In this stock CFD face-off, ActivTrades and Exness test how regulation, platforms, and reach translate into practical access. The tensions hinge on breadth versus depth.
ActivTrades and Exness are closely matched overall. ActivTrades offers broader exchange access (10) versus Exness (5) as the clearest differentiator.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you want more exchange coverage and a commission-free standard account.
Choose Exness if…
Choose Exness if you prefer a $1 minimum deposit and multi-platform entry with fast withdrawals.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
ActivTrades offers supplemental private insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1 |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | 0.3 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $3.5/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ActivTrades | Exness |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Exness rates 3.6/5. 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.
Exness lists tighter spreads from 0.3, compared with ActivTrades's 0.5. 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 Exness requires at least $1. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and Exness 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 Exness lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Exness charges $3.5 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ActivTrades are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while Exness supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. Exness has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither ActivTrades nor Exness 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 Exness 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.
Exness provides MT4/MT5/Exness Terminal with social trading integration.
ActivTrades provides broader global access with 10 exchanges.
ActivTrades offers commission-free standard accounts, reducing trading costs.
Equally matched; neither provides fractional shares or dividend reinvestment.
| N/A |
| 0.65 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPerfect MoneyCryptoP2P |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerPerfect MoneyCrypto |
|---|
| 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 | FSCA FCA OJK CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 ActivTrader | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker