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TradeStation vs eToro 2025

StockBrokers.com

Written by StockBrokers.com

March 11, 2025

In this head to head comparison of TradeStation vs eToro, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

TradeStation
4/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.60
eToro
3.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $50.00
  • Stock Trades: $0.00
  • Options (Per Contract): $0.00

Range of investments

When comparing TradeStation and eToro, the choice largely comes down to the specific investment features you value the most. TradeStation tends to attract those looking for a comprehensive range of investment options, including stock and margin trading, as well as futures and options trading. Conversely, eToro shines in areas such as fractional shares and cryptocurrency trading, offering an asset range that appeals to investors seeking more unconventional investment opportunities.

TradeStation offers investors the ability to trade stocks, options, mutual funds, and futures, making it well-suited for those who appreciate traditional investment routes. With the added benefit of margin trading and access to OTC stocks, TradeStation has earned a strong rating of 4.5 stars for its range of investment options. It even supports retirement accounts like traditional and Roth IRAs, providing a broader spectrum of financial planning tools. However, one of its notable shortcomings is the lack of cryptocurrency trading, a growing trend in the investment world.

eToro, on the other hand, provides a different appeal with its focus on modern trading solutions. Unlike TradeStation, eToro supports fractional shares, which allows investors to purchase smaller portions of high-value stocks. Furthermore, eToro excels in cryptocurrency offerings, featuring 26 different coins available for trading. While it lacks traditional services such as futures trading, mutual funds, and retirement accounts, eToro still provides options trading alongside its crypto and stock offerings. For users primarily interested in diverse but newer asset classes, eToro’s 2.5-star rating in the range of investments is still worthy of consideration.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
eToro logoeToro
Stock Trading info Yes Yes
Margin Trading info Yes No
Fractional Shares info No Yes
OTC Stocks info Yes No
Mutual Funds info Yes No
Options Trading info Yes Yes
Futures Trading info Yes No
Crypto Trading info No Yes
Crypto Trading - Total Coins info 0 26
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2025

Trading platforms and tools

When choosing between TradeStation and eToro, it becomes apparent that TradeStation excels as a comprehensive trading platform, especially if you're seeking a feature-rich experience. With a solid 4.5-star rating, TradeStation ranks third out of 15 on StockBrokers.com for its trading platforms and tools. In contrast, eToro holds a 2.5-star rating and lands at the 12th position, indicating a more basic offering suited for casual traders or those new to the trading scene.

TradeStation stands out with its downloadable Windows desktop platform, robust browser-based trading capability, and comprehensive charting tools. Traders can benefit from 294 technical indicators and 23 drawing tools for in-depth analysis. Features like the ability to adjust open orders directly on charts, display historical trades, and show corporate events further enhance the trading experience. Additionally, TradeStation offers an incredible 341 fields for watch lists, allowing for thorough market tracking and analysis.

On the other hand, eToro provides a fully online experience with its browser-based platform, eliminating the need for downloads, which might appeal to some users. However, when it comes to charting and customizable features, eToro offers fewer options with 46 technical indicators, 48 drawing tools, and only seven watch list fields. Despite lacking in features like chart pattern recognition and the ability to adjust orders directly on a chart, eToro's simplicity can be ideal for beginners who prefer a more straightforward, social trading environment.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
eToro logoeToro
Web Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Trading Platform info Yes No
Desktop Platform (Mac) info No No
Paper Trading info Yes Yes
Watch Lists - Total Fields info 341 7
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 294 46
Charting - Drawing Tools info 23 48
Platforms & Tools 4.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Online Brokerage Accounts for 2025, Best Paper Trading Platforms for 2025

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Beginners and education

When comparing TradeStation and eToro for beginner and investor education, both brokers offer some features that cater to new investors, but there are notable differences. TradeStation supports stock and options education, making it a solid choice for those keen on exploring these investment areas. On the other hand, eToro focuses solely on stock education. Both platforms provide paper trading capabilities and educational videos, allowing users to practice and learn at their own pace. However, TradeStation takes an edge by offering webinars, a feature not available with eToro. Neither broker provides comprehensive support for ETF, mutual funds, or bonds education, nor do they offer educational quizzes or track learning progress for their users.

In terms of ratings, TradeStation edges slightly ahead with a 3-star rating for education, compared to eToro's 2.5 stars, reflecting its broader educational offerings. According to StockBrokers.com, TradeStation is ranked #14 among 15 brokers for education quality, just ahead of eToro, which ranks at #15. For beginners who prioritize stock and options education and the availability of webinars, TradeStation may present a slight advantage, whereas eToro might suit those focusing only on stocks and seeking a straightforward entry into the trading world. Both brokers have room for improvement in offering more comprehensive educational resources.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
eToro logoeToro
Education (Stocks) info Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) info No No
Education (Options) info Yes No
Education (Mutual Funds) info No No
Education (Bonds) info No No
Paper Trading info Yes Yes
Videos info Yes Yes
Webinars info Yes No
Education 3/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2025

Stock trading apps

When weighing TradeStation and eToro for stock trading app functionalities, both platforms offer unique strengths that cater to different trading preferences. TradeStation and eToro are evenly matched with a 4.5-star rating for their stock trading apps, yet TradeStation pulls ahead with a higher ranking by StockBrokers.com at eighth place, while eToro ranks eleventh. Both provide iPhone and Android apps, support after-hours trading, options trading, and deliver streaming quotes. However, eToro provides videos on demand and a wider array of technical studies, while TradeStation allows greater customization in watch list columns and supports multiple time frames for charting.

TradeStation is ideal for users who prioritize customization tools and the ability to craft their trading view. It allows the creation of custom watch lists and the adjustment of watch list columns, letting users tailor their experience finely. Despite not offering videos on demand, its app supports mobile after-hours trading, options trading, and lets traders tap into after-hours charting. Although it doesn't offer stock comparison on charts, TradeStation still provides a solid 45 technical studies in its mobile app, catering to users who appreciate depth in analysis tools.

eToro, however, stands out with a more extensive selection of 103 technical studies and the capability to display stock comparisons on charts, which may appeal to traders interested in comparative analysis. It also provides videos on demand, enriching the user experience with educational content. Despite lacking the feature to customize watch list columns, traders can still create custom watch lists, utilize stock alerts, and engage in after-hours charting and options trading. eToro balances its thorough technical analysis tools with user-friendly features that appeal to both novice and seasoned traders.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
eToro logoeToro
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple Watch App info No No
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - After-Hours info Yes Yes
Charting - Technical Studies info 45 103
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025

Fees

When comparing TradeStation and eToro based on account fees and charges, it's important to look at the different financial norms of both platforms. TradeStation has a slight edge for U.S. stock traders as it requires no minimum deposit, whereas eToro requires just $50. Both platforms compete closely when it comes to regular stock trades with a $0.00 fee, but there's a stark distinction in options contract fees – TradeStation charges $0.60 per contract, while eToro doesn't offer options trading at all. TradeStation also charges for margin balances, IRA annual and closure fees, and account transfers, areas where eToro has no fees mainly because such services aren't available.

TradeStation leads with no minimum initial deposit and offers a wide range of trading options, catering better to more experienced investors who may require features like margin trading or IRAs. On the other hand, eToro serves well for beginners or those interested in other financial markets, like cryptocurrencies, with its easy-to-navigate platform and social trading features. Both brokers come with commission-free trading for stocks, but TradeStation charges for every options contract and is more structured with varying fees, while eToro’s absence of options trading and margin facilities means these charges are irrelevant.

Although both platforms have their strong points, the key takeaway is TradeStation's appeal to more diversified and experienced U.S. traders who can take advantage of its complex offerings, even if it means paying more in fees. eToro is better suited for novice investors interested in social trading and willing to explore markets beyond traditional stocks. Your choice between the two ultimately depends on what kind of trading experience you're seeking and which platform’s fees align more with your trading needs.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
eToro logoeToro
Minimum Deposit info $0.00 $50.00
Stock Trades info $0.00 $0.00
Options (Per Contract) info $0.60 $0.00
Options Exercise Fee info $14.95 $0.00
Options Assignment Fee info $5.95 $0.00
IRA Annual Fee info $35.00
IRA Closure Fee info $50.00

Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2025

Day Trading

When it comes to day trading, TradeStation and eToro offer different features that cater to various trader preferences. For traders keen on deep market insights and control, TradeStation shines with features like direct market routing and ladder trading. These options provide traders with more precision and flexibility in executing trades. Additionally, TradeStation supports trading hotkeys for quick trade execution, level 2 quotes for better market depth, and both basic and advanced strategy backtesting, helping traders fine-tune their strategies effectively. The availability of a short locator tool is another advantage, offering real-time insights into shares available for shorting, combined with order liquidity rebates, enhancing the trading experience further.

