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eToro is one of the founders of copy trading as atype ofinvestment. The ‘prototype’ of the social platform for traders,exchanging information and copying trades was launched back in2010.
Since then, the broker has maintained its leading position in themarket and, as of now, has the largest network. Traders Union hasprepared a review of eToro copy trading platform with a close look atall the important features, trading conditions and possibilities forcopy trading.
Copy tradingis one of the methods of joint investment in the financial marketsthat is quickly gaining popularity. It allows less experienced usersof the network to subscribe to trading signals of professionaltraders. Once you subscribe to a trader, all trades and orders on thetrading account of this trader (manager) will be copied to the accountof the copier at a specific ratio.
The broker has one of the most advanced and largestsocial trading networks. It is distinguished by a low entry threshold, beneficial tradingconditions, excellent functionality and simplicity.
eToro CopyTrader will be most useful for two categories of investors:
Novice traders
who want to gain access to the possibilities financial marketsoffer, but who are not prepared to spend years studying andgaining practical experience;
Experienced traders
aiming to gain recognition in the market and additional incomefrom the broker’s special programs.
eToro copy trading pros and cons
Pros
An opportunity for the beginners to earn at the same level as thetop traders of the platform
Minimum investment – $200
No additional commission.
Largest copy trading network in the world
Regulation in the UK, EU and Australia
Cons
High returns of traders in the past do not guarantee the sameoutcome in the future
$200 – for copying traders $500 – for copying investment portfolios
Additional fees for copying
No
Markets
Forex, CFDs, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrencies
Number of instruments
over 2,300
Average spread on EURUSD
1 pip
Commission on Apple shares
No
Size of the network
● Representatives of over 140 countries.
● Over 135,000 verified traders to copy
● 13 million registered clients in 2020
● The most popular traders have over 20,000 copiers
Potential return rate
The average return rate of top 50 traders in 2019 – 29%*.
eToro copy trading network review
Let’s review the key features of the eToro copy trading platform. Youcan take a quick look even without authorization, but we recommendopening a demo account on eToro for better familiarization. It willtake 5 minutes to register, but you will be able to test all featuresof the system using the virtual $100,000.
A social network for traders. Feeds section
Once you access eToro online platform, you need to click on CopyPeople in the menu on the left of the screen. The main page of eTorofeatures profiles of the most successful traders selected by theeditors and algorithms of eToro based on different indicators:
strategy
number of copiers
return rate
risk score
Past performance is not an indication of future results
By appearance and content, everything strongly resembles a traditionalsocial network. Every trader has a profile with a real photo. When youclick on it, you can see the first and the last name of the trader (dataof the managers are verified), view posts. Traders usually share somemarket news, but also may post personal photos and videos on occasion.Users can like, share and comment posts, just like in any traditionalsocial network.
eToro trader statistics
In the Stats section, you can study a trader’s performance in detailfor a period of one month or up to several years, not only withreturns, but also maximum losses per month, day and year.
Past performance is not an indication of future results
Also, if you scroll down, you can find a great number of usefulinformation:
Average risk score of the specified period (a year, for example)
Maximum drawdown per day, month and year
Dynamics of the number of copiers
Assets under management
Past performance is not an indication of future results
Next, you can view distribution of assets by markets and the latest tradesof the trader and also the average number of profitable trades.
Past performance is not an indication of future results
Trader’s Portfolio
In the Portfolio section, you can monitor its composition, position(Long/Short) and current Profit/Loss percentage.
Past performance is not an indication of future results
You can also examine the portfolio composition as a chart by pressing abutton in the upper right corner.
Past performance is not an indication of future results
Chart Section
In the Chart Section, you can view profitability dynamics of thetrader. The chart shows profitability dynamics and allows you to seehow much you would have earned, if you had started to copy the traderfor the amount of $10,000 at a specific moment of time. The maximumdrawdown is set at 60%, which is rather a lot.
We consider this section somewhat redundant and rather a thing ofadvertising, because the results of the trader in the past do notguarantee the same outcome in the future, and it is best not to allow suchserious drawdowns in the portfolio.
Past performance is not an indication of future results
How to find the right trader to copy
Copying of over 100,000 verified traders is available on eToro. Thechoice is humongous, but how do you find the best ones to copy amongthe many thousands of managers?
There are two ways to do that.
