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 examining the commissions and fees of IC Markets and ActivTrades, IC Markets shines with exceptional trading costs that stand out among low-cost forex brokers. With varying spreads depending on account type and platform, IC Markets offers three account options: a commission-free Standard account and the commission-based Raw Spread and cTrader Raw Spread accounts. The cTrader Raw Spread account boasts a slightly lower commission cost at $3.0 per side for every 100,000 units, compared to $3.5 on the MetaTrader Raw Spread account. IC Markets lists an average spread of 0.02 pips on the EUR/USD, with a total cost of 0.62 pips on cTrader when considering commissions. This effective pricing structure, combined with discounts for active traders, earned IC Markets a perfect 5-star rating and a #5 ranking in the Commissions & Fees category by ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, ActivTrades offers spreads that, while slightly better than the industry average, do not quite compare to the leading low-cost forex brokers. ActivTrades provides an Individual Account, a Professional Account, and an Islamic Account, though traders should note the absence of an account type specifically for high-volume trading or active trader pricing. Across all accounts, spreads remain consistent, though the Professional Account allows for lower margin requirements. For EUR/USD, ActivTrades reported an average spread of 0.98 pips as of May 2024. Commissions and fees at ActivTrades are asset-dependent, with variability in spread during different trading periods. Overall, ActivTrades carries a respectable 4-star rating in commissions and fees and is ranked #28 by ForexBrokers.com.
| 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 comparing IC Markets and ActivTrades in terms of investment options, both brokers provide a vast array of choices for traders, though IC Markets tends to offer a slightly broader selection. IC Markets impresses with a total of 3,583 tradeable symbols, significantly outnumbering ActivTrades, which offers 1,267 symbols. In the forex sector, IC Markets provides access to 61 tradeable forex pairs, outpacing ActivTrades, which offers 49 pairs. Both brokers support forex trading via CFDs or spot contracts, allowing traders to benefit from leveraged positions.
In terms of other investment options, neither broker allows direct purchases of U.S. exchange-traded securities, such as Apple shares. However, both enable trading of international exchange-traded securities, like Vodafone shares, and offer cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither supports buying actual cryptocurrencies. Moreover, both brokers provide copy trading services, enhancing their appeal for traders interested in mirroring the strategies of successful investors. According to ForexBrokers.com, IC Markets holds a slight edge with a 4.5-star rating and a ranking of #25 out of 63 brokers for the range of investments, while ActivTrades comes in with a 4-star rating and a #31 ranking.
| 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 online brokers IC Markets and ActivTrades, both offer a wide array of trading platforms and tools suitable for novice and seasoned traders alike. Both brokers provide simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, allowing users to practice without financial risk. While IC Markets does not have its own developed trading platform, ActivTrades does offer a proprietary platform option. Both brokers support downloadable Windows-based platforms and web-based trading options. Additionally, each offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, with IC Markets also providing access to ZuluTrade for copy trading.
Traders at both IC Markets and ActivTrades can enjoy rich charting experiences, featuring 15 drawing tools and the ability to trade directly from stock charts. IC Markets users have access to seven columns for watch lists, whereas ActivTrades offers more customization with eleven columns. The two brokers are equally rated for their trading platforms and tools, both receiving a four-star rating. However, IC Markets holds a higher rank, coming in at #16 compared to ActivTrades' #30 among 63 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com. This comparison highlights the strengths each broker brings in supporting varied trading strategies through adaptable platforms.
| 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 comparing the mobile trading apps of IC Markets and ActivTrades, both brokers offer comprehensive features for iPhone and Android users. Each app provides stock and forex price alerts, along with the ability to create watchlists with real-time quotes. However, neither allows for watchlist symbol syncing. Charting capabilities are robust on both apps, including 30 technical studies, trendline drawing, and the ability to view multiple time frames. Both apps also support auto-saving of chart drawings.
Despite their similarities, ActivTrades holds a slight edge in ranking, placed at #19 out of 63 brokers in ForexBrokers.com's Mobile Trading Apps category, compared to IC Markets, which is ranked #22. Both apps share an equal user satisfaction rating of 4 out of 5 stars. This suggests that while both platforms are well-received, ActivTrades may have a marginal advantage in user experience.
| 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.
Both IC Markets and ActivTrades provide daily market commentary, valuable for keeping traders informed. Each platform offers forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring that users have access to reliable information. While both brokers provide sentiment-based trading tools, IC Markets stands out with additional resources from Autochartist and Trading Central, offering technical analysis and other research tools that ActivTrades lacks. On the other hand, neither broker includes market research from TipRanks or research tools from Acuity Trading, placing them on an even footing in these areas.
For comprehensive updates on global economic events, both brokers offer an economic calendar feature. However, when it comes to research quality, IC Markets and ActivTrades both receive a commendable rating of four stars. Despite this, IC Markets ranks slightly higher at #23 compared to ActivTrades at #30 out of 63 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com for research capabilities. This indicates a slight advantage for IC Markets in providing a more extensive toolset for traders looking to delve deeper into market analyses.
| 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 present a solid offering. Each broker provides a minimum of ten educational pieces focused on forex and CFDs, ensuring beginners have access to essential learning materials. Furthermore, both firms host at least one educational webinar monthly and maintain a searchable archive of previously recorded sessions. These features provide convenience and continuous learning opportunities, allowing newcomers to easily grasp the concepts of trading. Additionally, each broker offers at least ten beginner videos, which are perfect for those just starting out, as well as ten advanced videos tailored for experienced traders, catering to a broad spectrum of educational needs.
While both IC Markets and ActivTrades have been rated four stars for their educational offerings, there are subtle differences in their resources. IC Markets stands out by providing an investor dictionary encompassing over 50 investing terms, a feature that ActivTrades doesn't offer. This addition can be particularly beneficial for beginners looking to familiarize themselves with industry jargon. Furthermore, in rankings by ForexBrokers.com, IC Markets holds a respectable 16th position out of 63 brokers in the Education category, while ActivTrades is ranked 38th. This might suggest that IC Markets edges out slightly in terms of educational comprehensiveness and market perception, making it a potentially more appealing choice for those prioritizing a well-rounded educational experience.
| 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 63 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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