Best CFD brokers in 2026: Skilling vs eToro vs IG

Editor's pick · CFD

Skilling

9.2/ 10

CFD · TradingView

Read our Skilling review Visit Skilling * CFDs are complex instruments. 49% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

CopyTrader · Multi-asset

eToro

9.0/ 10

CopyTrader · CFD

Read our eToro review Visit eToro * CFDs carry a high risk of rapid losses due to leverage. Check eToro's current risk warning before trading.

CFD trading gives traders access to stocks, indices, currencies, commodities, cryptocurrency and interest rates from a single account. You can go long when you think the market will rise, or short when you think it will fall, without owning the underlying stock, commodity or currency.

But choosing a CFD broker matters a lot.

The difference between a good and a bad CFD experience isn't just about the advertised spread. Platform, regulation, order execution, overnight financing, currency conversion, risk tools, available markets, and which legal entity you actually become a customer of can matter far more over time.

In this guide, we compare three well-known CFD brokers:

1. Skilling
2. eToro
3. IG

Skilling is our editorial first choice for active CFD traders who want to use several platforms, including TradingView, cTrader and MetaTrader 4. eToro is number two for traders who want a broad multi-asset platform with CopyTrader and the ability to combine CFD trading with stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrency. IG is number three, but remains a strong alternative for experienced traders who prioritise very broad market coverage, advanced platforms and professional analysis tools.

This ranking is not personal investment advice. It's based on product structure, platform choice, market access, regulatory information, cost model and practical relevance for CFD traders.

Short answer: which CFD broker fits best?

Editor's pick: Skilling

Skilling is our first choice because the platform fits Best Futures' audience well: traders who want active trading in currencies, indices, commodities, stocks and cryptocurrency, and who also want to use professional analysis tools.

Skilling states access to over 1,200 instruments across seven asset classes. For active traders, it's particularly important that Skilling supports several different workflows: its own Skilling Trader platform, TradingView integration, cTrader and MetaTrader 4.

Skilling Limited is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, CySEC, under CIF licence 357/18.

Why Skilling is number one

Skilling suits traders who want to do more than just open a simple CFD position from their phone particularly well.

Many active traders use TradingView for analysis, alerts, indicators and technical structure. Skilling lets customers connect their account to TradingView and trade CFDs on currencies, commodities, indices, stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrency, among others, directly from the TradingView environment.

This is a significant advantage for traders who already use TradingView for:

• support and resistance
• trend analysis
• VWAP
• moving averages
• volume profile
• alerts
• Pine Script indicators
• backtesting
• a market overview across asset classes

Skilling also has cTrader and MetaTrader 4, which is relevant for traders who want more traditional forex and CFD execution, automation, or the use of Expert Advisors.

Skilling suits best

• active intraday traders
• traders who use TradingView daily
• traders who want cTrader or MT4
• traders who trade index CFDs, oil, gold, currencies or crypto
• traders who want one account for several asset classes
• traders who want a combination of a simple platform and more advanced options
• traders who want a European-regulated CFD broker

Skilling is less suited to

• investors who only want to own stocks or ETFs long term
• traders who want a central exchange order book and actual futures volume
• users who want CopyTrader or a social investing environment
• traders who don't want to learn about swap, spread and leverage

Number two: eToro

eToro is number two in our CFD ranking and scores 9.0/10 because the platform solves a different problem than Skilling.

Where Skilling is aimed particularly at active CFD traders and platform flexibility, eToro is more a combination of investing, trading, social functionality and market overview. eToro offers CFD trading in currencies, commodities, indices, stocks and cryptocurrency where the product is available.

eToro Europe Ltd is regulated by CySEC under licence number 109/10.

eToro and CopyTrader

CopyTrader is eToro's best-known feature. It lets users choose an investor they want to copy and mirror their investments or trades in proportion to their own contribution.

eToro states that CopyTrader lets users choose an investor, set an amount, and then copy the portfolio's percentage exposure. The minimum amount to copy one investor is stated as $200.

This can be useful for users who want to observe how other investors build a portfolio or handle the market.

But CopyTrader should not be treated as investment advice.

A trader you copy may have:

• a different investment horizon
• a different risk tolerance
• more capital
• different goals
• a different tax situation
• a track record that won't repeat
• positions you don't understand yourself

eToro itself stresses that copy trading is not investment advice, and that past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

CFDs and direct investing at eToro

An important advantage of eToro is that the platform doesn't consist only of CFDs.

