Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs Markets.com, 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 Markets.com are both well-established online brokers, each with strong regulatory credentials, but they have distinct differences in their trust scores and structural setups. Founded in 1974, IG is not only a publicly traded company but also a bank, which positions it as a highly secure choice for traders, backed by its eight Tier-1 licenses. This extensive regulatory coverage contributes to IG's near-perfect Trust Score of 99 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, marking it as a highly trusted broker.
In contrast, Markets.com, founded in 1999, operates as a private entity and is not a bank, which may influence its regulatory stance compared to IG. Despite these differences, Markets.com holds three Tier-1 and one Tier-2 licenses, and boasts an impressive Trust Score of 93 out of 99. This rating denotes that Markets.com is considered highly trusted in the industry, providing peace of mind for its clients regarding security and oversight.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 1999 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When it comes to evaluating commissions and fees, IG stands out as a top choice for active traders. With its Forex Direct accounts, IG provides pricing options that cater to substantial order execution, featuring average spreads of 0.62 pips in July 2023. Furthermore, IG's ability to execute sizeable transactions is complemented by its active trader rebates for qualifying professionals under EU rules, where traders can earn significant spread rebates based on their monthly trading volume. Rated 5 stars, IG holds an impressive #8 ranking among 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category by ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, Markets.com offers a limited view on spreads, as average spread data is unavailable. However, this may be indicative of less competitive pricing when compared to industry leaders like IG. Markets.com is rated at 3.5 stars, securing the #50 spot out of 63 brokers in the same category on ForexBrokers.com. Although Markets.com may serve some traders' needs, its lower rating and ranking suggest that the broker's commission and fee structure might not be as favorable or transparent as others in the market.
Ultimately, IG appears to be a strong contender for traders seeking competitive pricing, especially with its commission-based Forex Direct accounts that offer direct market access. These features are particularly beneficial for high-volume traders who can leverage rebates and lower commissions to significantly reduce trading costs. Markets.com, while functional, does not seem to offer the same level of cost-efficiency in its pricing model, which is reflected in its lower industry ranking and star rating.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 |
| 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 | Yes |
| 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.
When it comes to the variety of investment options, IG and Markets.com each offer a compelling array of choices to traders, though there are key differences between the two. Both platforms provide forex trading through CFDs, but IG stands out with a staggering 19,537 tradeable symbols compared to Markets.com's 2,179. Forex enthusiasts will also find IG's 97 tradeable forex pairs more appealing than the 57 offered by Markets.com. For those interested in trading exchange-traded securities, IG offers direct access to both U.S. and international markets, enabling clients to purchase stocks like Apple and Vodafone directly. Markets.com, on the other hand, focuses on CFDs and does not provide the same direct access to these securities.
Furthermore, while IG and Markets.com both offer opportunities to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, IG has the added advantage of allowing clients to buy and hold actual cryptocurrencies. On the other side of the coin, Markets.com differentiates itself by providing copy trading features, which might attract traders looking to mirror the strategies of others. Ranked highly by ForexBrokers.com, IG earns a robust five stars and claims the number four spot out of 63 brokers for its range of investments. Meanwhile, Markets.com receives a respectable four-star rating, ranking 29th in the same category. These differences highlight IG's broader market range, making it a preferred choice for those seeking extensive investment opportunities.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 2179 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 57 |
| 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 Markets.com both offer simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, making them accessible options for traders to practice without financial risk. Both brokers also feature proprietary platforms developed in-house, alongside the popular MetaTrader 4, and provide Windows-based desktop and web-based trading platforms. However, Markets.com goes a step further by offering MetaTrader 5 and copy trading options, which IG does not provide. While IG lacks copy trading options entirely, it compensates with a higher platform and tools rating and a top-tier ranking in the industry.
