Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of iFOREX vs GBE brokers, 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.
iFOREX and GBE brokers are both online brokers offering trading services, although they differ in their history and trust ratings. Founded in 1996, iFOREX has been in the market longer than GBE brokers, which was established in 2013. Neither company is publicly traded or operates as a bank. Both brokers hold one Tier-1 license, reflecting a commitment to maintaining trustworthy standards in the industry, although neither holds any Tier-2 licenses. According to ForexBrokers.com, iFOREX holds a Trust Score of 75, indicating an average risk level, while GBE brokers have a slightly lower Trust Score of 71. This places both within the average risk category, as defined by ForexBrokers.com.
For traders seeking an online broker, understanding these Trust Scores and regulatory factors can be essential in making an informed choice. While both iFOREX and GBE brokers are trusted at a similar level by ForexBrokers.com, iFOREX's longer presence in the industry might appeal to those looking for more established market players. However, the decision ultimately rests on understanding your own comfort with the level of risk and your specific trading needs.
| Feature |
iFOREX
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2013 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing iFOREX and GBE brokers, it's important to consider their commissions and fees. While both brokers provide trading services, iFOREX has a three-star rating for its commissions and fees, indicating a more average consumer experience in this area. Notably, iFOREX ranks 61st out of 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category as per ForexBrokers.com. This suggests that while iFOREX might serve certain trading preferences, there could be more cost-effective options available in the market.
On the other hand, GBE brokers receive a more favorable four-star rating for commissions and fees, showcasing a better overall user experience regarding the cost of trading. GBE brokers are positioned at 37th place out of 63 in the same category, suggesting a more competitive edge in managing trading costs compared to iFOREX. In choosing between these brokers, traders may find GBE brokers to be a more appealing option for minimizing expenses associated with their trades.
In summary, while iFOREX offers adequate services, GBE brokers outperform in terms of commissions and fees with a higher star rating and a significantly better rank among its peers. For traders particularly concerned about the financial aspects of trading, GBE brokers might present a more advantageous option.
| Feature |
iFOREX
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $500 |
| 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 | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | 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.
iFOREX and GBE brokers both provide traders with the opportunity to engage in forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts. When it comes to the number of tradeable symbols, iFOREX offers a broader choice with 750 options compared to GBE brokers' offering of 500. For those interested specifically in forex pairs, iFOREX again leads with 88 pairs available, outpacing GBE brokers, which provide 71 pairs. However, neither broker facilitates the purchase of exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, nor do they allow the buying of actual cryptocurrency.
Where copy trading is concerned, only GBE brokers offer this service, providing a useful feature for traders looking to mimic the strategies of others. Both brokers enable trading of cryptocurrency derivatives but not the actual cryptocurrencies. Although both iFOREX and GBE brokers are rated 3.5 stars for their range of investments, they rank differently based on ForexBrokers.com evaluations, with iFOREX standing at #41 and GBE brokers slightly lower at #44 among 63 brokers. This suggests iFOREX may have a slightly broader appeal in their investment offerings, despite having similar overall ratings.
| Feature |
iFOREX
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 750 | 500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 88 | 71 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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 it comes to comparing the trading platforms and tools of iFOREX and GBE brokers, each offers distinct features suited for different types of investors. iFOREX boasts a proprietary platform developed in-house, which operates exclusively as a web-based interface. However, it does not offer a Windows-based desktop download. GBE brokers, on the other hand, does not have its own proprietary platform but provides a Windows-based desktop download along with web-based access. While iFOREX skips popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, GBE brokers includes both, adding to its functionality for traders familiar with these popular options. Additionally, only GBE brokers provides the option for copy trading, appealing to those interested in mimicking successful trades.
In terms of usage tools, iFOREX features more drawing tools for charting, totaling 25 compared to GBE brokers’ 15, while allowing trades directly from stock charts—an ability shared by both. For watch lists, iFOREX offers an edge with nine columns compared to GBE brokers' seven. Despite these varied offerings, both platforms receive a similar rating of four out of five stars for their Trading Platforms and Tools. Notably, iFOREX is ranked higher at 54 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, compared to GBE brokers’ ranking of 57, suggesting a slight edge in user preference and satisfaction in this category.
| Feature |
iFOREX
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | No | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 57 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 25 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 9 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of iFOREX and GBE brokers, both provide iPhone and Android compatibility, ensuring access for a broad range of mobile users. However, differences arise in the features each app offers. GBE brokers impresses with stock and forex price alerts and the capability to utilize 30 technical studies in its charting functions. The GBE app also facilitates drawing trendlines and supports viewing multiple time frames, such as daily or intraday, which iFOREX’s app lacks. Additionally, GBE brokers' app automatically saves chart drawings and allows the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes, a feature not available with iFOREX.