In some markets, users can buy the underlying stock, ETF or cryptocurrency directly, while leverage, short positions or product settings can mean a trade is executed as a CFD instead.

This means the user has to read the order window carefully before trading.

eToro itself states that short positions and leveraged crypto positions are executed as CFDs, while some other positions can be direct exposure to the underlying asset, depending on product and jurisdiction.

eToro's cost model

eToro has a different structure than many traditional CFD brokers.

For CFDs on stocks and ETFs, eToro states an opening and closing cost of 0.15% of the position value. For crypto CFDs, 1% is stated on opening and closing. For currencies, commodities and indices, a spread-based cost model is normally used, where eToro adds a markup that can vary by market and conditions.

This means eToro can be easy to understand for many users, but not necessarily the cheapest for every strategy.

An active scalper shouldn't just compare "lowest spread." They should compare:

• spread
• opening and closing costs
• overnight financing
• currency conversion
• the cost of frequent trading
• the cost of copying others
• the cost of holding leveraged positions over time

eToro suits best

• users who want CopyTrader
• traders who want to combine stocks, ETFs, crypto and CFDs
• users who want a simple mobile and web experience
• traders who want to use a virtual portfolio before live trading
• investors who want one combined environment for investing and trading
• users who prioritise social investing functionality

eToro is less suited to

• traders who need cTrader
• traders who need MetaTrader 4 or more advanced CFD execution
• traders who use TradingView as their main platform for analysis and orders
• pure scalpers who make very frequent, short CFD trades
• traders who want a central futures order book, DOM and order flow

Number three: IG

IG is a very large, broad CFD name internationally. The platform states access to over 17,000 markets, including stocks, indices, currencies, commodities, cryptocurrency, interest rates and specialist markets. IG also states over 13,000 stocks, hard and soft commodities, and exposure to eight major cryptocurrencies on its international market surface.

IG is therefore a strong option for experienced traders who want very broad market coverage and several professional platform choices.

But IG lands as number three in our comparison for two reasons:

1. The product is broad and advanced, but can become more complex than necessary for many retail traders.
2. IG's international pages state that CFD accounts are provided by IG International Limited, which is licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Traders should therefore check exactly which legal entity, investor protection and terms apply before registering.

This isn't a judgment of IG's quality as a broker. It's about the fact that legal entity, regulation and client protection always need to be checked concretely.

IG's platform breadth

IG stands out on platform and analysis tools.

IG states access to:

• a web platform
• a mobile app
• a Progressive Web App
• TradingView
• MetaTrader 4
• MetaTrader 5
• ProRealTime
• L2 Dealer
• API solutions
• futures and options solutions through a partnership with tastytrade

For advanced traders, ProRealTime is particularly interesting. IG describes the platform as an advanced charting and analysis environment with technical tools and automation options. The platform is stated as free if the user makes at least four CFD trades a month, but terms should always be checked before use.

IG and risk tools

IG offers several risk tools that can be relevant for active CFD traders:

• stop-loss
• limit orders
• price alerts
• negative balance protection
• guaranteed stops on selected markets

IG states that guaranteed stops can ensure a position is closed at exactly the specified level, but that a premium applies if the guaranteed stop is triggered.

This isn't a solution for poor position sizing or high leverage. But it can be relevant for traders who hold positions through news, weekends or volatile macro events.

IG suits best

• experienced CFD traders
• users who want a very large number of markets
• traders who want ProRealTime or L2 Dealer
• traders who want API access and automation
• users who trade stock CFDs, specialist indices or interest rates
• traders who want guaranteed stops on relevant markets

IG is less suited to

• traders who want simple, fast onboarding
• beginners who don't need advanced tools
• traders who haven't first confirmed the legal entity and applicable client protection
• traders who primarily want CopyTrader or social trading

Skilling vs eToro vs IG: full comparison

Regulation and legal entity

Regulation matters when choosing a CFD broker, but it isn't enough to just glance at a regulator logo on the homepage.

You should always check:

• which legal entity you actually become a customer of
• where that entity is regulated
• what investor protection applies
• whether negative balance protection applies
• what maximum leverage applies for retail clients
• how client funds are handled
• what rules apply for margin close-out
• whether the product is available to you

Skilling

Skilling Limited states that the company is authorised and regulated by CySEC in Cyprus under licence number 357/18.

eToro

eToro Europe Ltd states that the company is authorised and regulated by CySEC under licence number 109/10.

IG

IG has several legal entities across different regions. On its international website, it's stated that CFD accounts are provided by IG International Limited, which is licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Before opening an account, a customer should check exactly which company the account sits with and which protection rules apply.

