Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IC Markets 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.
Established in 2007, IC Markets is a noteworthy online broker with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 84, placing it in the trusted category. It operates privately and is not a bank. IC Markets is backed by two Tier-1 licenses, signaling its strong regulatory standing in the financial landscape.
ActivTrades, founded in 2001, joins IC Markets as a trusted broker, boasting a Trust Score of 81. Like IC Markets, ActivTrades is a private company and not a banking institution. It holds two Tier-1 licenses as well as an additional Tier-2 license, which enhances its credibility and compliance in the market.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2001 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 2 |
When it comes to commissions and fees, IC Markets stands out as a top choice, particularly with its competitive pricing. Ranked 5th out of 62 by ForexBrokers.com, IC Markets has earned a stellar 5-star rating for its offerings. This broker provides three types of accounts: a commission-free Standard account and two commission-based options—the Raw Spread and cTrader Raw Spread accounts. Effective spreads with IC Markets are low, with the cTrader account incurring a commission costing $6 per round turn, which translates to an all-in cost of 0.62 pips for the EUR/USD pair when accounting for spreads and commissions. IC Markets also provides potential discounts for active traders who transact over 100 standard lots monthly.
In comparison, ActivTrades, although performing slightly above the industry average in terms of cost, does not quite match the best low-cost brokers. Receiving a 4-star rating and ranking 28th out of 62, ActivTrades offers an Individual Account, alongside Professional and Islamic Account options, without any specific accommodations for high-volume traders or active trader pricing. The average spread for the EUR/USD pair is around 0.98 pips, and spreads can fluctuate during trading hours, especially around the rollover period. Despite the broader range of accounts, the lack of reduced costs for frequent traders makes it less appealing in terms of fees.
Ultimately, if minimizing trading costs is your highest priority, IC Markets may be the better option due to its more favorable spreads and commission structure. On the other hand, ActivTrades may appeal to those who prioritize diverse account options or require specialized accounts like the Islamic Account but can bear slightly higher costs.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | 0.98 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | 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 it comes to the variety of investment options, IC Markets and ActivTrades both cater to forex traders and beyond. IC Markets provides an impressive 3,583 tradeable symbols with 61 forex pairs, offering a broad platform for seasoned traders. Meanwhile, ActivTrades presents 1,267 symbols and 49 forex pairs, appealing to those who might prefer a more curated selection. Both brokers extend access to international exchanges, allowing investors to explore global opportunities in companies like Vodafone. It's important to note that neither broker supports trading U.S. exchange-listed stocks like Apple.
Both IC Markets and ActivTrades offer the benefits of copy trading and the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, but not the actual cryptocurrencies. For those considering broker ratings, IC Markets scores 4.5 stars and ranks 25th out of 62 brokers in terms of range of investments, reflecting its wide array of trading options. ActivTrades, on the other hand, is rated with 4 stars and ranks 31st, making each a solid choice depending on the specific trading needs and preferences of investors.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 1267 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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 comparing IC Markets to ActivTrades in terms of trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, catering to beginners and seasoned traders alike. IC Markets does not feature a proprietary platform, while ActivTrades impresses with its own unique platform. Both brokers provide the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, along with Windows-based desktop and web-based platforms. Copy trading is available with both, but IC Markets also offers ZuluTrade for a broader experience in trading strategies. Each broker excels with 15 drawing tools for charting, and both support trading directly from stock charts.
The watch list features slightly differ, with IC Markets offering 7 columns, while ActivTrades provides 11, offering more versatility in monitoring tools. Despite this, both brokers are equally rated with 4 out of 5 stars for trading platforms and tools. In terms of ranking, IC Markets holds a higher position at #16 among 62 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com, overshadowing ActivTrades, which sits at #30. This suggests that those interested in platform tools and trading options might find IC Markets more favorable, but both brokers provide a strong suite of offerings tailored to different trading styles.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 11 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When looking at mobile trading applications, both IC Markets and ActivTrades provide comprehensive options for iPhone and Android users. They offer essential features for traders, such as stock and forex price alerts, and the capability to draw trendlines on charts. Both apps provide a selection of 30 technical studies for analyzing charts and allow for viewing multiple time frames, such as daily, weekly, or intraday. Furthermore, each app supports creating watchlists with real-time quotes, although neither offers syncing of watchlists between the mobile app and the online account, which may require manual updates by users.
