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Our Pick Of The 2 Best Social Trading Platforms – Investing

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated October 3, 2025

Social trading makes investing easier by letting you follow and copy the strategies of experienced traders in real time. The best platforms offer simple design, low costs, and community features that help you trade with more confidence while learning from others.

  • eToro: Trading Platform

    If you’re seeking a versatile option, “Our Pick of the Best All-Round Platform,” eToro: Trading Platform offers share trading fees of $1 or $2 when opening and closing positions, based on your country and exchange. It charges no platform fee, though some additional costs may apply. With a highly active community forum, it also provides strong social trading support.

    Why We Picked It

    eToro, founded in 2007, has grown into one of the largest social trading platforms with about 30 million customers. It offers access to more than 5,500 shares and 500 ETFs across the UK, US, and Europe, giving investors a broad range of options. Its platform also includes a personalized news feed where users share an average of 42,000 posts and 7,200 comments daily, making it a highly active investing community.

    One of its standout features is CopyTrader, which lets users automatically replicate the trades of top-performing investors who meet specific criteria. These traders are incentivized, ensuring that only qualified individuals lead strategies. The app is user-friendly, supports online trading, and offers tools like technical analysis, trailing stop losses, and fractional share purchases.

    UK clients are charged a 0.75% conversion fee on accounts held in US dollars, unless they use an eToro Money account to escape the fee. Withdrawals incur a $5 fee, and inactive accounts are charged $10 monthly after a year. Overall, eToro suits investors interested in both social and copy trading, especially those focused on US shares.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Access to stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, forex, and CFDs
    • Large social trading network with Popular Investors
    • CopyTrader system with risk controls like stop loss
    • Demo account for practice
    • Simple and modern user interface
    • No management or performance fees on copy trading

    Cons

    • Spreads can be higher than some brokers
    • Overnight fees apply to leveraged CFD positions
    • Limited integration with third-party tools like MetaTrader, cTrader Copy, or Myfxbook AutoTrade
    • Minimum deposit can vary by region
    • Fewer advanced research tools compared to platforms like AvaTrade or ZuluTrade with ZuluGuard

    Typical Fees

    With eToro, you don’t pay commission on stock or ETF trades, but spreads apply and can vary by asset type. For example, cryptocurrency spreads are generally higher than those for forex pairs. If you hold contracts for difference (CFDs) overnight, you’ll also incur daily fees that differ depending on the asset class.

    In addition to spreads and overnight charges, there are other costs to consider. A $5 withdrawal fee applies, and UK clients incur a 0.75% currency conversion fee unless they use an eToro Money account to deposit in USD. For a £10,000 portfolio, the typical fee is £50, though this is waived if you hold an eToro Money account.

    Unlike some competitors, eToro does not charge performance fees. Trading costs are included in spreads and overnight fees, making it easier to predict expenses for both direct trading and copying other investors. This structure simplifies cost planning for both casual and active traders.

  • Trading 212: Trading 212 Invest

    Trading 212: Trading 212 Invest stands out for its simple, low-cost structure with no share trading fees and no platform fees. The platform also maintains a medium level of activity on its community forum, giving users access to shared insights and discussions. This makes it a cost-effective option for investors seeking straightforward investing with some community interaction.

    Why We Picked It

    Trading 212 is a UK-based fintech start-up that has quickly grown to 2 million clients by offering commission-free trading. Investors pay no trading or custody fees, and the platform’s foreign exchange fee is just 0.15%, making it one of the lowest for buying international shares. With access to over 12,000 shares, ETFs, and investment trusts across the UK, US, and Europe, it provides a wide range of options.

    The platform also fosters community engagement through an active forum where investors discuss shares, ETFs, and trading strategies. For instance, the share and ETF discussion category features around 1,500 posts, with over 800 replies and 17,000 views on the top thread. This community support enhances the experience for those who want to learn and share insights.

    Both the app and website are designed to be user-friendly while still offering advanced tools like stop and limit orders. Trading 212 attracts investors seeking affordability and functionality through low fees, a wide range of investments, and social features.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros:

    • Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs
    • Fractional shares available
    • User-friendly mobile app
    • No account minimums
    • Access to global markets

    Cons:

    • Limited advanced research tools
    • No forex or commodities trading in Invest account
    • Customer support can be slow at peak times
    • No integration with social trading features like NAGA or RoboForex
    • Not ideal for professional day traders who need advanced order execution

    Typical Fees

    Trading 212 Invest makes cost efficiency a priority by charging no commission on share or ETF trades. There are no account maintenance fees either, which helps keep ongoing costs minimal. As the attached example shows, even a portfolio of £10,000 incurs no fee.

    While deposits and withdrawals are free, you may encounter a 0.15% currency conversion fee when trading in a foreign currency. This applies if, for instance, you buy U.S. stocks in dollars, but your account is in pounds. Compared to some brokers that add withdrawal or inactivity fees, this structure is straightforward and transparent.

    Overall, the simplicity of Trading 212’s pricing allows you to focus on investing without worrying about hidden costs. Just keep in mind the potential conversion fees if you frequently trade international shares.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features to look for in a top social trading platform?

You should look for features like copy trading, transparent trader performance data, and tools for risk management. A good platform also provides filters for choosing traders based on risk profile, asset preference, and past results. Easy-to-use dashboards and clear fee structures are also important.

How does copy trading work on platforms like eToro?

Copy trading allows you to automatically replicate the trades of a signal provider or professional trader. When the trader opens or closes a position, the same action happens in your account through automated trade replication. You can usually set limits to control how much of your balance follows each trade.

What are the benefits of using a social trading app for investing?

You gain access to proven trading strategies without needing to design them yourself. You can also learn by watching how experienced traders manage positions, diversify portfolios, and adjust to market changes. Many apps let you start with smaller amounts of money, making it easier to build confidence.

Can you list some reputable social trading platforms for beginners?

Two reputable social trading platforms for beginners are eToro: Trading Platform and Trading 212: Trading 212 Invest. eToro’s CopyTrader lets users automatically follow seasoned investors, while Trading 212 provides a straightforward, commission-free model and an active community forum. Both provide beginner-friendly tools, low costs, and opportunities to learn by observing other traders.

What should one consider before engaging in social trading?

Consider your risk tolerance, the amount you’re willing to invest, and if the trader you follow aligns with your risk profile. It’s also important to check the platform’s rules on fees, withdrawal limits, and transparency of trader performance. Remember that copying trades does not remove risk, and losses are still possible.