ActivTrades vs ThinkMarkets Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of ActivTrades and ThinkMarkets across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
ActivTrades offers share CFDs on 600+ global stocks via ActivTrader and MT4 under FCA regulation with supplemental client fund insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 - a regulated European broker with above-standard fund protection for equity CFD traders.
ThinkMarkets offers share CFDs on 3,000+ global stocks via MT4, MT5, and ThinkTrader under FCA and ASIC regulation - a well-regulated mobile-first broker with competitive share CFD pricing for active equity traders.
ActivTrades and ThinkMarkets are extremely closely matched with scores of 3.7/5 and 3.8/5. The right choice depends on your individual trading priorities.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
ThinkMarkets has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
ThinkMarkets edges out ActivTrades with a higher editorial score (3.8/5 vs 3.7/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
Commission data is not yet available for this pair. Check each broker's pricing page to compare trading costs directly.
Long-term investing feature data (fractional shares, dividend reinvestment, IPO access) is not yet available for this pair.
ActivTrades vs ThinkMarkets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| 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 | FCA FSCA ASIC JFSA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 ActivTrader | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView |
| Visit broker | Visit ActivTrades | Visit ThinkMarkets |
ActivTrades vs ThinkMarkets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- 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
- Stock range (600+) narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
- Share CFDs only - no real ownership, ISA, SIPP, or dividend entitlement
- Platform analytics below CMC Next Generation or xStation 5 for equity research
- Less well-known outside Europe - limited Asian and US market coverage
- ThinkTrader rated among the best mobile CFD platforms for equity management
- 3,000+ share CFDs across US, UK, European, and ASX markets
- FCA and ASIC regulated - strong dual Tier 1 profile
- ThinkCopy enables social copying of equity strategies within the account
- Share CFDs only - no real ownership, ISA, or dividend entitlement
- Stock range (3,000+) narrower than IG, CMC, or Saxo
- ThinkCopy ecosystem smaller than eToro's or NAGA's social platforms
- ThinkZero account (tighter spreads plus commission) requires separate application
ActivTrades vs ThinkMarkets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ActivTrades | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
ActivTrades vs ThinkMarkets: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, ThinkMarkets ranks higher with a score of 3.8/5 vs 3.7/5 for ActivTrades. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Neither ActivTrades nor ThinkMarkets 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 ThinkMarkets hold top-tier regulatory licences, indicating a high standard of investor protection. Confirm each broker's specific regulatory bodies and compensation scheme coverage to ensure they apply in your jurisdiction.
Both ActivTrades and ThinkMarkets require a minimum deposit of no minimum to open a live trading account.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader and ThinkMarkets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView. Platform availability affects the tools, charting, and order types available to you. If you rely on a specific platform like MetaTrader or a proprietary web app, confirm compatibility before opening an account.
For beginners: ThinkMarkets has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
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