Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs Spreadex, 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.
Founded in 1974, IG stands out as a highly trusted name in the world of online brokers. With a maximum Trust Score of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, IG offers strong reassurance for its customers. The firm is publicly traded, reflecting a level of transparency and reliability conducive to investor confidence. Additionally, as a bank, IG carries a higher level of financial backing and regulation. This reputation is supported by its impressive regulatory credentials, holding 8 highly trusted Tier-1 licenses and 2 trusted Tier-2 licenses.
On the other hand, Spreadex, which started operations in 1999, presents a different profile. It maintains a Trust Score of 71, placing it in the average risk category according to ForexBrokers.com. Unlike IG, Spreadex is not publicly traded and does not have the additional financial security status of a bank. Regulatory-wise, Spreadex holds just 1 highly trusted Tier-1 license and lacks any Tier-2 licenses, possibly providing a narrower scope of regulatory assurance compared to IG. This makes Spreadex a more modest alternative in terms of global trust and financial backing.
| Feature |
IG
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 1999 |
| 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 | 0 |
IG and Spreadex are two prominent online brokers, each with distinct offerings in terms of commissions and fees. IG, known for its scalable execution capabilities, particularly benefits active traders with competitive pricing through its Forex Direct accounts. In July 2023, the average spreads for its main Forex Direct account were 0.62 pips, resulting in an all-in cost of 0.82 pips. CFD accounts offer average spreads of 0.69 pips during peak trading hours, slightly better than the industry average. IG also provides a robust rebate program for high-volume traders, offering up to 20% savings, which can significantly lower costs for large transactions. IG stands out with a five-star rating for commissions and fees and ranks #8 among 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com.
Spreadex, on the other hand, provides average spreads of 0.81 pips for the EUR/USD pair as of January 2024, with minimum spreads dropping to 0.6 pips about 60% of the time. Although it offers slightly higher spreads than IG, Spreadex remains a solid option for traders seeking affordability and accessibility. With a four-star rating and a ranking of #27 on ForexBrokers.com, Spreadex is an attractive choice for those who prefer straightforward pricing and reliable service.
Both IG and Spreadex have unique strengths, catering to different trading preferences and styles. IG appeals to active traders looking for cost-effective pricing through rebate programs and direct market access via its DMA accounts, while Spreadex satisfies traders looking for consistent but straightforward spreads without the complexities of rebates and multiple pricing tiers.
| Feature |
IG
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 0.81 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
IG and Spreadex are both prominent online brokers, yet they offer distinct differences when it comes to their range of investments. IG provides access to a vast selection of 19,537 tradeable symbols compared to Spreadex's 10,000. This includes a wider array of forex pairs, with IG offering 97 pairs while Spreadex offers 52. Moreover, IG stands out by allowing clients to directly purchase exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, which is not available with Spreadex. For those interested in cryptocurrency, IG also offers the ability to buy actual cryptocurrencies, while Spreadex only provides cryptocurrency derivatives.
Despite these differences, both brokers hold a top-notch rating of five stars for their range of investments. However, IG is ranked higher within this category, securing the 4th position out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while Spreadex ranks 13th. It's important to highlight that neither broker supports copy trading, a factor to consider for those who prefer to follow and replicate the trades of others. Overall, while both IG and Spreadex offer substantial investment opportunities, IG presents a broader range, especially for individuals seeking diverse trading and investment options.
| Feature |
IG
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 10000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 52 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No |
| 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 the trading platforms and tools of IG and Spreadex, both brokers provide simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts and proprietary platforms developed in-house. However, IG takes the lead with its comprehensive offerings, including a Windows-based desktop download platform, which Spreadex lacks. Both brokers feature web-based platforms, allowing convenient access via browsers. While neither supports copy trading or platforms like DupliTrade and ZuluTrade, IG stands out by offering MetaTrader 4, a popular platform unavailable with Spreadex. Both brokers provide the ability to trade directly from stock charts, with IG offering a broader selection of drawing tools at 20 compared to Spreadex's 11.
IG further distinguishes itself in the trading tools category by receiving a five-star rating compared to Spreadex's four-star rating. Although Spreadex provides more columns for watch lists, with eight compared to IG's five, IG's platform excels overall, as evidenced by its impressive ranking of second among 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, Spreadex ranks 46th in the same category. This higher rating highlights IG's superior suite of tools and platforms, making it a preferred choice for traders seeking advanced features and extensive functionality.
| Feature |
IG
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 58 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 11 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 8 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing IG and Spreadex, their mobile trading apps stand out with distinct features. Both IG and Spreadex provide iPhone and Android apps, supporting convenient mobile access across devices. Each app offers stock and forex price alerts, helping traders stay informed of market changes. As for watchlist functionality, IG enables synchronization between its mobile app and online account, allowing seamless updates across platforms—a feature Spreadex does not provide. In the realm of technical studies, IG impresses with 33 options for charting analysis, whereas Spreadex does not offer this feature. Trendline drawing capabilities and multiple time frame views are supported by both apps, though only IG automatically saves chart drawings.
Creating watchlists with real-time quotes is possible with both apps, ensuring you are continually updated with current prices. Overall, IG surpasses with a top rating of 5 stars, while Spreadex follows with 4 stars. Moreover, IG has been ranked number one out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com for its mobile trading app, highlighting its superior performance and user satisfaction. In contrast, Spreadex holds the 46th position, indicating room for improvement. This comparison clearly shows that IG's mobile app possesses more advanced features and higher ratings, making it a preferable choice for many traders.
| Feature |
IG
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | N/A |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research offerings of online brokers IG and Spreadex, both provide daily market commentary and forex news from top-tier sources, ensuring traders are kept informed with reliable information. Both platforms integrate tools from Autochartist and offer sentiment-based trading tools, which collectively cater to traders seeking comprehensive analysis and insights. Additionally, both brokers include an economic calendar to track global news events, a feature vital for those anticipating market shifts based on economic changes.
However, distinctions arise in their offerings as IG extends its research capabilities further, providing resources from TipRanks and tools from Acuity Trading, such as Signal Centre, which are not available through Spreadex. This expanded range of tools likely contributes to IG's higher research rating of 5 stars, in contrast to Spreadex's 4 stars. Consequently, IG holds the #2 position in the research category according to ForexBrokers.com, while Spreadex ranks #31, pointing to IG's more comprehensive research framework that caters to a broader spectrum of trading needs.
| Feature |
IG
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| 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 comparing IG and Spreadex for educational resources available to beginners, IG stands out with its comprehensive offerings. Both brokers provide a solid foundation for novice traders, with more than 10 educational pieces focused on forex or CFDs. IG takes it a step further by offering monthly online webinars, a feature not available through Spreadex. Moreover, IG provides a searchable archive of these webinars, enhancing the learning experience for those who prefer recorded formats.
IG excels with a variety of educational videos tailored to beginners and seasoned traders alike, unlike Spreadex, which lacks advanced video content. Both platforms offer a dictionary with over 50 investing terms, aiding users in navigating industry jargon. However, IG's commitment to education earns it a full 5-star rating and the top spot on ForexBrokers.com's ranking, whereas Spreadex receives 4 stars and lands at #45. For beginners seeking a well-rounded educational resource, IG is the clear leader.
| Feature |
IG
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
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 Spreadex. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while Spreadex finished with an overall rank of #39.
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
|
Spreadex
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 |
| Range of Investments |
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IG stands out by offering the ability to buy actual, delivered cryptocurrency, unlike Spreadex, but both platforms provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers IG and Spreadex in terms of deposit and withdrawal options, IG provides more versatility by offering ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, while Spreadex supports Visa or Mastercard and bank wires, but lacks ACH, SEPA, and PayPal as options.
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 | Spreadex | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | Spreadex Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | Spreadex | |
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| Regulation | IG | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 1999 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 10000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 52 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No | |
| 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 | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 0.81 | |
| 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 | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 8 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 58 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 11 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | N/A | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | Spreadex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Spreadex Review |
| Overall | IG | Spreadex | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | Spreadex Review |
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