Despite these differences, both iFOREX and GBE brokers receive a four-star rating for their mobile trading apps. Nevertheless, in a ranking of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, iFOREX holds the #55 spot while GBE brokers sits slightly lower at #57. Although iFOREX may rank slightly higher, users who prioritize advanced charting tools and real-time market updates might find GBE brokers a more suitable choice. Both apps, however, have areas for improvement, as indicated by their rankings.
| Feature |
iFOREX
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | No | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | N/A | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When considering the market research offerings of iFOREX and GBE brokers, both provide daily market commentary and an economic calendar, catering to traders looking for timely insights and updates. Neither broker offers forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg or Reuters, nor do they provide technical analysis or research tools from Autochartist or Acuity Trading. Traders seeking added analytical tools will find that iFOREX has a slight edge with access to Trading Central's Technical Analytics, which GBE brokers do not offer.
Both brokers supply sentiment-based trading tools to gauge market positions, which can be valuable for traders making informed decisions. However, with iFOREX earning a 3.5-star rating in research and ranking 48th out of 63 brokers, it surpasses GBE brokers, which received three stars and ranked 62nd. This disparity suggests iFOREX may offer a slightly more comprehensive research experience for traders prioritizing data-driven insights.
| Feature |
iFOREX
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| 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 it comes to educational resources for beginners, iFOREX has a slight edge over GBE brokers. iFOREX provides at least 10 introductory videos specifically tailored to new traders, making it a more accessible choice for those just starting out. However, it's important to note that neither iFOREX nor GBE brokers offer a substantial variety of educational content such as articles, webinars, or a comprehensive set of resources on forex and CFDs. Unfortunately, this limits both platforms' ability to fully support new learners seeking comprehensive educational materials.
Regular webinars and a searchable archive of recorded sessions are not available with either iFOREX or GBE brokers, which means live interaction and the potential for real-time learning are off the table. Additionally, neither platform provides advanced educational videos for experienced traders nor an investor dictionary. In terms of rankings and ratings, iFOREX holds a 3.5-star rating and ranks 53rd out of 63 brokers in the education category on ForexBrokers.com, whereas GBE brokers lag behind with a 3-star rating and a 63rd place ranking. This underscores iFOREX's slightly better, yet still limited, educational offerings compared to GBE brokers.
| Feature |
iFOREX
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | No | No |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | 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 iFOREX is better than GBE brokers. iFOREX finished with an overall rank of #52, while GBE brokers finished with an overall rank of #57.
iFOREX is operated by a long-standing company, previously known as Vestle, with regulatory status in a growing number of jurisdictions, offering forex and CFDs through its proprietary platform. The biggest drawback is the lack of markets you can trade with fewer than 200, compared to the best multi asset forex and CFD brokers.
| Feature |
iFOREX
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GBE brokers
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|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 75 | 71 |
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Both iFOREX and GBE Brokers do not offer the ability to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrencies, but they do provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
While both iFOREX and GBE brokers provide similar options for deposit and withdrawal using PayPal, Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, GBE brokers additionally offers ACH or SEPA transfers as a feature, unlike iFOREX.
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 | iFOREX | GBE brokers | |
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| Trust Score | 75 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
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| Broker Screenshots | iFOREX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Research Gallery (click to expand) | |||
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| Regulation | iFOREX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 75 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2013 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | iFOREX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | iFOREX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | iFOREX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 750 | 500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 88 | 71 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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 | iFOREX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | iFOREX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $500 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | iFOREX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | iFOREX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | No | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | No | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 9 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 57 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 25 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | No | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | iFOREX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | No | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | N/A | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | No | Yes |
| Research | iFOREX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | iFOREX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | No | No | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | iFOREX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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| Trust Score | 75 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review |
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