Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Capital.com vs ActivTrades, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Capital.com and ActivTrades are both noteworthy players in the online brokerage space but have distinct features in terms of regulatory compliance and trust ratings. Founded in 2016, Capital.com holds three Tier-1 licenses, considered highly trusted, and one Tier-2 license. It achieves a Trust Score of 87, classifying it as a trusted broker. Meanwhile, ActivTrades, established in 2001, holds two Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license. With a Trust Score of 81, it also falls within the trusted category according to ForexBrokers.com, though it ranks slightly behind Capital.com.
Neither Capital.com nor ActivTrades are publicly traded companies or operate as banks, underscoring their focus on providing specialized online trading services. Both brokers demonstrate a commitment to security and reliability, evidenced by their multiple regulatory licenses. While both are considered trustworthy, Capital.com's higher Trust Score reflects a marginal edge in terms of perceived security and reliability based on the criteria set by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
Capital.com
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2016 | 2001 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of online brokers Capital.com and ActivTrades, Capital.com stands out with its slightly better than industry-average pricing. The broker provides a low average spread of 0.67 pips for the EUR/USD, making it an attractive option for low-cost forex trading. Capital.com also offers a universal account for retail traders and a professional account for those eligible. Notably, professional clients may lack some regulatory protections compared to retail traders. Capital.com excels in pricing, earning a 5-star rating from reviewers and securing the #3 spot among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, ActivTrades offers a spread that is somewhat better than the industry average but doesn't outperform the top low-cost forex brokers. ActivTrades provides an Individual Account, Professional Account, and an Islamic Account to cater to different trading preferences. However, unlike Capital.com, ActivTrades lacks a dedicated account type for high-volume traders and does not offer active trader pricing. While spreads for the EUR/USD at ActivTrades average around 0.98 pips, costs may fluctuate during trading sessions, particularly during rollover periods.
Overall, while both brokers have unique offerings in their fee structures, Capital.com brings more appealing conditions for cost-conscious traders, evidenced by its higher rating and rank. ActivTrades earns a modest 4-star rating and ranks #28 out of 63 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com, showcasing its competitive yet not top-tier positioning in the market.
| Feature |
Capital.com
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $10 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.67 | 0.98 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.67 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing the investment offerings of Capital.com and ActivTrades, several differences become apparent. Capital.com boasts a large variety of trading options with 5,585 tradeable symbols and access to 125 forex pairs, providing a broad platform for forex trading conducted via CFD contracts. On the other hand, ActivTrades offers a more focused selection with 1,267 tradeable symbols and 49 forex pairs, also relying on CFD contracts for forex trading. Both platforms allow trading in cryptocurrency derivatives, yet neither supports trading in actual cryptocurrencies or exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges, although ActivTrades does provide access to exchange-traded securities on international exchanges.
ActivTrades supports copy trading, a feature not available on Capital.com, which can appeal to investors seeking to mirror the trades of successful investors. In terms of accolades, Capital.com scores higher for its range of investments with a 4.5-star rating, placing it at rank #21 out of 63 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com, while ActivTrades is rated slightly lower at 4 stars, positioned at rank #31. These distinctions highlight the broad and diverse investment possibilities for Capital.com users, alongside ActivTrades' unique offerings like copy trading and international exchange access.
| Feature |
Capital.com
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5585 | 1267 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 125 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When it comes to trading platforms and tools, both Capital.com and ActivTrades offer strong features that cater to various trader needs. Both brokers provide free virtual demo accounts, enabling users to practice their strategies without risk. Each broker also provides a proprietary platform alongside MetaTrader 4 (MT4), with ActivTrades standing out by offering MetaTrader 5 (MT5) as well. Both platforms are accessible through web and Windows-based desktop applications, allowing for versatile trading options. A key difference is that while ActivTrades supports copy trading, Capital.com does not.