Selection of traders by following eToro’s advice
The first option is to follow recommendations of eToro. As we’vealready mentioned, on the main page of CopyTrader, the broker offersto review the profiles of the most successful traders, which havealready passed the selection based on the following criteria:
Return rate
Strategy
Risk score
Number of copiers
This is the preferred option for the novice traders. All you will have todo is select the candidates you like the most forcopying tradeson eToro.
However, there are certain rules that still have to be taken intoconsideration:
The higher the profitability and the more volatile the marketthe higher the risk score;
The less losses the trader allows, the better;
Diversification reduces the risk of large losses.
Choosing traders on eToro using filters
eToro allows users to independently set the criteria of searching fortraders to copy using the system of filters, which is featured in theupper menu on the Copying People page.
Past performance is not an indication of future results
We will provide you with an example of a conservative strategy of work.For example, we have a task to select the most profitable traders with alow or average risk score.
For this, we selected the following criteria in the filters:
Time Period
it is best not to choose the periods of less than 12 months. Itwill improve the odds that the trader’s result is notaccidental. If you increase the period to 24 months, thereliability of the candidates can increase slightly, but thechoice will be smaller.
Return
we are setting it at >30%, as a balance between profitabilityand risk must be preserved.
Risk Score
we choose an average score from 1 to 5.
Copy AUM
(Assets under Management) – you can leave this one withoutchanges and see what options will be offered. It is preferableto choose serious traders, who manage an amount exceeding $1million.
Number of Copiers
this is, of course, not the key indicator, but if at leastseveral hundred people do not copy a trader who looks successfulat first glance, that should be a warning sign. We set thisindicator at a minimum of 200 copiers.
Allocation
this is the list of the markets, where the trader trades. If youwant higher reliability, choose indices and stocks, and if youare after profit – cryptocurrency. You can leave everything atdefault setting and look at the result.
Active Weeks
this helps eliminate inactive traders.
There are two more important criteria related to risk management. Theyhelp eliminate traders who allow major intraday or intra-month drawdownsfrom the list.
Daily Drawdown
we set it at Medium - from 1 to 4%.
Weekly Drawdown
also Medium – from 3% to 10%.
Past performance is not an indication of future results
After you click on Apply, eToro system will offer you traders to copybased on your chosen criteria. In our case, 15 traders were offered.
In order to build at least a small portfolio, you need to choose 4-5 ofthem. Many traders from the eToro top list were also included into ourselection. You can study the profile and statistics of each trader byclicking on their profile, as we’ve already explained above.
Past performance is not an indication of future results
How to get started with copying trades on eToro
After selecting a trader, it is quite easy to start copying trades oneToro. There is the Copy button in the profiles of the selectedtraders. That’s the one we click on. A page will open with customizedcopy settings.
On this page, you need to choose two criteria:
The amount you want to allocate for the specific trader from thegeneral portfolio.
The drawdown value, upon reaching which the system mustautomatically stop copying.
In the example below, we selected $1,000 and $900 (90% of the initialamount).
Past performance is not an indication of future results
After you click on the Copy button again, you will automatically startcopying the trades of the trader for the selected amount. You can view theresults in your eToro Portfolio tab.
Past performance is not an indication of future results
In the same tab, you can stop copying, add or reduce the amount forcopying, set additional risk management criteria. It takes a bit of timeto see more or less objective results – at least a month, under conditionthat risk management rules are observed.
Investment CopyPortfolio from eToro
If you do not wish to dedicate a lot of time to learn the features ofportfolios of different traders, eToro offers an opportunity tosubscribe to an investment portfolio. In this case, many instrumentsand traders will be automatically copied to your account at once.However, this is an option for clients with more money, as the minimuminvestment in this case increases from $200 to $500.
The CopyPortfolios option on eToro is available in the correspondingsection of the Personal Account and functionally resembles Copy People.The same filters and instruments can be applied for searching andsubscribing as with individual traders. Portfolios can be selected byperformance, risk score, etc.
There are three types of CopyPortfolios on eToro:
1
Thematic.
This way you can invest into sectors: renewable energy, vaccinemanufacturers, cryptocurrencies.
Past performance is not an indication of future results
2
Top traders.
This is a selection of traders differentiated by strategies and riskscore, to whom you can subscribe to within one portfolio.
3
Partner CopyPortfolio.
