IG Group vs Markets.com 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

IG Group is a well-established broker, founded in 1974 and headquartered in London, UK. It is regulated by several top-tier regulatory bodies, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the USA. This extensive regulatory oversight ensures a high level of trust and safety for clients, with robust fund protection schemes in place.

Markets.com, founded in 2008 and based in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ASIC, and FCA. While Markets.com also offers a secure trading environment, its regulatory framework is less comprehensive than IG Group’s. However, it still provides adequate fund protection and maintains compliance with key financial standards, ensuring client funds are segregated and protected.

Fees & Spreads

IG Group offers competitive spreads, starting from 0.6 pips on forex pairs. The broker charges no commission on trades, which can be appealing for traders looking to minimise transaction costs. However, IG Group has a minimum deposit requirement of $250 and a complex fee structure that includes an inactivity fee after two years. Overnight fees, or swap rates, apply for positions held open overnight, and traders should be aware of these costs when planning their strategies.

Markets.com also offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips, with no commission charges. The minimum deposit is lower, at $100, making it more accessible for beginner traders. Like IG Group, Markets.com applies an inactivity fee. Although its spreads are competitive, they are generally wider than those offered by ECN brokers, which might impact high-frequency traders. Overnight fees also apply, and traders should monitor these closely to manage costs effectively.

Trading Platforms

IG Group provides a range of trading platforms, including its Proprietary Web and Mobile platforms, as well as MetaTrader 4 (MT4). The platforms are known for their robust features, including ProRealTime charts and excellent research tools. Conversely, Markets.com offers the MT4 and MT5 platforms, along with its Proprietary Web platform. Markets.com’s platforms are user-friendly and come with educational resources, making them suitable for traders focused on learning and development.

Who Should Choose IG Group?

• Experienced traders seeking extensive market access
• Investors prioritising top-tier regulatory protection
• Traders requiring advanced charting tools and research
• Long-term traders unconcerned by inactivity fees

Who Should Choose Markets.com?

• Beginners looking for a lower minimum deposit
• Traders interested in a wide range of instruments
• Investors valuing educational resources
• Traders using both MT4 and MT5 platforms

Our Verdict

For beginners, Markets.com is the better choice due to its lower minimum deposit and educational resources. Professionals might prefer IG Group for its extensive market access and top-tier regulation. In terms of fees, both brokers offer competitive spreads starting at 0.6 pips, but Markets.com may be more accessible with its lower initial deposit requirement.