Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of ActivTrades vs IUX, 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.
Founded in 2001, ActivTrades is an online broker known for its trustworthiness in the trading community. It operates with a Trust Score of 81, categorizing it as a "trusted" platform according to ForexBrokers.com. Despite not being a publicly traded company or a bank, ActivTrades holds two Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license, adding to its credibility as a secure choice for traders.
In comparison, IUX entered the scene in 2016 and is not publicly traded or a bank. With a Trust Score of 69, it is seen as "high risk" by ForexBrokers.com. IUX holds one Tier-2 license but lacks Tier-1 licenses, which positions it lower on the trust scale compared to ActivTrades. These credentials may be essential factors for traders when considering the security and reliability of the platform.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
IUX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2001 | 2016 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
When comparing commissions and fees between ActivTrades and IUX, both brokers offer competitive options, although their structures and features differ. ActivTrades provides several account types, including an Individual Account and a Professional Account, with spreads slightly better than the industry average. There is also an Islamic account for Sharia compliance and a demo account for practice. However, ActivTrades does not offer specific accounts for high-volume traders or active trader pricing. The average spread for the EUR/USD pair is around 0.98 pips, subject to change during trading sessions and rollover periods. With a star rating of 4 out of 5, ActivTrades ranks 28th out of 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category.
In contrast, IUX offers a range of account types tailored to different trading needs, from low-deposit Standard accounts to the more active trader-oriented Raw and Pro accounts. The Raw account proposes the lowest spreads but includes a commission of $6 per standard lot, whereas the Pro account focuses solely on tight spreads without added commissions. The Standard account begins with a minimal $10 deposit and opts for wider spreads along with the availability of deposit bonuses. Average EUR/USD spreads vary by account type, with 0.7 pips for the Pro account and 0.6 pips for the Raw account when accounting for commission. IUX shares the same 4-star rating but is ranked 49th out of 63 brokers in this category.
Ultimately, both ActivTrades and IUX have their strengths in commissions and fees. ActivTrades appeals with its regulatory compliance and straightforward account types, although it lacks specialized offerings for high-volume trades. Meanwhile, IUX impresses by catering to a spectrum of traders through varied accounts and the flexibility of choosing between spread-only and commission-based structures. Potential users should closely assess each broker’s fees, spreads, and account requirements to determine which aligns best with their trading strategies.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
IUX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | 10 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 0.9 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 0.6 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | 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 range of investments available at ActivTrades and IUX, a key difference lies in the sheer number of options each platform offers. ActivTrades presents investors with 1,267 tradeable symbols including 49 forex pairs, giving traders a broad spectrum of markets to explore. On the other hand, IUX provides 152 tradeable symbols with 34 forex pairs, which might appear limited to those seeking more extensive trading opportunities. Additionally, both platforms offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts and provide access to international exchange-traded securities, although neither offers U.S.-based securities or direct cryptocurrency purchases.
In terms of innovative features, ActivTrades takes a step further by offering copy trading, allowing users to mirror the strategies of seasoned investors, while this feature is absent from IUX's platform. Both brokers support trading in cryptocurrency derivatives but not in actual cryptocurrencies. Given these aspects, ActivTrades earns a higher rating in the range of investments category with four stars, compared to IUX's 3.5 stars. Further cementing its position, ActivTrades is ranked 31st out of 63 brokers for investment variety by ForexBrokers.com, whereas IUX sits at the 60th position.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
IUX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1267 | 152 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 49 | 34 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| 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). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When it comes to trading platforms and tools, both ActivTrades and IUX provide a wide array of options, yet there are notable differences that can influence a trader's choice. ActivTrades offers both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, popular choices known for their flexibility, while IUX only provides MetaTrader 5, which might be limiting for those who prefer MT4. Both brokers provide demo accounts for simulated trading, allowing new users to practice without risk. They have proprietary platforms, user-friendly web-based access, and downloadable Windows applications. However, only ActivTrades supports copy trading, which lets traders mirror others' strategies, adding more versatility to its platform.
Charting tools are also a consideration where the two diverge. While IUX boasts 89 drawing tools, significantly more than ActivTrades' 15, both enable trading directly from charts, enhancing real-time decision making. For watch lists, IUX is more comprehensive with 46 columns of data fields compared to ActivTrades’ 11. Despite these strengths, ActivTrades slightly edges out IUX with a higher platform rating of four stars versus IUX's 3.5 stars, and a higher overall ranking by ForexBrokers.com. This suggests that ActivTrades might offer a slightly more polished and reliable experience for traders prioritizing these tools.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
IUX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 106 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 89 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 46 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When choosing a mobile trading app, both ActivTrades and IUX provide options for iPhone and Android users. However, ActivTrades has a little extra to offer in terms of features. It provides stock or forex price alerts, a function not available with IUX. Although both platforms lack watchlist syncing between mobile and online accounts, ActivTrades stands out with its charting capabilities, offering 30 technical studies compared to IUX's 106, along with the ability to draw trendlines. Both apps enable viewing multiple time frames on charts and auto-saving of drawings, adding to user convenience.
