Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Trading 212 vs TopFX, 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.
Trading 212 and TopFX are both online brokerage firms providing trading services to investors worldwide. Trading 212 was established in 2004 and holds three Tier-1 licenses, underscoring a high level of trust in the financial industry, which contributes to its Trust Score of 80 by ForexBrokers.com. On the other hand, TopFX, founded in 2010, holds one Tier-1 license and has a slightly lower Trust Score of 67, indicating a higher risk when compared to Trading 212. Neither broker is publicly traded nor operates as a bank, which means they are not listed on a stock exchange.
When evaluating these brokers, the number of Tier-1 licenses plays a key role in their perceived trustworthiness. Trading 212's multiple high-trust licenses enhance its credibility, making it a trusted choice for many investors. Meanwhile, TopFX's single Tier-1 license suggests that it maintains a reputable standing but with a slightly higher associated risk compared to Trading 212. These factors are essential to consider when choosing an online broker for your trading needs.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2004 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
When it comes to commissions and fees, Trading 212 and TopFX offer distinct options tailored to different trading needs. Trading 212 provides two account types: the Invest account for trading shares and the CFD account for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs). With a minimum deposit of just 10 euros, the CFD account stands out for its advertised zero-commission trading. However, traders must still pay attention to the spreads, particularly for popular pairs like EUR/USD, where the average is 2.7 pips as of April 2025, noticeably higher than the industry norm. This aspect impacts its competitiveness, with Trading 212 receiving a 4-star rating and ranking 49th out of 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category by ForexBrokers.com.
TopFX, on the other hand, offers two primary account types accessible via MetaTrader and cTrader platforms: the ZERO account, which is spread-only, and the RAW account, which is based on commission. For the RAW account, traders are charged a commission of 2.75 EUR per side, translating to 5.50 per round turn for a standard lot. In terms of pricing for the EUR/USD pair in July 2024, this translates to an overall cost of approximately 0.88 pips, aligning with industry averages. Meanwhile, the ZERO account waives commissions but comes with slightly higher spreads, averaging 1.03 pips for EUR/USD. TopFX also boasts a 4-star rating and holds the 40th spot in the same category according to ForexBrokers.com.
Both Trading 212 and TopFX offer compelling choices for different trader profiles. While Trading 212 is attractive for its low minimum deposit and simple account structure, the higher spreads may be a concern for cost-sensitive CFD traders. Meanwhile, TopFX provides competitive pricing through varied account options, enabling traders to better align costs with their trading strategy. Each broker has been rated favorably, although TopFX edges out Trading 212 in terms of ranking within the Commissions and Fees category.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €1 | Depends on payment method |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 2.7 | 1.03 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 2.7 | 0.88 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| 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.
Trading 212 and TopFX both offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, but the similarities largely end there when it comes to the variety of investments available. Trading 212 provides an impressive number of tradeable symbols, boasting 7,868 compared to TopFX's 655. In terms of forex pairs, Trading 212 again leads with 146 pairs, while TopFX provides 60. Notably, Trading 212 allows clients to buy exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, such as Apple and Vodafone shares, whereas TopFX does not offer this feature. However, TopFX does offer copy trading, a feature Trading 212 lacks.
For those interested in cryptocurrency, both brokers offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, although neither supports trading actual delivered cryptocurrencies. Trading 212 has received high praise for its range of investments, earning a five-star rating and ranking 15th among 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, TopFX holds a 3.5-star rating and ranks 46th in the same category. These differences highlight Trading 212's broader array of investment options, making it a more versatile choice for diversifying portfolios.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7868 | 655 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 146 | 60 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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.
Trading 212 and TopFX both provide traders with virtual demo accounts, making it easy to practice trading without financial risk. While Trading 212 boasts its own proprietary platform, TopFX relies on third-party systems like MetaTrader 4 for desktop trading. TopFX edges out in offering a Windows-based desktop download platform, whereas Trading 212 focuses on web-based trading. Both brokers support web-based platforms, catering to those who prefer trading via internet browsers. For charting, Trading 212 offers 20 drawing tools compared to TopFX's 15, though both allow trades to be placed directly from stock charts.
