Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of ActivTrades vs Spreadex, 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.
Choosing the right online broker can be a complex task, especially when comparing companies like ActivTrades and Spreadex. Founded in 2001, ActivTrades holds two Tier-1 licenses and boasts a Trust Score of 81 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, categorizing it as a trusted broker. Meanwhile, Spreadex, established in 1999, holds one Tier-1 license and has a Trust Score of 71, marking it as posing average risk. These scores reflect their financial soundness and regulatory compliance, crucial factors for those venturing into online trading.
Neither ActivTrades nor Spreadex are publicly traded nor operate as banks, which investors should take into account when evaluating them for trading purposes. Additionally, ActivTrades offers a Tier-2 license for further reassurance, while Spreadex does not hold any Tier-2 licenses. Overall, ActivTrades emerges as a reliable option with slightly stronger regulatory backing than Spreadex, offering peace of mind for those prioritizing security and trustworthiness in their trading journey.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2001 | 1999 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
When comparing ActivTrades and Spreadex in terms of commissions and fees, both brokers offer competitive yet distinct options for traders. ActivTrades provides spreads that are slightly better than the industry average, though not as favorable as those offered by top-tier low-cost forex brokers. With an average spread of 0.98 pips for EUR/USD as of May 2024, ActivTrades primarily operates using its Individual Account, with supplemental Professional and Islamic Account options. These account types maintain consistent spreads, with variations mainly in margin requirements and leverage access. Spreadex, on the other hand, offers a tighter average spread of 0.81 pips for EUR/USD as of January 2024, with a minimum spread of 0.6 pips achieved 60% of the time.
ActivTrades offers a simple account structure with additional emphasis on religious compliance through its Islamic Account, catering to traders needing Sharia-compliant accounts. Although it lacks specific account features for high-volume traders and does not provide active trader pricing, ActivTrades allows traders to use a demo account to nurture trading skills without financial risk. In contrast, Spreadex's focus on maintaining low spreads might be more attractive to cost-conscious traders looking for minimal fees.
Both brokers receive a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars for their commissions and fees according to ForexBrokers.com, reflecting their effectiveness in providing good value for traders. In terms of ranking, Spreadex holds the 27th position, slightly ahead of ActivTrades, which stands at 28th out of 63 evaluated brokers. This small difference might guide traders in choosing between the two based on their personal trading needs and preferences.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 0.81 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
ActivTrades and Spreadex both provide forex trading options either as CFDs or spot contracts, making them accessible for forex enthusiasts. Spreadex outshines when it comes to the sheer volume of tradeable symbols, boasting an impressive 10,000 compared to ActivTrades' 1,267. However, their reach in tradeable forex pairs is more evenly matched, with Spreadex offering 52 pairs and ActivTrades offering 49. This slightly broader range gives Spreadex a small edge for those prioritizing variety in forex trading.
When it comes to exchange-traded securities outside the CFD realm, ActivTrades enables access to international exchanges, allowing clients to invest in companies like Vodafone on the London Stock Exchange. Spreadex, however, does not provide this option, focusing its offerings within the realm of CFDs. Both platforms support cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither enables the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies. Additionally, only ActivTrades offers the option for copy trading. Despite these distinctions, Spreadex maintains a higher rating for its range of investments, scoring 5 stars and ranking 13th among 63 brokers, whereas ActivTrades scores 4 stars with a ranking of 31st.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1267 | 10000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 49 | 52 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| 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). | 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 the trading platforms and tools of ActivTrades and Spreadex, both brokers offer free virtual demo accounts, providing an excellent option for beginners to practice without real financial risk. Each also boasts a proprietary platform, showcasing their in-house development capabilities. ActivTrades distinguishes itself by offering a Windows-based desktop trading platform, a feature that Spreadex lacks. Both companies provide web-based platforms, allowing for flexibility and convenience when trading from various devices.
