Which copy trading platforms to use to maximise profits

Copy trading enables you to replicate the trades of expert investors, aiming to achieve similar results without requiring in-depth market knowledge. In this guide, we review the top copy trading platforms for 2025, their features, and help you determine the best fit for your trading preferences and goals.

Best copy trading platforms 

With a variety of copy trading platforms vying for attention in 2025, each offering unique strengths, here are the top picks:

• Best for beginners: eToro
• Best for advanced traders: Interactive Brokers
• Best mobile app: Lightyear
• Best for long-term investors: Trade Republic
• Best for comprehensive investment options: Swissquote
• Best for low-cost trading: Trading 212
• Best for futures and forex traders: NinjaTrader
• Best for global market access: MEXEM

What is copy trading?

Copy trading is a cutting-edge trading strategy that enables novice traders to replicate the trades of experienced traders, achieving similar trading performance. 

At its core, copy trading involves two key participants: the provider, also known as a signal provider, and the copier. 

The provider is typically an experienced trader who shares their trading actions, while the copier subscribes to these actions and replicates them in their trading accounts, including copied trades. This symbiotic relationship allows less experienced traders to benefit from the expertise of seasoned investors without needing to develop their social trading strategies from scratch.

The mechanics of copy trading are straightforward yet powerful:

• Once a copier subscribes to a signal provider, they gain real-time access to the provider’s trading activities.
• Any trade executed by the provider is automatically replicated in the copier’s account, creating a seamless and automated trading experience.
• Platforms are commonly used for this purpose, requiring the copier to open an account with a broker to access these platforms.
• The rating system on these platforms ranks signal providers based on their past trades, trading strategies, and overall trading performance.

This rating system helps copiers make informed decisions on which traders to follow.

Copy trading is particularly popular among novice traders because it eliminates the need for extensive market analysis and the time-consuming development of strategies. Following and copying trades from top-rated traders helps beginners learn valuable skills, increase profit margins, and save time.

However, it’s important to be aware of its limitations and risks, such as the potential for significant losses if the signal provider makes poor trading decisions. Therefore, whilst copy trading can be a lucrative strategy, it requires careful selection of signal providers and continuous monitoring of trading activities.

eToro – best for beginners

Price: Earn up to 4.3% annually

Pros:

• User-friendly platform
• Access to a variety of asset types, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs
• Fractional trading available
• Educational resources through eToro Academy

Cons:

• Limited advanced trading features
• Higher spreads compared to some competitors

eToro stands out as the best platform for beginners due to:

• It’s intuitive and has an easy-to-navigate interface.
• Multiple awards received for user experience.
• Simplicity in starting to invest in a diverse range of assets, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs.

The fractional trading feature enables investors to purchase smaller amounts of high-priced shares, making it accessible to those with limited capital.

Additionally, eToro offers extensive educational resources through its eToro Academy, providing free courses, webinars, and tutorials to help beginners understand the basics of trading and investment strategies. However, while eToro is excellent for novice traders, it may lack some advanced trading features that more experienced traders might expect.

Overall, eToro’s combination of user-friendliness, diverse asset offerings, and educational resources makes it an ideal choice for those just starting out in the world of trading.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5
• Design: 5/5
• Features: 4/5
• Usability: 5/5

Interactive Brokers – best for advanced traders

Price: Commissions starting at $0, Interest rates up to 3.83% APY

Specifications:

• Commission Rates: Starting at $0
• Interest Rates: Up to 3.83% APY
• Markets Accessed: 160 Markets, 36 Countries, 28 Currencies
• Trading Platforms: IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Trader Workstation
• Account Types: Individual, Joint, IRA, Non-Professional Advisor, Institutional Accounts

Pros:

• Sophisticated trading tools and features
• Low-cost trading across various assets
• Competitive margin rates
• Access to a wide range of futures contracts

Cons:

• Complex interface requiring a solid understanding of trading concepts
• Steeper learning curve for beginners

Interactive Brokers is a powerhouse for seasoned traders, offering:

• An array of sophisticated tools and features designed to enhance trading performance.
• Access to over 160 markets across 36 countries, allowing extensive portfolio diversification.
• Low commission rates starting at $0.
• Competitive margin rates make it attractive for active traders who require leverage.

The innovative MultiSort Screener and advanced Trader Workstation (TWS) interface provide a highly customizable trading environment, although it does come with a steeper learning curve. One of the standout features of Interactive Brokers is its access to various futures contracts, including:

• commodities
• cryptocurrencies
• Financial indices. 

This extensive range of complex instruments makes it a versatile platform for advanced traders seeking to implement sophisticated trading strategies.