In terms of ratings, ActivTrades scores higher with 4 out of 5 stars for mobile trading apps, while IUX scores 3.5 stars. This is further reflected in the rankings by ForexBrokers.com, where ActivTrades places at #19 out of 63 brokers, compared to IUX's #60 position. Both platforms allow the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes, catering to traders who value up-to-the-minute data. These differences make ActivTrades a strong contender for those who prioritize comprehensive charting tools and alerts, while IUX provides a simpler experience for users who may not need as many advanced features.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
IUX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 106 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research offerings, ActivTrades and IUX present distinct options for traders. ActivTrades provides daily market commentary and delivers forex news from reputable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, setting a high standard in keeping traders informed. In contrast, IUX does not offer these services, potentially leaving users seeking additional sources for market updates. Additionally, ActivTrades provides a sentiment-based trading tool that highlights the ratio of long and short positions across various instruments, aiding traders in understanding market trends, whereas IUX does not offer such a tool. Both brokers provide economic calendars to track global news events, essential for traders following economic trends.
With no technical analysis tools from companies like Autochartist or Trading Central available from either broker, users should consider other solutions for in-depth analysis. ActivTrades is rated 4 stars for research compared to IUX’s 3 stars, reflecting a broader suite of offerings and insight. According to ForexBrokers.com, ActivTrades ranks 30th out of 63 brokers in the Research category, whereas IUX sits at a lower 59th place. Overall, ActivTrades seems to deliver more comprehensive research services, which could make a significant difference for those seeking detailed market analysis and timely insights.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
IUX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources for beginners offered by ActivTrades and IUX, it's clear that ActivTrades provides a more comprehensive suite of learning tools. ActivTrades commits to educating its clients with at least ten pieces focused on forex and CFDs, including articles, videos, and more. They also offer monthly online webinars and maintain an accessible archive of past webinars, allowing users to learn at their own pace. Although both brokers offer beginner educational videos, ActivTrades extends its offerings to advanced topics as well, assisting experienced traders in continuing their education journey. However, neither ActivTrades nor IUX provides an investor dictionary with definitions for investing terms.
ActivTrades receives a commendable four-star rating for education, compared to IUX's three stars. Ranked at 38 out of 63 brokers in the Education category by ForexBrokers.com, ActivTrades clearly outshines IUX, which lags behind at rank 59. These rankings underscore ActivTrades' commitment to fostering beginner development and delivering varied educational resources, making it a preferred choice for new traders eager to learn more about forex and CFD trading.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
IUX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that ActivTrades is better than IUX. ActivTrades finished with an overall rank of #33, while IUX finished with an overall rank of #63.
ActivTrades is a long-standing brand that offers a proprietary trading platform, ActivTrader, and support for the award-winning TradingView and MetaTrader (MT4 and MT5) platforms. ActivTrades also delivers a selection of custom add-ons, indicators, and trading tools for traders who prefer to use MetaTrader. Drawbacks for trading with ActivTrades include a smaller selection of tradeable symbols and fewer educational resources than what’s available from the best forex brokers.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
IUX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 81 | 69 |
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Both ActivTrades and IUX do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they do provide options to purchase cryptocurrency derivatives.
In comparing the online brokers ActivTrades and IUX, both do not support ACH or SEPA transfers nor PayPal for depositing or withdrawing funds, however, they both offer Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options for fund 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 | ActivTrades | IUX | |
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| Trust Score | 81 | 69 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | ActivTrades Review |
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| Regulation | ActivTrades | IUX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 81 | 69 | |
| Year Founded | 2001 | 2016 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | ActivTrades | IUX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | 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 | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | ActivTrades | IUX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | ActivTrades | IUX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1267 | 152 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 49 | 34 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| 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). |
| Cost | ActivTrades | IUX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 0.9 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 0.6 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | ActivTrades | IUX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | 10 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | 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 | ActivTrades | IUX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | ActivTrades | IUX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 46 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 106 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 89 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | No |
| Mobile Trading | ActivTrades | IUX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 106 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | ActivTrades | IUX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | ActivTrades | IUX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | ActivTrades | IUX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ActivTrades Review |
| Overall | ActivTrades | IUX | |
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| Trust Score | 81 | 69 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | ActivTrades Review |
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