Is CEX.IO better than eToro?

CEX.IO scores 6.9/10 and eToro scores 7.7/10 on our aggregated metric. The best choice depends on your trading style, fee sensitivity, and which features matter most to you. See our full comparison above.

Which is cheaper, CEX.IO or eToro?

Fee structures vary significantly between exchanges and depend on trading volume and payment method. We recommend checking each exchange's current fee schedule directly, as rates change regularly.

Are both CEX.IO and eToro available in the UK?

Both CEX.IO and eToro accept UK users. Always verify current FCA registration status and supported features on each exchange's website before signing up.

Which is better for beginners, CEX.IO or eToro?

Both exchanges offer user-friendly interfaces for newcomers. Check the "Who Should Choose Which?" section above for guidance on which platform suits your experience level and goals.

CEX.IO vs eToro: UK Comparison 2026

Written by Dr Matthew Rogers· Managing DirectorLast updated: 23 Sept 2026

CEX.IO

6.9/10

Aggregated Score

eToro

7.7/10

Aggregated Score

Last updated: 23 Sept 2026

Comparing CEX.IO and eToro for UK traders in 2026. We break down fees, security, app scores, and user sentiment to help you choose the right exchange.

Our Pick

eToro

Winner

eToro edges ahead with a higher aggregated score (7.7 vs 6.9), making it our recommended pick for most UK traders. That said, both are reputable platforms. The right choice depends on your specific needs.

Visit CEX.IO Visit eToro

At-a-Glance Comparison

Metric	CEX.IO	eToro
Our Score	6.9 / 10	7.7 / 10
Trustpilot Score	6.0	8.4
Reddit Sentiment	5.5	5.5
App Store Score	9.0	8.4
Google Play Score	8.2	8.4
Best For	UK users wanting competitive fees with easy fiat onboarding	Beginners who want to learn by copying experienced traders

Feature Breakdown

CEX.IO

Highlights

Competitive Fees: Maker/taker fees from 0.15% maker / 0.25% taker, among the lowest available for UK users.
Long Track Record: Operating since 2013 with no major security breaches and over a decade of reliability.
Easy Fiat Onboarding: Supports card payments, bank transfers, and GBP Faster Payments for quick deposits.
190+ Digital Assets: Solid selection of cryptocurrencies covering major tokens and popular altcoins.
UK-Focused: 69% of European user base is from the UK, meaning the platform is optimised for British users.

UK Considerations

FCA Registered Since March 2026: CEX.IO Markets UK Ltd (FRN 1007192) joined the FCA cryptoasset register in March 2026; before that it served UK users via an FCA-authorised promotions approver.
Limited Advanced Features: Fewer trading tools than Kraken Pro or OKX for experienced traders.
Card Deposit Fees: While bank transfers are reasonable, card deposits carry additional fees that increase costs.
Smaller User Base: Less liquidity than major exchanges like Coinbase or Kraken on some trading pairs.
App Can Be Glitchy: Some UK users report occasional stability issues with the mobile application.

eToro

Highlights

CopyTrader: Automatically copy the trades of top-performing investors with one click.
Multi-Asset Platform: Trade 100+ cryptocurrencies alongside stocks, ETFs, and commodities in one account.
FCA Authorised: Fully authorised by the FCA (eToro UK Ltd, FRN 583263) with FSCS protection for non-crypto assets.
Social Trading: Community features including discussion feeds, sentiment analysis, and shared portfolios.
Publicly Traded: Listed on NASDAQ (ETOR) since 2025, adding transparency and institutional accountability.

UK Considerations

High Crypto Fees: 1% commission on buys is significantly higher than specialist exchanges like Kraken (0.25%) or CEX.IO (0.25%).
Withdrawal Restrictions: Not every cryptoasset can be transferred to an external wallet, and transfers go through the separate eToro Money app.
Limited Crypto Features: Staking is closed to UK users who joined after 8 February 2022; no DeFi wallet and no advanced order types for crypto.
Spread Variability: Crypto spreads can widen during volatile markets, increasing costs unpredictably.
Withdrawal Fees: Free for GBP and EUR accounts; USD accounts pay $5 per withdrawal with a $30 minimum.

Ready to choose? Visit either exchange directly.

CEX.IO eToro

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose CEX.IO if...

•UK users wanting competitive fees with easy fiat onboarding
•Casual traders who prefer a straightforward, no-frills experience
•Users comfortable with card payments for quick crypto purchases

Choose eToro if...

•Beginners who want to learn by copying experienced traders
•Users wanting crypto, stocks, and ETFs in one platform with FCA protection
•Social investors who enjoy community features and shared insights

Score Breakdowns

CEX.IO

Our Aggregated Score Breakdown

We combine ratings from multiple trusted sources to give you the most accurate picture

Trustpilot Rating6.0

Reddit Sentiment5.5

Google Play Score8.2

App Store Rating9.0

Our aggregated score combines Trustpilot (35%), Reddit sentiment (25%), Google Play (20%), and App Store (20%) ratings to provide a comprehensive view of user satisfaction across multiple platforms.

eToro

Our Aggregated Score Breakdown

We combine ratings from multiple trusted sources to give you the most accurate picture

Trustpilot Rating8.4

Reddit Sentiment5.5

Google Play Score8.4

App Store Rating8.4

Our aggregated score combines Trustpilot (35%), Reddit sentiment (25%), Google Play (20%), and App Store (20%) ratings to provide a comprehensive view of user satisfaction across multiple platforms.