Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs RoboForex, 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 RoboForex offer different levels of trust and regulatory oversight for online trading. IG, established in 1974, is a publicly-traded company and operates as a bank. It boasts a perfect Trust Score of 99 out of 99 on ForexBrokers.com, thanks to its eight Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, which categorize it as highly trustworthy. In contrast, RoboForex, founded in 2009, is neither publicly traded nor a bank. It holds a single Tier-1 license, has no Tier-2 licenses, and carries a Trust Score of 73, indicating an average risk according to ForexBrokers.com.
Choosing between IG and RoboForex depends on the level of trust and regulatory backing you seek. IG's long-standing presence in the market and extensive licensing set it apart as a more secure choice for traders who prioritize safety. Meanwhile, RoboForex offers an alternative for those who might prioritize different features but should consider the average risk level associated with its operations as highlighted by its Trust Score. Understanding these differences can help guide informed decisions tailored to an individual's trading needs and comfort with risk.
| Feature |
IG
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2009 |
| 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 | 2 |
Comparing the commissions and fees between IG and RoboForex highlights significant differences. IG is a well-regarded online broker offering competitive pricing for active traders, achieving a 5-star rating for its commissions and fees. Ranked 8th out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, IG provides flexible execution methods, including Forex Direct accounts with spreads averaging 0.62 pips in 2023. Although IG's standard account is not the cheapest, its scalability and active trader rebates make it an attractive option for high-volume traders, offering rebates that can reduce trading costs significantly.
IG also caters to those qualifying as professional traders in the EU with a multi-tier rebate program, providing up to a 20% discount on spreads. For those seeking even greater reductions, IG’s DMA account offers tiered pricing, with average spreads of 0.82 pips on the EUR/USD, depending on trading volume. This competitive pricing structure offers appealing conditions for serious traders to benefit from lowered costs through high trading activity.
In contrast, RoboForex holds a 3.5-star rating for commissions and fees, placing 55th in the same broker ranking. RoboForex's average spreads are higher, notably 1.3 pips for the EUR/USD on its Procent and Pro accounts, making it less cost-effective for trading the same currency pair compared to IG. Despite offering some competitive attributes, RoboForex's cost structure does not match the economic efficiency offered by IG, especially for high-volume traders prioritizing low fees and tight spreads.
| Feature |
IG
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.3 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| 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 comparing IG and RoboForex on their range of investments, both brokers offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, satisfying traders focused on currency markets. However, IG stands out with a staggering 19,537 tradeable symbols, nearly doubling RoboForex's offering of 8,400. Forex traders will also find IG more appealing, thanks to its 97 tradeable forex pairs compared to RoboForex's 28. Additionally, IG provides access to exchange-traded securities not only on U.S. exchanges but also internationally, allowing clients to purchase well-known shares like Apple and Vodafone. In contrast, RoboForex does not offer the ability to trade exchange-traded securities on these major exchanges.
RoboForex, however, appeals to those keen on innovative trading methods by providing copy trading features, which IG does not offer. When it comes to cryptocurrency trading, IG gives traders the option to buy both actual cryptocurrencies and derivatives, while RoboForex restricts its offering to cryptocurrency derivatives only. IG earns a five-star rating for its range of investments and holds a high ranking of fourth place among 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, RoboForex follows closely with a commendable 4.5-star rating and a rank of 20th in the same category.
| Feature |
IG
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 8400 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 28 |
| 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 IG and RoboForex, both brokers offer a variety of trading platforms and tools designed to cater to different trading preferences and needs. IG stands out with its in-house developed proprietary platform alongside MetaTrader 4, providing users with a range of powerful functionalities. The broker also supports trading directly from stock charts, has a rich selection of 20 drawing tools, and offers a desktop platform for Windows, as well as a web-based trading option. Although IG does not support copy trading, it compensates with an impressive five-star rating in Trading Platforms and Tools, ranking high at #2 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Additionally, IG provides a free virtual demo account for practice without financial risk.
RoboForex, on the other hand, offers a diverse array of platforms including the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, though it lacks a proprietary platform. Like IG, RoboForex also enables trading from charts and offers a Windows desktop platform, but it shines in the realm of social trading with its copy trading functionality. RoboForex provides a satisfactory count of drawing tools at 15, compared to IG's 20, and offers web-based trading as well. It features an impressive seven columns for watchlist customization, allowing traders to monitor their preferred fields efficiently. RoboForex earns a respectable four-star rating in Trading Platforms and Tools, reflecting its competitive standing at #43 among 63 brokers, alongside offering a free demo account to help users familiarize themselves with the trading environment.
| Feature |
IG
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Both IG and RoboForex provide mobile trading apps compatible with iPhone and Android devices, ensuring traders can stay connected on the go. They each offer stock or forex price alerts, enhancing the ability to manage trades with timely information. While both apps support the drawing of trendlines and the viewing of different time frames such as daily or weekly charts, IG stands out with its ability to sync watchlist symbols across devices. This ensures any updates to your watchlist are seamless whether you're on mobile or desktop. Although both apps permit the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes and auto-save drawings on charts, IG offers a slightly broader range of technical studies with 33 options compared to RoboForex's 30.
In terms of user ratings and industry rankings, IG’s mobile trading app receives a perfect 5-star rating, securing the top spot among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. This accolade highlights its position as a market leader in mobile trading. RoboForex, while offering comprehensive mobile trading app features, holds a 4-star rating and is ranked 43rd, reflecting room for improvements in user experience or functionality. Overall, while both platforms present capable mobile trading solutions, IG's app provides a more synchronized and highly-rated experience, beneficial for traders who prioritize seamless integration and top-tier performance.
| Feature |
IG
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 comparing market research capabilities between IG and RoboForex, both brokers offer daily market commentary and top-tier forex news, ensuring that traders have access to timely and relevant information from renowned sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters. However, the distinction becomes evident when exploring the specific analytical tools each broker provides. IG stands out with tools from Autochartist, a sentiment-based trading tool, and market insights from TipRanks, providing a comprehensive arsenal for thorough market analysis. Conversely, RoboForex enriches its offerings with Trading Central's technical analytics, yet it falls short in comparison to IG when it comes to incorporating sentiment indicators and TipRanks data.
Both brokers cater to global economic awareness with economic calendars accessible to their users, while Acuity Trading's research tools enhance the analytical capabilities on both platforms. Despite these similarities, IG's broad spectrum of research tools earns it a stellar research rating of 5 stars and a prominent #2 ranking among 63 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com. RoboForex, while commendable in its own right, garners a 3.5-star rating and is ranked at #37, highlighting IG's superior positioning in delivering comprehensive market research for traders.
| Feature |
IG
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 stands out as a top choice compared to RoboForex. IG offers an extensive suite of educational materials, including over 10 pieces focused on forex and CFDs, along with regular online webinars. New traders can benefit from beginner-focused videos and access archived webinars for learning at their own pace. IG also maintains a comprehensive investor dictionary to clarify key terms, offering a well-rounded learning experience for both beginner and advanced traders.
In contrast, RoboForex falls short in providing similar educational support. The platform lacks sufficient resources in many areas, offering fewer than 10 beginner educational videos and no regular webinars. Additionally, RoboForex does not provide an investor dictionary or archived webinars, potentially making it less appealing for new traders who prioritize education. Given these differences, it's no surprise that IG holds the top position in ForexBrokers.com's education rankings, while RoboForex is ranked much lower at #56 out of 63 brokers.
| Feature |
IG
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 RoboForex. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while RoboForex finished with an overall rank of #46.
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
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RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 |
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IG allows users to purchase actual cryptocurrency and offers cryptocurrency derivatives, whereas RoboForex provides access solely to cryptocurrency derivatives without offering the purchase of actual cryptocurrency.
Both IG and RoboForex support ACH and SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires for deposits and withdrawals, but only RoboForex includes Skrill as an additional payment option.
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 | RoboForex | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | RoboForex Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | RoboForex | |
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| Regulation | IG | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2009 | |
| 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 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 8400 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 28 | |
| 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 | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.3 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 | |
| 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 | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | RoboForex Review |
| Overall | IG | RoboForex | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | RoboForex Review |
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