ActivTradesvs
ADS SecuritiesStock Broker Comparison
ActivTrades and ADS Securities face off in a two-broker stock trading comparison. The tension centers on service and market reach across regulatory regimes.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
ActivTrades and ADS Securities are closely matched overall, but ActivTrades’ 24/5 live chat differentiates it on client support.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1ActivTrades offers 24/5 live chat; ADS Securities does not.
- 2ADS Securities provides research tools not available at ActivTrades.
- 3ActivTrades covers 10 exchanges vs ADS Securities 8.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs ADS Securities?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you value 24/5 live chat support.
Choose ADS Securities if…
Choose ADS Securities if you value access to research tools.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
ActivTrades offers stronger safety and regulation with multiple regulators and client fund protection.
Best for active traders
It’s a tie
ActivTrades vs ADS Securities: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $2,000 |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | 0.5 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Deposit fee |
ActivTrades vs ADS Securities Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supplemental private insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client, above FSCS standard limit
- FCA regulated with ActivTrader volatility protection for equity CFD risk management
- 600+ share CFDs across ActivTrader and MT4 with no minimum deposit
- No commission on standard accounts; no inactivity fee
Cons
- Stock range (600+) narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
ActivTrades vs ADS Securities: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
ActivTrades
criteria wins
0
ADS Securities
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | ADS Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs ADS Securities: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and ADS Securities rates 3.8/5. ADS Securities 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.
Both ActivTrades and ADS Securities start from the same spread of 0.5. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, while ADS Securities requires at least $2000. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and ADS Securities 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.
ActivTrades stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while ADS Securities lists up to 200:1. 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 ADS Securities supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. ADS Securities has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither ActivTrades nor ADS Securities is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
ActivTrades scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
