Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Tickmill vs Octa, 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.
Tickmill and Octa are both private online brokers that were established in 2014 and 2011, respectively. Neither company is publicly traded or operates as a bank. When it comes to regulatory credentials, Tickmill stands out with 2 Tier-1 and 2 Tier-2 licenses, reflecting its status as a trusted broker. Octa, on the other hand, holds 1 Tier-1 and 1 Tier-2 license. These figures indicate that both brokers are regulated, but Tickmill offers more widespread coverage in terms of regulatory oversight.
Evaluating their trustworthiness, ForexBrokers.com gives Tickmill a Trust Score of 86 out of 99, placing it in the 'trusted' category. Conversely, Octa receives a Trust Score of 72, categorizing it as an 'average risk' broker. These scores help potential investors assess the reliability of these platforms before deciding which might better suit their trading needs.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2011 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of Tickmill and Octa, Tickmill stands out with its competitive pricing structure. Tickmill offers two primary account options: the Classic account, which has no commission but offers higher average spreads of 1.76 pips, and the newly introduced Raw account. While the Raw account recently increased its per-side commission to $3—the equivalent of $6 per standard lot—it continues to attract active traders due to its appealing all-in cost and typical spreads. The Raw account's total cost, after considering the commission, averages around 0.71 pips, and maintains a low entry barrier with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. Tickmill proudly holds a 5-star rating and is ranked 4th among 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category by ForexBrokers.com.
Octa has made significant strides in improving its pricing and now positions itself competitively against other MetaTrader brokers. While Octa offers varied account types depending on regulatory jurisdiction, it generally provides favorable spread pricing, particularly within its EU entity, where the EUR/USD pair averages a spread of 0.5 pips compared to 0.9 pips for its other divisions. Despite this improvement, Octa lacks a defined date range for its spread data, potentially affecting its perceived reliability in comparison to others. Additionally, Octa's policies, such as no slippage on 97.5% of trades and no overnight carry costs, add value but come with certain limitations for high-frequency traders. Octa has earned a 4-star rating for its efforts and sits 29th out of 63 brokers in the same category as evaluated by ForexBrokers.com.
In summary, while Tickmill excels with a 5-star rating and top-tier ranking thanks to its low-cost, trader-friendly Raw account, Octa is closing in as a low-cost MetaTrader option. Both brokers offer unique advantages tailored to different trading styles and preferences, making them worthwhile considerations for traders evaluating commission and fee structures. However, Tickmill's consistent transparency and lower fees give it the edge for cost-conscious traders.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $25 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | 0.9 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When examining the range of investments offered by Tickmill and Octa, both brokers provide forex trading as a CFD or spot contract. Tickmill takes the lead with 725 tradeable symbols and 63 forex pairs, offering more diversity in trading options compared to Octa, which provides 300 tradeable symbols and 35 forex pairs. However, neither broker allows trading of exchange-traded U.S. securities, like Apple shares, directly, though Octa stands out by offering international exchange-traded securities, allowing users to invest in companies like Vodafone on the London Stock Exchange.
Both Tickmill and Octa cater to cryptocurrency enthusiasts through derivatives rather than direct purchases of cryptocurrencies. Copy trading is supported by both, providing users with the ability to mirror the trades of more experienced investors. While both brokers earned a 3.5-star rating for their range of investments, Tickmill ranks higher at #42 in this category per ForexBrokers.com, compared to Octa's #52 ranking, highlighting Tickmill's slightly broader investment scope despite similar ratings.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 300 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 35 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| 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 it comes to trading platforms and tools, both Tickmill and Octa offer extensive features that appeal to traders. Tickmill and Octa provide access to popular MetaTrader platforms, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). Both brokers cater to different trading styles through a mix of web-based and Windows desktop platforms, supporting a seamless trading experience. For those interested in experimenting without financial risk, both brokers offer simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts. While Tickmill does not have a proprietary trading platform, Octa provides a unique edge with its in-house developed platform, enhancing its offerings. Copy trading services are also available with both brokers, broadening the investment strategies for traders.
