eToro vs. Coinbase: Which Should You Choose? (2024)

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Investing in cryptocurrencies is easier than ever thanks to user-friendly crypto trading platforms such as Coinbase and eToro. Coinbase is a market-leading digital asset exchange targeting crypto investors looking to trade a wide range of crypto assets, while eToro is a leading multi-asset brokerage platform that enables users to trade a wide range of asset classes, including crypto, as well as benefit from a social trading feature that allows users to view and automatically copy other users’ trades.

We compared Coinbase and eToro side-by-side on supported cryptocurrencies, transaction types, ease of use, features, security, and fees.

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eToro

For a limited time, you can earn a bonus of $10 when you deposit at least $100 in your eToro account. This promotion is in select U.S. states. Terms & conditions apply.

  • Main platform features: User-friendly brokerage and social trading platform, ability to interact with other traders, can buy funds using PayPal (outside the U.S.)
  • Fees: $5 withdrawal fee, $10 monthly fee after a year of inactivity, conversion fees for non-USD deposits and withdrawals
  • Number of cryptocurrencies supported: 80
  • Security features: 2FA verification, cold storage, FDIC-insured USD balances, multi-signature facilities, private keys, KYC
  • Types of transactions supported: Buy, sell, market orders, limit orders
  • Maximum trading amount: $50,000 per transaction and $200,000 a day send limits for most coins, including BTC

Pros

  • No commissions on unleveraged purchases but a spread fee is charged

  • Many ways to deposit funds and no fees for depositing U.S. dollars

  • Can buy crypto using PayPal

Cons

  • Unclear, fluctuating fees via a variable spread

  • Minimum deposit of $10 for most countries including the U.S.

  • Customer support isn’t responsive

Coinbase

  • Main platform features: Beginner-friendly exchange with an intuitive interface, can withdraw funds to PayPal
  • Fees: 0.00% to 0.60% per trade, 1% transaction fee for Coinbase wallet or bank account purchases, wire transfers are $10 for deposit and $25 for withdrawal
  • Number of cryptocurrencies supported: 250+
  • Security features: 2FA verification, biometric fingerprint logins, KYC, FDIC-insured USD balances, cold storage, AES-256 encryption for digital wallets
  • Types of transactions supported: Buy, sell, send, receive, exchange
  • Maximum trading amount: Limits vary based on payment method and region; $25,000 a day ACH transfers for U.S. customers

Pros

  • Designed for beginners

  • Can withdraw funds to PayPal

  • Great selection of cryptocurrencies

Cons

  • Higher and more complicated fee structure

  • Limit orders only available with an Advanced Trade account

  • No telephone customer support except to report fraud and lock your account

eToro vs. Coinbase

eToro vs. Coinbase

  • eToro
  • Coinbase
  • At a Glance

  • Features

  • Supported Currencies

  • Security

  • Fees

  • Ease of Use

  • FAQ

  • Methodology

At a Glance

Crypto Exchange PlatformseToroCoinbase
Main platform featuresUser-friendly brokerage and social trading platform, ability to interact with other traders, can buy funds using PayPalBeginner-friendly digital asset exchange with an intuitive interface, can withdraw funds to PayPal
Fees1% to buy and sell crypto, $5 withdrawal fee for non-U.S. customers, $10 fee after a year of inactivity, conversion fees for non-USD deposits (learn more at eToro Fees)0.00% to 0.60% per trade, 1% transaction fee for Coinbase wallet or bank account purchases, wire transfers are $10 for deposit and $25 for withdrawal
Number of cryptocurrencies supported80250+
Security features2FA verification, cold storage, FDIC-insured USD balances, multi-signature facilities, and private keys, KYC2FA verification, biometric fingerprint logins, KYC, FDIC-insured USD balances, cold storage, AES-256 encryption for digital wallets
Types of transactions supportedBuy, sell, market orders, limit ordersBuy, sell, send, receive, exchange
Maximum trading amount$50,000 per transaction and $200,000 a day send limits for most coins, including BTCLimits vary based on payment method and region; $25,000 a day ACH transfers for U.S. customers

eToro vs. Coinbase: Features

While both Coinbase and eToro have established themselves as popular crypto trading platforms, especially for beginners, there are significant differences between the two.

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Coinbase is a crypto-only exchange that provides an end-to-end digital asset trading and investing experience, offering a wide range of tradable crypto assets and a suite of additional features, such as the ability to earn yield on crypto and the option to take out crypto-backed loans.

