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

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

Choosing between Markets.com and ActivTrades depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. Markets.com is headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, while ActivTrades operates from London, UK. ActivTrades has the longer track record, established in 2001, compared to Markets.com which was founded in 2008. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.

Markets.com

ActivTrades

Higher ratedMarkets.com logo

Markets.com

3.8/ 5
Visit Markets.com →Full review
VS
Markets.comActivTrades
BrokerRank Score3.8/5 ✓3.6/5
Min. Deposit$100$0 ✓
Spread from0.6 pips0.5 pips ✓
Max Leverage1:3001:400 ✓
RegulationCySEC, ASIC, FCA ✓FCA, CySEC
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

Markets.com vs ActivTrades: Key Differences

Feature

Markets.com

ActivTrades

Our Rating
3.8 / 5
3.6 / 5
Min. Deposit
$100
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.6 pips
0.5 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
2008
2001
Headquarters
Limassol, Cyprus
London, UK
Score
2 / 4
2 / 4

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Fees Comparison

Fee

Markets.com

ActivTrades

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

Regulation & Trust

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

Markets & Assets

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

Fees & Spreads

On spreads, ActivTrades is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.5 pips, compared to 0.6 pips at Markets.com.

Trading Platforms

Markets.com supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. ActivTrades offers MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. Both brokers are available on MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web.

Minimum Deposit

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

Overall Ratings

BrokerRank scores Markets.com at 3.76/5 and ActivTrades at 3.56/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. Markets.com leads overall with a clear advantage.

BrokerRank Verdict

Markets.com is our recommended pick in this comparison, scoring 3.76/5 versus ActivTrades's 3.56/5. Markets.com holds more tier-1 licences (ASIC, FCA), offering stronger regulatory protection. ActivTrades has a fees advantage with 0.5 pip spreads. Traders with smaller budgets may find ActivTrades's lower minimum deposit of $0 more accessible. ActivTrades is still a solid option for beginners starting with a smaller initial capital, but Markets.com offers a stronger overall package for the majority of traders.

Who Should Choose Which?

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)
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)

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 Markets.com & ActivTrades are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is Markets.com better than ActivTrades?

Markets.com scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Markets.com holds a 3.8/5 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.

2

Which has lower fees, Markets.com or ActivTrades?

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

3

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

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

4

Which broker is safer, Markets.com or ActivTrades?

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

5

What trading platforms do Markets.com and ActivTrades support?

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

6

Can I use both Markets.com 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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