In terms of user experience, both IC Markets and ActivTrades mobile apps are rated four out of five stars. They also share the feature of auto-saving drawings on stock and forex charts, making technical analysis more accessible for users. From a competitive standpoint, ActivTrades holds a slightly higher ranking at number 19 on ForexBrokers.com's evaluation out of 62 brokers, compared to IC Markets, which is ranked at number 22. This slight difference in ranking might make ActivTrades a more attractive option for traders focused on mobile trading, although both platforms offer similar functionality and ease of use.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
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.
When analyzing market research capabilities, both IC Markets and ActivTrades offer daily market commentary and access to forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. Moreover, IC Markets stands out by providing traders with advanced technical analysis tools from Autochartist and Trading Central, which ActivTrades doesn't offer. Despite this, both platforms provide sentiment-based trading tools and comprehensive economic calendars, helping traders stay informed about global economic events.
In terms of overall research quality, both IC Markets and ActivTrades receive a solid 4-star rating. However, according to a comparison by ForexBrokers.com, IC Markets holds a higher position, ranked 23rd out of 62 brokers, whereas ActivTrades is positioned slightly lower at 30th. This ranking suggests that while both platforms provide valuable research opportunities, IC Markets may offer a slight edge due to its advanced tools and higher ranking in the brokerage community.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | 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 IC Markets and ActivTrades provide a solid foundation with their offerings on forex and CFD education. Each broker provides at least 10 varied educational materials covering essential topics such as articles, videos, and archived webinars. Both companies also host regular educational webinars monthly, which are accessible in an easy-to-use archive for those who may have missed them. This ensures that learners can engage with their content on their schedule.
Moving beyond foundational materials, both IC Markets and ActivTrades cater to both newcomers and seasoned traders by offering comprehensive video libraries. Each broker includes at least 10 specific videos aimed at beginners, as well as advanced videos for more experienced traders. However, when it comes to additional resources, IC Markets stands out with its investor dictionary offering definitions for a wide array of investing terms, something that ActivTrades does not provide. Both brokers hold a commendable four-star education rating, but IC Markets is ranked higher at 16th among 62 brokers, compared to ActivTrades’ 38th position, reflecting a slight edge in their educational offerings.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | 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 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IC Markets is better than ActivTrades. IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #20, while ActivTrades finished with an overall rank of #33.
IC Markets’ competitive pricing and scalable execution make it an excellent option for algorithmic traders. Though it supports an impressive range of third-party tools and plugins, IC Markets’ research and education offerings are not as impressive as those offered by industry leaders.
| Feature |
IC Markets
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ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 81 |
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Both IC Markets and ActivTrades do not offer the option to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies, but they do provide the capability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers IC Markets and ActivTrades in terms of fund deposit and withdrawal options, IC Markets supports PayPal, Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires, whereas ActivTrades offers Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires, but does not support ACH, SEPA transfers, or PayPal for transactions.
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 | IC Markets | ActivTrades | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | ActivTrades Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IC Markets | ActivTrades | |
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| Regulation | IC Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 84 | 81 | |
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2001 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IC Markets | 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) | No | 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) | IC Markets | 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 | IC Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 1267 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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 | IC Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | 0.98 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IC Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $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 | IC Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | Yes | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | IC Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 11 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IC Markets | 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 | IC Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IC Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | 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 | IC Markets | 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 | IC Markets Review | ActivTrades Review |
| Overall | IC Markets | ActivTrades | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | ActivTrades Review |
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