Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IronFX 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.
IronFX, established in 2010, holds a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 83, indicating a trusted status in the industry. This broker is not publicly traded nor a bank, but it stands out with three Tier-1 licenses, reflecting high regulatory confidence. These licenses affirm IronFX's commitment to safety and security for traders seeking a reliable platform to manage their investments.
In contrast, GBE Brokers began operations in 2013 and has a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 71, categorizing it within the average risk bracket. Like IronFX, GBE Brokers is neither publicly listed nor operates as a bank. However, with a single Tier-1 license, GBE Brokers offers a solid regulatory foundation, although it doesn't match the extensive oversight held by IronFX. Both platforms provide unique offerings, but IronFX's higher trust score and additional licenses may appeal to those prioritizing regulatory assurance.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2013 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When it comes to commissions and fees, IronFX has some areas for improvement, particularly in its pricing structure. The broker's Standard variable spread account typically lists a spread of 1.8 pips, though this can vary depending on the account type. For traders opting for a zero fixed-spread account, spreads can start at zero, but this comes with an $18 per lot commission and widens to 3 pips overnight. Despite these inconsistencies, IronFX maintains a respectable 4-star rating for commissions and fees. However, when ranked by ForexBrokers.com, it holds the 46th position out of 63 brokers in this category.
GBE Brokers, on the other hand, does not provide average spread data, making a direct cost comparison more challenging. Like IronFX, GBE Brokers also has a 4-star rating for commissions and fees, reflecting satisfactory cost-effectiveness. In contrast to IronFX, GBE Brokers is ranked higher at 37th place by ForexBrokers.com in the Commissions and Fees category, suggesting a more competitive edge in pricing from an industry ranking perspective.
Both IronFX and GBE Brokers offer similar ratings for commissions and fees, with each standing at 4 stars. However, their respective placements on the ForexBrokers.com ranking list highlight differences in their market competitiveness. GBE Brokers seems to offer better value in fees and commissions, ranked 37th compared to IronFX's 46th place. Traders looking for lower costs may benefit from considering the overall ranking and star ratings as they evaluate their options.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| 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.
IronFX and GBE Brokers both offer competitive options for online forex trading, providing the ability to trade as CFDs or spot contracts. IronFX offers 340 tradeable symbols, including 83 forex pairs, while GBE Brokers surpasses this with 500 symbols and 71 forex pairs. Neither broker allows trading of actual exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, meaning you won't be able to buy shares like Apple's or Vodafone's directly. Both platforms offer copy trading, giving users a chance to mirror successful traders’ strategies.
For cryptocurrency enthusiasts, both IronFX and GBE Brokers enable trading in cryptocurrency derivatives, but do not support trading in the actual cryptocurrencies. Each broker holds a similar rating of 3.5 stars for their range of investments. However, GBE Brokers is slightly ahead, ranked #44 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, compared to IronFX's ranking of #51. This makes them a slight favorite for investors seeking a broader range of trading symbols.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 340 | 500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 83 | 71 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 IronFX and GBE brokers, both platforms provide opportunities for practice through simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts. Neither broker offers a proprietary trading platform, which might be appealing to users who prefer standard solutions. Desktop downloads for Windows and web-based platforms are available from each, enhancing accessibility and user flexibility. Both brokers support copy trading and the evergreen MetaTrader 4 (MT4), making them suitable for traders looking for tried-and-tested platforms. However, for those keen on upgrading to MetaTrader 5 (MT5), GBE brokers have the upper hand, offering this advanced version, whereas IronFX does not.
Chart enthusiasts and technical analysts will appreciate the 15 drawing tools available from both brokers, along with the capability to trade directly from stock charts, easing the process of executing trades based on technical analysis. Personalizing watch lists is straightforward, with both IronFX and GBE offering 7 columns for data fields, allowing traders to tailor information to their needs. While both fare similarly on several features, they differ slightly in ratings and rankings: IronFX holds a 3.5-star rating for trading platforms and tools, ranking 61st out of 63 brokers, while GBE brokers edge ahead with a 4-star rating, standing 57th by ForexBrokers.com. This indicates a slight performance edge for GBE brokers in the robust trading tools category.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | 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 | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
IronFX and GBE brokers both offer iPhone and Android apps, complete with features like stock and forex price alerts, 30 technical studies for charting, and the ability to draw trendlines on charts and view multiple time frames. Both platforms allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, but neither provides syncing of watchlists between the mobile app and online account. The apps from both brokers also auto-save drawings made on stock or forex charts.