However, the platform’s complexity means it may not be suitable for beginners. Overall, Interactive Brokers offers a robust and comprehensive trading experience for those with the expertise to navigate its advanced tools.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5
• Design: 3/5
• Features: 5/5
• Usability: 3/5

Lightyear – best mobile app

Price: Free

Specifications:

• High interest on uninvested cash (up to 3.00% APY)
• 5000 stocks, ETFs, and MMFs available
• Protection up to €20,000 by the Estonian Investor Protection Sectoral Fund

Pros:

• Commission-free ETFs and low stock fees
• Easy-to-use mobile trading platform
• Quick account opening process
• High interest on uninvested cash

Cons:

• Limited to UK/EU markets
• Less comprehensive than some desktop platforms

Lightyear shines as the best mobile app for trading, thanks to its user-friendly interface and exceptional mobile experience. Key features include:

• Founded in 2020 and regulated in the UK and Estonia
• Offers a range of investment options, including 5000 stocks, ETFs, and money market funds (MMFs)
• Pays high interest on uninvested cash, up to 3.00% APY, which is significantly higher than many competitors

The app emphasises trust and security, with the following features:

• Customer assets protected up to €20,000 by the Estonian Investor Protection Sectoral Fund
• Commission-free ETFs
• Low stock fees
• Quick account opening process

These features make it an attractive option for mobile-first investors. However, it is primarily focused on the EE/UK/EU markets, which may limit its appeal for those seeking broader market access.

Overall, Lightyear’s combination of low fees, high interest rates, and a top-notch mobile experience makes it a standout choice for investors on the go.

Rating:

• Price: 5/5
• Design: 5/5
• Features: 4/5
• Usability: 5/5

Trade Republic – best for long-term investors

Price: Free subscription for the card; 5€ one-time payment for the classic card; 50€ one-time payment for the mirror card; 1€ for single trades, plus third-party costs and spreads.

Specifications:

• Annual Interest Rate: 2%
• Minimum Investment: 1€
• ATM Withdrawals: Unlimited free above 100€
• Card Options: Virtual card (free), Classic card (5€ one-time), Mirror card (50€ one-time)

Pros:

• No hidden fees
• High interest on cash balances
• Unlimited free ATM withdrawals
• User-friendly platform

Cons:

• Limited advanced trading features
• Primarily focused on European markets

Trade Republic is an excellent choice for long-term investors, offering:

• A straightforward app interface that enhances the user experience
• A focus on low-cost investing
• High interest rates on cash balances make it attractive for wealth growth over time
• No hidden fees
• Unlimited free ATM withdrawals worldwide for amounts over 100€

While Trade Republic excels in providing a user-friendly and cost-effective trading experience, it may lack some advanced features that experienced traders might seek. Additionally, its primary focus on European markets may limit its utility for those seeking global market access. Overall, Trade Republic’s combination of low costs, high interest rates, and a user-friendly platform makes it an excellent choice for long-term investors looking to maximise their returns.

Rating:

• Price: 5/5
• Design: 4/5
• Features: 3/5
• Usability: 5/5

Swissquote – best for comprehensive investment options

Price: Currency conversion (FX) 0.35%, Monthly fee Free, US stocks – per order $1 max, Baltic stocks – per order three free / month, UK stocks – per order £1, EU stocks – per order 1€.

Specifications:

• Interest Rates: 2.02% APY on Savings, 0.50% on EUR, 2.00% on GBP, 3.00% on USD
• Account Types: Personal Account, Business Account, Investeerimiskonto, Multi-currency account
• Regulation: Regulated by EFSA
• Investor Protection: Up to €20,000 by Estonian Investor Protection Sectoral Fund
• SIPC Protection: Up to $500,000 for US securities

Pros:

• Wide range of account types
• Competitive interest rates
• Strong regulatory oversight
• Diverse investment options

Cons:

• Higher trading costs for specific transactions
• Complex fee structure

Swissquote stands out for its comprehensive investment options, offering:

• A variety of account types, including personal, business, and investment accounts
• Regulation by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (EFSA) ensures strong oversight and security
• Competitive interest rates, with up to 3.00% APY on savings accounts, enhance appeal for those looking to earn on their idle funds.

However, trading costs can be higher for specific transactions, which might impact its overall fee competitiveness. Despite this, Swissquote’s extensive range of investment options, from stocks and funds to multi-currency accounts, makes it an attractive choice for investors seeking a diverse portfolio. Overall, Swissquote’s robust regulatory framework, competitive interest rates, and diverse account offerings make it a top choice for those looking for comprehensive investment options.

