This comparison pits Interactive Brokers' expansive market access and advanced platform against Windsor Brokers' CySEC-regulated, regionally focused offering.
Interactive Brokers is the editorial winner over Windsor Brokers, with a higher score and broader market access. Its broader market access and regulation underpin the edge.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want IPO access and global market reach across 150 exchanges. You also get extended trading hours.
Choose Windsor Brokers if…
Choose Windsor Brokers if you prefer MT4/MT5 trading platforms. You also get ICF compensation coverage up to EUR 20,000 under CySEC oversight.
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 commissions and the commission-free US option.
| Editorial score | 4.8/ 5 | 3.4/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0.2 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | $2/lot▼ lower | $8/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Interactive Brokers | Windsor Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Fail |
| IPO access | Pass | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Interactive Brokers is the stronger choice: it rates 4.8/5 versus 3.4/5 for Windsor Brokers, a gap that reflects clear differences across regulation, fees, and platform quality in our review.
Windsor Brokers lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with Interactive Brokers's 0.2. 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 Windsor Brokers requires at least $100. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Interactive Brokers and Windsor 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 Windsor Brokers provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Interactive Brokers lists maximum leverage of 1:4, while Windsor Brokers lists up to 500:1. 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, lower than Windsor Brokers's $8 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Windsor Brokers supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS) and Proprietary Web/Mobile. Windsor Brokers has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
Interactive Brokers offers commission-free stock trading while Windsor Brokers 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.
Windsor Brokers 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 is stronger on regulation with SEC, FINRA, FCA and other Tier 1 bodies.
Interactive Brokers supports fractional shares and dividend reinvestment, aiding long-term investing.
Interactive Brokers wins for active traders due to low commissions and broad market access.
Windsor Brokers is best for beginners because MT4/MT5 platforms are familiar to new traders.
Interactive Brokers leads global market access with 150 exchanges.
| 0.4 pips▼ lower |
| 0.8 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferACH | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferACH | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | First withdrawal/month free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | Yes | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | Yes | No |
|---|
| IPO access | Yes | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | JFSA IIROC DFSA FCA CNB CMVM CNV ASIC AMF SEC MFSA SFC SEBI CBI CMF NFA FSC FINRA | CySEC FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS) Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
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