Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Markets.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.
Markets.com, established in 1999, and ActivTrades, founded in 2001, are both private online trading platforms that are not listed on any stock exchange and do not operate as banks. When it comes to regulation, Markets.com holds three Tier-1 licenses, which are deemed highly reliable, and one Tier-2 license that signifies a level of trust. This contributes to an impressive ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 93 out of 99, categorizing it as a highly trusted broker.
On the other hand, ActivTrades has secured two Tier-1 licenses along with one Tier-2 license. Despite having fewer top-tier licenses compared to Markets.com, ActivTrades still manages to earn a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 81, making it a trusted option among users. Both platforms present themselves as secure choices for online trading, but Markets.com slightly edges out with higher trust built over its longer operational history.
| Feature |
Markets.com
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 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 | 1 | 2 |
Looking strictly at commissions and fees, ActivTrades has an edge over Markets.com. ActivTrades is rated 4 out of 5 stars and ranks #29 of 63 brokers for the Commissions and Fees category (ForexBrokers.com), while Markets.com earns 3.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #51 of 63. That gap, combined with available spread data, suggests ActivTrades is generally the more cost‑friendly choice for many traders.
ActivTrades’ pricing is driven mainly by spreads, which it says are slightly better than the industry average but not as low as the very cheapest forex brokers. It offers one primary Individual Account, plus Professional and Islamic Account options (spreads are the same across account types; the main difference with the Professional Account is lower margin requirements that affect leverage). There’s no account built for high‑volume traders and no active‑trader pricing. Actual spreads vary by asset and platform and can widen during rollover; the average EUR/USD spread was 0.98 pips in May 2024.
Markets.com does not provide average spread data, making direct cost comparisons harder. Its 3.5 out of 5 stars and #51 of 63 ranking for commissions and fees indicate middle‑of‑the‑pack pricing. If you’re comparing these two, ActivTrades’ clearer—and typically sharper—spreads may appeal, while Markets.com will require checking live quotes on your preferred instruments to gauge total trading costs.
| Feature |
Markets.com
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | N/A | 0.98 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A |
| Non-wire bank transfer | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Markets.com vs ActivTrades: both brokers let you trade forex either as CFDs (contracts for difference) or as spot, and both support copy trading. Markets.com lists more to pick from overall, with 2,179 tradeable symbols and 57 forex pairs, compared with ActivTrades’ 1,267 symbols and 49 forex pairs. If you’re interested in crypto, both brokers offer cryptocurrency CFDs, but neither lets you buy actual coins.
For shares, neither broker offers U.S.-listed stocks as real, exchange-traded assets, but ActivTrades does let you buy certain international shares (not as CFDs), while Markets.com does not. In ForexBrokers.com’s Range of Investments ratings, both earn 4 out of 5 stars; Markets.com ranks 30th out of 63 brokers, and ActivTrades ranks 32nd. In short, choose Markets.com if you want a larger instrument list, or ActivTrades if access to some international shares matters to you.
| Feature |
Markets.com
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 2179 | 1267 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 57 | 49 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | No | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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.
Markets.com and ActivTrades both check the key boxes for trading platforms and tools. Each broker offers a free demo (paper) account, an in-house proprietary platform, a Windows desktop download, and a web-based platform. Copy trading is available at both, and traders can use MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) with either broker. In ForexBrokers.com’s Trading Platforms and Tools ratings, both score 4 out of 5 stars, with Markets.com ranked #27 of 63 brokers and ActivTrades ranked #32 of 63.
The main functional difference is chart trading: Markets.com does not let you place orders directly from a chart, while ActivTrades does. If chart-based execution matters to your workflow, ActivTrades has the edge. If you prefer a broker with a slightly higher category ranking while still getting MT4/MT5, copy trading, and both web and desktop access, Markets.com is appealing. Indicator choices and watchlist flexibility vary by platform (proprietary vs. MetaTrader), so your experience may depend on which app you use with each broker.
| Feature |
Markets.com
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 89 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Markets.com and ActivTrades both offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, with price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. Each earns 4 out of 5 stars for mobile trading. That said, ForexBrokers.com ranks ActivTrades higher in the Mobile Trading Apps category (#19 out of 63) compared with Markets.com (#34 out of 63).
The main differences show up in watchlists and charting tools. Markets.com syncs watchlists between mobile and web, while ActivTrades does not. For studies and indicators, ActivTrades includes 30 in its app. Markets.com’s own app doesn’t include built-in technical studies; if you use the MT4 platform instead, you’ll have access to MT4’s standard indicators. When it comes to drawings, ActivTrades auto-saves your annotations, whereas Markets.com does not. In short, choose Markets.com if synced watchlists matter most, or ActivTrades if you want more built-in indicators and auto-saved chart drawings.
| Feature |
Markets.com
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Markets.com and ActivTrades look similar for market research. Both brokers publish daily market commentary and stream forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones. Each includes a sentiment tool that shows the split between long and short positions, plus an easy-to-read economic calendar covering global events. On the flip side, neither broker offers research from Autochartist, Trading Central, TipRanks, or Acuity Trading.
When it comes to scores, both Markets.com and ActivTrades earn 4 out of 5 stars for research. However, ForexBrokers.com ranks Markets.com at #17 out of 63 brokers, while ActivTrades sits at #31. If you want a broker with a higher research ranking, Markets.com has a slight edge; if you already use ActivTrades, you’ll still get daily insights, trusted news, and useful sentiment data.
| Feature |
Markets.com
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central | No | No |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Acuity Trading | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
For beginners exploring forex and CFD education, both online brokers—Markets.com and ActivTrades—make learning accessible. Each runs client webinars at least once a month and offers a sizable video library, including at least 10 beginner-focused videos plus 10 more for advanced topics. This mix helps you move from the basics to more complex strategies at your own pace.
Both brokers earn 4 out of 5 stars for Education. In ForexBrokers.com’s comparison of 63 brokers, Markets.com ranks slightly higher (#34) than ActivTrades (#38). If you’re just starting out, either platform provides a solid path to learn forex and CFDs, with Markets.com holding a small edge in overall education ranking.
| Feature |
Markets.com
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Markets.com is better than ActivTrades. Markets.com finished with an overall rank of #23, while ActivTrades finished with an overall rank of #33.
Thanks to its web-based MarketsX platform, Markets.com is easy to use and new trader friendly. However, Markets.com is pricey and lacks the feature-rich trading tools required to compete with the best trading platforms.
| Feature |
Markets.com
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ActivTrades
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| Trust Score | 93 | 81 |
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Online brokers Markets.com and ActivTrades do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but both provide cryptocurrency CFD trading.
Markets.com vs ActivTrades: both brokers do not offer ACH or SEPA transfers; ActivTrades supports Skrill and bank wire deposits/withdrawals and does not support PayPal, while Markets.com’s availability of PayPal, Skrill, card (Visa/Mastercard), and bank wire options is not specified.
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 | Markets.com | ActivTrades | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | ActivTrades Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Markets.com | ActivTrades | |
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| Regulation | Markets.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 93 | 81 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2001 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | ||
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Markets.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 | ||
| 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 |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Markets.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | ||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No |
| Investments | Markets.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 2179 | 1267 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 57 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | No | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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 | Markets.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | N/A | 0.98 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | Yes | |
| Order execution: Agency | No | No | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Markets.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | ||
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Non-wire bank transfer | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Markets.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Markets.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | No | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 89 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Markets.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | No | Yes |
| Research | Markets.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Markets.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Markets.com | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | ActivTrades Review |
| Overall | Markets.com | ActivTrades | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | ActivTrades Review |
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