Rating:

• Price: 3/5
• Design: 4/5
• Features: 5/5
• Usability: 4/5

Trading 212 – best for low-cost trading

Price: Commissions from EUR 2 for Euronext exchanges, Commissions from USD 1 for Main US exchanges, Commissions from EUR 20 for Bonds, Commission per contract EUR 0.75 for EUR stock options.

Pros:

• Zero account fees
• Commission-free trading
• Interest on uninvested cash
• Wide variety of investment options

Cons:

• May lack advanced trading features
• Limited research tools

Trading 212 excels in providing a low-cost trading environment, making it a highly affordable option for investors. Key features include:

• Zero account fees and commission-free trading make it attractive for cost-conscious traders
• Access to over 13,000 different stocks and ETFs globally, offering a wide variety of investment options
• The ability to earn interest on uninvested cash provides an extra benefit for those looking to maximise their returns through trading CFDs.

However, while Trading 212 excels in low-cost trading, it may lack some advanced trading features and research tools that more experienced traders might expect. Nonetheless, its commitment to low-cost trading and diverse investment options makes it a standout choice for those looking to minimise trading costs while accessing a broad range of assets.

Rating:

• Price: 5/5
• Design: 4/5
• Features: 3/5
• Usability: 4/5

NinjaTrader – best for futures and forex traders

Price: Commissions starting at $0.09 per contract

Pros:

• Low commissions for futures trading
• Highly customizable trading environment
• Supports simulated trading
• Flexible access from desktop, web, and mobile platforms

Cons:

• Does not offer stock trading options
• Complex interface for beginners

NinjaTrader is a top choice for futures and forex traders, offering:

• Low commissions starting at $0.09 per contract
• No initial deposit requirements
• A highly customizable trading environment
• Access to thousands of third-party add-ons
• The ability to create personalised trading tools

This flexibility enables traders to tailor the platform to their specific needs, allowing them to enhance their trading performance and adapt to market liquidity volatility, thereby providing a significant advantage.

Additionally, NinjaTrader supports simulated trading, allowing users to practice their strategies in a risk-free environment before engaging in live trading. However, the platform does not offer stock trading options, which may limit its appeal for some traders. Despite its complex interface, NinjaTrader’s robust features and support for futures and forex trading make it an excellent choice for experienced traders looking to optimise their trading strategies.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5
• Design: 4/5
• Features: 5/5
• Usability: 3/5

MEXEM – best for global market access

Price: $1/€1 for trading U.S. & EU stocks

Specifications:

• Markets: 150
• Countries: 33
• Currencies: 23
• Products: 30k+
• Order Types: 100+

Pros:

• Access to over 150 global markets
• Competitive trading fees
• Multilingual support
• Advanced trading platforms
• Real-time market data

Cons:

• Limited educational resources
• Complex for beginners

MEXEM is an excellent platform for traders seeking global market access, offering:

• Trading across 150 markets
• Catering to 33 countries using 23 different currencies
• Over 30,000 financial products available for trading
• More than 100 different order types and algorithms
• Multilingual support
• Real-time market data

These features provide a comprehensive trading experience and enhance its appeal for traders looking to diversify their portfolios globally.

However, MEXEM may be complex for beginners and lacks extensive educational resources to help new traders get started. Despite this, its competitive trading fees and advanced trading tools make it a top choice for those looking to access a wide range of global markets. Overall, MEXEM’s robust features and global reach make it a standout platform for experienced traders and investors.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5
• Design: 4/5
• Features: 5/5
• Usability: 3/5

Choosing the right copy trading platform

Selecting the correct copy trading platform is essential for achieving your trading objectives and maximising your returns. When choosing a platform, consider factors such as the range of assets available, the platform’s user interface, and the quality of customer support. For more information on choosing trading platforms, including crypto brokers and their unique features, review available resources. Platforms like eToro offer extensive educational resources through the eToro Academy, making it easier for beginners to get started. Additionally, features like CopyTrader allow users to automatically replicate the trading activities of successful investors, thereby simplifying the trading process.

It’s also important to look for platforms that offer competitive fees and interest rates on uninvested cash. For example, Trading 212 allows users to earn interest on uninvested cash, adding an extra layer of benefit for cost-conscious traders.

Moreover, platforms that provide access to a wide range of markets and financial products, such as Trade Republic and MEXEM, can help you diversify your portfolio and effectively spread your risk. Ultimately, the right platform will depend on your specific needs and trading strategy.

