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

ActivTrades vs M1 Finance 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Choosing between ActivTrades and M1 Finance depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. ActivTrades is headquartered in London, UK, while M1 Finance operates from Chicago, USA. ActivTrades has the longer track record, established in 2001, compared to M1 Finance which was founded in 2015. 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

M1 Finance

Higher ratedActivTrades logo

ActivTrades

3.6/ 5
Visit ActivTrades →Full review
VS
ActivTradesM1 Finance
BrokerRank Score3.6/5 ✓3.2/5
Min. Deposit$0 ✓$100
Spread from0.5 pips0 pips ✓
Max Leverage1:400 ✓1:2
RegulationFCA, CySEC ✓SEC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, Proprietary WebProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
ActivTradesM1 Finance
Best for Low Fees
M1 FinanceActivTrades
Best for Regulation
ActivTradesM1 Finance
Best Overall
ActivTradesM1 Finance
Quick Answer

ActivTrades is the better choice overall, scoring 3.6/5 vs 3.2/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, M1 Finance offers lower spreads (0 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

ActivTrades vs M1 Finance: Key Differences

Feature

ActivTrades

Winner

M1 Finance

Our Rating
3.6 / 5
3.2 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$100
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.5 pips
0 pips
Commission
None
None
Regulated By
SEC
Platforms
MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Stocks, Indices
Founded
2001
2015
Headquarters
London, UK
Chicago, USA
Score
3 / 4
1 / 4

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Fees Comparison

Fee

ActivTrades

M1 Finance

Lower fees
Spread From
0.5 pips
0 pips
Commission
None
None
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None

Regulation & Trust

ActivTrades holds licences from FCA, CySEC. M1 Finance is regulated by SEC.

Markets & Assets

Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Indices markets. ActivTrades additionally covers Forex, Cfd, Commodities.

Fees & Spreads

On spreads, M1 Finance is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips, compared to 0.5 pips at ActivTrades.

Trading Platforms

ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. M1 Finance offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web.

Minimum Deposit

ActivTrades requires no minimum deposit, while M1 Finance sets a minimum deposit of $100. This makes ActivTrades accessible to traders with any budget.

Overall Ratings

BrokerRank scores ActivTrades at 3.56/5 and M1 Finance at 3.20/5, 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 M1 Finance's 3.20/5. Both brokers carry equivalent tier-1 regulation. M1 Finance has a fees advantage with 0.0 pip spreads. ActivTrades is more accessible for new traders with its lower minimum deposit requirement. M1 Finance is still a solid option for traders who prefer M1 Finance'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

Top pick

Choose ActivTrades if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (3.6/5)
  • No minimum deposit
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:400)
  • More regulatory licences (2)
M1 Finance

M1 Finance

3.2/5

Choose M1 Finance if you want…

  • Tighter spreads (from 0 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 & M1 Finance are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is ActivTrades better than M1 Finance?

ActivTrades scores higher overall on our independent rating system. ActivTrades holds a 3.6/5 rating vs M1 Finance's 3.2/5. 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 M1 Finance?

ActivTrades offers spreads from 0.5 pips, while M1 Finance starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for ActivTrades vs M1 Finance?

ActivTrades requires a minimum deposit of $0. M1 Finance requires $100.

4

Which broker is safer, ActivTrades or M1 Finance?

ActivTrades is regulated by FCA, CySEC, while M1 Finance holds licences from SEC.

5

What trading platforms do ActivTrades and M1 Finance support?

ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. M1 Finance supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

6

Can I use both ActivTrades and M1 Finance?

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

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