Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of ActivTrades vs TopFX, 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.
ActivTrades and TopFX are both reputable online brokers, but they differ in their regulatory credentials and trust scores. Established in 2001, ActivTrades has built a solid regulatory reputation and holds two Tier-1 licenses, which are highly trusted. Additionally, they possess a Tier-2 license, making them a trusted broker with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 81, placing them in the "trusted" category. In contrast, TopFX, which was set up in 2010, holds one Tier-1 license and no Tier-2 licenses. Their Trust Score of 67 categorizes them as "high risk," indicating a less favorable trust rating compared to ActivTrades.
Neither ActivTrades nor TopFX is publicly traded or operates as a bank, offering potential investors similar levels of corporate independence. While both brokers are dedicated to providing services to their clients, potential users may prioritize their decision based on the regulatory standings and trust scores that highlight how each broker navigates financial regulations. These scores and licenses serve as a quick comparison point for traders concerned with security and compliance when selecting an online broker.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2001 | 2010 |
| 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 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of online brokers ActivTrades and TopFX, both brokers offer competitive options, yet they differ slightly in terms of costs and account structures. ActivTrades, rated 4 stars for commissions and fees, ranks #28 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. It features an Individual Account, Professional Account, and an Islamic Account for Sharia compliance, though it lacks a dedicated high-volume trader option. ActivTrades offers spreads that are slightly better than the industry average, such as an average spread of 0.98 pips for the EUR/USD in May 2024. However, spreads may vary based on trading sessions, and there's no active trader pricing, which could influence costs depending on the assets traded.
TopFX, also boasting a 4-star rating for commissions and fees and ranked #40 out of 63 by ForexBrokers.com, provides two main account types: a spread-only ZERO account and the commission-based RAW account. When using the RAW account, traders face a commission of 2.75 EUR per side with an average EUR/USD spread of 0.33 pips, resulting in an overall cost of approximately 0.88 pips. This pricing aligns with the industry average. On the other hand, the ZERO account eliminates commission fees but comes with slightly higher spreads, averaging 1.03 pips for the EUR/USD in July 2024.
Overall, choosing between ActivTrades and TopFX will depend on trader preferences regarding account type and structure. ActivTrades excels in offering various account options with competitive spread rates, while TopFX provides flexibility between commission-based and commission-free trading with accounts available on popular platforms like MetaTrader and cTrader. Each broker has its strengths, making it essential for traders to assess their own trading habits and needs when considering either of these options.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | Depends on payment method |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.03 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 0.88 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| 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 exploring the investment offerings of ActivTrades and TopFX, several differences emerge. ActivTrades provides a greater variety with 1,267 tradeable symbols, surpassing TopFX’s 655. In terms of forex pairs, TopFX edges out with 60 pairs compared to ActivTrades' 49. Both platforms allow for forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, and each also offers cryptocurrency derivatives. However, neither broker provides the option to purchase actual cryptocurrencies. While exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges are unavailable with both brokers, ActivTrades does allow trading on international exchanges, offering shares like Vodafone, which TopFX does not.
Copy trading is a feature supported by both brokers, catering to investors keen on sharing strategies. Despite the close competition, ActivTrades holds a slight advantage with a four-star rating for its range of investments, compared to TopFX's 3.5 stars. This results in ActivTrades claiming the 31st spot in ForexBrokers.com's ranking for range of investments, whereas TopFX is positioned at 46th. Thus, for investors prioritizing a broader spectrum of investment options, ActivTrades seems to offer a more diversified platform.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1267 | 655 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 49 | 60 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| 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.
ActivTrades and TopFX both offer a strong array of trading platforms and tools, but each broker brings unique features to the table. Traders with ActivTrades can benefit from a proprietary platform developed in-house, alongside popular options like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are available across Windows desktops and web browsers. TopFX, while lacking a proprietary platform, provides MT4 but does not offer MT5. Both brokers support paper trading through virtual demo accounts, making it easy for beginners to practice and hone their skills without financial risk. Furthermore, copy trading options are available with both firms, allowing users to replicate successful strategies from other traders.
