Two established forex brokers are tested on regulation, costs and platform breadth. The matchup weighs ECN pricing and a broad platform stack against an EU-backed track record and MT4/MT5 focus.
IC Markets leads the comparison with a 4.7/5 score and broader regulation, while Windsor Brokers trails at 4.0/5.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want true ECN pricing with raw 0.0 pip spreads and a broad platform stack (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView). IC Markets also offers deep liquidity and clear cost disclosure with segregated funds.
Choose Windsor Brokers if…
Choose Windsor Brokers if you value a long operating history and EU protections under CySEC with an ECN Zero option on MT4/MT5. Windsor also provides a familiar MT4/MT5 experience with a lower instrument count.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers offer spreads from 0.00 pips.
| Editorial score | 4.7/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
Pros
True ECN routing with raw 0.0 pip spreads
All three major platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader)
Deep liquidity from 25+ tier-1 sources
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | IC Markets | Windsor Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | 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 | Fail | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 4/5 for Windsor Brokers. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both IC Markets and Windsor Brokers start from 0 pips, making them equivalent on this metric. Compare commissions and account types to evaluate total trading costs.
Windsor Brokers has $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Windsor Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, FSCA, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. Windsor Brokers may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Windsor Brokers requires a lower minimum deposit ($100), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
IC Markets lists maximum leverage of 500:1, while Windsor Brokers 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.
IC Markets charges $7 per lot, lower than Windsor Brokers's $8 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
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 earns safety & regulation leadership with ASIC, CySEC and FSCA oversight and client fund segregation.
IC Markets suits active traders with advanced charting, deep liquidity and multiple platforms.
IC Markets is better suited for scalpers: lower commission ($7/lot).
IC Markets wins for platform choice with MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView.
Windsor is best for beginners due to a lower $100 minimum deposit.
IC Markets offers far more instruments than Windsor.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 5.0 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 3.8 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 1988 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Nicosia, Cyprus |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $200 | $100▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $7/lot▼ lower | $8/lot |
|---|
| 0.7 pips▼ lower | 0.8 pips |
| Max Leverage | 500:1 | 500:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FSCA CySEC | CySEC FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 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
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
35+ years of continuous operation, one of the longest track records in retail forex
CySEC regulated with EU investor protections
ECN Zero account from 0.0 pips + $8 commission
Islamic swap-free accounts available
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
Not available to US residents
Higher minimum deposit than IG/OANDA
No proprietary platform
Cons
Platform limited to MT4 and MT5, no cTrader or proprietary option
$100 minimum deposit on standard accounts
ECN commission slightly above IC Markets and Pepperstone
No top-tier regulatory licence
Limited charting capabilities
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
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