However, when it comes to ratings and rankings, GBE brokers stands out slightly more. GBE brokers' mobile app has received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, compared to IronFX's 3.5 stars. Additionally, while neither broker is near the top, GBE brokers ranks #57 out of 63 brokers for mobile trading apps, whereas IronFX ranks #62. For traders prioritizing mobile app performance, these distinctions might be worth considering.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 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.
IronFX and GBE brokers both offer daily market commentary and provide an economic calendar for tracking global events. However, IronFX takes a step further in delivering forex news sourced from top-tier platforms like Bloomberg and Reuters, which is not provided by GBE brokers. IronFX also features technical analysis tools from Trading Central, which gives users access to detailed analytics, a feature GBE brokers do not offer. On the other hand, GBE brokers stand out for providing a sentiment-based trading tool that showcases the ratio of long or short positions across various instruments, something IronFX lacks.
Neither IronFX nor GBE brokers incorporate tools from companies such as Autochartist or Acuity Trading in their research offerings, and both are equally matched by not including market research from TipRanks. When considering user ratings, IronFX boasts a 4-star rating for research, while GBE brokers hold a 3-star rating, as ranked by ForexBrokers.com. Furthermore, IronFX is positioned at #28 out of 63 brokers in the Research category, significantly higher than GBE brokers, which is ranked #62.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
For beginners looking to dive into the world of online trading, IronFX offers a richer selection of educational resources compared to GBE brokers. With over ten educational pieces focused on forex and CFDs, IronFX ensures that new traders have access to various formats, including articles and videos. Additionally, IronFX provides a searchable archive of recorded webinars, making it easier for learners to review and continue their education at their own pace. Beginners can also benefit from a dedicated library of over ten videos designed to simplify trading concepts, while an extensive investor dictionary helps clarify financial jargon. These features collectively contribute to IronFX’s 4-star education rating, positioning them at #44 in the Education category amongst 63 brokers reviewed by ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, GBE brokers have fewer offerings in terms of educational content. While they do not provide the minimum ten educational pieces nor a series of introductory videos, they also do not feature a searchable webinar archive or an investor dictionary as IronFX does. Consequently, GBE brokers receive a 3-star rating for their educational offerings, ranking them last in the Education category as evaluated by ForexBrokers.com. For anyone starting their trading journey or looking to expand their understanding, IronFX’s comprehensive educational materials make it a more appealing choice in comparison to GBE brokers.
| Feature |
IronFX
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | 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 IronFX is better than GBE brokers. IronFX finished with an overall rank of #48, while GBE brokers finished with an overall rank of #57.
IronFX has come a long way to rebuild its brand, acquiring multiple regulatory licenses to improve its Trust Score, and creating balanced educational material. That said, pricing is an area where IronFX has room to further improve as spreads appeared higher than the industry average.
| Feature |
IronFX
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GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 83 | 71 |
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Both IronFX and GBE brokers do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency but do provide options to buy cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing IronFX to GBE brokers, GBE offers more diverse funding options as it supports ACH/SEPA transfers and PayPal, unlike IronFX, while both offer Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire transfer options for depositing or withdrawing account funds.
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 | IronFX | GBE brokers | |
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| Trust Score | 83 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
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| Broker Screenshots | IronFX | GBE brokers | |
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| Regulation | IronFX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 83 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2013 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IronFX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | 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) | IronFX | 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 | IronFX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 340 | 500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 83 | 71 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 | IronFX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IronFX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $500 | |
| 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 | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | IronFX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IronFX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 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 | IronFX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | IronFX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IronFX | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | IronFX | 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 | |
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| Trust Score | 83 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review |
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