Interactive Brokers vs ActivTrades 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Choosing between Interactive Brokers and ActivTrades depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. Interactive Brokers is headquartered in Greenwich, USA, while ActivTrades operates from London, UK. Interactive Brokers has the longer track record, established in 1978, compared to ActivTrades which was founded in 2001. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
Interactive Brokers
ActivTrades
| Interactive Brokers | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 4.4/5 ✓ | 3.6/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0.2 pips ✓ | 0.5 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:4 | 1:400 ✓ |
| Regulation | SEC, CFTC, FCA ✓ | FCA, CySEC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web |
Interactive Brokers is the better choice overall, scoring 4.4/5 vs 3.6/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Interactive Brokers offers lower spreads (0.2 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowInteractive Brokers vs ActivTrades: Key Differences
Interactive Brokers
WinnerActivTrades
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Fees Comparison
Interactive Brokers
ActivTrades
Regulation & Trust
Interactive Brokers holds licences from SEC, CFTC, FCA. ActivTrades is regulated by FCA, CySEC.
Markets & Assets
Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities markets.
Fees & Spreads
On spreads, Interactive Brokers is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.2 pips, compared to 0.5 pips at ActivTrades.
Trading Platforms
Interactive Brokers supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. ActivTrades offers MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web.
Minimum Deposit
Interactive Brokers requires no minimum deposit, while ActivTrades sets no minimum deposit. This makes Interactive Brokers accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
BrokerRank scores Interactive Brokers at 4.43/5 and ActivTrades at 3.56/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. Interactive Brokers leads overall with a clear advantage.
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
Interactive Brokers
4.4/5
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want…
- Higher overall rating (4.4/5)
- Tighter spreads (from 0.2 pips)
- More regulatory licences (5)
- More established (est. 1978)
ActivTrades
3.6/5
Choose ActivTrades if you want…
- No per-trade commission
- Higher leverage (up to 1:400)
- More market types (6)
- More platforms (3 supported)
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 Interactive Brokers & ActivTrades are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is Interactive Brokers better than ActivTrades?
Interactive Brokers scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Interactive Brokers holds a 4.4/5 rating vs ActivTrades's 3.6/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, Interactive Brokers or ActivTrades?
Interactive Brokers offers spreads from 0.2 pips, while ActivTrades starts at 0.5 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for Interactive Brokers vs ActivTrades?
Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit of $0. ActivTrades requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, Interactive Brokers or ActivTrades?
Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, CFTC, FCA, MAS, ASIC, while ActivTrades holds licences from FCA, CySEC.
5What trading platforms do Interactive Brokers and ActivTrades support?
Interactive Brokers supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web.
6Can I use both Interactive Brokers and ActivTrades?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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