IGvs
Interactive BrokersStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers square off in a clash between multi-asset service and execution. The axis of tension pits IG's integrated UK offerings against Interactive Brokers' broad market access and low-cost structure.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsby 0.3 pts
Interactive Brokers is the overall winner on editorial score, supported by access to 150 exchanges versus IG's 30.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IBKR IPO access via its IPO platform.
- 2IG offers a Stocks & Shares ISA wrapper.
- 3Fractional shares available through Interactive Brokers.
Who should choose IG vs Interactive Brokers?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you want real share dealing, a Stocks & Shares ISA, and bonds trading all in one account. That combination supports long-term investing in a UK-regulated, listed environment with a single, convenient login.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want access to 150+ markets across 33+ countries, low commissions for active traders, and a robust Trader Workstation platform. Your account can include advanced tools, API access, and IPO opportunities, though you may face a steeper learning curve.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Interactive Brokers wins for low-cost trading thanks to commission-free US stock trading with IBKR Lite.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
IG vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | 0.2 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $2/lot |
IG vs Interactive Brokers Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exchange-listed options trading alongside real share dealing in one account
- Bonds trading available in the same account as equities and options
- Stocks & Shares ISA with no annual platform fee
- 13,000+ shares across 30+ global exchanges
- FCA-regulated and LSE-listed, among the highest regulatory standards in UK retail
- Integrated ProRealTime charts, Reuters news, and Morningstar research
Cons
IG vs Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
IG
criteria wins
5
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IG | 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 | Pass | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Pass |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IG vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: IG rates 4.5/5 and Interactive Brokers rates 4.8/5. Interactive Brokers 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.
Interactive Brokers lists tighter spreads from 0.2, compared with IG's 0.6. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither IG nor Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both IG 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, IG 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.
IG lists maximum leverage of 1:1, 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 IG 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.
IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS).
Interactive Brokers offers commission-free stock trading while IG 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.
IG 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.
