This comparison pits an FCA-regulated, multi-platform broker against a UK spread betting specialist. The tension centers on regulation depth, platform choices, and market reach.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose ActivTrades if you want MT4/MT5 access and a proprietary platform with volatility protection.
Choose if…
Choose Spreadex if you prefer TradingView charting and UK spread betting with no MT4/MT5.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.5 / 5 | 4.5 / 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 | Spreadex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 4.3/5 and Spreadex rates 4/5. 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.
ActivTrades starts from 0.5 pips, tighter than Spreadex's 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Neither ActivTrades nor Spreadex requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and Spreadex 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 Spreadex lists up to 30:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while Spreadex supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView. ActivTrades has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and ActivTrader. Spreadex has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
ActivTrades offers tighter spreads from 0.50 pips vs 0.60 pips for Spreadex, reducing trading costs.
ActivTrades is safer due to supplemental FCA insurance and broader investor protections.
ActivTrades supports higher leverage and MT4/MT5 access for active traders.
ActivTrades is better suited for scalpers: tighter spreads from 0.50 pips.
ActivTrades provides a wider platform mix with ActivTrader and MT4/MT5.
ActivTrades offers multilingual support and clear cost disclosure to help beginners.
Spreadex offers a broader instrument universe with 10,000 markets.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 1999 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | St Albans, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
|---|
| Max Leverage | 400:1▲ higher | 30:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | CMVM FCA SCB | FCA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 ActivTrader | Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView |
|---|
| 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
FCA-regulated (190941) UK spread betting on 10,000+ financial markets
TradingView integration for browser-based charting and order execution
UK capital gains tax-free profits on spread bets under current HMRC rules
Unique dual financial and sports spread betting from one FCA account
No minimum deposit and no commission on spread bets
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
Phone support available
Cons
Product range narrower than IG or Saxo
No cTrader or raw ECN account option
Less known outside Europe compared to global competitors
Cons
UK residents only - no international client access
No MT4 or MT5 available
Research tools minimal
Not suitable for traders who need raw ECN execution
No raw spread account option
No MetaTrader support
No 24/5 live chat
Support available in limited languages
ActivTrades edges Spreadex on overall editorial score. It benefits from stronger regulation with supplemental insurance and a dual platform with volatility protection, while Spreadex remains UK-focused with no MT4/MT5.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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