ActivTrades and easyMarkets are evaluated on cost structures, regulation, and market access pressures. The contrast highlights how price models and exchange coverage influence suitability for different investors.
ActivTrades edges easyMarkets on editorial score due to FCA regulation and zero commissions on standard accounts.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you want no commissions on standard accounts. You also get broad access to 600+ share CFDs via ActivTrader and MT4.
Choose easyMarkets if…
Choose easyMarkets if you prefer fixed spreads and risk tools like dealCancellation. You also benefit from CySEC and ASIC oversight.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
ActivTrades is favored for safety with FCA oversight and extra private insurance.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.4/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $25 |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ActivTrades | easyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| 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 | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and easyMarkets rates 3.4/5. 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 lists tighter spreads from 0.5, compared with easyMarkets's 0.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, while easyMarkets requires at least $25. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and easyMarkets 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, two factors stand out: ActivTrades has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while easyMarkets lists up to 400:1. 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 easyMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. easyMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither ActivTrades nor easyMarkets 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.
Both ActivTrades and easyMarkets are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
easyMarkets wins for active traders due to higher leverage and risk tools.
ActivTrades offers a $0 minimum deposit, simplifying initial trading.
ActivTrades provides access via more exchanges, widening stock coverage.
ActivTrades wins for low-cost trading due to no commissions on standard accounts.
Equally matched; neither offers long-term investing features in the provided data.
| 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 |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA CMVM SCB | ASIC CNV HCMC CySEC MNB |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 ActivTrader | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
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