IGvs
RobinhoodStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits IG's broad, regulation-heavy, multi-asset offering against Robinhood's streamlined, commission-free mobile trading. The tension centers on cost, access to international markets, and long-term investing features.
Our Verdict
IG winsClear Winner
IG is the overall winner on editorial score, and it offers a broader multi-asset platform that includes stocks, options, and bonds.
IG
4.5/5
Robinhood
3.8/5
Key Differences
- 1Exchanges covered: IG lists 30 global exchanges; Robinhood has 2.
- 2Fractional shares: Robinhood supports fractional shares; IG does not.
- 3ISA wrapper: IG offers a Stocks & Shares ISA; Robinhood does not.
Who should choose IG vs Robinhood?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
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
Robinhood is best for low cost trading due to commission-free trades.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
IG vs Robinhood: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £12/month (after 24 months) | None |
| Deposit fee | Free |
IG vs Robinhood 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 Robinhood: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
5
IG
criteria wins
3
Robinhood
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | IG | 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 | Pass | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
IG vs Robinhood: Frequently Asked Questions
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 3.8/5 for Robinhood. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
IG starts from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for Robinhood. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
IG requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Robinhood.
Both IG 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, 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 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.
IG supports TradingView, ProRealTime, MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Robinhood supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. IG has exclusive access to TradingView and ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4.
Robinhood 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.
