IC Marketsvs
Windsor BrokersCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two regulated CFD brokers clash over crypto exposure across platform breadth and asset depth. The tension hinges on regulation strength versus coin selection and cost.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsClear Winner
IC Markets outpaces Windsor Brokers on the editorial score, thanks to broader regulation and access to four crypto CFD platforms.
IC Markets
4.1/5
Windsor Brokers
3.5/5
Key Differences
- 1IC Markets offers live chat 24/5; Windsor Brokers does not.
- 2IC Markets lists 20 crypto CFDs; Windsor lists 6.
- 3IC Markets has no inactivity fee; Windsor charges inactivity fees.
Who should choose IC Markets vs Windsor Brokers?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want broad crypto CFD access across MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView, with strong regulation and 24/7 support. You benefit from tighter, ECN-adjacent execution and segregated funds, though you trade only CFDs without real crypto ownership.
Choose Windsor Brokers if…
Choose Windsor Brokers if you prefer long-standing CySEC oversight and a lower entry point, with a min deposit of $100 and a straightforward MT4/MT5 experience. You gain a familiar setup and access to a regulated framework with ICF compensation coverage, though crypto options are narrower.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IC Markets gains due to multiple regulators (ASIC/CySEC) and segregated funds.
Best for low fees
IC Markets vs Windsor Brokers: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  IC Markets |  Windsor Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.5/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $200 | $100▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 7.00%▼ lower | 8.00% |
IC Markets vs Windsor Brokers Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- ECN-adjacent raw spreads on crypto CFDs, tighter than most retail market makers
- All four platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView) support crypto CFDs from one account
- ASIC and CySEC regulated with segregated client funds and negative balance protection
- No inactivity fee; 24/7 customer support across multiple channels
Cons
- CFDs only, no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain withdrawals
IC Markets vs Windsor Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
IC Markets
criteria wins
0
Windsor Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | IC Markets | Windsor Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IC Markets vs Windsor Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
IC Markets rates 4.1/5 versus 3.5/5 for Windsor Brokers. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both IC Markets and Windsor Brokers list the same spread figure of 0. Compare each exchange's full fee schedule, including maker/taker rates and any volume discounts, to evaluate total trading costs.
Windsor Brokers has $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Windsor Brokers more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both IC Markets and Windsor Brokers hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Windsor Brokers requires a lower minimum deposit ($100), lowering the barrier to entry, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
IC Markets offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Windsor Brokers's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
IC Markets charges $7 per trade, lower than Windsor Brokers's $8 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Windsor Brokers supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView.
IC Markets scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
