Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of ThinkMarkets vs Eightcap, 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.
ThinkMarkets and Eightcap are two established names in the online brokerage world, with ThinkMarkets founded in 2010 and Eightcap in 2009. Neither company is publicly traded or operates as a bank, which is common in this sector. When it comes to regulatory licenses, ThinkMarkets stands out with five Tier-1 licenses, a distinction indicating high trust. In comparison, Eightcap holds three Tier-1 licenses, which is still commendable but slightly fewer.
Considering Trust Scores from ForexBrokers.com, ThinkMarkets earns a rating of 92 out of 99, positioning it as a highly trusted broker. This is backed by its seven regulatory licenses, including two Tier-2 licenses. Meanwhile, Eightcap scores an admirable 85, categorizing it as a trusted broker, despite not holding any Tier-2 licenses. Both brokers offer reassurance, but ThinkMarkets edges ahead with its higher Trust Score and greater regulatory presence.
| Feature |
ThinkMarkets
|
Eightcap
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
ThinkMarkets and Eightcap both offer competitive commission and fee structures rated at four out of five stars. However, they cater to different needs. ThinkMarkets does not provide average spread data, making a direct comparison to Eightcap's detailed offerings challenging. That said, Eightcap's options may present a clearer cost structure for traders seeking precise data on potential expenses associated with their accounts.
Eightcap offers versatility through its two account types: the commission-based Raw account and the spread-only Standard account. The Raw account features an attractive average spread of 0.06 pips, though it requires a $3.50 per-side commission per trade. Despite this, the all-in cost totals around 0.76 pips, slightly below the industry average of 0.8 pips, but overall slightly higher than the most cost-effective forex brokers.
In terms of industry ranking for commissions and fees, ThinkMarkets is positioned at #47 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, whereas Eightcap ranks higher at #26. This suggests that Eightcap might have a more favorable cost structure for a broader range of traders, especially those who prioritize transparency and specific data regarding spreads and associated trading costs.
| Feature |
ThinkMarkets
|
Eightcap
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.1 | 1.0 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 0.76 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | 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 comparing the range of investments between ThinkMarkets and Eightcap, distinct differences arise that cater to various trading preferences. For traders looking to explore a vast array of investment options, ThinkMarkets stands out by offering a whopping 4,000 tradable symbols, significantly surpassing Eightcap's 800 symbols. While both brokers provide forex trading as a CFD or spot contract, ThinkMarkets provides access to 46 forex pairs, whereas Eightcap hosts a slightly more extensive selection with 56 pairs. However, ThinkMarkets takes the lead by allowing clients to trade in exchange-traded securities on international exchanges, broadening the investment horizon for those interested in global markets—a feature not available with Eightcap.
Both brokers facilitate copy trading and offer derivatives in the cryptocurrency market, yet neither allows the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies. Despite these similarities, ThinkMarkets receives a higher rating of 4.5 stars for their range of investments compared to Eightcap's 3.5 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, ThinkMarkets is ranked 22nd out of 63 brokers in this category, while Eightcap trails at the 40th position. This ranking highlights ThinkMarkets as a preferred choice for investors seeking a broader spectrum of trading opportunities.
| Feature |
ThinkMarkets
|
Eightcap
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 4000 | 800 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 56 |
| 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.
When comparing ThinkMarkets and Eightcap in terms of their trading platforms and tools, both brokers provide traders with a comprehensive suite of features. Both offer simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, ensuring newbies can practice before diving into the real market. ThinkMarkets stands out by providing a proprietary platform developed in-house, enhancing its unique service offerings. Both brokers allow for desktop trading on Windows-based systems and offer web-based platforms, along with MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and the capacity for copy trading. However, neither broker provides access to DupliTrade or ZuluTrade. When it comes to charting tools, both offer an equal number of drawing tools, totaling 15, and support trading directly from stock charts, making them both versatile for different trading styles.
ThinkMarkets and Eightcap both receive a solid four-star rating for their trading platforms and tools. However, ThinkMarkets ranks higher, at #28 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, compared to Eightcap's #38. One notable difference can be seen in their watch list capabilities; ThinkMarkets offers 15 fields, more than double what Eightcap provides with seven fields. This can provide a more detailed and customizable experience for users who rely heavily on watch lists to track market movements. With these offerings, each broker presents strong and competitive options depending on a trader's specific needs and preferences.
| Feature |
ThinkMarkets
|
Eightcap
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| 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 | 15 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both ThinkMarkets and Eightcap offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android users. These apps provide essential features like stock and forex price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on charts. Additionally, both platforms support creating watchlists with real-time quotes and auto-save chart drawings. However, ThinkMarkets offers a more extensive charting experience with 94 technical studies available, compared to Eightcap's 30. Notably, Eightcap allows for watchlist symbol syncing between the mobile app and the user's online account, offering seamless integration and ease of use, a feature not currently available with ThinkMarkets.