When it comes to advanced tools, Trading 212 does not support features like copy trading or MetaTrader 5, while TopFX only offers copy trading. TopFX provides seven columns for watch lists compared to Trading 212's five. Despite their differences, both platforms receive a respectable four-star rating for their trading platforms and tools. However, Trading 212 holds a higher rank at #20 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, in comparison to TopFX, which is ranked at #45, reflecting slightly higher overall satisfaction among users.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 54 | 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 Trading 212 and TopFX offer iPhone and Android apps, allowing users to trade on the go. They provide essential features like stock and forex price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on charts. However, a notable difference lies in watchlist syncing; Trading 212 allows seamless syncing between its mobile app and online account, whereas TopFX does not. Trading 212 shines in technical studies, offering 104 options compared to TopFX's 30, giving users more tools for analysis.
Both apps provide real-time quotes for watchlists, and TopFX auto-saves drawings, similar to Trading 212. Despite offering comparable ratings of four out of five stars for their mobile trading apps, Trading 212 holds a higher rank at #17 among 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, surpassing TopFX's #51 ranking. This suggests a competitive edge for Trading 212 in terms of mobile trading experiences, making it a slightly more preferred choice for traders seeking advanced functionalities and integration.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 104 | 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 Trading 212 and TopFX for their market research offerings, both platforms provide users with forex news from reputable sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones. They also offer economic calendars that display global news events, making it easier for traders to stay updated on market conditions. However, differences arise in the tools each broker provides. Trading 212 includes a sentiment-based tool that shows the ratio of long or short positions across instruments, yet it doesn't offer Autochartist or Trading Central tools for deeper technical or fundamental analysis.
On the other hand, TopFX offers tools from both Autochartist and Trading Central, providing traders with enhanced capabilities for conducting technical analysis and fundamental research. Despite these offerings, neither broker includes daily market commentary or research tools from TipRanks or Acuity Trading. Trading 212 holds a slightly higher research rating with 3.5 stars compared to TopFX's 3 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, Trading 212 is ranked #44 for research, while TopFX is positioned at #60 out of 63 brokers. This showcases Trading 212 as slightly more favorable among users in terms of research support.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginner traders, Trading 212 and TopFX provide different levels of support. Trading 212 stands out with a variety of educational materials. It offers more than 10 pieces focused on forex or CFDs, a collection of beginner and advanced educational videos, and a comprehensive investor dictionary with over 50 trading terms. Furthermore, Trading 212 provides access to a searchable archive of recorded client webinars, a valuable resource for learning at your own pace.
On the other hand, TopFX offers considerably less for budding traders. It lacks the minimum educational content focused on forex or CFDs and doesn't provide a searchable webinar archive. While Trading 212 has a modest education rating of 3.5 stars and is ranked 20th for education out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, TopFX scores lower with a 3-star rating and a 61st-place ranking. This makes Trading 212 a more suitable choice for beginners seeking a rich pool of educational tools to kickstart their trading journey.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | No | 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 Trading 212 is better than TopFX. Trading 212 finished with an overall rank of #31, while TopFX finished with an overall rank of #62.
Best known for its mobile trading app, Trading 212 offers an easy-to-use trading platform suite for CFD and share trading, as well as a large variety of forex pairs. However, despite its well-designed platform and wide range of symbols, its lack of advanced trading tools and flat research offerings hamper Trading 212’s bid to be considered a top broker.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
TopFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
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| Trust Score | 80 | 67 |
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Both Trading 212 and TopFX do not offer the ability to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrency, yet they both provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
Trading 212 and TopFX both provide options for PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires for depositing or withdrawing funds, but Trading 212 additionally supports ACH or SEPA transfers, whereas TopFX offers the unique option of using Skrill instead.
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 | Trading 212 | TopFX | |
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| Trust Score | 80 | 67 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Trading 212 Review | TopFX Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Trading 212 | TopFX | |
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| Regulation | Trading 212 | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 80 | 67 | |
| Year Founded | 2004 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Trading 212 | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | Trading 212 | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Trading 212 | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 7868 | 655 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 146 | 60 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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 | Trading 212 | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 2.7 | 1.03 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 2.7 | 0.88 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Trading 212 | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €1 | Depends on payment method | |
| 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 | No |
| Trading Platforms | Trading 212 | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Trading 212 | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 54 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Trading 212 | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 104 | 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 | Trading 212 | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Trading 212 | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | No | 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 | Trading 212 | TopFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trading 212 Review | TopFX Review |
| Overall | Trading 212 | TopFX | |
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| Trust Score | 80 | 67 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Trading 212 Review | TopFX Review |
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