Two brokers contrast in structure: AvaTrade operates across MT4/MT5 and fixed stock CFDs, while Robinhood centers on a mobile-first, commission-free model. The tension lies in market access and platform depth.
Both AvaTrade and Robinhood are closely matched overall. AvaTrade provides access to 10 exchanges versus Robinhood's 2, marking the clearest differentiator in global market reach.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Robinhood wins for low cost trading with commission-free trades.
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0.9 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $50/month (after 3 months) | None |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | AvaTrade | Robinhood |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
AvaTrade and Robinhood share the same editorial score of 3.8/5. One concrete differentiator: platform availability and account types differ between them.
AvaTrade starts from 0.9. Current spread data is not available for Robinhood. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
AvaTrade requires $100. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Robinhood.
Both AvaTrade and Robinhood 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, AvaTrade 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.
AvaTrade lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Robinhood 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.
AvaTrade supports MetaTrader 5, ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Robinhood supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. AvaTrade has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and ZuluTrade and MetaTrader 4.
Robinhood offers commission-free stock trading while AvaTrade 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.
AvaTrade 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.
AvaTrade is stronger for safety with broader regulation and a compensation scheme.
Robinhood suits long-term investors with fractional shares and dividend reinvestment.
AvaTrade wins for active traders with MT4/MT5, copy trading, and advanced charts.
Robinhood is best for beginners with a clean mobile interface and no account minimum.
AvaTrade wins for global market access with 10 exchanges compared to 2.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferACHDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC MFSA FSCA CBI ADGM | SEC FINRA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 ZuluTrade MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
Score 3.8 / 5
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