IC Markets vs LHV 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Choosing between IC Markets and LHV depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. IC Markets is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, while LHV operates from Tallinn, Estonia. LHV has the longer track record, established in 1999, compared to IC Markets which was founded in 2007. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
IC Markets
LHV
| IC Markets | LHV | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 3.9/5 ✓ | 3.5/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $200 | $0 ✓ |
| Spread from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 ✓ | 1:5 |
| Regulation | ASIC, CySEC | Finantsinspektsioon, FCA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, LHV Broker |
IC Markets is the better choice overall, scoring 3.9/5 vs 3.5/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, IC Markets offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowIC Markets vs LHV: Key Differences
IC Markets
LHV
Still deciding between IC Markets and LHV?
Skip the back-and-forth — answer 4 quick questions and we'll match you to your best fit.
Fees Comparison
IC Markets
LHV
Lower feesRegulation & Trust
IC Markets holds licences from ASIC, CySEC. LHV is regulated by FCA, Finantsinspektsioon.
Markets & Assets
Both brokers offer access to Crypto, Stocks, Indices markets. IC Markets additionally covers Forex, Cfd. LHV adds Etf.
Trading Platforms
IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, TradingView, Proprietary Mobile. LHV offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, LHV Broker. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Mobile.
Minimum Deposit
IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200, while LHV sets no minimum deposit. This makes LHV accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
BrokerRank scores IC Markets at 3.87/5 and LHV at 3.36/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. IC Markets leads overall with a clear advantage.
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
IC Markets
3.9/5
Choose IC Markets if you want…
- Higher overall rating (3.9/5)
- Higher leverage (up to 1:500)
- More market types (6)
- More platforms (4 supported)
LHV
3.5/5
Choose LHV if you want…
- No per-trade commission
- No minimum deposit
- More established (est. 1999)
Also consider
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.
Both IC Markets & LHV are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is IC Markets better than LHV?
IC Markets scores higher overall on our independent rating system. IC Markets holds a 3.9/5 rating vs LHV's 3.5/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, IC Markets or LHV?
IC Markets offers spreads from 0 pips, while LHV starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for IC Markets vs LHV?
IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200. LHV requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, IC Markets or LHV?
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, while LHV holds licences from Finantsinspektsioon, FCA.
5What trading platforms do IC Markets and LHV support?
IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, TradingView, Proprietary Mobile. LHV supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, LHV Broker.
6Can I use both IC Markets and LHV?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
Key Trading Terms
Related Guides
More Comparisons
BrokerRank Research
Only 26% of Brokers Are Truly Fee-Free
BrokerRank Research — Hidden costs across our broker database
58% of Brokers Hold a Single Licence
BrokerRank Research — Regulation quality analysis
71% of Retail Traders Lose Money
BrokerRank Research — Loss rates across 50 EU brokers
76% of Brokers Use Proprietary Platforms
BrokerRank Research — MT4 vs MT5 vs proprietary
Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.
Featured
Deriv
4.0Capital at risk · T&Cs apply