CFD rules for retail clients in Europe

CFD trading is subject to strict restrictions for retail clients in Europe.

ESMA introduced a model with leverage limits between 30:1 and 2:1, depending on the underlying market's volatility. The rules also include margin close-out at 50% of required minimum margin, negative balance protection, restrictions on bonuses, and standardised risk warnings.

Negative balance protection doesn't mean CFD trading is safe.

It only means the retail client normally shouldn't end up with a net negative balance on the CFD account. You can still lose the entire amount you've deposited into the account.

Who has the best platform?

Skilling: best platform flexibility

Skilling wins this category for active CFD traders.

You can choose between:

• Skilling Trader
• TradingView
• cTrader
• MetaTrader 4

This means you can use different platforms for different types of trading.

Skilling states that the TradingView integration lets the customer trade CFDs on currencies, commodities, indices, stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrency, and use TradingView's analysis tools and real-time data.

eToro: best for simplicity and a social experience

eToro suits users who want:

• a simple web platform
• a mobile app
• a virtual portfolio
• CopyTrader
• stocks, ETFs, crypto and CFDs in one environment
• a market overview without too many advanced choices

eToro isn't as strong as Skilling or IG if you use MetaTrader, cTrader, ProRealTime or want advanced order flow. But the platform is easy to understand and suits many who want to combine investing and trading.

IG: best for advanced analysis

IG wins on pure tool breadth.

ProRealTime, MetaTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, L2 Dealer, API access and more markets make IG strong for users who need several professional options.

This is particularly relevant for:

• technical traders
• systematic traders
• active stock CFD traders
• users who need DMA-like functionality
• traders who use an API
• traders who want advanced charting and automation

Who has the best market coverage?

IG: the widest breadth

IG states more than 17,000 markets, including more than 13,000 stocks, indices, currencies, commodities, interest rates, bonds, options and cryptocurrency.

For a trader who wants access to niche stocks, specialist indices, interest rates, bonds or more exotic commodities, IG is hard to beat on breadth.

Skilling: strong breadth for active retail trading

Skilling states access to over 1,200 instruments across seven asset classes. This is more than enough for most active CFD traders focused on currencies, indices, stocks, commodities and cryptocurrency.

Skilling isn't the best choice if you need 13,000 stocks or very specialist markets. But for most active traders, the market access is more than sufficient.

eToro: best for combining trading and investing

eToro isn't primarily chosen for the largest possible CFD list.

Its strength is rather that you can combine:

• direct stocks where available
• ETFs
• cryptocurrency
• CopyTrader
• Smart Portfolios
• index CFDs
• commodity CFDs
• currency CFDs
• stock CFDs

eToro therefore suits you well if you want one account for both investing and active trading.

Costs: how to compare CFD brokers

The cheapest broker isn't necessarily the one with the lowest advertised spread.

For CFD trading, you always need to look at total cost:

Skilling: costs

Skilling should be assessed based on:

• the spread on the market you actually trade
• Standard, Premium or MT4 account
• any commission
• swap rates on overnight holding
• currency exposure costs
• how many trades you make per week or month

Skilling offers different account types, including Standard, Premium and MT4. Features like leverage, number of instruments, scalping and negative balance protection are described as shared traits, but the cost structure varies between accounts.

eToro: costs

eToro has a more visible, product-specific model.

eToro's published fees page states, among other things:

• 0.15% opening/closing for CFDs on stocks and ETFs
• 1% opening/closing for crypto CFDs
• a spread markup on currencies, commodities and indices
• additional costs for overnight holding on CFD products where applicable
• a possible currency conversion cost for users with an account currency other than USD

This means eToro can be straightforward for less active users, but very active traders should calculate total cost carefully before using the platform for scalping.

IG: costs

IG's cost model depends on market and product.

Index and currency CFDs are often priced through the spread, while stock CFDs can normally carry commission on top. IG states that commission on stock CFDs is often calculated as a percentage of transaction value in many markets, and as cents per share for US and Canadian stocks.

IG's cash index CFDs normally have no fixed expiry and are adjusted for interest and any dividends.

CFD vs futures: what type of trader are you?

Best Futures is primarily about futures. That's why it's important to be honest about when CFDs fit better — and when futures are the right product.

CFDs often suit flexible position sizes, stock trading, currencies and markets where futures contracts are too large, best.

