Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG 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.
When comparing IG and GBE brokers, IG stands out as a longstanding financial entity since being founded in 1974. Unlike GBE brokers, which began in 2013, IG is publicly traded and also operates as a bank. This adds a layer of confidence when considering their regulatory framework. IG boasts eight Tier-1 licenses, which are trusted by ForexBrokers.com, in contrast to GBE brokers' single Tier-1 license. Additionally, IG holds two Tier-2 licenses, whereas GBE brokers have none. Consequently, IG achieves an impressive Trust Score of 99, indicating they are highly trusted, while GBE brokers attain a Trust Score of 71, suggesting an average level of risk.
Both brokers aim to offer solid trading services, but IG's extensive regulatory approval and banking status provide a stronger assurance to investors. GBE brokers, while meeting average trust standards with one Tier-1 license, may suit those who are willing to engage with a broker with a shorter market presence and a moderate risk profile. Ultimately, IG's comprehensive regulatory standing and long history make it a preferred choice for traders seeking a higher degree of trust and credibility.
| Feature |
IG
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2013 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When evaluating online brokers IG and GBE Brokers based on their commissions and fees, IG stands out with a 5-star rating and ranks 8th among 63 brokers, according to ForexBrokers.com. IG does not position itself as a discount broker but offers competitive pricing for active traders, particularly through its Forex Direct accounts. IG’s average spreads on its Forex Direct account were 0.62 pips in July 2023, averaging an all-in cost of 0.82 pips with a commission of 0.2 pips. Additionally, IG offers a distinguished three-tier active trader rebate program, enabling eligible traders to earn up to a 20% rebate if they trade over £300 million worth of forex volume per month.
For those looking for deeper trading discounts, IG's DMA (Direct Market Access) account is an appealing option. It provides access to the L2 Dealer platform and tiered pricing based on trade volume. Investors with a high trading volume can benefit from reduced commissions, reducing effective spreads to as low as 0.82 pips when factoring in July 2023's data. IG provides a versatile range of execution methods, allowing it to accommodate both standard account holders as well as seasoned traders looking for premium pricing models.
Meanwhile, GBE Brokers earns a 4-star rating and is ranked 37th out of 63 brokers in the same category. However, specific average spread data is not publicly available for GBE Brokers, which can make direct comparisons challenging. Despite this lack of detailed spread data, GBE Brokers remains a well-regarded choice, particularly for traders who value the firm's overall fee structure and commission rates.
| Feature |
IG
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $500 |
| 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 | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When it comes to the range of investments, IG offers an impressive versatility compared to GBE Brokers. IG provides access to an extensive selection of 19,537 tradeable symbols, including exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges like Apple and Vodafone. This broad scope also spans 97 forex pairs for those keen on currency trading, alongside the ability to purchase actual cryptocurrency and its derivatives. These offerings contribute to IG’s high ranking, earning it 5 stars and a #4 ranking out of 63 brokers in the Range of Investments category according to ForexBrokers.com.
Conversely, GBE Brokers presents a more limited but still commendable range of 500 tradeable symbols. While it offers 71 forex pairs and the opportunity to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, it lacks access to exchange-traded securities on major exchanges. However, GBE Brokers does uniquely provide copy trading services, which might interest those looking to mirror the strategies of other traders. Despite its narrower selection, GBE Brokers is rated at 3.5 stars and holds a respectable #44 ranking among its peers for its investment offerings.
| Feature |
IG
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 71 |
| 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.
IG and GBE brokers both provide traders with simulation options through free virtual demo accounts, allowing users to practice without financial risk. When it comes to proprietary platforms, IG stands out by offering its own developed-in-house platform, while GBE brokers does not. Both platforms have a strong Windows-based desktop and web-based trading platform presence, facilitating easy access for traders. However, only GBE supports MetaTrader 5 alongside MetaTrader 4, whereas IG only supports MetaTrader 4. Additionally, GBE brokers supports copy trading, a feature not available with IG.
