Top 9 Best ETF Platforms in 2025

ETFs are an easy way to invest in a range of different assets. Use this handy guide to compare the best ETF platforms and find the one best suited to your requirements.
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Updated on Nov 4, 2024
Reading time 13 minutes

In the ever-changing world of online investing, selecting the right ETF platform can be a difficult task. With so many options available, each with unique features and fee structures, how do you find the one that best suits your investment goals?

We’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation. Our team of financial experts has conducted in-depth research, analyzing a wide range of ETF platforms. We’ve carefully compared fees, platform features, ETF types, customer support, and most importantly, real user reviews. 

We’ve even gone the extra mile to test the platforms ourselves, putting their usability and functionality to the test. This handy guide will help you with the knowledge and insights needed to make an informed decision.

Best ETF platforms for 2025

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  1. eToro: Best for beginners, copy-trading & demo-account
  2. Plus500: Best for international trading*
  3. Public: Best for AI analysis

What are the best ETF platforms?

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Our investment experts have selected the top ETF investing platforms around and you can get started in just a few minutes by clicking any of the links below. If you want to read our comparisons then continue scrolling to learn more.

We found 5 online brokers for users based in

eToro review
4.6
eToro
Min. Deposit $100
Fees 1%
No. assets 3600+
Demo account Yes

eToro review

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

Plus500 review
4.5
Plus500
Min. Deposit $100
Fees From 2%
No. assets 2800+
Demo account Yes

Plus500 review

This information is NOT relevant to EU residents who are to be serviced by EU subsidiaries of the Plus500 Group, such as Plus500CY Ltd, authorized by CySEC (Reg. 250/14). Different regulatory requirements apply in Europe, such as leverage limitations and bonus restrictions.

Best ETF platforms
Min. Deposit n/a
Fees -
No. assets n/a
Demo account -

Top ETF brokers, reviewed & compared

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We found 5 online brokers for users based in

1. eToro. Best for beginners, copy-trading & demo-account

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4.5
Ratings

$100

Min. deposit

0% commission

Fees

3,600

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love eToro because it’s a trading platform built with beginners and casual traders in mind. The platform combines an interactive, social trading experience with an easy-to-use interface, making it ideal for novice traders.

The far-reaching catalog of more than 5,500 stocks and ETFs includes big names like Apple and Tesla, as well as smaller companies with high growth potential. You can start trading with as little as $10 using fractional shares if you’re on a tight budget.

One feature we particularly appreciate is the ability to interact with eToro’s 35 million users on any asset, market, or portfolio page. If you find traders whose strategies match your risk tolerance, you can copy their portfolios automatically using eToro’s flagship copy trading functionality. This is a great way to learn and potentially benefit from the expertise of more experienced traders.

If you don’t feel comfortable investing your cash straight away, you can use a free demo account, credited with $100,000 virtual dollars. This offers plenty of opportunities to try out a trading strategy that works for you across stocks, crypto, and options trading markets.

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

eToro offers real assets only, no CFD products. eToro securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (‘the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Investing involves risk, and content is provided for educational purposes only, does not imply a recommendation, and is not a guarantee of future performance. Invezz.com is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the BD.

2. Plus500. Best for international trading*

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4.5
Ratings

$100

Min. deposit

From 0.8%

Fees

2,800

No. assets

Yes

Demo account

Overview

We love Plus500 because it is one of the industry’s most transparent and reliable brokers. Its fees are clear and you’ll know exactly what you will be paying before you make a trade. Its technology driven platform gives access to futures contracts for some of the biggest indices.

Plus500 has something for all types of traders, no matter what level of experience. Its low margin requirements (starting at $100) and different contracts make it a top choice for day traders. At the same time, its trading academy is packed with educational content, perfect for beginners just starting. 

For accurate instrument availability, visit plus500.com.

The fees: Plus500 charges a commission of $0.49 per Micro contract and $0.89 per Standard contract (per side). There is an Auto-Liquidation fee of $10 per contract. Other exchange fees may be applicable and can be found on the CME group website. 

*Based on a comparison of 60+ leading brokers and trading platforms.

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

This information is NOT relevant to EU residents who are to be serviced by EU subsidiaries of the Plus500 Group, such as Plus500CY Ltd, authorized by CySEC (Reg. 250/14). Different regulatory requirements apply in Europe, such as leverage limitations and bonus restrictions.

