This comparison pits two multi-asset brokers on stock CFD access, regulation quality, and platform ecosystems. The tension centers on trust, costs, and global reach.
AvaTrade edges easyMarkets on editorial score due to stronger Trust & Regulation and Platforms & Tools. The gap supports AvaTrade as the overall winner in this matchup.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose AvaTrade if…
Choose AvaTrade if you prioritize stronger regulation and a broader platform ecosystem.
Choose easyMarkets if…
Choose easyMarkets if you value higher leverage and a lower minimum deposit.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
AvaTrade wins for safety & regulation with higher Trust & Regulation scores.
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 3.4/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | $25▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.9 pips | 0.7 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $50/month (after 3 months) | None |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | AvaTrade | easyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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: AvaTrade rates 3.8/5 and easyMarkets rates 3.4/5. AvaTrade 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.
easyMarkets lists tighter spreads from 0.7, compared with AvaTrade's 0.9. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
easyMarkets has $25, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes easyMarkets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both AvaTrade and easyMarkets 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: easyMarkets requires a lower minimum deposit ($25), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
AvaTrade lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while easyMarkets lists up to 400:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while easyMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade.
Neither AvaTrade nor easyMarkets 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 AvaTrade and easyMarkets 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.
easyMarkets wins for active traders with higher leverage at 400:1.
easyMarkets is best for beginners due to a low minimum deposit of $25.
AvaTrade leads global market access with 10 exchanges.
AvaTrade wins for low cost trading with a higher Fees & Spreads score.
Both are equally matched for long-term investing as neither offers fractional shares or dividend reinvestment.
| Deposit fee |
|---|
| Free |
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | 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 | ASIC FSCA MFSA CBI ADGM | ASIC CNV HCMC CySEC MNB |
|---|
| Platforms | ZuluTrade MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
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