E
E*TRADE
3.6 / 5Score: 4 / 4
E*TRADE delivers a zero-commission, zero-minimum-deposit gateway to US markets backed by top-tier SEC and CFTC regulation.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:4
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- SEC, CFTC
Reviewed by Experts Updated 10/19/2026
E*TRADE vs Windsor Brokers: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
E*TRADE and Windsor Brokers serve very different trading audiences, but when measured head-to-head, E*TRADE comes out on top with a stronger overall rating. This review breaks down fees, regulation, platforms, and market access to help you choose confidently.
WB
Windsor Brokers
3.2 / 5Score: 0 / 4
Windsor Brokers pairs industry-standard MT4/MT5 platforms with high leverage up to 1:500 for active global forex and CFD traders.
- Min deposit
- $100
- Max leverage
- 1:500
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- CySEC, FSA
Our #1 Pick Right Now: AvaTrade
Same category, top-tier regulation, and it's currently accepting new traders.
See What Makes It Different Overall Winner
E*TRADE
Best for Beginners
E*TRADE
Lowest Fees
E*TRADE
Top Regulation
E*TRADE
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | E E*TRADE | WB Windsor Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.6 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 1982 | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Arlington, USA | Limassol, Cyprus |
| Regulation | SEC, CFTC | CySEC, FSA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | $3/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:4 | 1:500 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | MT4, MT5 |
| Markets Offered | Stocks, Indices, Commodities | Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities, Stocks |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
E*TRADE
$0
Windsor Brokers
$100
Spreads From
E*TRADE
0 pips
Windsor Brokers
0 pips
Commission
E*TRADE
None
Windsor Brokers
$3/lot
Deposit Fees
E*TRADE
None
Windsor Brokers
None
Withdrawal Fees
E*TRADE
None
Windsor Brokers
None
Pros & cons
E
E*TRADE
Pros
- Achieves a stronger overall rating of 3.6 out of 5 in our research
- Charges no per-trade commission on standard trades
- Allows account opening with a $0 minimum deposit, ideal for new traders
- Backed by robust tier-1 oversight from the SEC and CFTC
- Over four decades of operating history since 1982 builds long-term trust
- Zero deposit and withdrawal fees keep overall trading costs predictable
- Headquartered in the heavily regulated US financial market
Cons
- Maximum leverage is capped at a conservative 1:4, limiting it for leveraged forex traders
- Does not offer MT4 or MT5, which may deter traders attached to those platforms
- Market access is narrower, covering stocks, indices, and commodities but not dedicated forex or CFD products
- Proprietary-only platform approach means less flexibility for algorithmic or third-party trading tools
WB
Windsor Brokers
Pros
- Offers significantly higher maximum leverage of up to 1:500
- Provides access to five distinct market categories, more than many competitors
- Supports industry-standard MT4 and MT5 trading platforms
- Long-standing presence in the industry since 1988
- No deposit or withdrawal fees on transactions
- Based in Limassol, Cyprus, a recognized financial hub for forex brokers
Cons
- Receives a lower overall rating of 3.2 out of 5 in our research
- Requires a $100 minimum deposit compared to E*TRADE's $0 requirement
- Charges a $3 per lot commission on top of spreads, adding to trading costs
- Regulated only by CySEC and FSA rather than top-tier bodies like the SEC or CFTC
- High leverage of 1:500 can significantly increase risk exposure for inexperienced traders
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner E*TRADE
Lowest fees E*TRADE
Best regulation E*TRADE
Better for beginners E*TRADE
E*TRADE is our top pick in this matchup, earning a 3.6 out of 5 rating compared to Windsor Brokers's 3.2 out of 5. E*TRADE wins on regulatory strength, zero minimum deposit, and commission-free trading, making it the stronger all-around choice for most traders, though Windsor Brokers remains relevant for forex-focused traders wanting high leverage and MT4/MT5 access.
Regulation & Safety
Regulatory strength is one of the clearest differentiators in this comparison. E*TRADE is overseen by the SEC and CFTC, two of the most respected tier-1 regulatory bodies in the world, giving US-based traders strong legal protections and oversight.
Windsor Brokers operates under CySEC and FSA licensing. These are legitimate regulators, but they are generally considered less stringent than the SEC or CFTC in terms of capital requirements and investor protection mechanisms.
For traders who prioritize regulatory security above all else, E*TRADE's tier-1 licensing gives it a clear edge in this category.
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, putting them on equal footing at the headline level. However, the full cost picture diverges once commissions are factored in.
E*TRADE charges no per-trade commission on standard stock and ETF trades, making it a genuinely low-cost option for everyday investors. Windsor Brokers, by contrast, applies a $3 per lot commission on top of its spreads, which can add up for active forex traders.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a positive for both platforms. Overall, E*TRADE's fee structure is simpler and more cost-effective for the average retail trader.
Minimum Deposit & Accessibility
E*TRADE requires no minimum deposit, allowing traders to open an account and start investing with virtually any amount of capital. This makes it an especially attractive option for beginners or those testing a new strategy without committing significant funds upfront.