In terms of charting tools, IG provides 20 drawing tools compared to GBE brokers' 15. For watch list customization, GBE offers seven customizable fields, surpassing IG's five. Both brokers support trading directly from stock charts. IG scores a perfect five-star rating for its platform and tools, ranking second among 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, GBE brokers receive a four-star rating, placing them at 57th in the same category. This gives IG a notable advantage in terms of user satisfaction and market recognition for its trading platforms and tools.
| Feature |
IG
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| 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 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android devices, both IG and GBE Brokers provide competitive solutions to meet the needs of traders. Both brokers offer apps that allow traders to receive stock or forex price alerts, draw trendlines on charts, and view multiple time frames such as daily, weekly, or intraday. This makes managing investments on the go straightforward and efficient. However, there are some notable differences between the two. IG's app syncs watchlists with the client's online account, enabling seamless transitions between mobile and desktop platforms, a feature that is not available with GBE Brokers. Additionally, IG offers 33 technical studies for charting, slightly more than the 30 provided by GBE Brokers.
IG's mobile app leads in popularity, securing the top rank among 63 brokers as rated by ForexBrokers.com. It has earned a 5-star rating for its intuitive design and comprehensive features. GBE Brokers, while still offering a solid app experience, is ranked #57 and has received a 4-star rating. Both apps auto-save drawings on charts and allow the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes, catering to the needs of both casual and serious traders. With these capabilities, either app can be a powerful tool, but IG's edge in features and user satisfaction might make it the preferred choice for many.
| Feature |
IG
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 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.
When it comes to market research tools, IG stands out compared to GBE Brokers. Both platforms offer daily market commentary and sentiment-based trading tools to help users understand market trends. However, IG provides its users with forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, giving traders timely insights that GBE Brokers lacks. Furthermore, IG supports advanced research tools from Autochartist and market analysis from TipRanks, whereas GBE Brokers does not offer these features. Additionally, IG users benefit from tools provided by Acuity Trading, such as Signal Centre, something GBE Brokers also does not have in its toolkit. Both brokers offer an economic calendar to keep traders informed of global economic news, but IG's comprehensive research offerings earn it a 5-star rating in research, with a much higher ranking of #2 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, GBE Brokers, while providing fundamental tools like daily commentary and sentiment analysis, falls significantly short in the number of research tools available. This disparity is highlighted by its 3-star rating for research and a ranking of #62 in the same study. For traders seeking cutting-edge research and analysis capabilities, IG offers a more extensive suite of resources, making it a preferred choice over GBE Brokers for those who prioritize in-depth market insights and timely information to guide their trading decisions.
| Feature |
IG
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| 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 educational resources for beginner traders, IG stands out compared to GBE Brokers. IG offers a comprehensive range of learning materials, including more than 10 educational pieces focused on forex and CFDs, making it easier for newcomers to start their trading journey. On top of this, they provide monthly webinars that newcomers can join to learn in real-time, as well as a searchable archive of past webinars for flexible learning. In contrast, GBE Brokers does not offer the same breadth of educational content, case in point being their lack of webinars and archived material for client education.
For those at the beginning stages of trading, IG provides ten or more beginner-friendly educational videos, alongside advanced content for more experienced traders. An investor dictionary from IG further aids learning by clearly defining over 50 investing terms, whereas GBE Brokers does not offer such a feature. With a 5-star rating for education from ForexBrokers.com and a rank of #1 out of 63 brokers, IG delivers thorough learning resources. Meanwhile, GBE Brokers, with a 3-star rating and a rank of #63, shows room for improvement in their educational offerings for beginners.
| Feature |
IG
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | 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 IG is better than GBE brokers. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while GBE brokers finished with an overall rank of #57.
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
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 |
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IG allows users to purchase both actual delivered cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency derivatives, whereas GBE Brokers offers only the option to buy cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both IG and GBE Brokers offer a range of deposit and withdrawal options including ACH, SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires; however, only GBE Brokers provides the additional option of using Skrill 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 | GBE brokers | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | GBE brokers | |
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| Regulation | IG | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2013 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IG | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 71 | |
| 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 | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $500 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | IG | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| 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 | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | IG | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | 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 | IG Review |
| Overall | IG | GBE brokers | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
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