When it comes to ratings, both ThinkMarkets and Eightcap receive a solid 4 out of 5 stars for their mobile trading apps. However, according to ForexBrokers.com, ThinkMarkets ranks higher at 20th place out of 63 brokers for mobile trading, while Eightcap is positioned at 38th. This suggests that, while both brokers offer competent mobile trading experiences, ThinkMarkets might have a slight edge in terms of overall user satisfaction and feature richness.
| Feature |
ThinkMarkets
|
Eightcap
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 94 | 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.
Both ThinkMarkets and Eightcap offer a range of research tools for traders, but there are notable differences between the two. ThinkMarkets provides daily market commentary and offers forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, giving traders access to quality insights. While both brokers offer sentiment-based trading tools and economic calendars, ThinkMarkets stands out with its research offerings from Acuity Trading, such as the Signal Centre, which Eightcap does not offer.
In terms of research tool ratings, both brokers are rated 3.5 out of 5 stars. However, Eightcap holds a higher overall ranking for research, being placed at #39, compared to ThinkMarkets at #50 among 63 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com. This ranking suggests that while ThinkMarkets provides some exclusive features, Eightcap distinguishes itself with a stronger overall research position.
| Feature |
ThinkMarkets
|
Eightcap
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources available for beginners from ThinkMarkets and Eightcap, both brokers provide a solid foundation with over ten pieces of educational content focusing on forex and CFDs. ThinkMarkets excels by offering monthly live webinars, giving learners the opportunity to interact and deepen their understanding live. Meanwhile, Eightcap does not provide this option, which might be a consideration for those who value real-time learning experiences. Both brokers have archived recorded webinars available, allowing you to revisit and learn from past sessions at your convenience.
In terms of video content, both traders cater adequately to beginners with at least ten videos dedicated to foundational trading topics. However, ThinkMarkets has the edge for more experienced traders, offering over ten advanced educational videos. Both brokers feature comprehensive investor dictionaries with definitions of at least fifty investing terms. Despite these offerings, ThinkMarkets and Eightcap are both rated 3.5 out of 5 stars for their educational resources. Interestingly, despite its fewer resources for advanced traders, Eightcap is ranked higher at #40 compared to ThinkMarkets' #52 in the ForexBrokers.com education category.
| Feature |
ThinkMarkets
|
Eightcap
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that ThinkMarkets is better than Eightcap. ThinkMarkets finished with an overall rank of #27, while Eightcap finished with an overall rank of #38.
ThinkMarkets has multiple regulatory license and offers a proprietary trading platform, as well as the entire MetaTrader suite. The broker has made progress in key areas, such as research and education, and the range of markets available, although trails behind the best brokers in these categories.
| Feature |
ThinkMarkets
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Eightcap
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 92 | 85 |
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Both ThinkMarkets and Eightcap do not provide the option to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
In comparing online brokers, ThinkMarkets does not support ACH, SEPA, or PayPal for deposits and withdrawals, but does accept Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires, while Eightcap also lacks ACH and SEPA options but offers PayPal, alongside Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires for flexible transaction solutions.
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 | ThinkMarkets | Eightcap | |
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| Trust Score | 92 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Eightcap Review |
| Broker Screenshots | ThinkMarkets | Eightcap | |
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| Regulation | ThinkMarkets | Eightcap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 92 | 85 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | ThinkMarkets | Eightcap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | 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) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | ThinkMarkets | Eightcap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | ThinkMarkets | Eightcap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 4000 | 800 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 56 | |
| 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 | ThinkMarkets | Eightcap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.1 | 1.0 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 0.76 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | ThinkMarkets | Eightcap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $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 | ThinkMarkets | Eightcap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | ThinkMarkets | Eightcap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 15 | 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 | ThinkMarkets | Eightcap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 94 | 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 | ThinkMarkets | Eightcap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | ThinkMarkets | Eightcap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | ThinkMarkets | Eightcap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Eightcap Review |
| Overall | ThinkMarkets | Eightcap | |
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| Trust Score | 92 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Eightcap Review |
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