This matchup pits ActivTrades against Libertex across fee models, regulation, and exchange access. The tension centers on whether a higher editorial score or a zero-spread approach better serves different traders.
ActivTrades edges Libertex on the editorial score (3.7 vs 3.5) and offers supplemental private insurance up to GBP 1,000,000.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you value 24/5 live chat support.
Choose Libertex if…
Choose Libertex if you prefer a zero-spread model and a user-friendly proprietary platform.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
ActivTrades is stronger on safety with GBP 1,000,000 insurance and FCA regulation.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $10 |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $5/month (after 180 days) |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ActivTrades | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and Libertex rates 3.5/5. 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.
Libertex lists tighter spreads from 0, 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 Libertex requires at least $10. This makes ActivTrades more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and Libertex 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 Libertex lists up to 999:1. 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 Libertex supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. Libertex has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither ActivTrades nor Libertex 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 Libertex 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.
ActivTrades suits active traders with access to 10 exchanges and multiple platforms.
Libertex is best for beginners due to its intuitive proprietary platform.
ActivTrades offers broader global market access with 10 exchanges.
ActivTrades wins for low-cost trading due to no commission on standard accounts.
Equally matched for long-term investing as neither offers fractional shares, DRIP, or ISA/SIPP access.
| 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 | CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 ActivTrader | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.5 / 5
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