Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IC Markets vs Exness, 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.
IC Markets and Exness are two well-regarded online brokers, each offering unique regulatory standings that influence their trust and reliability. Founded in 2007, IC Markets holds a Trust Score of 84 out of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com, placing it in the "trusted" category. This broker possesses 2 highly trusted Tier-1 licenses, underscoring its commitment to stringent regulatory standards, although it holds no Tier-2 licenses. Meanwhile, Exness, established a year later in 2008, scores 81, also within the "trusted" range. Exness similarly holds 2 Tier-1 licenses and additionally maintains 3 Tier-2 licenses, offering a slightly broader regulatory backing.
Both brokers are privately held, meaning they are not listed on any stock exchange, and neither operates as a bank. These attributes provide an insight into their operational frameworks, offering confidence in their financial dealings without the complexity of public ownership or banking activities. Choosing between IC Markets and Exness largely depends on individual preferences for regulatory depth and trust score, as both offer solid trust credentials and regulatory adherence in the trading industry.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2008 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 3 |
IC Markets is a leading online broker known for its low trading costs, earning it a 5-star rating for commissions and fees. With competitive spreads and a low deposit requirement, IC Markets ranks #5 out of 63 brokers. It offers three account options: a commission-free Standard account and two commission-based accounts, namely the Raw Spread and the cTrader Raw Spread accounts. The cTrader account offers a slightly lower commission at $3.0 per side for every 100,000 units, compared to the MT4 or MT5 Raw Spread account, which charges $3.5 per side. Traders benefit from average spread costs of 0.62 pips on the cTrader account and 0.72 pips on MetaTrader, positioning IC Markets among the best low-cost forex brokers.
Exness, on the other hand, provides a wide range of account types with two standard accounts and three professional accounts. Rated 4 stars for commissions and fees, Exness is ranked #35 out of 63 brokers. The Zero Spread account charges a per-trade commission of $0.05, while the Raw account entails a commission of up to $7 per round turn. This broker's offerings include both market and instant execution methods, with minimal restrictions on leverage and stop-out conditions, especially in its Zero Spread and Raw accounts. The Pro account provides flexibility with lower spreads and the ability to switch between instant and market execution, making it a versatile choice for traders.
In summary, while IC Markets takes the lead with lower effective trading costs and a higher ranking, Exness stands out with a diverse range of account options and execution methods. IC Markets shines with its attractive spreads and competitive fee structure, whereas Exness appeals to traders looking for diverse account styles and execution flexibility. Both brokers cater to different trading preferences, yet each offers substantial value within their specific fee structures.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $10 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
IC Markets and Exness both cater to traders looking to dive into forex trading with options for both CFDs and spot contracts. However, when it comes to the variety of tradeable symbols, IC Markets takes the lead with a whopping 3,583 options compared to Exness’ more modest offering of 227. Although Exness surpasses IC Markets in the number of forex pairs available for trading, providing 96 pairs against IC Markets' 61, IC Markets shines with the added benefit of access to international exchange-traded securities. Unfortunately, neither broker offers the ability to purchase exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges or actual cryptocurrencies; they both stick to providing cryptocurrency derivatives instead.
Investors keen on social trading will be pleased to know that both brokers offer copy trading features, allowing users to replicate trades from successful traders. In terms of their overall rating for the range of investments, IC Markets edges ahead with a 4.5-star rating, ranking 25th out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, Exness falls behind slightly with a 3.5-star rating and a 55th place ranking. Overall, if you're seeking a wider selection of trading instruments and international investments, IC Markets may be the preferable choice.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 227 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 96 |
| 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.
Both IC Markets and Exness offer users a variety of trading platforms and tools that cater to various preferences and trading styles. While neither broker provides the DupliTrade option, they both support popular platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, along with offering simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts. IC Markets does not have a proprietary platform, whereas Exness provides one developed in-house to cater to its customers' unique needs. On the other hand, IC Markets takes the lead with ZuluTrade support, a feature not provided by Exness. Both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts and provide a similar experience with web-based and desktop platforms for Windows users.