Charting tools are comprehensive at both Tickmill and Octa, with each broker providing 15 drawing tools. Traders can appreciate the user-friendly experience of trading directly from stock charts with both platforms. Watch lists are customizable with seven different columns, offering a convenient way to monitor selected assets. While neither broker features DupliTrade or ZuluTrade integrations, they maintain competitive standings with a 4-star rating in the trading platforms and tools category. According to ForexBrokers.com, Tickmill ranks slightly higher at 32 out of 63 brokers compared to Octa, which stands at 37. These rankings reflect the overall capabilities and user satisfaction with the platforms provided by each broker.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | 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.
When comparing Tickmill and Octa for mobile trading, both brokers offer iPhone and Android apps, allowing for seamless trading on the go. Each platform provides stock and forex price alerts, as well as the ability to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on charts. Users can enjoy up to 30 technical studies for detailed chart analysis, and all drawings on charts are automatically saved. Additionally, both apps support the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes, ensuring traders stay informed.
Despite offering a similar set of features—such as the lack of watchlist symbol syncing—Tickmill and Octa receive equal ratings of four out of five stars for their mobile trading apps. However, based on rankings by ForexBrokers.com, Tickmill edges out Octa with a rank of 32 out of 63 brokers, while Octa sits at 36. These rankings reflect subtle differences in user experiences but demonstrate overall satisfaction with both platforms for mobile trading needs.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| 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.
When it comes to providing daily market commentary and top-tier forex news from well-known sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, both Tickmill and Octa stand out as reliable options for traders interested in staying updated on market conditions. While both brokers offer economic calendars to track global events, there are differences when it comes to additional research tools. For example, Octa provides technical analysis tools from Autochartist, giving traders more analytical power. On the other hand, Tickmill offers unique tools from Acuity Trading, such as the Signal Centre, and features a sentiment-based trading tool that shows the distribution of long and short positions across various instruments, which is not offered by Octa.
In terms of overall research ratings, Tickmill and Octa both score four stars. However, Tickmill ranks slightly higher at #22 compared to Octa's rank of #27 in its category, according to ForexBrokers.com. Whether you prioritize sentiment analysis or advanced technical tools will determine which broker aligns better with your trading strategy. Both brokers present strong research capabilities, but the differences in their offerings cater to varying trader preferences and needs.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both Tickmill and Octa provide a comprehensive array of options to get you started in the world of trading forex and CFDs. Both platforms offer more than ten educational pieces, including articles, videos, and archived webinars, all centered around forex and CFDs. Not only are these various resources available, but beginners can also attend monthly online webinars to boost their understanding, and explore previously recorded sessions through accessible archives. Each broker also delivers a set of at least ten videos dedicated to beginner topics, ensuring that new traders are well-supported as they dive into trading.
Diving deeper, both Tickmill and Octa don't leave experienced traders behind, offering over ten advanced videos to help seasoned investors refine their strategies. They also provide an investor dictionary featuring definitions for more than fifty investing terms, enhancing the learning experience. Despite both brokers earning a 4-star rating for their educational content, there's a notable difference in their rankings on ForexBrokers.com: Tickmill is impressively placed at #15 out of 63 brokers, while Octa holds the #42 spot. This suggests that, while both brokers offer a wealth of resources, Tickmill might resonate more with those seeking a highly ranked educational experience.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| 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 Tickmill is better than Octa. Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22, while Octa finished with an overall rank of #47.
Tickmill is a run-of-the-mill MetaTrader broker that offers a limited selection of tradeable securities. The broker does offer very competitive commission-based pricing for professionals through its VIP and Pro accounts.
| Feature |
Tickmill
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Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 72 |
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Both Tickmill and Octa lack the capability to facilitate the buying of actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do offer options for purchasing cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers, Tickmill provides more versatile funding options by supporting PayPal and Skrill for transactions, alongside conventional methods like Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, whereas OctaTrader permits Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, but lacks the PayPal option, and neither broker supports ACH or SEPA transfers.
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 | Tickmill | Octa | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 72 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review | Octa Review |
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| Regulation | Tickmill | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 72 | |
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2011 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Tickmill | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | 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) | Tickmill | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Tickmill | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 300 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 35 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| 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 | Tickmill | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | 0.9 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Tickmill | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $25 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Tickmill | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Tickmill | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Tickmill | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Tickmill | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Tickmill | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Tickmill | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Tickmill Review | Octa Review |
| Overall | Tickmill | Octa | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 72 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review | Octa Review |
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