Looking closely at tools and charting capabilities, IG provides 20 drawing tools for charting and the ability to trade directly from a stock chart, giving it an edge for traders who heavily rely on technical analysis. Markets.com offers fewer drawing tools but makes up for it with a greater number of fields in their watch lists, allowing for tailored tracking of market movements. Despite these differences, IG is recognized for superior trading platforms and tools, receiving a 5-star rating, ranking second among 63 brokers. In contrast, Markets.com, with its 4-star rating, is positioned at rank #27, highlighting IG's stronger overall emphasis on advanced trading functionalities.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 89 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 4 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 6 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both IG and Markets.com offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, allowing users to keep up with their trades on the go. They both support price alerts and provide the ability to create watchlists with real-time quotes, with watchlists syncing seamlessly between mobile apps and online accounts. However, IG sets itself apart by offering greater functionality in its mobile app. It offers 33 technical studies for charting, while Markets.com uses the default studies on MT4 with none on its proprietary app. Moreover, IG enables users to view multiple time frames on charts, a feature that is absent in Markets.com's mobile offering.
The IG mobile app automatically saves chart drawings, while Markets.com does not offer this convenience. This attention to detail is reflected in IG's ratings. It boasts a 5-star rating for its mobile app compared to Markets.com’s 4-star rating. Furthermore, when ranked among 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, IG claims the top spot for mobile trading apps whereas Markets.com sits at number 33. These distinctions make IG a standout choice for traders who value advanced mobile trading features and integrated charting tools.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing market research offerings of IG and Markets.com, both platforms provide traders with essential daily market commentary and access to forex news from top-tier sources, ensuring up-to-date information for informed trading decisions. While both brokers feature sentiment-based trading tools to gauge market positions across various instruments, IG stands out with additional resources like market research from TipRanks and research tools from Acuity Trading, which are not available on Markets.com. Additionally, IG offers technical analysis tools via Autochartist, enhancing its analytical capabilities, a feature absent in Markets.com’s suite.
Moreover, both platforms equip traders with an economic calendar to track global news events. However, IG has earned a higher research rating of 5 stars, compared to Markets.com's 4 stars, as per ForexBrokers.com. This reflects IG's superior offering, which is further corroborated by its impressive #2 ranking among 63 brokers in the Research category. In contrast, Markets.com holds the #17 position. Overall, IG provides a more comprehensive market research experience for traders seeking diverse and in-depth insights.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 providing educational resources for beginners, IG proves to be a top choice. With over 10 educational pieces focused on forex and CFDs, IG ensures that newcomers to trading can access a wealth of knowledge through articles, videos, and archived webinars. In addition to regular monthly webinars, IG also offers a searchable archive of past webinars, allowing users to revisit valuable sessions at their convenience. Beginners can benefit from at least 10 tailored videos designed to introduce them to trading concepts, along with another set specifically for advanced traders. IG further supports newcomers with a comprehensive investor dictionary containing over 50 essential investing terms. This dedication to education has led IG to receive a 5-star rating and the number one ranking in the education category by ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, Markets.com provides a satisfactory, though not as extensive, educational experience. While it matches IG by offering regular webinars and more than 10 beginner videos, it does fall behind in other areas. Markets.com does not provide a wide array of forex and CFDs resources, nor does it offer a searchable archive of previously recorded webinars. Furthermore, it lacks an investor dictionary with comprehensive definitions. While Markets.com does offer some advanced educational content, these gaps are reflected in its 4-star education rating and its placement at number 34 in the education category ranking by ForexBrokers.com, which could impact beginners seeking a thorough educational foundation.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| 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 Markets.com. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while Markets.com finished with an overall rank of #23.
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
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Trust Score | 99 | 93 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
| Commissions & Fees |
|
|
| Platforms & Tools |
|
|
| Research |
|
|
| Mobile Trading |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
While both IG and Markets.com provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives, only IG offers the ability to purchase actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, distinguishing it from Markets.com, which does not offer this service.
IG stands out for offering ACH and SEPA transfers, as well as PayPal, for deposits and withdrawals, while Markets.com contrasts by supporting Skrill but not ACH, SEPA, or PayPal, with both brokers providing traditional options like Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires.
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.
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Research Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| Regulation | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 1999 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| 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) | No | No |
| Investments | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 2179 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 57 | |
| 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 | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 | |
| 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 | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 6 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 89 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 4 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | No | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | IG Review |
| Overall | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platforms & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
IG
CMC Markets
FOREX.com
XTB
eToro
AvaTrade
Plus500
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill