eToro CopyTrader Review: Is Copy Trading Worth It in 2026?
If you’re short on time, lack confidence in trading, or just don’t want to spend evenings analysing charts, copy trading can sound like the perfect solution. Instead of placing trades yourself, you follow experienced investors and your account mirrors their trades automatically.
That’s exactly what eToro CopyTrader offers, and it’s why I decided to give it a proper try.
I’ve been using eToro’s copy trading feature since late 2021. This review explains how it works, what it does well, where it falls down, and whether it deserves a place alongside more traditional investing platforms.
eToro CopyTrader review
eToro CopyTrader lets you automatically replicate the trades of other investors on the platform. Once set up, it’s genuinely hands-off, but results vary widely depending on who you copy and market conditions. Some traders communicate clearly and are useful to learn from; others barely say a word.
It’s not passive income, and it’s not low risk — but used sensibly, it can work as part of a wider investing strategy.
Pros
- Huge choice of traders to copy
- Requires little input once set up
- Good transparency around trader performance
- Can be a strong learning platform for beginners
Cons
- Minimum deposit of $200
- Quality of traders varies
- Figures and statistics can feel overwhelming at first
Reviewed by Household Money SavingWhen it comes to investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up.
What is copy trading?
Copy trading allows you to automatically follow another investor’s trades in real time. When they buy or sell, the same trade is opened or closed in your account, scaled to the amount you’ve invested.
You don’t need the same balance as the trader you’re copying. Everything works proportionally, which makes it accessible even with smaller amounts.
Is eToro CopyTrader safe?
From a platform perspective, yes.
- eToro is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK
- Client funds are held with regulated institutions
- Two-factor authentication is available
That said, platform safety doesn’t remove investment risk. You’re still exposed to market swings, leverage, CFDs, crypto volatility, and the decisions of the trader you’re copying.
How CopyTrader works
Getting started is straightforward:
Open the Discover section on the app or website
Select CopyTrader
Browse or filter traders
Review performance, risk score, and portfolio
Choose an amount (minimum $200)
Set a copy stop-loss
Once live, all future trades made by that trader are copied automatically.
Choosing the right trader (this matters most)
This is where copy trading succeeds or fails.
Each trader profile shows:
- Monthly and annual performance
- Risk score (1–10)
- Number of copiers
- Assets traded
- Historical drawdowns
High short-term returns can look tempting, but they usually come with high risk. I pay far more attention to:
- Consistency over several years
- Risk scores below 6
- Diversification across assets
- Clear communication
Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, but erratic performance is still a warning sign.
My experience with eToro CopyTrader
I started copy trading at the end of 2021, which, in hindsight, wasn’t ideal timing.
One trader I chose had delivered around 40% over the previous two years, mainly trading forex with some stocks and crypto mixed in. Then 2022 happened (Russia/Ukraine for those with shorter memories).
My account dropped by roughly 9% during the downturn. I didn’t panic sell, added a second trader during the lows, and left things alone.
Over the last 12 months, my copy trading account is up just over 33%, based on around $577 invested, now sitting at roughly $770. It hasn’t been a smooth ride, there were clear dips along the way, but that’s the reality of copy trading.
Those returns came largely from broader market recovery and the specific strategies used by the traders I copied, not from anything eToro itself guarantees.
A good savings account would’ve been calmer, and depending on the year, not dramatically worse. But it would also have offered less upside.
One trader I follow regularly posts updates explaining their thinking, which I’ve found genuinely useful. The other is much quieter, but still performs reasonably well. That contrast alone sums up copy trading nicely.
How this compares to my other investments
Copy trading isn’t how I invest most of my money.
The bulk of my long-term investing sits in more traditional platforms like Fidelity and J.P.Morgan, where I’m aiming for steady, long-term growth rather than short-term wins.
J.P. Morgan works well if you want genuinely hands-off investing. Fidelity gives you more control if you’re happy choosing funds yourself.
Copy trading isn’t a replacement for long-term investing, it’s a complement.
Copy trading vs DIY investing
Feature | eToro CopyTrader | DIY investing |
|---|---|---|
Effort required | Very low once set up | Low to moderate |
Control | Limited | Full (or none with robo-advisors) |
Risk level | Medium to high | Low to medium |
Volatility | Can be choppy | Generally smoother |
Learning potential | High if traders communicate | Lower unless self-directed |
Fees | Mainly built into spreads and overnight financing | Platform and fund fees |
Best for | Small allocations, experimentation | Long-term wealth building |
My view is simple: copy trading is fine for a portion of your portfolio. DIY investing is where most people should build real wealth.
Is eToro CopyTrader worth it?
It depends on what you expect.
If you want a hands-off way to gain exposure beyond basic funds, and you’re comfortable with risk and volatility, CopyTrader can make sense, with modest amounts.
If you want guaranteed returns, steady monthly income, or a replacement for a pension or ISA, this isn’t it.
I still use eToro CopyTrader, but it sits firmly in the higher-risk part of my portfolio. Most of my money stays in boring, long-term investments, and I’m completely fine with that.
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may
go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
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.
This communication is intended for information and educational purposes only
and should not be considered investment advice or investment
recommendation. Past performance is not an indication of future results.
Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your
investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
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 at https://etoro.tw/44JRWLY
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.
FAQs: eToro CopyTrader
What’s the minimum investment?
$200 per trader you copy.
Can you lose money copy trading on eToro?
Yes. Returns depend entirely on the trader and market conditions.
Can I stop copying a trader at any time?
Yes. You can close positions instantly or use a stop-loss.
Is copy trading suitable for beginners?
Usable, yes. Low risk, no. Beginners should start small.
Should you copy open trades on eToro?
Usually not. Starting fresh reduces the risk of entering trades late.