What to look out for

When choosing a copy trading platform, it’s essential to be aware of potential pitfalls and important considerations. One of the key factors to consider is the commission rate, as it can significantly impact overall profitability. Platforms like MEXEM promote competitive trading fees, with costs as low as $1 for trading U.S. and EU stocks. Additionally, interest rates on borrowed funds for trading can affect the price of leverage, influencing traders’ decisions.

Another important aspect is the platform’s usability and the quality of customer support, along with other key factors. User-friendly platforms enhance the trading experience, enabling traders to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.

It’s also crucial to research the signal providers you plan to follow, as their trading performance will directly impact your results. Platforms that offer robust performance data and ranking systems can help you identify top-performing traders and align your investments with your risk tolerance and trading goals.

Always ensure you fully understand the platform’s fee structure and the risks involved in finance before committing your capital, as there is a risk of losing money.

Risk management in copy trading

Effective risk management is crucial for long-term success in copy trading. Key strategies include:

• Diversifying your investments across multiple traders and asset classes.
• Allocating different portions of your capital to various traders to enhance diversification and reduce the impact of a single trader’s poor performance.
• Investing only 10-15% of your total trading capital in any single trader to spread your risk and avoid a high risk of losing.
• Using tools like copy stop loss, which can automatically cease copying a trader once a certain loss threshold is reached, helps to mitigate potential losses.

Regularly monitoring the performance of signal providers is essential to ensure their strategies remain effective. Platforms often assign market risk scores to traders, which can help you identify those who align with your systematic risk preferences. Additionally, these high-risk services can enhance your understanding of the market.

Utilising stop-loss orders and establishing allocation limits can further mitigate risk in copy trading. By choosing signal providers who demonstrate a risk-aware approach and regularly adjusting your allocations, you can enhance capital preservation and ensure sustainable trading performance while mitigating potential loss.

Maximising your copy trading strategy

Maximising your copy trading strategy involves several essential steps:

• Regularly monitor and analyse trader performance.
• Research potential traders to copy by evaluating their historical performance, win ratios, and trading strategies.
• Establish clear entry and exit points for each trader to enhance your overall strategy and make informed decisions about when to start or stop copying.
• Regularly review your portfolio and adapt to changing market conditions to optimise your copy trading strategy.

Diversification is another key aspect of maximising your copy trading strategy. A well-optimised copy trading portfolio should:

• Include traders from different asset categories to mitigate risks and enhance returns.
• Carefully select a diverse group of top-performing traders.
• Continuously monitor their performance.

By following these steps, you can achieve a balanced and profitable copy trading portfolio.

Remember, the goal is to align your investments with your risk tolerance and trading objectives, ensuring long-term success in the dynamic world of copy trading.

Which copy trading platform will you use?

There are a plethora of copy trading platforms, each catering to different trader needs and preferences. From eToro’s user-friendly interface for beginners to Interactive Brokers’ sophisticated tools for advanced traders, there is a platform for everyone.

Lightyear’s exceptional mobile app and Trade Republic’s focus on long-term investments provide unique advantages, while Swissquote’s comprehensive investment options and Trading 212’s low-cost trading appeal to a wide range of investors.

NinjaTrader excels in futures and forex trading, and MEXEM offers unparalleled global market access. By carefully selecting the right platform and employing effective risk management strategies, you can maximise your copy trading success and achieve your financial goals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Conduct your own independent research and consider your personal financial situation, objectives, and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions. Trading and investing involve risk, and you may lose some or all of your capital. All prices, interest rates, and product details mentioned are accurate as of the time of publication but are subject to change without notice. MoneyHub accepts no liability for any losses incurred as a result of actions taken based on the information provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is copy trading?

Copy trading is a strategy enabling novice traders to replicate the trades of seasoned traders with a proven track record of profitability. This approach allows for individuals to leverage the expertise of others in financial markets.

Why is eToro recommended for copy trading?

eToro is recommended for copy trading due to its pioneering position in the market, comprehensive analysis of traders’ performance, strong reputation for trustworthiness, and low minimum deposit requirement. This combination makes it a reliable choice for those looking to engage in copy trading.

What is the primary goal of a copier in copy trading?

The primary goal of a copier in copy trading is to replicate the trading positions of the provider in their accounts, thereby enabling them to benefit from the provider’s expertise and achieve similar financial results.

What is a requirement for copy trading?

A powerful trading platform is essential for copy trading, and one must open an account with a broker to use these platforms.

What benefits do novice traders gain from following top-rated traders?

Novice traders benefit significantly from following top-rated traders as they acquire valuable skills, enhance profit margins, gain professional insights, and save time in their trading journey. This guidance can accelerate their learning curve and improve their overall trading performance.