Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have revolutionized the way Australian investors build diversified portfolios, offering exposure to various asset classes, sectors, and geographic regions. With the growing popularity of ETF investing, choosing the right platform becomes crucial for maximizing returns while minimizing costs. Australian investors are fortunate to have access to several high-quality, ASIC-regulated platforms that cater to different investment styles and preferences.
Newcomers to investing face several critical decisions, the first being what kind of investment best suits their needs. Some basic reading will usually lead to the advice to diversify your investing dollars, which is sound, and in effect simply means don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
The experts tell us to create a diversified portfolio of stocks, so many investors select their stocks one by one.
The alternative is to invest in a ready-made basket of stocks through either mutual funds or exchange-traded funds, ETFs. Both offer investment vehicles covering a wide range of investing interests, from entire sectors, such as health care, to “niche” markets within a broader sector such as biotechnology, life sciences or medical devices.
Both vehicles also offer choices between active and passive investing. Passive funds track an index, while active funds are professionally managed, targeting the selection of stocks or components according to different criteria.
It might seem counterintuitive to begin by selecting an ETF platform to place investments. However, the best ETF brokers Australia has to offer can help the research process with available search tools on the broker’s trading platform.
While fee structure, ease of use, and investment education options are all worthy criteria for selection, the ability to evaluate an ETF on the same platform where you will ultimately make the purchase saves a substantial amount of time.
Some of the best ETF platforms and brokers do not charge commission fees on ETF trades, but inactivity fees are something to consider. ETFs are generally long-term purchases, and if you are content to stay with a select few, you may go “inactive” for periods without buying. Inactivity fees can vary substantially.
Navigating the trading platform is another consideration, with some ETF trading platforms overloaded with “bells and whistles” more suitable for active traders.
Once you have settled on the best ETF broker for your needs, signing up online is relatively simple. You will need to provide some basic information as well as a TFN (tax file number), proof of identity, and a bank to link to your trading account.
When searching for the best ETF platforms, it is important to prioritize platforms regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This regulatory oversight ensures investor protection, transparent fee structures, and adherence to strict operational standards. ASIC regulation provides peace of mind that your investments are held with reputable institutions that follow Australian financial laws and regulations.
Here are five of the best ETF platforms in Australia
eToro
On most Internet sites comparing ETF Brokers, eToro typically comes first or second in the rankings.
eToro was one of the first Australian brokers, now extended to most of the 16 global markets the company reaches. The company has an inactivity fee of $10 monthly for investors who have not traded on the site for 12 months so as long as you do something each year, you will be fine there.
Founded in 2007 eToro’s registered users have now surpassed 40 million as of early 2026. As opposed to other ETF brokers that can confuse new investors with multiple trading platform options, with many being directed towards the needs of advanced investors, eToro offers up it’s own proprietary platform, with your choice being web-based, or mobile app.
In addition to stocks and ETFs, investors can trade cryptocurrencies on the eToro platforms.
The company’s website is loaded with helpful features for all levels of investing needs. Starting with the Education section, ten investing lessons are offered in the eToro Academy for new investors. The News and Analysis section features weekly articles on market trends, while eToro Plus features more detailed analyses. Their Digest and Invest section features various educational videos for investors of all experience levels.
What makes eToro stand out is the company’s link to social trading. The company claims its social trading network connects “millions of users from over 140 countries.” The firm maintains an active presence on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn, posting investment asset class updates, videos, announcements, and market updates. An agreement between eToro and Twitter sends Twitter users who have entered a valid stock symbol directly to the eToro website.
Copy Trading is another unique feature offered by eToro. Here investors have access to the trades of successful investors, with the ability to “copy” what these more experienced investors are doing.
With no deposit needed, newcomers who join eToro can access a Demo Account, funded with $100,000 of virtual money, where investors can practice various investing strategies targeting different asset classes. Check out the eToro website for a complete look at what the company offers and how it operates.
eToro AUS Capital Limited AFSL 491139. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. See PDS and TMD
AvaTrade
AvaTrade specialises in forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies. The company’s approach to investing in stocks and ETFs is unique; they are traded as contracts for difference (CFDs), allowing investors to go long or short at low cost with leveraged trading up to 20:1.
