Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG 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.
IG and Exness are two prominent online brokers with key differences in their regulatory profiles. Founded in 1974, IG stands out as a publicly traded company that operates as a bank, boasting a top Trust Score of 99 out of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com. It holds 8 highly trusted Tier-1 licenses and 2 trusted Tier-2 licenses, indicating a strong regulatory standing. In contrast, Exness, established in 2008, is not publicly traded and does not operate as a bank. It has a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 81, categorizing it as a trusted broker, with 2 highly trusted Tier-1 licenses and 3 trusted Tier-2 licenses.
When choosing between IG and Exness, potential users might consider IG's long-standing presence and status as a public bank, which could offer added peace of mind for risk-averse individuals. Meanwhile, Exness provides a solid level of trust within the industry, appealing to those looking for a reliable trading platform with a slightly different regulatory focus. Both brokers offer unique advantages, catering to the diverse preferences and requirements of traders worldwide.
| Feature |
IG
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2008 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
IG earns 5 stars for commissions and fees and ranks #8 of 63, while Exness earns 4 stars and ranks #36. Both brokers offer multiple pricing models, but IG is geared more toward active and high‑volume traders, whereas Exness focuses on giving you a choice of standard (spread‑only) and pro (commission‑based) accounts.
IG’s CFD account spreads averaged about 0.69 pips during the main trading session in July 2023 (0.98 pips across the whole day, with low‑liquidity hours closer to 1.03). The big draw is IG’s Forex Direct (DMA) pricing: average EUR/USD spreads were 0.62 pips in July 2023, with an all‑in cost around 0.82 pips after commission at typical tiers. Commissions scale with volume (from roughly $60 per million at the base tier down to about $10 per million per side for very high volumes). Qualified pros can also get 10%–20% spread rebates on the CFD account, which can trim effective costs further.
Exness offers five main account types. The Standard Cent and Standard accounts are commission‑free with higher spreads. The Pro account is also commission‑free, with tighter spreads and the option of instant or market execution. The Zero Spread account uses market execution and charges a small per‑trade commission (listed as $0.05), while the Raw account uses market execution with lower spreads and up to $7 per round‑turn lot in commission. Your costs depend heavily on the account you pick: Exness’ commission accounts can be price‑friendly on spreads, but overall its fees and rankings trail IG’s for active traders seeking the lowest all‑in costs.
| Feature |
IG
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | ÂŁ250.00 | $10 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
IG offers a far wider range of investments than Exness, with 19,537 tradeable symbols versus Exness’s 227. Both brokers support forex trading (CFDs/spot), and their currency lineups are similar: IG lists 97 forex pairs and Exness lists 96. IG also lets clients buy actual exchange-traded shares on U.S. and international exchanges—think Apple on NASDAQ or Vodafone in London—while Exness does not offer real shares (it focuses on CFDs instead). For crypto, IG provides access to both real coins and crypto derivatives, whereas Exness offers only crypto derivatives. One notable difference: Exness supports copy trading, and IG does not.
For overall range of investments, ForexBrokers.com rates IG at 5 stars (ranked #4 of 63) and Exness at 3.5 stars (ranked #56). If you want the widest selection across markets—including stocks and actual crypto—IG stands out. If you prefer a smaller lineup with copy trading options, Exness may fit better.
| Feature |
IG
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 227 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 96 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 offered by IG and Exness, both brokers provide a range of features that cater to traders of all levels. IG and Exness both offer simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, which allows users to hone their skills without risking real money. Both brokers have developed their proprietary trading platforms and provide Windows-based desktop download and web-based browser platforms, ensuring accessibility and ease of use for their clients. However, while IG supports MetaTrader 4, Exness steps up its game by offering both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, making it a potentially attractive choice for traders seeking more advanced tools. Additionally, Exness supports copy trading, a feature absent in IG, which might appeal to those interested in mirroring the trades of experienced investors.