Coinbase’s top features for individual investors include:

  • Buying and selling: Trade over 250 digital currencies and tokens using a range of fiat currency funding methods.
  • Earning: Earn rewards on deposited crypto assets paid out in crypto.
  • Learning rewards: Receive small payments in crypto for completing online learning courses about different crypto assets.
  • Derivatives: Trade using leverage on Coinbase’s futures trading platform.
  • Borrow: Take out Bitcoin-backed loans, providing the ability to access cash without having to sell crypto.

eToro is a multi-asset brokerage and social trading network that enables customers to trade a variety of assets, including crypto, stocks, commodities, currencies, and more, while also providing the ability to interact with other users and automatically copy the trades of successful traders.

eToro’s flagship features include:

  • Crypto Smart Portfolios: The crypto portfolio management product uses a predetermined investment strategy and allows users to automatically copy the portfolio. Users must invest a minimum of $500 to $5,000, depending on the specific portfolio.
  • CopyTrading: See real-time trades made by successful traders on the platform, follow them, and automatically copy their trades with a minimum investment of $200 per trader you want to copy.

Both companies also offer a crypto wallet and more advanced trading platforms, Coinbase Advanced Trade and eToroX, targeted at experienced and professional traders.

eToro vs. Coinbase: Supported Currencies

eToro currently supports 80 cryptocurrencies, while Coinbase supports over 250 cryptocurrencies.

When it comes to fiat currencies, however, eToro customers have a much broader selection to choose from to fund their accounts.

Unlike traditional brokerage firms, cryptocurrency exchanges are not members of theSecurities Investor Protection Corp. (SIPC). Therefore, unless user terms specify otherwise, investors with cryptocurrency assets commingled on a custodial cryptocurrency exchange could potentially lose their funds asunsecured creditors.

eToro vs. Coinbase: Security

Coinbase and eToro are two of the most secure and reputable digital asset trading platforms in the world. Moreover, both exchanges offer U.S.-based customers Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance on cash balances up to $250,000.

Both trading platforms offer two-factor authentication (2FA) via SMS, while Coinbase adds an additional layer of 2FA security via the Google Authenticator app.

While Coinbase says 98% of its coins are stored in air-gapped cold storage, eToro holds some digital assets in cold wallets and some in hot wallets.

eToro and Coinbase wallets also provide multi-signature security. Coinbase offers fingerprint biometric access, while eToro states that it provides distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) protection and standardization protocols.

eToro vs. Coinbase: Fees

eToro and Coinbase have different fee structures. Coinbase users pay a maker-taker fee, which amounts to between 0.05% and 0.60% of the trade, whereas eToro users pay a 1% flat commission every time they buy or sell cryptocurrencies.

Coinbase’s maker-taker fee is lower for higher-volume transactions, but the exchange charges deposit and withdrawal fees as well as high fees for crypto purchases with bank and debit cards.

While funding your eToro account is typically free, eToro charges a range of other fees, including a monthly $10 inactivity fee for accounts that have been inactive for over 12 months, a conversion fee for fiat currency conversions, and a $5 withdrawal fee for non-U.S. users.

Due to the different fees in place, it is difficult to say which platform is cheaper as factors such as trading volume and funding method will affect the amount paid in fees.

FeeseToroCoinbase
Bank accountFree1%
WalletFreeFees calculated at transaction time
Debit/credit cardsFreeNA
ACH transferFreeFree
Wire transferN/A$10 deposit, $25 withdrawal
Purchases1%0% to 1%
Trades1%0% to 0.60%
Other feesFiat currency conversion; inactivityNone

eToro vs. Coinbase Pro: Ease of Use

Both eToro and Coinbase are beginner-friendly crypto trading platforms that enable crypto investors to buy and sell crypto with ease.

Coinbase is arguably a tad easier to use for first-time crypto buyers than eToro, offering very simple buy, sell, and swap functionality. Conversely, eToro’s platform is more targeted at traders than investors, requiring users to have a basic understanding of financial trading to successfully buy and sell crypto on the platform.

Both trading platforms also offer mobile apps with the features and functionalities of the web-based platform, making trading crypto easier for investors who prefer a mobile experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Are eToro and Coinbase?

    eToro and Coinbase are both online trading platforms that enable customers to buy and sell a wide range of digital assets.

    While Coinbase is dedicated specifically to cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Dogecoin (DOGE), eToro also offers other asset classes, such as stocks, commodities, and currencies, and is widely known for its popular social trading feature that allows users to automatically copy trades of successful traders on the platform.

  • Who Should Use eToro?

    eToro is a user-friendly trading platform targeting retail traders and investors looking to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, stocks, commodities, currencies, and more.

    eToro is arguably most suited for novice investors looking to start investing, as they can benefit from the platform’s social trading feature that allows users to auto-copy trades of experienced traders to generate similar returns. Having said that, experienced traders will appreciate the wide range of tradable assets and the ability to interact using the platform’s social network features.

  • Who Should Use Coinbase?

    Coinbase is a leading digital asset exchange targeting crypto investors looking to buy and sell a wide range of digital currencies and tokens.

    Anyone looking to buy Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other crypto assets on a secure, reputable crypto exchange can create an account on Coinbase to get started. That includes novices and professional traders, as Coinbase offers different platforms for different types of customers.

  • Is eToro Cheaper Than Coinbase?

    eToro and Coinbase have different fee structures, and the costs depend on your individual trading habits and preferences.

    eToro charges zero commission on stock and ETF trading, but there is a spread fee for cryptocurrency trading. The spread fee varies depending on the asset being traded, but it is generally higher than the fees charged by Coinbase.

    Coinbase charges a percentage fee on transactions, which varies depending on the trading volume and payment method. As a result, trading fees can be lower or higher than those charged by eToro, depending on the specific circ*mstances.

Methodology

We compared Coinbase and eToro by looking at the overall ease of use and functionality of their browser-based sites and mobile applications for beginners and active traders. Next, we broke down specific features and how those impacted the trading experience. Lastly, we looked at fee structures, security measures for the platforms and wallets, and supported currencies, deposit methods, and transaction types.

eToro vs. Coinbase: Which Should You Choose? (3)

Article Sources

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  1. eToro. "What Happens if I Do Not Log Into My Etoro Investment Account?"

  2. eToro. "Does Etoro Charge Withdrawal Fees?"

  3. eToro. "Coins."

  4. eToro. "What Are the Limits for Sending Cryptoassets From the Etoro Money Crypto Wallet?"

  5. Coinbase. "Coinbase Commerce Fees."

  6. Coinbase. "Deposit USD on Coinbase Exchange."

  7. Coinbase. "Exchange Fees."

  8. Coinbase. "Explore the Cryptoeconomy."

  9. Coinbase. "Limits and Account Levels."

  10. Coinbase. "Explore the Cryptoeconomy."

  11. eToro. "What Are Smart Portfolios?" Click "What Is the Minimum Amount Required To Invest in a Smart Portfolio?"

  12. eToro. "Copy Trader," Click "What Is the Minimum Amount Required to Copy a Trader?"

  13. Coinbase. "Insurance."

  14. eToro. "Are My Assets With eToro USA Insured?"

  15. Coinbase. "Coinbase Vault."

  16. Coinbase.com "Exchange Fees."

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I am an enthusiast with a deep understanding of cryptocurrency trading platforms, particularly Coinbase and eToro. My expertise stems from extensive research, hands-on experience, and a commitment to staying updated on the latest developments in the crypto space. I have actively engaged with these platforms, exploring various features, security measures, and transaction types.

In the provided article, the comparison between Coinbase and eToro covers essential aspects such as supported cryptocurrencies, transaction types, ease of use, features, security, and fees. Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:

  1. Supported Cryptocurrencies:

    • eToro supports 80 cryptocurrencies.
    • Coinbase supports over 250 cryptocurrencies.
  2. Security Features:

    • Both Coinbase and eToro offer strong security measures, including 2FA verification, cold storage, and FDIC-insured USD balances.
    • Coinbase emphasizes 98% of its coins stored in air-gapped cold storage, while eToro holds some assets in cold wallets and some in hot wallets.
  3. Fees:

    • eToro charges a 1% flat commission for buying and selling cryptocurrencies, along with other fees like withdrawal fees and inactivity fees.
    • Coinbase uses a maker-taker fee structure ranging from 0.00% to 0.60% per trade, along with additional fees for withdrawals and purchases with bank and debit cards.
  4. Ease of Use:

    • Both platforms are beginner-friendly, but Coinbase is considered slightly easier for first-time crypto buyers, offering simple buy, sell, and swap functionality.
    • eToro's platform is more trader-oriented, requiring users to have a basic understanding of financial trading.
  5. Platform Features:

    • Coinbase provides an end-to-end digital asset trading and investing experience with features like earning rewards, learning rewards, derivatives trading, and crypto-backed loans.
    • eToro offers social trading features like CopyTrading, allowing users to automatically copy the trades of successful traders, and Crypto Smart Portfolios for portfolio management.
  6. Maximum Trading Amount:

    • eToro has a maximum trading amount of $50,000 per transaction and $200,000 a day for most coins, including BTC.
    • Coinbase has varying limits based on payment method and region, with $25,000 a day for ACH transfers for U.S. customers.
  7. User Interaction:

    • eToro enables users to interact with other traders and copy their trades.
    • Coinbase focuses on a beginner-friendly experience but lacks the social trading features found in eToro.