When it comes to charting, ActivTrades and TopFX are evenly matched in offering 15 drawing tools and enabling direct trading from stock charts. However, ActivTrades provides a more robust watch list experience with 11 columns, compared to TopFX's 7 columns. In terms of recognition, both brokers are rated 4 stars for their trading platforms and tools. However, ActivTrades ranks higher at #30, compared to TopFX's #45, in ForexBrokers.com's evaluation among 63 brokers. This might make ActivTrades a slightly more favorable choice for traders prioritizing platform features and sophistication in their trading experience.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When weighing the mobile trading apps of ActivTrades and TopFX, both brokers offer apps for iPhone and Android, ensuring easy access for a broad range of users. They both support stock and forex price alerts, and allow trendlines on charts, as well as the ability to view multiple time frames. Users can create watchlists with real-time quotes, though neither app supports syncing watchlist symbols with online accounts. Each platform also provides 30 technical studies for chart analysis. Importantly, both apps automatically save chart drawings, a convenient feature for those on the go.
Despite these similarities, there are notable distinctions between ActivTrades and TopFX. ActivTrades holds a slight edge in recognition, ranked #19 by ForexBrokers.com among 63 brokers, while TopFX sits at #51 in the same category. However, users have rated both apps equally, giving them four out of five stars for functionality and user experience. For traders seeking reliable mobile solutions, both platforms deliver strong capabilities, though ActivTrades appears to enjoy a higher industry standing.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 comparing ActivTrades and TopFX in the realm of market research, ActivTrades stands out by offering daily market commentary, while TopFX does not. Both platforms provide forex news from reputable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. However, TopFX gains an edge with its access to technical analysis and research tools from Autochartist and Trading Central, which are not offered by ActivTrades. Both brokers do provide a sentiment-based trading tool and an economic calendar showcasing important global news events.
Despite the array of tools at TopFX’s disposal, ActivTrades is rated higher for research with 4 stars compared to TopFX’s 3 stars. In the overall ranking by ForexBrokers.com, ActivTrades takes a stronger position, ranking 30th out of 63 brokers, while TopFX sits further down at 60th place. These distinctions make ActivTrades a preferable choice for those prioritizing comprehensive market research and commentary in their trading experience.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| 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.
For beginners seeking educational resources in forex and CFDs trading, ActivTrades provides a wealth of materials compared to TopFX. ActivTrades boasts an extensive collection of educational content, featuring over 10 articles, videos, and archived webinars focused on forex and CFDs. They also host monthly online webinars for clients, which are recorded and accessible later through a searchable archive. Beginners can benefit from a variety of beginner-specific educational videos, as well as advanced content for those looking to deepen their trading knowledge. Unfortunately, both ActivTrades and TopFX do not offer an investor dictionary for quick reference to investing terms.
On the other hand, TopFX falls short in delivering educational offerings for beginners. While they do provide some educational content, they do not meet the minimum threshold of 10 resources primarily focused on forex or CFDs. Unlike ActivTrades, TopFX does not conduct monthly webinars, nor do they maintain an archive of past sessions. They also lack a comprehensive set of beginner and advanced educational videos. These differences are reflected in their ratings, with ActivTrades scoring 4 stars and ranking 38th out of 63 brokers in the Education category, while TopFX trails with 3 stars, ranked 61st. This makes ActivTrades a more attractive choice for beginners eager to learn and improve their trading skills.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| 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 TopFX. ActivTrades finished with an overall rank of #33, while TopFX finished with an overall rank of #62.
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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TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 81 | 67 |
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Both ActivTrades and TopFX do not allow customers to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies, but they do offer the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
While both ActivTrades and TopFX provide options like Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transfers for depositing and withdrawing funds, only TopFX supports PayPal transactions, whereas neither platform offers ACH or SEPA transfers.
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 | TopFX | |
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| Trust Score | 81 | 67 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | ActivTrades Review | TopFX Review |
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| Regulation | ActivTrades | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 81 | 67 | |
| Year Founded | 2001 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | ActivTrades | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | ActivTrades | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1267 | 655 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 49 | 60 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | ActivTrades | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.03 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 0.88 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | ActivTrades | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | Depends on payment method | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| 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 | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | ActivTrades | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| 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 | ActivTrades | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ActivTrades | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | ActivTrades | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | ActivTrades | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | TopFX Review |
| Overall | ActivTrades | TopFX | |
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| Trust Score | 81 | 67 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | ActivTrades Review | TopFX Review |
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