In terms of advanced features, ActivTrades supports both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, while Spreadex does not provide either option. Additionally, ActivTrades offers copy trading, a service absent from Spreadex's repertoire. Charting tools and customization options reveal that ActivTrades has a slight edge, with 15 drawing tools compared to Spreadex’s 11. Furthermore, ActivTrades offers more watchlist columns, catering to traders who value detailed market monitoring. Despite these differences, both brokers share a reputable standing, receiving four stars for trading platforms and tools, though ActivTrades holds a higher rank according to ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 58 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 11 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 8 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When choosing a mobile trading app, ActivTrades and Spreadex both offer comparable features for iPhone and Android users, including the availability of stock or forex price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. Both platforms also support viewing multiple time frames on charts, accommodating day traders and long-term investors alike. However, ActivTrades stands out with its array of 30 technical studies for charting, and it also auto saves drawings on charts, which Spreadex does not. While both apps allow the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes, neither offers watchlist symbol syncing with online accounts.
In terms of overall ratings, both ActivTrades and Spreadex receive a solid four out of five stars for their mobile trading apps, demonstrating user satisfaction. However, when pitted against peers, ActivTrades ranks significantly higher at 19th place among 63 brokers, whereas Spreadex comes in at 46th place. This difference might make ActivTrades a more attractive choice for traders looking for additional charting tools and overall performance.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | N/A |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When diving into market research features, both ActivTrades and Spreadex provide daily market commentary, ensuring investors stay informed about market trends. They also offer access to forex news from eminent sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. While both platforms share similar offerings in these aspects, they differ in other research tools. Spreadex steps ahead by featuring technical analysis tools from Autochartist, which ActivTrades lacks. Conversely, neither broker offers tools from Trading Central or Acuity Trading, and both are missing market research capabilities from TipRanks. On the sentiment analysis front, both brokers equip traders with tools to gauge market positioning via long and short ratios across currency pairs.
Economic calendars are available on both ActivTrades and Spreadex, which help traders keep track of key global events. In the realm of market research, ActivTrades and Spreadex both receive a commendable rating of four stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, ActivTrades is marginally ahead in the research category, ranking 30th out of 63 brokers, while Spreadex closely follows at 31st. These insights indicate that while both brokers offer solid resources for market analysis, Spreadex's edge in technical tools might cater more to traders seeking advanced analysis support.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | 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 comparing educational resources for beginners between ActivTrades and Spreadex, both brokers offer a strong foundation for getting started with forex and CFDs education, providing at least 10 educational materials such as articles, videos, or webinars. However, ActivTrades goes a step further by offering monthly online educational webinars, along with a searchable archive of past webinars. This makes it easier for beginners to access a variety of learning resources at their convenience. Spreadex, on the other hand, does not offer the same level of webinar support but compensates with a comprehensive investor dictionary containing definitions of over 50 investing terms, which can be a helpful tool for newcomers.
While both brokers provide beginner-focused videos, ActivTrades also extends its educational offerings to more experienced traders with advanced video content. Spreadex lacks in this area, potentially limiting opportunities for growth beyond the beginner stage. Both brokers are rated 4 stars for education, yet ActivTrades is ranked slightly higher by ForexBrokers.com in the Education category, positioning them at #38 out of 63 brokers compared to Spreadex at #45. This distinction reflects a marginal edge for ActivTrades in providing a more expansive and accessible educational experience for beginners.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | Yes |
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 Spreadex. ActivTrades finished with an overall rank of #33, while Spreadex finished with an overall rank of #39.
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
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Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 81 | 71 |
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Both ActivTrades and Spreadex allow users to trade in cryptocurrency derivatives but do not offer the option to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies.
When comparing the online brokers ActivTrades and Spreadex, neither offers ACH or SEPA transfers nor PayPal for account transactions, but ActivTrades supports Skrill deposits and withdrawals, which Spreadex does not, while both brokers allow Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options for managing account funds.
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 | Spreadex | |
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| Trust Score | 81 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | ActivTrades Review | Spreadex Review |
| Broker Screenshots | ActivTrades | Spreadex | |
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| Regulation | ActivTrades | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 81 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 2001 | 1999 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | ActivTrades | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| 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 | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ActivTrades | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1267 | 10000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 49 | 52 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| 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). | 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 | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 0.81 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | ActivTrades | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | ActivTrades | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | ActivTrades | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 8 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 58 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 11 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | ActivTrades | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | N/A | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | ActivTrades | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | ActivTrades | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | ActivTrades | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Spreadex Review |
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| Trust Score | 81 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | ActivTrades Review | Spreadex Review |
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