founded
- Tickmill
- 2014
- eToro
- 2007
UK entity
- Tickmill
- Tickmill UK Ltd
- eToro
- eToro (UK) Ltd
EU entity
- Tickmill
- Tickmill Europe Ltd
- eToro
- eToro (Europe) Ltd
Offshore entity
- Tickmill
- Tickmill Ltd
- eToro
- Not published
EUR/USD, Raw
- Tickmill
- From 0.0 pips
- eToro
- Not published
All in, one lot
- Tickmill
- About $6
- eToro
- About $10
EUR/USD, Classic
- Tickmill
- About 1.6 pips
- eToro
- Not published
Minimum deposit
- Tickmill
- $100
- eToro
- Not published
Australian entity
- Tickmill
- Not published
- eToro
- eToro AUS Capital Limited
US entity
- Tickmill
- Not published
- eToro
- eToro USA LLC
EUR/USD spread
- Tickmill
- Not published
- eToro
- About 1 pip
Withdrawal fee
- Tickmill
- Not published
- eToro
- $5 on USD
| Term | Tickmill | eToro |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 | 2007 |
| UK entity | Tickmill UK Ltd | eToro (UK) Ltd |
| EU entity | Tickmill Europe Ltd | eToro (Europe) Ltd |
| Offshore entity | Tickmill Ltd | Not published |
| EUR/USD, Raw | From 0.0 pips | Not published |
| All in, one lot | About $6 | About $10 |
| EUR/USD, Classic | About 1.6 pips | Not published |
| Minimum deposit | $100 | Not published |
| Australian entity | Not published | eToro AUS Capital Limited |
| US entity | Not published | eToro USA LLC |
| EUR/USD spread | Not published | About 1 pip |
| Withdrawal fee | Not published | $5 on USD |