AvaTrade has ample educational resources for its investment classes, but they are limited. The company’s trading fees vary by trade, and the inactivity fee is $50 per quarter for accounts with no transactions for three consecutive months.
The company has both user-friendly web and mobile platforms, with some pointing to difficulties in customising the platforms. The mobile platform is available in English only. Web platforms include AvaTrade’s own WebTrader along with MetaTrader 4 and AvaOptions.
AvaProtect is a unique feature found in few if any, other brokerage websites. AvaProtect acts as a hedge or an insurance policy against losses on trades made on any AvaTrade platform for any of the investment types offered. Investors specify a time frame on any market orders, and should a loss occur during the period the insurance is in force, AvaTrade will cover the loss.
Stake
Stake has gained significant traction among younger investors and those seeking exposure to US markets alongside Australian ETFs. The platform offers commission-free trading on US ETFs and a competitive $3 brokerage fee for ASX-listed ETFs, making it one of the most cost-effective options available.
Stake’s modern, app-first approach appeals to tech-savvy investors who prefer mobile trading. The platform’s clean interface and real-time market data create an engaging trading experience. Their fractional share trading capability allows investors to purchase portions of expensive ETFs, making diversification accessible even with smaller investment amounts.
The platform excels in providing access to both Australian and international ETFs, including popular US-listed options like SPY, QQQ, and VTI. This dual-market access enables investors to build truly global portfolios without maintaining multiple brokerage accounts. Stake’s educational resources focus on modern investment strategies and include regular market updates and ETF spotlights.
Commsec
Commonwealth Bank’s CommSec stands as Australia’s most popular online trading platform, serving over one million active users. This platform excels in providing comprehensive ETF trading services with competitive brokerage fees starting from $10 for trades up to $1,000, scaling to $19.95 for larger transactions.
CommSec’s strength lies in its extensive research capabilities and educational resources. The platform offers detailed ETF analysis, including performance comparisons, sector breakdowns, and dividend histories. Their mobile app provides seamless trading functionality, allowing investors to monitor portfolios and execute trades on the go. The platform’s integration with CommBank’s banking services creates a streamlined experience for existing customers, with instant fund transfers and consolidated reporting.
The platform supports a vast range of ASX-listed ETFs, including popular options like VAS (Vanguard Australian Shares), IOZ (iShares Core S&P/ASX 200), and international exposure through funds like VGS (Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares). CommSec’s robust customer support, available through phone, email, and live chat, ensures investors receive assistance when needed.
SelfWealth
SelfWealth has disrupted the Australian brokerage industry with its flat-fee structure of $9.50 per trade, regardless of transaction size. This pricing model makes it particularly attractive for investors making regular ETF purchases or those dealing with larger investment amounts where traditional percentage-based fees become prohibitive.
The platform’s social trading features set it apart from competitors, allowing users to follow successful investors and gain insights into their ETF strategies. SelfWealth’s portfolio tracking tools provide comprehensive performance analytics, including dividend tracking and tax reporting features that simplify end-of-year obligations. SelfWealth regularly publishes market insights and ETF analysis, helping investors make informed decisions. Their customer service team, while smaller than larger institutions, provides personalized support and maintains high satisfaction ratings among users.
Final thoughts
There are now two alternatives for investors with neither the time nor the temperament to follow the advice to build a diversified portfolio of stocks; mutual funds available through a full-service brokerage house or online through exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
ETFs trade like stocks in that they can be bought and sold at any time the market where they trade is open. Mutual fund holders must wait until the end of the trading day to sell.
Australia has many ETF platforms from which to choose. No matter your investing strategy, finding one of the best ETF brokers in Australia involves nothing more than searching and assessing what the broker has to offer against what you need.
FAQs
What is an ETF?
An Exchange Traded Fund, or ETF for short, is a type of investment that pools together various kinds of securities and is similar to a mutual fund. The difference is ETFs can be traded on an exchange just like stocks. ETFs can contain all kinds of assets such as stocks, commodities and bonds.
How to Buy ETFs
ETFs are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold just like stocks. There are many different kinds of ETFs covering a whole range of assets so it is important to do your research and choose the ETF that meets your investment needs. There are many brokers in Australia that offer ETFs