For charting, Capital.com provides 60 drawing tools, significantly more than ActivTrades' 15, and both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts. Watch lists from both platforms include 11 customizable columns for a personalized experience. According to ForexBrokers.com, Capital.com holds a higher rating of 4.5 stars for its trading platforms and tools, ranking 10th out of 63 brokers, whereas ActivTrades is rated at 4 stars, ranking 30th. Whether you prioritize advanced charting tools or the availability of MT5 and copy trading could influence which broker better suits your trading style.
| Feature |
Capital.com
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 97 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 60 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 11 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of Capital.com and ActivTrades, both platforms stand out as trustworthy options for traders on the go. Each broker provides apps for both iPhone and Android users, ensuring accessibility across the most commonly used devices. Each platform's app offers stock and forex price alerts, as well as the ability to draw trendlines on charts and access multiple time frames like daily, weekly, and intraday views. Both apps also come equipped with 30 technical studies for charting, auto-save for drawings, and capabilities to create watchlists with real-time quotes. One limitation is that neither Capital.com nor ActivTrades supports watchlist symbol syncing, so adjustments in one platform location do not automatically apply to the other.
Despite the similarities, Capital.com and ActivTrades differ in their user ratings and industry rankings. Capital.com holds a slight edge with a 4.5-star rating for its mobile app, compared to ActivTrades' 4-star rating. This distinction is reflected in their rankings: Capital.com takes the 11th spot out of 63 brokers in ForexBrokers.com's Mobile Trading Apps category, climbing above ActivTrades, which is ranked 19th. For traders considering ease of use and reputation, Capital.com appears to offer a slightly more favored mobile trading experience.
| Feature |
Capital.com
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Capital.com and ActivTrades both cater to traders with a daily dose of market commentary and top-tier forex news sourced from renowned providers like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones. While neither platform utilizes Autochartist or Trading Central tools for technical analysis, they do offer valuable sentiment-based trading tools. These tools show the ratio of long or short positions across various currency pairs or other instruments, allowing traders to gauge market sentiment effectively. Additionally, both brokers ensure their users stay informed with comprehensive economic calendars highlighting crucial global events.
However, Capital.com distinguishes itself by incorporating market research from TipRanks, which ActivTrades does not offer. This advantage is reflected in Capital.com's research rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, placing it at rank 14 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com's list for research excellence. ActivTrades, while commendable, holds a slightly lower rating of 4 stars and ranks 30th in the same category. Overall, both platforms provide a strong foundation for traders interested in market research, but Capital.com takes a slight edge with enhanced third-party insights.
| Feature |
Capital.com
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both Capital.com and ActivTrades offer a wide selection of materials to help novice traders understand forex and CFDs. Each provides at least 10 educational pieces such as articles, videos, and archived webinars dedicated to forex or CFD topics. For those who prefer learning through videos, both platforms deliver with a library of over 10 beginner-focused trading videos. However, in terms of live education, ActivTrades stands out by offering monthly webinars that Capital.com does not, although both brokers maintain a searchable archive of past webinars.
In addition to beginner resources, both platforms cater to more experienced traders with over 10 advanced educational videos. Capital.com further distinguishes itself by featuring a comprehensive investor dictionary containing definitions for over 50 investing terms, an asset that ActivTrades lacks. Overall, Capital.com receives a higher education rating of 4.5 stars compared to ActivTrades' 4 stars. This is mirrored in their respective education category rankings on ForexBrokers.com: Capital.com secures the 8th spot out of 63 brokers, showcasing its dedication to high-quality education, while ActivTrades is placed at 38th.
| Feature |
Capital.com
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Capital.com is better than ActivTrades. Capital.com finished with an overall rank of #10, while ActivTrades finished with an overall rank of #33.
Capital.com stands out for its quality research, strong educational content, and innovative web platform. Capital.com holds fewer regulatory licenses and offers a narrower range of markets than some of the best brokers, but still significantly outperforms the industry average.
| Feature |
Capital.com
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 87 | 81 |
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Both Capital.com and ActivTrades enable the trading of cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither platform offers the option to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies.
Both Capital.com and ActivTrades offer Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options for depositing and withdrawing account funds, but only Capital.com includes PayPal as an additional method, whereas neither platform supports ACH or SEPA transfers.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Capital.com | ActivTrades | |
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| Trust Score | 87 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Capital.com Review | ActivTrades Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Capital.com | ActivTrades | |
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| Regulation | Capital.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 87 | 81 | |
| Year Founded | 2016 | 2001 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Capital.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Capital.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Capital.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5585 | 1267 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 125 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | Capital.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.67 | 0.98 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.67 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Capital.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $10 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Capital.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Capital.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 11 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 97 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 60 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Capital.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Capital.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Capital.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | Capital.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | Capital.com Review | ActivTrades Review |
| Overall | Capital.com | ActivTrades | |
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| Trust Score | 87 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Capital.com Review | ActivTrades Review |
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