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

ActivTrades vs Markets.com 2026: Which Broker is Better?

In comparing ActivTrades and Markets.com, traders will find distinct advantages that cater to different trading needs. ActivTrades, with its headquarters in London and regulation by the FCA and CySEC, appeals to traders seeking a versatile platform with no minimum deposit requirement and robust risk management tools. On the other hand, Markets.com, based in Cyprus and also regulated by multiple authorities including ASIC and the FCA, offers a broader range of over 2,000 instruments and is ideal for those who prioritise a diverse portfolio and comprehensive educational resources. The key difference lies in their market offerings and deposit conditions, making ActivTrades suitable for beginners or those with limited capital, while Markets.com attracts traders interested in a wider market selection and advanced learning materials.

ActivTrades

Markets.com

Higher ratedMarkets.com logo

Markets.com

3.8/ 5
Visit Markets.com →Full review
VS
ActivTradesMarkets.com
BrokerRank Score3.6/53.8/5 ✓
Min. Deposit$0 ✓$100
Spread from0.5 pips ✓0.6 pips
Max Leverage1:400 ✓1:300
RegulationFCA, CySECCySEC, ASIC, FCA ✓
PlatformsMT4, MT5, Proprietary WebMT4, MT5, Proprietary Web
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
ActivTradesMarkets.com
Best for Low Fees
ActivTradesMarkets.com
Best for Regulation
Markets.comActivTrades
Best Overall
Markets.comActivTrades
Quick Answer

Markets.com is the better choice overall, scoring 3.8/5 vs 3.6/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, ActivTrades offers lower spreads (0.5 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

ActivTrades vs Markets.com: Key Differences

Feature

ActivTrades

Markets.com

Our Rating
3.6 / 5
3.8 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$100
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.5 pips
0.6 pips
Commission
None
None
Platforms
MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web
MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web
Markets
Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Founded
2001
2008
Headquarters
London, UK
Limassol, Cyprus
Score
2 / 4
2 / 4

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Fees Comparison

Fee

ActivTrades

Lower fees

Markets.com

Spread From
0.5 pips
0.6 pips
Commission
None
None
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None

BrokerRank Verdict

For beginners, Markets.com is the preferable choice due to its comprehensive educational resources and a broader range of over 2000 instruments. Professional traders might find ActivTrades more appealing, thanks to its higher leverage of up to 1:400 and advanced risk management tools like SmartOrder. In terms of fees, ActivTrades edges out with slightly lower spreads starting from 0.5 pips, no minimum deposit, and no commission charges.

Who Should Choose Which?

ActivTrades

ActivTrades

3.6/5

Choose ActivTrades if you want…

  • Tighter spreads (from 0.5 pips)
  • No minimum deposit
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:400)
  • More established (est. 2001)
Markets.com

Markets.com

3.8/5

Top pick

Choose Markets.com if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (3.8/5)
  • More regulatory licences (3)

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.

#1ForTrade logo
ForTrade
4.3
FCA
Visit
#2FxPro logo
FxPro
4.1
FCA
Visit
#4AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
4.0
MAS
Visit
#5Plus500 logo
Plus500
4.0
MAS
Visit

80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Both ActivTrades & Markets.com are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is ActivTrades better than Markets.com?

Markets.com scores higher overall on our independent rating system. ActivTrades holds a 3.6/5 rating vs Markets.com's 3.8/5. 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 Markets.com?

ActivTrades offers spreads from 0.5 pips, while Markets.com starts at 0.6 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for ActivTrades vs Markets.com?

ActivTrades requires a minimum deposit of $0. Markets.com requires $100.

4

Which broker is safer, ActivTrades or Markets.com?

ActivTrades is regulated by FCA, CySEC, while Markets.com holds licences from CySEC, ASIC, FCA.

5

What trading platforms do ActivTrades and Markets.com support?

ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. Markets.com supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web.

6

Can I use both ActivTrades and Markets.com?

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

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