In this comparison, two brokers stand at opposite ends of the investing spectrum: one emphasizes global market reach and low costs, the other fixes spreads and adds risk controls.
Interactive Brokers edges easyMarkets on overall strength, offering 150 exchanges, IPO access, and advanced research tools, while easyMarkets relies on fixed spreads and dealCancellation risk protections.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose easyMarkets if…
Choose easyMarkets if you value fixed spreads on share CFDs and the dealCancellation risk tool.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want broad global market access, IPO access, and low commissions for active traders.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Interactive Brokers wins for low-cost trading with industry-leading low commissions and a commission-free US stock option.
| Editorial score | 3.4/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $25 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0.2 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $2/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | easyMarkets | 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 |
Interactive Brokers is the stronger choice: it rates 4.8/5 versus 3.4/5 for easyMarkets, 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 easyMarkets's 0.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, while easyMarkets requires at least $25. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both easyMarkets 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, two factors stand out: Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and easyMarkets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
easyMarkets lists maximum leverage of 400:1, 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 easyMarkets 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.
easyMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Interactive Brokers supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. easyMarkets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
Interactive Brokers offers commission-free stock trading while easyMarkets 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.
easyMarkets 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.
Interactive Brokers wins safety & regulation with multi-jurisdictional oversight by SEC, FINRA and other Tier 1 bodies.
Interactive Brokers wins long-term investing through dividend reinvestment and fractional shares.
Interactive Brokers wins for active traders with industry-leading low commissions and powerful TWS platform.
easyMarkets wins for beginners due to more straightforward platforms.
Interactive Brokers wins global market access with 150 exchanges and broad country coverage.
| N/A |
| 0.4 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | First withdrawal/month free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | Yes |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | CNV ASIC HCMC CySEC MNB | DFSA FCA CNB CMVM CNV ASIC MFSA CBI CMF NFA FSC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Interactive BrokersvsLibertex
Interactive BrokersvsMoneta Markets
Interactive BrokersvsForex.com
Interactive BrokersvsVantage
Interactive BrokersvsRoboForex
Interactive BrokersvsWindsor Brokers
Interactive BrokersvsXM
Interactive BrokersvsFxPro
Interactive BrokersvsADS Securities
Interactive BrokersvsAvaTrade
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker