In this head-to-head, ActivTrades and Axi confront each other over regulation, pricing structures and technology choices. The outcome hinges on platform strategy and cost dynamics.
ActivTrades edges Axi on overall editorial score and platform due to proprietary ActivTrader and volatility protection.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you want a FCA-regulated broker with a proprietary platform and volatility protection built in.
Choose Axi if…
Choose Axi if you rely on MT4 with robust EA support and raw spreads.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Axi offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.50 pips for ActivTrades, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
Pros
FCA regulated with supplemental insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client
ActivTrader's volatility protection feature is a genuine risk management differentiator
No minimum deposit
Strong southern European presence, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese support
Client funds held in segregated accounts
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ActivTrades | Axi |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 4.3/5 and Axi rates 4.1/5. ActivTrades has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Axi starts from 0 pips, tighter than ActivTrades's 0.5 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Neither ActivTrades nor Axi requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and Axi hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while Axi lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Axi charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ActivTrades are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while Axi supports DXtrade, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade.
ActivTrades wins for safety and regulation due to higher trust score and investor protection coverage.
Axi wins for active traders with MT4 EA support and access to raw spreads.
Axi is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
ActivTrades wins for platform choice with a proprietary ActivTrader and volatility protection.
Equally matched; both offer no minimum deposit and solid protection.
ActivTrades wins for instrument variety with around 1000 instruments.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 2007 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Sydney, Australia |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
|---|
| N/A | 0.7 pips |
| Max Leverage | 400:1 | 500:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA CMVM SCB | FCA ASIC DFSA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 ActivTrader | DXtrade MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
No minimum deposit
Strong ASIC, FCA, and DFSA regulation
MT4-focused with excellent EA and algorithmic trading support
No inactivity fee
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
Product range narrower than IG or Saxo
No cTrader or raw ECN account option
Less known outside Europe compared to global competitors
Cons
No MT5 or cTrader support
Pro account commission of $7/lot is above some ECN peers
Research and education tools are more limited than some peers
No proprietary platform
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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