ActivTradesvs
IGStock Broker Comparison
ActivTrades and IG clash on regulation, pricing, and market access. The axis hinges on cost structures and global coverage.
Our Verdict
IG winsClear Winner
IG is the editorial winner based on higher safety and broader market access. ActivTrades trails in regulation breadth and exchange coverage, despite cost advantages.
IG
4.5/5
ActivTrades
3.7/5
Key Differences
- 1Exchanges covered: ActivTrades 10 vs IG 30.
- 2Extended hours available on IG only.
- 3IG offers research tools; ActivTrades does not.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs IG?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you want 600+ share CFDs and strong client fund protection.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you want 13,000+ shares and integrated 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
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IG is favored for safety and regulation based on higher trust rating and broader regulator coverage.
Best for active traders
Recommended
ActivTrades vs IG: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | £12/month (after 24 months) |
| Deposit fee |
ActivTrades vs IG 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 IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
ActivTrades
criteria win
2
IG
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 3.7/5 for ActivTrades. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
ActivTrades lists tighter spreads from 0.5, compared with IG's 0.6. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither ActivTrades nor IG requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and IG 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 20:1, while IG lists up to 1:1. 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 IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
Neither ActivTrades nor IG 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 IG 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.
