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 |
Looking at commissions and fees, IG earns 5 out of 5 stars and ranks #8 of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while Spreadex earns 4 out of 5 stars and ranks #28 of 63. IG tends to suit active and high‑volume traders thanks to direct market access (DMA) and volume-based pricing, whereas Spreadex offers straightforward spread-only pricing.
On IG, the Forex Direct (DMA) account averaged a 0.62‑pip spread on EUR/USD in July 2023, with typical all‑in costs around 0.82 pips after commission. Commissions use a tiered schedule that ranges from about $60 per million at lower volumes to roughly $20 round‑turn per million at the highest tiers. IG’s spread‑only CFD account averaged about 0.69 pips during the main trading hours that month (about 22 hours per day), widening during thinner liquidity; across all sessions the global average was about 0.98 pips (IG US averaged 1.18 pips on EUR/USD). Qualified professionals can also access Active Trader rebates of 10% to 20% that can trim effective costs further.
Spreadex reported an average EUR/USD spread of 0.81 pips in January 2024, with a 0.6‑pip minimum achieved around 60% of the time. That’s competitive for simple, spread‑only pricing, but IG’s DMA option and volume discounts can deliver lower effective costs for frequent traders or larger tickets. As always, actual spreads vary by market conditions, time of day, and account type.
| 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 both let you trade forex as CFDs or spot, but IG’s product list is much larger. IG offers 19,537 tradeable symbols and 97 forex pairs, while Spreadex lists about 10,000 symbols and 52 currency pairs. If you want to buy actual exchange-traded shares, IG supports U.S. stocks like Apple and international shares like Vodafone, whereas Spreadex does not offer exchange-listed share dealing. For crypto, IG lets you buy real coins as well as crypto derivatives; Spreadex limits you to crypto derivatives. Neither broker supports copy trading.
Both are rated 5 stars for Range of Investments by ForexBrokers.com, yet IG ranks higher (#4 of 63) than Spreadex (#14 of 63). In short, choose IG if you want the widest choice—including real shares and cryptocurrencies—while Spreadex suits traders focused on CFD trading across a large, though smaller, set of markets.
| 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.
IG and Spreadex both make it easy to get started with a free demo (paper) account and each offers its own in-house trading platform. IG also provides a downloadable Windows desktop platform, while Spreadex is web-only. Both deliver browser-based trading, but platform integrations differ: IG supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4); Spreadex does not. Neither broker offers MetaTrader 5 (MT5), copy trading, DupliTrade, or ZuluTrade.
For charting and tools, both brokers let you place trades directly from charts and include a range of technical indicators. IG supplies 20 drawing tools, compared with 11 at Spreadex. Watchlists are customizable at both, with IG offering 5 columns and Spreadex 8. In independent testing by ForexBrokers.com, IG scores 5 stars and ranks #2 out of 63 for Trading Platforms and Tools, while Spreadex earns 4 stars and ranks #47.
| 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.
Comparing IG vs Spreadex for mobile trading, both brokers offer iPhone and Android apps with price alerts and real-time watchlists. Each app lets you draw trendlines and switch between multiple time frames (daily, weekly, intraday). Key differences: IG syncs watchlists between mobile and the web platform, while Spreadex does not. IG also auto-saves chart drawings; Spreadex doesn’t. For charting depth, IG lists 33 technical studies in its mobile app, whereas Spreadex does not provide a count.
Independent ratings back up these gaps. IG earns 5 stars and ranks #1 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps on ForexBrokers.com. Spreadex scores 4 stars and ranks #47. If you value richer chart tools and seamless watchlist syncing across devices, IG is the stronger pick; if you only need core features, Spreadex covers the essentials.
| 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.
IG and Spreadex both cover the basics of market research very well. Each provides daily market commentary, an economic calendar for global events, forex news from leading outlets like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones, Autochartist tools for technical analysis, and a sentiment gauge showing long/short positioning. Neither broker includes Trading Central.
Where IG pulls ahead is in extra third‑party research. IG adds TipRanks insights and tools from Acuity Trading (such as Signal Centre), which help turn headlines and data into clearer trade ideas. That edge is reflected in ratings: IG earns 5 stars for Research and ranks #2 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while Spreadex scores 4 stars and ranks #32. If you want more in-depth, integrated research add‑ons, IG is the stronger pick; if you only need core market coverage, Spreadex still does the job.
| 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 |
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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 | ||
| 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) | |||
| 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) |
| 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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