These are portfolios from third-party providers, who work with eToroon partnership basis. The majority of them are also thematic, by thesectors.
In order to start copying a portfolio on eToro, you need to take thesame step as with an individual trader – click on the Invest button,set the amount for copying and risk criteria.
Past performance is not an indication of future results
Can I make money by copying traders on eToro?
The majority of investors prefer the service of copying traders on eToro. Yes, you can earn money, if the traders you copymake money too. According to the broker, the average profitability ofthe top 50 traders was 29% in 2019.
However, one should always keep in mind that excellent results oftraders in the past do not guarantee the same outcome in the future.Even large hedge funds suffer losses. Therefore, for copy trading oneToro, it would be wise to allocate the amount you are prepared torisk.
How much does eToro copy trading cost?
The copiers only pay the broker’s commission. On its website, eToroexplains that the broker’s commission only comes from thespreadof the trades, which are copied on your account. Successful managersreceive rewards on special conditions as agreed with the broker.
We estimated eToro commission level as low to average.
No commission is charged for the US stock and ETF trading
Average spread on EURUSD is 1 pip
Is eToro copy trading safe?
eToro is considered a reliable broker, as it holds three licenses fromtop regulators:
The Financial Conduct Authority (UK);
Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC);
Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Regulation in the countries with developed financial and legal systemsmeans that the broker’s operation is continuously monitored. Inaddition, the broker provides rather detailed information about thetrades of all traders, which is why their financial results can bechecked.
The main risk of working with the copy trading system on eToro is relatedto the market. Copied traders can not only earn, but also lose money.
Summary
According to Traders Union assessments, eToro tops the rating ofcopy trading platforms in 2025 (link). The network has a hugepractical value both for the beginners, who want to gain access tofinancial markets, and for professionals seeking recognition and asource of additional income.
You can learn how to copy traders on eToro rather quickly, with manyof them showing excellent results. Nonetheless, one should keep inmind that excellent performance in the past does not guarantee thesame outcome in the future; please carefully consider traderselection and risk management criteria.
Expert review
Today, eToro is the undisputed leader among brokers that offer copytrading. By popularity and number of users, it is unrivaled.Functionality of the platform is also top level. It has many filtersand criteria you can use to find a trader both with a good return rateand a rather moderate take on risk.
To make as much as the top professional traders and not spend too muchtime and effort to do that? That’s every beginner’s dream! The entrythreshold is also quite affordable.
Be that as it may, one should not overestimate the possibilities ofthis type of investment. Financial markets are a risk zone and itcertainly exists in copy trading as well. You need to criticallyevaluate statistics and avoid investing more than you are prepared torisk.
Yes, the broker has a good reputation confirmed by the licenses ofthe regulators of the UK, EU and Australia.
How much do I need to start copying trades on eToro?
First, we recommend testing the CopyTrader system using a demomode, and then start trading real assets. The minimum amount forcopying one trader is $200, but it is better to diversify risksand copy at least 3-4 traders. As for choosing the amount forinvesting in copy trading, you need to make sure that even in thecase of losses, your financial stability and well-being does notsuffer.
Is copy trading risky?
All types of investment carry not only an opportunity to earnmoney, but also the risks. Carefully select strategy providers andobserve risk management rules in order to avoid possible losses.
In which cases should I stop copying a trader on eToro?
When you start working with a manager, you set the maximumdrawdown value, upon reaching which copying stops automatically.You can also do it yourself, if the manager’s result is negativeover a certain period of time. However, you need to keep in mindthat even the best traders have negative results in some months,which is why every case needs to be considered in the context ofdata for a longer period.
eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs.
Please note that CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 52% 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.
Past performance is not an indication of future results. Trading history presented is less than 5 complete years and may not suffice as basis for investment decision.
Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
Crypto investments are risky and may not suit retail investors; you could lose your entire investment. Understand the risks here.
"Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.Take 2 mins to learn more"
eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs and makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication, which has been prepared by our partner utilizing publicly available non-entity specific information about eToro.
Mikhail Vnuchkov joined Traders Union as an author in 2020. He began his professional career as a journalist-observer at a small online financial publication, where he covered global economic events and discussed their impact on the segment of financial investment, including investor income. With five years of experience in finance, Mikhail joined Traders Union team, where he is in charge of forming the pool of latest news for traders, who trade stocks, cryptocurrencies, Forex instruments and fixed income.
Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.
Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).