On the other hand, eToro provides a more simplified approach to day trading. While it may not have the same extensive toolset as TradeStation, it does offer essential streaming time and sales data for stocks, which is crucial for monitoring market activity. However, absence of features like direct market routing, ladder trading, and trading hotkeys might make it less appealing to those who seek detailed market engagement. eToro lacks strategy backtesting tools and a short locator, which could limit traders looking for comprehensive trading analysis and strategies. In essence, TradeStation's platform is tailored for traders who require extensive tools and features, whereas eToro focuses on a more straightforward trading experience.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
eToro logoeToro
Streaming Time & Sales info Yes Yes
Streaming TV info No No
Direct Market Routing - Stocks info Yes No
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks info Yes No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting info Yes No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv info Yes No
Short Locator info Yes No

Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms for 2025

Market Research

In the realm of market research capabilities, TradeStation generally stands stronger compared to eToro. Both platforms offer stock and ETF research, but while TradeStation provides insights into Pink Sheets/OTCBB, eToro does not. Moreover, TradeStation allows users to see portfolio allocation by asset class, a feature not available on eToro. Conversely, eToro leverages social media sentiment data for stock research and offers ESG insights, areas where TradeStation falls short. Overall, when rated out of five stars for market research, TradeStation scores slightly better at two stars compared to eToro’s 1.5 stars. Furthermore, StockBrokers.com ranks TradeStation at #11 and eToro at #14 among 15 brokers, highlighting TradeStation's marginal edge in this arena.

When it comes to detailed downloadable PDF research reports for stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds, neither TradeStation nor eToro provide these resources. However, TradeStation distinguishes itself by offering a stock screener for trade ideas, whereas eToro does not provide this capability. Both platforms lack screeners for ETFs, mutual funds, and bonds, which might be a significant consideration for investors seeking comprehensive research tools.

Both TradeStation and eToro come with their unique offerings in market research. TradeStation might appeal more to users interested in diverse stock research and portfolio insights. Meanwhile, eToro caters to those interested in innovative approaches like social media sentiment analysis and ESG research. Depending on your investment strategy and research needs, each platform presents its own set of strengths and limitations.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
eToro logoeToro
Research - Stocks info Yes Yes
Screener - Stocks info Yes No
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Screener - ETFs info No No
Research - Mutual Funds info No No
Screener - Mutual Funds info No No
Research - Bonds info No No
Screener - Bonds info No No
Research 2/5 Stars 1.5/5 Stars

Banking

When considering the banking capabilities of online brokers TradeStation and eToro, it's important to note that both platforms do not provide traditional banking services. Neither TradeStation nor eToro offers checking or savings accounts to their users, and options like debit or credit cards are also unavailable. Furthermore, users seeking mortgage loans will find that these are not offered by either broker. Additionally, common banking products such as Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are not part of their service lineup. Both TradeStation and eToro focus on investment-related services rather than traditional banking products, making them similar when it comes to strictly financial banking capabilities.

Feature TradeStation logoTradeStation
eToro logoeToro
Checking Accounts info No No
Savings Accounts info No No
Debit Cards info No No
Credit Cards info No No
Mortgage Loans info No No
CDs info No No

Dive deeper: Best Bank Accounts for Trading Stocks for 2025

Winner

After opening live accounts and testing 15 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that TradeStation is better than eToro. TradeStation finished with an overall score of 80.2%, while eToro finished with a score of 66.1%.

TradeStation supports casual traders through its web-based platform and active traders through its desktop platform. We like the web-based platform and mobile app, but the flagship desktop platform could use a refresh.

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with TradeStation or eToro?

While TradeStation does not offer crypto trading options, eToro provides access to the cryptocurrency market with 26 different coins available for trading.

Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2025

Does TradeStation or eToro offer IRAs?

In comparing online brokers, TradeStation distinguishes itself by offering both traditional and Roth IRA accounts, with an annual fee of $35.00 and a $50.00 closure fee, whereas eToro does not provide IRA options, making TradeStation the favorable choice for individuals seeking retirement account offerings.

Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2025

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Compare

0 of 5
Overall Rating TradeStation eToro
Overall 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 4.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Research 2/5 Stars 1.5/5 Stars
Customer Service 3.5/5 Stars N/A
Education 3/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Ease Of Use 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review TradeStation Review eToro Review
Broker Screenshots TradeStation eToro
Trading Platform & Tools Gallery (click to expand)
Research Gallery (click to expand)
Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand)
Education Gallery (click to expand)
Trading Fees TradeStation eToro
Minimum Deposit info $0.00 $50.00
Stock Trades info $0.00 $0.00
Penny Stock Fees (OTC) info $0.01 info N/A
Mutual Fund Trade Fee info $14.95 N/A
Options (Per Contract) info $0.60 $0.00
Futures (Per Contract) info $1.50 (Not offered)
Broker Assisted Trade Fee info $25 $0
Margin Rates TradeStation eToro
Margin Rate Under $25,000 info 13.0% Not offered
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 info 13.0% Not offered
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 info 12.5% Not offered
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 info 12.0% Not offered
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 info 12.0% Not offered
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 info 7.5% info Not offered
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 info 7.5% info Not offered
Account Fees TradeStation eToro
IRA Annual Fee info $35.00
IRA Closure Fee info $50.00
Account Transfer Out (Partial) info $125.00 $75.00
Account Transfer Out (Full) info $125.00 $75.00
Options Exercise Fee info $14.95 $0.00
Options Assignment Fee info $5.95 $0.00
Investment Options TradeStation eToro
Stock Trading info Yes Yes
Margin Trading info Yes No
Fractional Shares info No Yes
OTC Stocks info Yes No
Options Trading info Yes Yes
Complex Options Max Legs info 4 0
Futures Trading info Yes No
Forex Trading info No No
Crypto Trading info No Yes
Crypto Trading - Total Coins info 0 26
Mutual Funds (No Load) info 800 0
Mutual Funds (Total) info 4000 0
Bonds (US Treasury) info Yes No
Bonds (Corporate) info Yes No
Bonds (Municipal) info Yes No
Traditional IRAs info Yes No
Roth IRAs info Yes No
Advisor Services info No No
International Countries (Stocks) info 0 0
Order Types TradeStation eToro
Order Type - Market info Yes Yes
Order Type - Limit info Yes No
Order Type - After Hours info Yes No
Order Type - Stop info Yes Yes
Order Type - Trailing Stop info Yes Yes
Order Type - OCO info Yes No
Order Type - OTO info Yes No
Order Type - Broker Assisted info Yes No
Beginners TradeStation eToro
Education (Stocks) info Yes Yes
Education (ETFs) info No No
Education (Options) info Yes No
Education (Mutual Funds) info No No
Education (Bonds) info No No
Education (Retirement) info No No
Retirement Calculator info No No
Investor Dictionary info No No
Paper Trading info Yes Yes
Videos info Yes Yes
Webinars info Yes No
Webinars (Archived) info Yes No
Progress Tracking info No No
Interactive Learning - Quizzes info No No
Stock Trading Apps TradeStation eToro
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple Watch App info No No
Trading - Stocks info Yes Yes
Trading - After-Hours info Yes No
Trading - Simple Options info Yes Yes
Trading - Complex Options info Yes No
Order Ticket RT Quotes info Yes Yes
Order Ticket SRT Quotes info Yes Yes
Stock App Features TradeStation eToro
Market Movers (Top Gainers) info Yes Yes
Stream Live TV info No No
Videos on Demand info No Yes
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Option Chains Viewable info Yes Yes
Watch List (Real-time) info Yes Yes
Watch List (Streaming) info Yes Yes
Watch Lists - Create & Manage info Yes Yes
Watch Lists - Column Customization info Yes No
Stock App Charting TradeStation eToro
Charting - After-Hours info Yes Yes
Charting - Can Turn Horizontally info No No
Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes Yes
Charting - Technical Studies info 45 103
Charting - Study Customizations info Yes Yes
Charting - Stock Comparisons info No Yes
Trading Platforms TradeStation eToro
Active Trading Platform info TradeStation 10 N/A
Desktop Trading Platform info Yes No
