ActivTradesvs
Interactive BrokersStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits two regulated brokers against each other on scale and features. The tension centers on market access versus long-tail trading features.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsClear Winner
Interactive Brokers has the higher editorial score (4.8 vs 3.7 for ActivTrades), making it the overall winner in this comparison.
Interactive Brokers
4.8/5
ActivTrades
3.7/5
Key Differences
- 1IPO access: Interactive Brokers offers IPO access; ActivTrades does not.
- 2Exchanges: Interactive Brokers provides 150 exchanges vs ActivTrades' 10.
- 3Compensation scheme: ActivTrades has private insurance; Interactive Brokers does not.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs Interactive Brokers?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
ActivTrades: Choose ActivTrades if you value FCA regulation with supplemental private fund protection and no inactivity fee. You also benefit from no commission on standard accounts. Interactive Brokers: Choose Interactive Brokers if you need IPO access, extended hours, and access to 150 exchanges. You also benefit from low commissions for active traders and the TWS platform with DMA, options, and API access.
Choose if…
ActivTrades: Choose ActivTrades if you value FCA regulation with supplemental private fund protection and no inactivity fee. You also benefit from no commission on standard accounts. Interactive Brokers: Choose Interactive Brokers if you need IPO access, extended hours, and access to 150 exchanges. You also benefit from low commissions for active traders and the TWS platform with DMA, options, and API access.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Interactive Brokers wins for low cost trading due to commission-free options and low commissions for active traders.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
ActivTrades vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | 0.2 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $2/lot |
ActivTrades vs Interactive Brokers 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 Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
ActivTrades
criteria wins
6
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Pass |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
Interactive Brokers is the stronger choice: it rates 4.8/5 versus 3.7/5 for ActivTrades, a gap that reflects clear differences across regulation, fees, and platform quality in our review.
Interactive Brokers lists tighter spreads from 0.2, 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.
Neither ActivTrades nor Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and Interactive Brokers 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, ActivTrades provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Interactive Brokers lists up to 1:4. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Interactive Brokers charges $2 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 Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. ActivTrades has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and ActivTrader. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS) and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Interactive Brokers offers commission-free stock trading while ActivTrades does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
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.