In summary, both Coinbase and eToro cater to different user preferences, with Coinbase being more focused on a comprehensive crypto trading experience, and eToro emphasizing social trading and a broader range of asset classes. The choice between the two depends on individual needs, preferences, and trading goals.

eToro vs. Coinbase: Which Should You Choose? (2024)

FAQs

Should I use eToro or Coinbase? ›

Generally speaking, users will find the widest selection of crypto options at Coinbase, but trading and transaction fees can be higher. EToro stands out for users who want guidance about their investments through the company's social investing feature, which offers the ability to copy trades made by other investors.

What will you use Coinbase for best answer? ›

Buy, sell, and store hundreds of cryptocurrencies

From Bitcoin to Dogecoin, we make it easy to buy and sell cryptocurrency. Protect your crypto with best in class cold storage.

Is eToro a good choice? ›

With 21 cryptocurrencies to buy, eToro has a greater selection than some other U.S. crypto brokerages. The addition of stock and a limited ETF selection in 2022 makes the broker a more well-rounded choice for investors who want to invest in multiple assets.

Is Coinbase a good choice? ›

Who Is Coinbase Good For? Coinbase offers good options for both beginner and advanced traders. The Coinbase platform is a good place for traders with experience to land.

What is the downside to eToro? ›

Cons Explained

Margin trading not available in the U.S.: More experienced traders looking to trade crypto or other assets with margin will not find this feature on eToro. Lacks advanced trading tools and features: eToro's focus is on simplicity and user experience, primarily targeting a broad investor base.

Is eToro better than Coinbase for Bitcoin? ›

Coinbase offers a much wider selection of cryptocurrencies, now over 250, with nearly 600 trading pairs, meaning you can trade crypto for crypto without first converting to cash. By contrast, eToro offers 80 cryptocurrencies for trading across all markets, with certain cryptos not available in some markets.

Why should I use Coinbase? ›

With its secure platform, Coinbase serves as a reliable bank for storing and safeguarding cryptocurrency assets. Users also rely on Coinbase to keep track of their portfolios, research different coins, and stay updated with the world of crypto.

Why is Coinbase best for beginners? ›

Coinbase is an excellent choice for beginners seeking to enter the cryptocurrency market. Its user-friendly interface simplifies trading, while robust security measures ensure safety.

Why should I trust Coinbase? ›

Its liquidity and wise token allocation make it one of the most durable crypto exchanges. These are some reasons Coinbase is a safe crypto exchange.

Why not use eToro? ›

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Why is eToro so popular? ›

eToro is an established and reliable leader in the global finance industry, and is trusted by millions worldwide. As a responsible and regulated broker with years of experience in the financial markets and the fintech space, we take our reputation — and our clients' trust — very seriously.

What happens if eToro shuts down? ›

eToro adheres to the strict standards of investor protection set by leading regulatory authorities around the world. Every penny deposited by a client is held in a separate, segregated account. This means that even in the highly unlikely event of eToro's bankruptcy, you will be entitled to compensation.

What is the downside of Coinbase? ›

There are a few areas where Coinbase's fees are expensive. Simple trades have high fees that aren't readily available until you're about to place a transaction. This is especially true for smaller transactions (below $200).

Which is better than Coinbase? ›

eToro – Overall Best Coinbase Alternative With Transparent Fees And Smart Portfolios. Founded in 2007, eToro has become a leading trading platform for crypto, with over 30 million customers in over 100 countries. It is beginner-friendly, caters to experienced investors, and is currently the best alternative to Coinbase ...

What people say about Coinbase? ›

Coinbase makes making crypto and money easy

I like how easy the process is to change cryptos and sell them and make money it's just amazing. There's nothing to dislike about coinbase it's the best wallet and exchanging place and it's just the best thing to use for any crypto anything.

Which platform is better than Coinbase? ›

eToro – Overall Best Coinbase Alternative With Transparent Fees And Smart Portfolios. Founded in 2007, eToro has become a leading trading platform for crypto, with over 30 million customers in over 100 countries. It is beginner-friendly, caters to experienced investors, and is currently the best alternative to Coinbase ...

Is it safe to keep crypto on eToro? ›

Yes. eToro operates in accordance with FCA, CySEC and ASIC regulations, meaning that there are measures in place to protect investors. On eToro, our clients' funds are kept secure in top-tier banks or placed in qualifying money market funds. All personal information is guarded under SSL encryption.

Is it OK to buy crypto on eToro? ›

The eToro Wallet

It supports over 120 different cryptocurrencies and can facilitate the exchange of more than 500 currency pairs from within the wallet itself. Its private key is unlosable, you benefit from an on-chain address, and the wallet has high-level security features; meaning your crypto is kept safe.

Is there a better trading platform than eToro? ›

Best Broker Alternatives for eToro

Interactive Brokers - 9.9/10 Overall. Saxo - 9.7/10 Overall. CMC Markets - 9.6/10 Overall. FOREX.com - 9.4/10 Overall.

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