Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of ATFX vs iFOREX, 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.
ATFX and iFOREX are two online brokers that serve clients globally, each with its unique background and level of regulatory compliance. Founded in 2017, ATFX is a relatively newer player compared to iFOREX, which has been in operation since 1996. Neither company is publicly traded nor operates as a bank, focusing solely on brokerage services. However, when it comes to trust ratings and regulatory licenses, there are notable differences. ATFX holds an impressive number of four Tier-1 licenses and two additional Tier-2 licenses, contributing to its solid Trust Score of 85 as evaluated by ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, iFOREX holds just one Tier-1 license and does not possess any Tier-2 licenses, resulting in a Trust Score of 75, which indicates a higher investment risk compared to ATFX. These trust scores reflect their respective standings with ForexBrokers.com, where ATFX is rated as a trusted broker, while iFOREX holds an average risk rating. This trust score provides potential investors with an important perspective on each broker's credibility and regulatory standing.
| Feature |
ATFX
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2017 | 1996 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing online brokers ATFX and iFOREX in terms of commissions and fees, neither provides average spread data for easy evaluation. Both brokers have been rated three out of five stars in this category, indicating a mid-level performance in terms of cost-effectiveness for traders. Despite their identical star rating, ATFX has a slight edge over iFOREX in the rankings.
ATFX is ranked as the 60th out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com for its commissions and fees, placing it towards the lower end of the spectrum. This suggests that while the broker offers competitive options, there are other brokers in the market with more appealing cost structures.
iFOREX trails closely behind ATFX, ranked at 61st. This position reflects that iFOREX's fees and commissions are not as competitive as those of other brokers, making cost considerations a potential downside for traders considering this platform. Despite their lower rankings, both brokers offer trading services that may fit specific needs depending on other factors beyond commissions and fees.
| Feature |
ATFX
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $500 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | N/A |
| 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 | 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 it comes to range of investment options, both ATFX and iFOREX offer forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, but their offerings differ in quantity. ATFX provides access to 150 tradeable symbols, including 44 forex pairs. On the other hand, iFOREX opens the door to 750 tradeable symbols with a more extensive selection of 88 forex pairs. While neither platform currently offers the ability to invest in exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, both do offer cryptocurrency derivatives, though not the actual cryptocurrencies.
In addition, ATFX includes the unique advantage of copy trading, a feature not available with iFOREX. However, both platforms share the same rating of 3.5 stars out of five for their range of investments, as evaluated by ForexBrokers.com. Yet, in terms of ranking, iFOREX comes in higher at #41 out of 63 brokers, while ATFX is positioned at #57, indicating a slight edge for iFOREX in investor preference for diverse investment offerings.
| Feature |
ATFX
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 150 | 750 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 44 | 88 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 it comes to trading platforms and tools, ATFX offers a variety of options including both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, paving a familiar path for those who have experience with these industry-standard platforms. ATFX also provides a free virtual demo account for those eager to practice trading strategies without risking real capital, and it supports a Windows-based desktop download for those who prefer a dedicated trading environment on their PC. Web-based trading is also an option, making ATFX accessible across different devices. Importantly, ATFX features copy trading, allowing users to mirror strategies of successful traders.
In contrast, iFOREX provides a proprietary, in-house developed platform that could appeal to those looking for a unique trading experience. While iFOREX does not offer a demo account for simulated trading, and lacks the option of a Windows-based desktop trading platform, it compensates with a web-based platform accessible from any browser. For charting enthusiasts, iFOREX offers 25 drawing tools, compared to ATFX's 15, providing more opportunities for in-depth technical analysis. Both platforms allow trading directly from stock charts, but iFOREX edges out with more customizable watch list columns. Overall, iFOREX scores slightly higher with a rating of four stars and ranks better among brokers for trading platforms and tools.
| Feature |
ATFX
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | No |
| Proprietary Platform | No | 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 | 57 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 25 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 9 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When considering mobile trading apps, both ATFX and iFOREX offer versions for iPhone and Android users. However, there are distinct differences in their features. ATFX supports stock and forex price alerts, a feature missing in iFOREX. ATFX allows users to draw trendlines, view multiple time frames, and autosave drawings on charts, making it more versatile for technical analysis in mobile trading. Despite these intuitive features, ATFX does not offer watchlist symbol syncing, similar to iFOREX, and provides watchlists with real-time quotes, unlike iFOREX.
iFOREX, while lacking some of the technical analysis tools found in ATFX, is rated higher in overall mobile trading app satisfaction, at 4 stars compared to ATFX's 3.5 stars. Ranking-wise, iFOREX performs better in ForexBrokers.com's Mobile Trading Apps category, securing the 55th spot out of 63 brokers, whereas ATFX is positioned at 63rd. This suggests that despite fewer technical features, iFOREX's app might deliver a better overall user experience to its traders.
| Feature |
ATFX
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 7 | N/A |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research offerings, both ATFX and iFOREX provide a daily dose of market commentary, keeping traders informed with the latest insights. However, neither of these online brokers supply forex news from prestigious sources like Bloomberg or Reuters. While ATFX distinguishes itself by offering technical analysis and fundamental research tools from Autochartist, a company renowned for these services, iFOREX does not provide tools from this suite. Both brokers offer analytical tools powered by Trading Central, which can greatly assist traders in making informed decisions.
Looking into unique offerings, iFOREX edges ahead with a sentiment-based trading tool that reveals the balance of long and short positions, a feature that ATFX lacks. Both brokers offer an economic calendar, essential for tracking global economic events. Despite these features, neither has partnered with companies like TipRanks or Acuity Trading for additional research tools. In terms of overall research quality, iFOREX earns a slight edge with a rating of 3.5 stars compared to ATFX's 3 stars. ForexBrokers.com ranks iFOREX at #48 out of 63 brokers in the research category, slightly better than ATFX's rank of #54.
| Feature |
ATFX
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
ATFX and iFOREX both aim to equip beginner traders with the knowledge and resources they need, but they differ in their educational offerings. ATFX provides extensive educational materials, with more than 10 pieces focused on forex and CFDs, a searchable archive of recorded webinars, and at least 10 videos specifically crafted for beginners. They also include an investor dictionary that defines over 50 trading terms, making it easier for newcomers to understand the nuances of trading. However, ATFX does not conduct regular live webinars nor offer advanced educational videos for seasoned investors. Despite these limitations, ATFX secures a mid-range education rating of 3 stars and ranks 28th out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, iFOREX offers a different educational approach. Although they do not provide the same breadth of educational materials about forex and CFDs or a webinar archive as ATFX, iFOREX does offer a series of beginner-targeted videos similar to ATFX. However, iFOREX does not have a comprehensive investor dictionary. Even without a robust set of educational resources, iFOREX surprisingly garners a slightly higher education rating of 3.5 stars, although it ranks lower at 53rd out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. Thus, while both brokers cater to new traders in varying capacities, ATFX presents a broader range of educational tools, whereas iFOREX holds a marginally better educational rating.
| Feature |
ATFX
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | No |
| 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 ATFX is better than iFOREX. ATFX finished with an overall rank of #51, while iFOREX finished with an overall rank of #52.
ATFX primarily offers the MetaTrader platform suite from its regulated brands in the EU via Cyprus, and the UK, as well as its offshore entity in Mauritius. ATFX has made progress although still trails behind the best brokers when it comes to the range of investment products it offers and the available trading platforms.
| Feature |
ATFX
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iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 85 | 75 |
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Both ATFX and iFOREX provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither platform offers the ability to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies.
While both ATFX and iFOREX support Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options for depositing or withdrawing funds, only iFOREX offers PayPal as a method, whereas neither supports 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 | ATFX | iFOREX | |
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| Trust Score | 85 | 75 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
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| Broker Screenshots | ATFX | iFOREX | |
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| Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Research Gallery (click to expand) | |||
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| Regulation | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 85 | 75 | |
| Year Founded | 2017 | 1996 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | Yes | 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). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 150 | 750 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 44 | 88 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $500 | $100 | |
| 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 | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | 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 | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | No | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 9 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 57 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 25 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | No |
| Mobile Trading | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 7 | N/A | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Overall | ATFX | iFOREX | |
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| Trust Score | 85 | 75 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review |
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