Windsor Brokers requires a $100 minimum deposit, which is still a relatively low barrier to entry by industry standards, but it's a meaningful difference for budget-conscious new traders.
On pure accessibility, E*TRADE is the more beginner-friendly option of the two.
Trading Platforms & Tools
E*TRADE relies entirely on its own proprietary web and mobile platforms. These are built for ease of use and integrate research tools directly, which suits investors who prefer an all-in-one experience over third-party software.
Windsor Brokers supports both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry-standard platforms favored by forex and CFD traders for their charting capabilities, expert advisor support, and algorithmic trading functionality.
Platform choice here really comes down to trading style: proprietary simplicity versus MT4/MT5 flexibility and third-party tool compatibility.
Market Access & Leverage
Windsor Brokers offers a noticeably broader market selection, covering forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, and stocks. E*TRADE's offering is more limited, focused on stocks, indices, and commodities without a dedicated forex product line.
Leverage is another area of sharp contrast. E*TRADE caps leverage at 1:4 in line with US regulatory standards, while Windsor Brokers offers leverage up to 1:500, appealing to traders who want greater capital efficiency, albeit with substantially higher risk.
Traders focused on forex and CFDs with leverage flexibility will likely lean toward Windsor Brokers, while stock and ETF investors will find E*TRADE's offering sufficient.
Our Verdict
When weighing all factors, E*TRADE earns our recommendation with an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5 versus Windsor Brokers's 3.2 out of 5. Its combination of tier-1 regulation, zero minimum deposit, and commission-free trading makes it the stronger choice for the broad majority of traders, especially beginners and US-based stock investors.
Windsor Brokers still holds genuine appeal for a specific audience: experienced forex and CFD traders who want MT4/MT5 access and higher leverage. If your trading strategy depends on those features, Windsor Brokers remains a credible alternative.
Ultimately, there's no rule against using both platforms for different purposes, diversifying between E*TRADE for commission-free stock investing and Windsor Brokers for leveraged forex and CFD trading.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
E*TRADE wins overall
E*TRADE edges out Windsor Brokers overall based on our expert rating score.
E
Highest Rated
E*TRADE
3.6 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.6/5).
E*TRADEBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
E*TRADELower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
E*TRADEStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
E*TRADE
Frequently asked questions
Based on our independent rating system, E*TRADE comes out ahead with a score of 3.6 out of 5 compared to Windsor Brokers's 3.2 out of 5. E*TRADE's advantages include stronger tier-1 regulation, a lower minimum deposit, and no commission on standard trades. That said, Windsor Brokers may still suit traders who specifically need high leverage, MT4/MT5 platforms, or dedicated forex and CFD access, so your ideal choice depends on your trading priorities.
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, but the overall cost structure differs. E*TRADE charges no per-trade commission, while Windsor Brokers applies a $3 per lot commission on top of its spreads. For cost-conscious traders focused on stocks and ETFs, E*TRADE's zero-commission model is typically more economical.
E*TRADE requires no minimum deposit at all, making it accessible to traders with any budget. Windsor Brokers, on the other hand, requires a minimum deposit of $100 to open a standard trading account. This makes E*TRADE a more approachable option for beginners testing the waters.
E*TRADE is regulated by the SEC and CFTC, both considered tier-1 regulatory bodies with strict oversight standards in the United States. Windsor Brokers operates under CySEC and FSA licensing, which, while legitimate, are generally viewed as less stringent than top-tier US regulation. Traders prioritizing maximum regulatory protection may lean toward E*TRADE.
E*TRADE relies on its own proprietary web and mobile trading platforms, designed for ease of use and integrated research tools. Windsor Brokers instead supports the widely used MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, favored by traders who want access to custom indicators, expert advisors, and algorithmic trading. Your preferred platform ecosystem could be a deciding factor between the two.
Windsor Brokers is explicitly built around forex and CFD trading, offering access to forex alongside indices, commodities, and stocks. E*TRADE's market offering focuses primarily on stocks, indices, and commodities without a dedicated forex trading product. Traders specifically seeking forex exposure will likely find Windsor Brokers more suitable.
E*TRADE offers a conservative maximum leverage of 1:4, in line with US regulatory restrictions on retail leverage. Windsor Brokers offers substantially higher leverage of up to 1:500, which can amplify both potential gains and losses. Traders should weigh their risk tolerance carefully before choosing a leverage level.
Yes, there is nothing preventing you from opening accounts with both brokers simultaneously. Many traders choose to diversify across multiple platforms to take advantage of E*TRADE's commission-free stock trading alongside Windsor Brokers's forex and CFD offerings. This approach can provide broader market access and platform flexibility.
Windsor Brokers was founded in 1988, while E*TRADE has an even longer history dating back to 1982. Both brokers have multi-decade track records in the financial industry, which can provide reassurance regarding operational stability and experience.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.