Futures often suit intraday trading in standardised, liquid markets like Nasdaq, S&P 500, gold, oil, silver, interest rates and Bitcoin best.

Who should choose Skilling?

Choose Skilling if several of these apply to you:

• You already use TradingView.
• You want to be able to trade from TradingView.
• You want access to cTrader or MT4.
• You actively trade currencies, gold, oil, indices or stock CFDs.
• You want a European-regulated CFD broker.
• You want more than one platform option.
• You want to analyse technically and trade the same market from one workflow.
• You want a CFD account that can work for both beginners and experienced traders.

Skilling is particularly strong for an active trader who doesn't want to be locked into one platform.

Who should choose eToro?

Choose eToro if several of these apply to you:

• You want CopyTrader.
• You want to combine investing and CFD trading.
• You want stocks, ETFs, crypto and CFDs in one environment.
• You want a simple mobile and web experience.
• You want to use a virtual portfolio to test the platform.
• You want to follow other investors, but are conscious of your own risk.
• You prioritise social investing functionality over MT4, cTrader or advanced order flow.

eToro can be a good entry point to the market for users who want a simpler overall experience than traditional CFD platforms.

But you shouldn't use CopyTrader as a substitute for understanding CFDs, leverage, overnight financing and maximum risk.

Who should choose IG?

Choose IG if several of these apply to you:

• You need as many markets as possible.
• You trade stock CFDs or specialist indices.
• You want ProRealTime, MT4, MT5 or API access.
• You need advanced charting and automation.
• You want guaranteed stops where available.
• You want access to interest rates, bonds, options or futures-related products.
• You're an experienced trader comfortable with a more advanced product surface.

Before opening an account with IG, check the legal entity, regulation, risk warning, negative balance protection and which products are actually available to you.

Common mistakes when choosing a CFD broker

Choosing based only on the lowest spread

Spread is important, but it's only one part of total cost.

A trader who holds positions overnight should often care more about the financing cost than about one extra decimal in the spread.

A scalper, on the other hand, should care a great deal about spread, order execution and cost per trade.

Choosing leverage first

High leverage isn't an advantage if the position size is too large.

Example:

Leverage amplifies the outcome. It doesn't improve the analysis.

Using CFDs as a long-term investment

CFDs can be held over time, but overnight financing can eat a large share of the result if the position is held for several weeks or months.

For long-term exposure, direct stocks, ETFs or funds are often more natural products.

Copying others without understanding the risk

CopyTrader can be useful as a learning tool, but copying another investor doesn't mean you'll get the same result.

Your entry timing, capital, risk tolerance, currency conversion, market conditions and own handling can produce a completely different result than the person you're copying.

Ignoring the legal entity

This is particularly important for traders.

Two brokers can share the same brand but use different legal entities for customers in different countries. That can affect the regulator, client protection, available products and terms.

Checklist before you choose a CFD broker

Sources and further reading

• ESMA: Product intervention measures for CFDs
• ESMA: Contracts for differences restrictions
• Skilling: EU site and risk warning
• Skilling: TradingView integration
• eToro: Regulation and license
• eToro: Fees
• eToro: CopyTrader
• IG: international website
• IG: trading platforms
• Best Futures: Skilling review
• Best Futures: eToro review
• Best Futures: IG review

Conclusion: Skilling is our first choice for active CFD trading

Skilling is our recommended CFD broker for active traders because the platform combines European regulation with flexible platform choices.

TradingView integration, cTrader, MetaTrader 4 and Skilling Trader mean the user can choose a workflow to fit their trading style. Skilling is particularly relevant for traders who actively trade index CFDs, currencies, gold, oil, stocks and cryptocurrency.

eToro scores 9.0/10 and is a good runner-up for users who want CopyTrader, a simple platform, a virtual portfolio, and the ability to combine investing with CFD trading. The platform suits users best who want one app for stocks, ETFs, crypto and trading.

IG is a strong third choice with very broad market coverage, advanced platforms and professional tools. IG suits experienced traders particularly well, but traders should check the legal entity and applicable protection before opening an account.

The most important thing isn't finding the broker with the highest leverage or lowest advertised spread.

The most important thing is choosing a platform that fits the way you actually trade.

Choose Skilling if you want to trade actively with TradingView, cTrader or MT4.

Choose eToro if you want CopyTrader and a broad multi-asset platform.

Choose IG if you need very many markets and advanced analysis tools.

Frequently asked questions about CFD brokers

Short answers on Skilling, eToro, IG, regulation, TradingView, CopyTrader, CFD risk and the difference versus futures.