In terms of charting tools, Exness outshines IC Markets with a significantly higher number of drawing tools—87 compared to IC Markets' 15—but IC Markets and Exness both offer the same number of fields for watch lists, at seven columns each. Although both vendors receive a four-star rating for their trading platforms and tools, IC Markets ranks higher at 16th among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, compared to Exness, which stands at 26th. Overall, both brokers offer strong platform features, but the choice between them may depend on specific tools, such as ZuluTrade or the comprehensiveness of drawing tools provided.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes |
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 107 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 87 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of IC Markets and Exness, both brokers provide apps for iPhone and Android devices, offering price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. Both apps support viewing various time frames, making them versatile for traders on the go. On the other hand, neither platform currently supports syncing watchlist symbols between the mobile app and the online account.
IC Markets offers 30 technical studies for charting, whereas Exness provides a slightly larger selection with 35. Although both apps allow the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes, IC Markets stands out with its feature to auto-save drawings on charts, a function lacking in the Exness app. Both apps earn a commendable 4-star rating for mobile trading, with IC Markets ranked slightly higher at #22 compared to Exness's #26 in the ForexBrokers.com ranking out of 63 brokers. This makes both options competitive and reliable for traders looking for a comprehensive mobile trading experience.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 35 |
| 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.
Both IC Markets and Exness provide a daily stream of market commentary and deliver forex news from renowned sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones, keeping traders informed with timely updates. However, while both brokers incorporate Trading Central's tools, only IC Markets enhances its offerings with Autochartist's technical analysis, making it more appealing to those keen on comprehensive analysis resources. Additionally, they both offer sentiment-based trading tools and maintain an economic calendar that highlights significant global events. However, neither broker currently partners with TipRanks or Acuity Trading for research tools.
When diving into rankings and ratings, IC Markets holds an advantage over Exness with a slightly higher research rating of 4 stars compared to Exness's 3.5 stars. This difference echoes in their rankings among 63 brokers, where IC Markets secures the 23rd position, while Exness stands at 41st as per ForexBrokers.com. This elevation may appeal to traders who prioritize extensive research capabilities in their trading strategy.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | 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.
When comparing IC Markets and Exness for their educational offerings to beginner traders, both platforms excel by providing a minimum of ten educational resources focusing on forex and CFDs. IC Markets enhances the learning experience further by hosting monthly webinars, allowing beginners to receive real-time insights. While Exness does provide an array of educational materials, it does not include live monthly webinars, which might appeal to those seeking interactive learning experiences. Traders using either platform will find a searchable archive of past webinars, which is a plus for revisiting previously covered material.
IC Markets stands out with a wider range of advanced educational videos, catering to both beginners and those more experienced. Though both brokers offer investor dictionaries that cover over 50 terms, IC Markets pulls ahead with its more comprehensive approach to trader education. Rated at 4 stars for education, IC Markets outshines Exness, which holds a 3.5-star rating. IC Markets secures the 16th spot out of 63 brokers in the education category according to ForexBrokers.com, while Exness is positioned at 47th, making IC Markets a more preferred choice for a thorough educational experience.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 IC Markets is better than Exness. IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #20, while Exness finished with an overall rank of #43.
IC Markets’ competitive pricing and scalable execution make it an excellent option for algorithmic traders. Though it supports an impressive range of third-party tools and plugins, IC Markets’ research and education offerings are not as impressive as those offered by industry leaders.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 81 |
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Both IC Markets and Exness provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither allows for the purchase of actual, delivered cryptocurrency.
While both IC Markets and Exness offer Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options for deposits and withdrawals, only IC Markets provides the additional option of PayPal, whereas neither platform 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 | IC Markets | Exness | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | Exness Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IC Markets | Exness | |
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| Regulation | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 84 | 81 | |
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2008 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | Yes |
| Investments | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 227 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 96 | |
| 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 | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $10 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes | |
| 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 | Yes | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 107 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 87 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 35 | |
| 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 | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IC Markets Review | Exness Review |
| Overall | IC Markets | Exness | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | Exness Review |
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