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Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Oct 2, 2026

ActivTrades vs Kraken 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Choosing between ActivTrades and Kraken depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. ActivTrades is headquartered in London, UK, while Kraken operates from San Francisco, USA. ActivTrades has the longer track record, established in 2001, compared to Kraken which was founded in 2011. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.

ActivTrades

Kraken

Higher ratedKraken logo

Kraken

4.3/ 5
Visit Kraken →Full review
VS
ActivTradesKraken
BrokerRank Score3.6/54.3/5 ✓
Min. Deposit$0$0
Spread from0.5 pips0.2 pips ✓
Max Leverage1:400 ✓1:5
RegulationFCA, CySECFCA, CFTC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, Proprietary WebProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
ActivTradesKraken
Best for Low Fees
KrakenActivTrades
Best for Regulation
ActivTradesKraken
Best Overall
KrakenActivTrades
Quick Answer

Kraken is the better choice overall, scoring 4.3/5 vs 3.6/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Kraken offers lower spreads (0.2 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

ActivTrades vs Kraken: Key Differences

Feature

ActivTrades

Kraken

Winner
Our Rating
3.6 / 5
4.3 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.5 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
None
$0.16/lot
Regulated By
Platforms
MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Crypto
Founded
2001
2011
Headquarters
London, UK
San Francisco, USA
Score
1 / 4
3 / 4

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Fees Comparison

Fee

ActivTrades

Lower fees

Kraken

Spread From
0.5 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
None
$0.16/lot
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
$1.5

Regulation & Trust

ActivTrades holds licences from FCA, CySEC. Kraken is regulated by FCA, CFTC.

Markets & Assets

ActivTrades additionally covers Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities. Kraken adds Crypto.

Fees & Spreads

On spreads, Kraken is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.2 pips, compared to 0.5 pips at ActivTrades.

Trading Platforms

ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. Kraken offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web.

Minimum Deposit

ActivTrades requires no minimum deposit, while Kraken sets no minimum deposit. This makes ActivTrades accessible to traders with any budget.

Overall Ratings

BrokerRank scores ActivTrades at 3.56/5 and Kraken at 3.37/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. ActivTrades leads overall with a clear advantage.

BrokerRank Verdict

ActivTrades is our recommended pick in this comparison, scoring 3.56/5 versus Kraken's 3.37/5. Kraken offers comparable regulatory coverage. Kraken has a fees advantage with 0.2 pip spreads. Kraken is still a solid option for traders who prefer Kraken's specific platform or market selection, but ActivTrades offers a stronger overall package for the majority of traders.

Who Should Choose Which?

ActivTrades

ActivTrades

3.6/5

Choose ActivTrades if you want…

  • No per-trade commission
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:400)
  • More market types (6)
  • More established (est. 2001)
Kraken

Kraken

4.3/5

Top pick

Choose Kraken if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (4.3/5)
  • Tighter spreads (from 0.2 pips)

Also consider

View all rankings

We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.

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80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Both ActivTrades & Kraken are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is ActivTrades better than Kraken?

Kraken scores higher overall on our independent rating system. ActivTrades holds a 3.6/5 rating vs Kraken's 4.3/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.

2

Which has lower fees, ActivTrades or Kraken?

ActivTrades offers spreads from 0.5 pips, while Kraken starts at 0.2 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for ActivTrades vs Kraken?

ActivTrades requires a minimum deposit of $0. Kraken requires $0.

4

Which broker is safer, ActivTrades or Kraken?

ActivTrades is regulated by FCA, CySEC, while Kraken holds licences from FCA, CFTC.

5

What trading platforms do ActivTrades and Kraken support?

ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. Kraken supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

6

Can I use both ActivTrades and Kraken?

Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.

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