In terms of charting tools, Exness offers a more comprehensive selection with 87 drawing tools compared to IG's 20. Both brokers provide the ability to trade directly from stock charts, blending convenience with practicality. However, when it comes to organizing trading activities, IG's watch lists include five columns compared to Exness's seven, providing more detailed analysis for those using Exness. Despite Exness's broader tool offerings, IG is rated higher with five stars in trading platforms and tools, earning the second spot out of 63 brokers, while Exness ranks at number 26 with a four-star rating. This positions IG as a top choice for traders prioritizing highly rated platform efficiency and reliability.
| Feature |
IG
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 107 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 87 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing IG and Exness for mobile trading, both platforms offer iPhone and Android apps, providing users with easy access to trading on the go. Both brokers ensure you stay informed by offering stock and forex price alerts, and they offer the ability to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on charts. However, a key difference lies in their sync capabilities. IG excels by allowing watchlist syncing between their mobile app and online account, a feature Exness does not provide. Additionally, IG's app automatically saves chart drawings, while Exness's does not.
IG also appears to be the favored choice in terms of ratings and rankings. It boasts 33 technical studies, slightly less than Exness's 35, but the app is rated 5 out of 5 stars, ranking as the top mobile trading app out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Exness garners a 4-star rating and ranks 26th. Both apps allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, yet IG's higher user rating and preferred functionalities make it a strong contender in the mobile trading space.
| Feature |
IG
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 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.
IG and Exness both deliver daily market commentary, streaming forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones, and an economic calendar to track key events. Each broker also offers a sentiment tool that shows the ratio of long vs. short positions, helping traders gauge crowd behavior and potential turning points.
The biggest differences show up in third‑party research tools. IG includes Autochartist for pattern recognition, TipRanks for analyst insights, and Acuity Trading’s Signal Centre, while Exness does not. Exness counters with Trading Central’s research suite, which IG doesn’t provide. Overall, IG earns 5 stars for Research and ranks #2 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, whereas Exness holds 3.5 stars and ranks #42. If you want deeper add‑on research and signal coverage, IG is the stronger pick; if you prefer Trading Central’s toolkit, Exness may fit your style.
| Feature |
IG
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to providing educational resources for beginners in the world of trading, IG and Exness both make a notable effort, yet they differ significantly in their offerings. IG shines with an extensive selection of learning materials, including a well-structured library of forex and CFD education that features over ten curated articles and videos. Beginners can take advantage of at least ten educational videos tailored just for them, along with more advanced resources for seasoned traders. IG stands out by hosting monthly interactive webinars and maintaining a searchable archive for those who wish to revisit past sessions. Their commitment to building foundational knowledge is further underscored by their comprehensive investor dictionary, making IG a fitting choice for education-minded traders.
Conversely, Exness offers a substantial array of basic educational content but falls short in several areas compared to IG. While Exness provides beginner-friendly videos and maintains a searchable archive of previous webinars, it lacks monthly live webinars that could engage clients in real-time learning experiences. Exness also does not offer a set of videos catering to more experienced traders. Nonetheless, their educational resources, which include an informative investor dictionary, help beginners understand the essentials of trading. As a result, while Exness presents a solid starting point for novices, it comes in at #47 in the education ranking by ForexBrokers.com, highlighting a gap compared to IG's #1 position and 5-star rating, signaling its premier standing in fostering trader education.
| Feature |
IG
|
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 IG is better than Exness. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while Exness finished with an overall rank of #43.
IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
IG
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 81 |
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IG allows the purchase of both actual cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency derivatives, whereas Exness only offers cryptocurrency derivatives and not actual cryptocurrencies for purchase.
When comparing online brokers IG and Exness, IG supports ACH and SEPA transfers, PayPal, and offers Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires for depositing or withdrawing funds, whereas Exness does not support ACH, SEPA transfers, or PayPal, but allows Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, and bank wires for transactions.
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 | IG | Exness | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | Exness Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | Exness | |
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| Regulation | IG | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 81 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2008 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | Yes |
| Investments | IG | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 227 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 96 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 | IG | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | ÂŁ250.00 | $10 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 107 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 87 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 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 | IG | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | 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 | IG | 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 | IG Review | Exness Review |
| Overall | IG | Exness | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | Exness Review |
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