IC Markets vs Windsor Brokers Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of IC Markets and Windsor Brokers across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
IC Markets offers Shares CFDs on 2,000+ global stocks via MT5 and IRESS, combining its benchmark ECN infrastructure with direct equity access - a strong complement to its core forex offering for active traders who also need equity exposure.
Windsor Brokers offers stocks CFDs on major global equities under CySEC regulation - a long-established broker with 35+ years of track record providing equity CFD access to European traders.
IC Markets comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.1/5 compared to Windsor Brokers's 3.4/5.
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.
IC Markets has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
IC Markets edges out Windsor Brokers with a higher editorial score (4.1/5 vs 3.4/5), 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.
IC Markets vs Windsor Brokers: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.4/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
| 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 | FSCA ASIC CySEC | FSCA CySEC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
| Visit broker | Visit IC Markets | Visit Windsor Brokers |
IC Markets vs Windsor Brokers Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- 2,000+ share CFDs across US, UK, ASX, European, and Asian exchanges on MT5 and IRESS
- IRESS provides genuine DMA access to ASX and major global equity markets
- Commission-transparent pricing: USD 0.02/share on US stocks, no spread markup
- ASIC and CySEC regulated - tier-1 regulatory coverage for equity CFD trading
- CFDs only - no real share ownership, ISA wrapper, or dividend reinvestment programme
- 2,000+ stock range narrower than CMC Markets (10,000+) or Interactive Brokers
- IRESS monthly fee makes DMA access uneconomical for low-frequency traders
- Not available to US residents; 5:1 leverage cap applies on retail share CFDs
- CySEC regulated with ICF compensation fund coverage up to EUR 20,000
- 35+ year operating history - credibility unusual among CySEC-focused peers
- MT4/MT5 with competitive prime account pricing
- EU-focused - non-EU clients directed to less-regulated entity
- Limited stock selection vs dedicated equity brokers
- Research and educational content is limited
IC Markets vs Windsor Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | IC Markets | Windsor Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
IC Markets vs Windsor Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.1/5 vs 3.4/5 for Windsor Brokers. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Neither IC Markets nor Windsor Brokers 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 IC Markets and Windsor Brokers 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.
Windsor Brokers has a lower minimum deposit of $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Windsor Brokers more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
IC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView and Windsor Brokers offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. 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: Windsor Brokers has a lower minimum deposit ($100); IC Markets has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
More Stock Broker Comparisons
More IC Markets comparisons
Personalised recommendation
Not sure which broker is right for you?
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