3. Public. Best for AI analysis

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public.com logo
4
Ratings

$20

Min. deposit

Spreads

Fees

9,000

No. assets

No

Demo account

Overview

We love Public because it makes use of cutting-edge AI technology to enhance your trading and investing experience. Public’s AI-powered feature, Public Alpha offers personalized insights and recommendations through its natural language interface in real time. 

Public’s AI technology helps you make more informed decisions by analyzing massive amounts of data and providing actionable insights. These AI-driven insights are easily accessible and give users access to the latest advancements in financial analysis and trading. 

Not only do can you use AI to help your investments, Public is one of the lowest cost brokerage firms out there. You can invest in stocks and ETFs commission free. You can also buy and trade fractional shares and if you want to diversify, you can explore a range of alternative investments including music and film royalties. 

The fees: There are no fees for investing in stocks during regular trading hours in the US – 9.30am-4pm EST. There is a $2.99 fee for trades outside of regular hours. 

Highlights

Fees & Costs

Pros & Cons

Cryptocurrency execution and custody services are provided by Apex Crypto LLC (NMLS ID 1828849) through a software licensing agreement between Apex Crypto LLC and Public Crypto LLC. Crypto trading on Public platforms is served by Public Crypto LLC and offered through APEX Crypto. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved before trading.

What is an ETF platform?

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An ETF platform or ETF broker is a financial services company that you use to invest in exchange traded funds. These ETF providers are normally stock brokers, as investing in an ETF is more or less the same process as buying individual stocks.

You need the broker to display the latest ETF prices, place an order on the stock exchange on your behalf, and then store the details of your new ETF in your online account.

How does an ETF broker work?

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It works by allowing you to access an exchange or market via a piece of software that you either access through a web browser, mobile device, or through an application that you download onto your desktop.

To trade ETFs through an ETF platform you will first need to register. The broker will have its own proprietary software which bridges the gap between you and a stock exchange. 

Traditionally, investments or traders were made via a telephone, however, advances in technology have streamlined the process with the use of electronic trading platforms. The best ETF platforms have additional features such as technical indicators, market analysis, and copy trading tools. 

How should I choose an ETF provider?

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In our comparisons above we’ve included some of the things to look out for when selecting an ETF platform. In the section below we’ve included a few more of the key factors to consider when selecting an ETF platform. 

Compare fees and charges 

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ETFs are just like stocks or shares, in that when investing in them you’ll be required to pay some fees. ETF fees can include spreads and commissions, or just one of the two. 

Make sure you check out your platform’s fee schedule before registering, as there is a big difference in terms of what each ETF broker charges. In addition to spreads and commissions, you should consider other fees such as charges for depositing and withdrawing funds. Here’s a look at the types of fees applicable for online brokers. 

Fee eToro fees Plus500 fees
Trading fees Yes, on certain assets No
Inactivity fees Yes Yes
Rollover/overnight fees Yes, on CFDs Yes
Withdrawal fees Yes No
Spreads Yes, on certain assets Yes
Conversion fees Yes, for non-USD currencies Yes
View more > eToro > Plus500 >

You may also be able to invest in commission free ETFs, or you may be charged fees of up to a few pounds each time you invest. Below you’ll find the average fees for using an ETF app:

Asset eToro fees Plus500 fees
Crypto 1% From 2%
Commodities From 2 pips From 0.04%
Forex From 1 pip
Index prices From 0.75 pts From 0.7%
Stocks 0% commission From 0.08%
Stock CFDs 0.15%
ETF CFDs 0.15%
View more > eToro > Plus500 >

What ETFs does the platform offer?

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One of the biggest pros of investing in an ETF is the way it gives you easy access to a diversified portfolio. You want an ETF broker that lets you take advantage of this by investing in companies from a wide range of stock exchanges around the world. For example, if you want to invest in an S&P 500 ETF, or a FTSE 100 ETF, it’s important to find an ETF broker that offers these products.

Many of the best online ETF brokers also offer access to other markets like stocks and forex. Here’s a closer look at what’s available:

Product eToro assets Plus500 assets
Stock CFDs 3117 1,800+
ETF CFDs 317 100+
Forex CFDs 49 50+
Crypto 73
Index CFDs 20 20+
Commodity CFDs 26 20+
NFTs 100,000
View more > eToro > Plus500 >

Exact figures may vary. NFTs are accessed through Delta, an NFT explorer app which is owned and operated by eToro.

What are the spreads for ETFs?

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The spread is the difference between the buy and sell price of any financial instrument. For ETFs, spreads are variable, and you should avoid ETF platforms with a high spread because that is effectively like paying a large trading fee. You should check your chosen platform’s average spread size to get an idea of what’s on offer.

Product eToro spreads Plus500 spreads
Stock CFDs 0.15% 0.10%
ETF CFDs 0.15% 0.10%
Forex CFDs From 1 pip 0.8 pips
Crypto 1%
Index CFDs From 0.75 points 0.20%
Commodity CFDs From 2 pips 0.50%
View all tradable assets > eToro > Plus500 >

Is the ETF platform regulated?

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All of the best ETF platforms are regulated but some have weaker regulation than others. Regulation is a good way to ensure you’re protected if anything goes wrong, so make sure your chosen ETF broker is regulated in your region. Below we’ve provided a table with the best ETF trading platforms and their regulatory status:

Region eToro regulators Plus500 regulators
Africa FSA
Asia
Australasia ASIC ASIC, FMA
Europe FCA, CySEC FCA, CySEC
International
North America FinCEN
South America
View more > eToro > Plus500 >

What leverage is available for ETF trading?

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Leverage is a way to magnify your gains (as well as losses), by borrowing money to make larger trades. Some ETF brokers offer leveraged ETFs, which take on debt and use derivatives (like futures and options) to try to make bigger gains from a particular index. Leveraged ETFs are much more risky than regular, passive ETFs and should be used cautiously.

Product eToro maximum leverage Plus500 maximum leverage
Stock CFDs 1:5 1:5
ETF CFDs 1:5 1:5
Forex CFDs 1:30 1:30
Crypto 1:2
Index CFDs 1:10 1:20
Commodity CFDs 1:10 Up to 1:20
View more > eToro > Plus500 >

Trading with leverage is highly risky and can result in significant losses. We do not recommend that beginners trade with leverage.

Does the platform have good security measures in place?

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The best ETF platforms come with additional security features to help keep your details and money safe. You should only use ETF brokers that offer features like Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which gives you a one time passcode each time you log into your account, in order to maximise your protection.

How good is customer support?

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All ETF brokers offer customer support in some form or other. Some may be 24/7 while others only operate at specific times. If support is important to you make sure you select a platform that offers it around the clock.

Support type eToro customer support Plus500 customer support
Help Centre/FAQs Yes Yes
Email Yes Yes
Live chat Yes Yes
WhatsApp Platinum, Platinum+, and Diamond members only Yes
Telephone No No
View more > eToro > Plus500 >

Quick answers to key questions

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Do you have to pay taxes on ETFs?

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Yes, you typically have to pay taxes on exchange traded funds (ETFs), similar to other investments like stocks and mutual funds. The tax implications of ETF investing depend on several factors, including the type of account you hold (taxable or tax-advantaged) and the nature of your investment gains.

In a taxable brokerage account, you may owe taxes on any dividends received from the ETFs, as well as on any capital gains when you sell ETF shares at a profit. The tax rate applied to these gains depends on whether they are classified as short-term (held for less than a year) or long-term (held for more than a year). 

Some ETFs, especially those focused on fixed income investments, may generate taxable interest income.

What’s the difference between an ETF and a stock?

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While ETFs and stocks are both traded on stock exchanges, they differ in their structure and composition. A stock represents ownership in a single company, while an ETF is a diversified portfolio that holds a basket of securities, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities, designed to track a specific market index or asset class.

ETFs trade like individual stocks throughout the trading day, with prices fluctuating based on supply and demand. However, unlike mutual funds, ETFs do not have a fixed net asset value (NAV) at the end of each trading day. Instead, their prices are determined by the underlying holdings and market forces.

Can I invest in an ETF without a broker?

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While it is possible to invest in ETFs without a traditional broker, it generally requires using an online broker or a brokerage account. Most major brokers for ETFs offer online platforms where you can research, purchase ETFs, and manage your investments. 

Some brokers even provide commission-free trading on a selection of ETFs, making them accessible to a wider range of investors.

There are alternative ways to gain exposure to ETFs without a broker, such as through robo-advisors or workplace retirement plans that offer pre-built ETF portfolios. These options may be suitable for those seeking a more hands-off approach to ETF investing.

Should beginners buy ETFs?

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ETFs can be an excellent investment choice for beginners due to their diversification, cost-efficiency, and ease of trading. By investing in an ETF, beginners can gain exposure to a broad market index or a specific asset class without having to research and select individual stocks or bonds.

ETFs typically have lower expense ratios compared to actively managed mutual funds, making them a more cost-effective option for those starting their investment journey. 

With a wide range of ETF offerings available, beginners can choose from various investment strategies, such as broad market exposure, sector-specific focus, or even thematic investments like technology or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

Are ETFs available for all markets?

