eToro vs MetaTrader 5
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
eToro combines a brokerage with a social network, allowing users to trade stocks, cryptocurrencies, ETFs and CFDs while seeing and copying the strategies of successful investors. Its intuitive web interface and mobile apps make it easy for beginners to start investing and for experienced traders to manage diversified portfolios. The platform offers a built‑in news feed, real‑time market data, and risk‑management tools, plus a community where traders can discuss ideas and follow each other’s moves. eToro’s copy‑trading feature lets users automatically replicate the trades of top performers, turning social insights into actionable investments.
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is a trading terminal developed by MetaQuotes and distributed free of charge through brokers that support it. It provides charting, technical and fundamental analysis tools, and order execution for forex, stocks, futures, and other instruments offered by the connecting broker. MT5 supports algorithmic trading through its MQL5 programming language, letting users build custom indicators, scripts, and automated Expert Advisor trading robots, plus a built-in strategy tester for backtesting. A Signals feature lets users subscribe to copy other traders' positions, and the platform is available as a desktop terminal, web terminal, and mobile app.
- Easy copy‑trading for beginners
- Wide range of tradable assets
- Zero‑commission stocks and ETFs
- Integrated social community
- Free to download and use through any broker that supports MetaTrader 5
- Deep automation support via MQL5 for building and backtesting trading robots
- Wide broker support makes it usable for forex, futures, and stock accounts depending on region
- Available on desktop, web, and mobile with synced accounts
- Higher spreads on some assets
- Limited advanced charting tools
- Withdrawal fees may apply
- Requires a broker account to actually place live trades; the terminal alone doesn't execute orders
- Interface and setup are less beginner-friendly than simpler mobile-first trading apps
- Feature availability (instruments, leverage, signals) varies significantly by which broker supplies the connection
More alternatives & similar tools
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Free multi-asset trading platform for forex, stocks, and futures with automated trading support.
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Futures trading platform and brokerage with advanced charting and strategy automation.
Charting, screening, and social platform for tracking stocks, crypto, forex, and futures.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataeToro offers a ready‑to‑trade social platform with zero‑commission stocks, while MetaTrader 5 is a free, broker‑agnostic terminal focused on automation and multi‑asset depth.
Key differences
- •eToro includes built‑in copy‑trading and social feed; MT5 requires external signals and a broker account.
- •MT5 provides a programmable MQL5 language and strategy tester for automated robots; eToro has no API or coding support.
- •Pricing: eToro is freemium with possible withdrawal fees; MT5 is completely free but needs a broker to trade.
- •Asset coverage: eToro lists stocks, ETFs, crypto, commodities in one UI; MT5’s available instruments depend on the chosen broker.
- •Support: eToro offers direct email/live‑chat; MT5 relies on broker support and community forums.
Pricing & value
eToro is freemium with zero‑commission stocks/ETFs; MT5 is free but requires a broker account to trade.
Ease of use / learning curve
eToro’s UI is designed for beginners with one‑click copy‑trading; MT5’s advanced scripting and broker setup are more complex.
Features & depth
MT5 offers MQL5 coding, strategy tester, depth of market, and multi‑asset broker flexibility; eToro lacks API and advanced charting.
Integrations & ecosystem
MT5 integrates with any supporting broker and MQL5 Market add‑ons; eToro only lists PayPal, Visa, MasterCard.
Collaboration
eToro includes a social feed and copy‑trading community; MT5’s copy‑trading is via external Signals service.
Support
eToro provides direct email and live‑chat; MT5 relies on broker‑provided support and community forums.
Security & privacy
Both are closed‑source platforms with no public API; security details not specified.
Choose eToro if…
Retail investors who want simple social copy‑trading and zero‑commission stocks without coding.
Choose MetaTrader 5 if…
Traders needing algorithmic automation, deep market tools, and broker flexibility.
Common questions
Can I start trading without opening a broker account?
With eToro you can trade directly on the platform; MT5 requires a separate broker account to place live trades.
Does either platform support automated trading scripts?
Only MetaTrader 5 offers MQL5 scripting and a built‑in strategy tester; eToro has no API or scripting capability.
Are there any hidden costs?
eToro may charge withdrawal fees and has higher spreads on some assets; MT5 itself is free but broker fees apply.