Desktop Platform (Mac) info No No
Web Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Paper Trading info Yes Yes
Trade Journal info No No
Watch Lists - Total Fields info 341 7
Stock Chart Features TradeStation eToro
Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart info Yes No
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 294 46
Charting - Drawing Tools info 23 48
Charting - Notes info Yes Yes
Charting - Index Overlays info Yes Yes
Charting - Historical Trades info Yes No
Charting - Corporate Events info Yes No
Charting - Custom Date Range info Yes No
Charting - Custom Time Bars info Yes No
Charting - Automated Analysis info Yes No
Charting - Save Profiles info Yes Yes
Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis info Yes Yes
Charting - Study Customizations info 12 5
Charting - Custom Studies info Yes No
Day Trading TradeStation eToro
Streaming Time & Sales info Yes Yes
Streaming TV info No No
Direct Market Routing - Stocks info Yes No
Ladder Trading info Yes No
Trade Hotkeys info Yes No
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks info Yes No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting info Yes No
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv info Yes No
Short Locator info Yes No
Order Liquidity Rebates info Yes No
Research Overview TradeStation eToro
Research - Stocks info Yes Yes
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Mutual Funds info No No
Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB info Yes No
Research - Bonds info No No
Screener - Stocks info Yes No
Screener - ETFs info No No
Screener - Mutual Funds info No No
Screener - Bonds info No No
Misc - Portfolio Allocation info Yes No
Stock Research TradeStation eToro
Stock Research - PDF Reports info 0 0
Stock Research - Earnings info No Yes
Stock Research - Insiders info No Yes
Stock Research - Social info No Yes
Stock Research - News info Yes Yes
Stock Research - ESG info No Yes
Stock Research - SEC Filings info No Yes
ETF Research TradeStation eToro
ETFs - Strategy Overview info No Yes
ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date info No No
ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio info No No
ETF Fund Facts - Net Assets info No No
ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings info No No
ETFs - Top 10 Holdings info No No
ETFs - Sector Exposure info No No
ETFs - Risk Analysis info No No
ETFs - Ratings info No Yes
ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap info No No
ETFs - PDF Reports info No No
Mutual Fund Research TradeStation eToro
Mutual Funds - Strategy Overview info No No
Mutual Funds - Performance Chart info No No
Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis info No No
Mutual Funds - Prospectus info No No
Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings info Yes No
Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown info No No
Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings info No No
Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation info No No
Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation info No No
Mutual Funds - Country Allocation info No No
Mutual Funds - StyleMap info No No
Options Trading TradeStation eToro
Option Chains - Basic View info Yes Yes
Option Chains - Strategy View info Yes No
Option Chains - Streaming info Yes No
Option Chains - Total Columns info 29 0
Option Chains - Greeks info 5 4
Option Chains - Quick Analysis info Yes Yes
Option Analysis - P&L Charts info Yes No
Option Probability Analysis info Yes No
Option Probability Analysis Adv info Yes No
Option Positions - Greeks info Yes No
Option Positions - Greeks Streaming info Yes No
Option Positions - Adv Analysis info Yes No
Option Positions - Rolling info Yes No
Option Positions - Grouping info Yes No
Banking TradeStation eToro
Bank (Member FDIC) info No No
Checking Accounts info No No
Savings Accounts info No No
Credit Cards info No No
Debit Cards info No No
Mortgage Loans info No No
Customer Service TradeStation eToro
Phone Support (Prospect Customers) info Yes No
Phone Support (Current Customers) info Yes No
Email Support info Yes Yes
Live Chat (Prospect Customers) info Yes Yes
Live Chat (Current Customers) info Yes Yes
24/7 Support info No No
Overall TradeStation eToro
Overall 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 4.5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading Apps 4.5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Research 2/5 Stars 1.5/5 Stars
Education 3/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Ease Of Use 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Winner check_circle
Review TradeStation Review eToro Review
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