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Yes, you can find an ETF for almost all markets, although niche assets may not have ETFs available. The availability of ETFs largely depends on the demand for exposure to specific markets or investment strategies.

Major stock markets, such as the S&P 500 or the NASDAQ, have plenty of ETF options that track broad indices or specific sectors. There are numerous ETFs focused on international markets, emerging economies, and different regions worldwide.


There are also funds focusing on newer markets such as cryptocurrency. For example, the best Bitcoin ETFs offer exposure to the biggest digital currency in the world. There are also leveraged and inverse ETFs, which aim to amplify or inverse the returns of an underlying index, but are generally considered higher-risk and may have fewer choices available.

Should I use an ETF platform?

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If you plan on investing in, or trading an exchange traded fund then yes, you should use an ETF broker. Using a platform is the only way you’ll be able to access ETFs so you should make sure to register with one that fits your requirements. If you’re unsure which platform to use, you can scroll higher to read our comparisons of the best ones around. 

What are the risks of using brokers for ETF trading?

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When you trade ETFs there are always some risks involved, although generally, ETF platforms are safe to use. There is always the risk that you could lose some or all of your money. ETF platforms can also go down from time to time which could cause problems if you’re in the middle of buying or selling. 

Some ETF platforms also make it very difficult to withdraw profits, however, this is only the case for unregulated firms. It’s always recommended that you use a platform that is regulated in your country while staying away from platforms that are either unregulated or regulated in a country known for its lax laws. Below are some benefits and risks to think about. 

Pros

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  • You can start with very little initial investment, from as low as £10
  • ETFs give access to specific sectors, industries, or indexes
  • You can trade ETFs that follow just about any asset class, sector, or index
  • ETF fees are usually lower than you would pay for investing in lots of stocks
  • ETFs with a high net asset value are generally more stable than individual stocks

Cons

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What are the fees for using an ETF platform?

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When you buy ETFs you are normally charged a fee or commission, though some online brokers offer completely free investing. With ETFs, however, you also need to consider the management or service charges from the ETF itself.

Running an ETF involves ongoing charges; like with mutual funds, these include the fees the fund manager has to pay for buying or selling the underlying assets, and the management fee the company charges to run it.

They are referred to collectively as the Total Expense Ratio. Expense ratios are a calculated annually and are charged regardless of the ETF performance. These are also different depending on the ETF, so you can shop around to find the ETFs that charge the lowest expense ratios.

Best ETF platforms 2025: user reviews

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While producing our list of the best ETF brokers in 2025 our team looked at a range of data and conducted deep investigations for each platform. To help rank each broker we also looked at real customer reviews from sites like TrustPilot. The best ETF brokers scored well on all fronts and you can find out which ones ranked highest below:

Review source eToro rating Plus500 rating
Trustpilot 4.4 4
Google Play Store 4.1 4.3
App Store 3.8 4.1
View more > eToro > Plus500 >

Methodology: How did we choose the best ETF platforms?

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Helping people make better financial decisions is at the heart of our mission at Invezz. 

We periodically test more than 63 ETF trading platforms to provide our users with clear, accessible guidance on the investing options available. All testing is carried out by our panel of stock market experts, analysts, and active traders who sign up to each ETF broker, conduct research, and score each service.

Our tests are designed to find ETF brokerages that offer a beginner-friendly, secure investing experience at a fair price. To supplement our practical testing and experience, we research each ETF trading platform to gather any further relevant information. We read online customer reviews, app reviews on the Play Store and App Store, and conduct user surveys to get feedback from real people about what works, and what doesn’t.

Each ETF broker is awarded a final score based on 130+ data points across 8 ranking categories: cost, reliability, user experience, deposit & withdrawals, investing options, range of products/markets, research & analysis tools, and the availability of educational & learning resources.

We work closely with individual brands to ensure all factual information displayed here is accurate. All data is then fact-checked by an independent reviewer. You can learn more about our expert panel and how we test, rate, and review platforms in our review process.

FAQs

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01

What is an ETF?

02

How much do the best ETF trading platforms cost?

03

What the is the best ETF platform?

04

Is investing in ETFs safe?

05

Where can I find the best ETF platform?

06

Do ETFs pay dividends?

07

Can I invest in an inverse ETF through a broker?


Sources & references

Prash Raval

Prash Raval

Financial Writer

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Prash is a financial writer for Invezz covering FX, the stock market and investing. For over a decade he has traded spot FX full time while running an educational service helping novice traders learn the markets. He has a keen interest in micro and small cap stocks....