Two brokers clash over platform depth and regulatory strength. The matchup tests global reach against long-standing credibility.
ThinkMarkets edges Windsor Brokers on overall editorial score (3.8 vs 3.4), underpinned by stronger Trust & Regulation and Platforms & Tools.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
Choose ThinkMarkets for 24/5 live chat support, access to 12 exchanges, and a proprietary platform.
Choose Windsor Brokers if…
Choose Windsor Brokers if you value CySEC regulation with ICF compensation and a 35+ year operating history.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
ThinkMarkets holds FCA and ASIC regulation with a strong dual Tier 1 profile.
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 3.4/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0.4 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot▼ lower | $8/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ThinkMarkets | 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 |
The scores are close: ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5 and Windsor Brokers rates 3.4/5. ThinkMarkets 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.
Windsor Brokers lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with ThinkMarkets's 0.4. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
ThinkMarkets has no minimum deposit, while Windsor Brokers requires at least $100. This makes ThinkMarkets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ThinkMarkets 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: ThinkMarkets has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ThinkMarkets lists maximum leverage of 20:1, 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.
ThinkMarkets charges $7 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.
ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Windsor Brokers supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
Neither ThinkMarkets 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 ThinkMarkets and Windsor Brokers are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
ThinkMarkets provides MT4/MT5 and ThinkTrader with 12 exchanges, supporting active trading.
ThinkMarkets has a $0 minimum deposit and mobile-friendly platforms for new users.
ThinkMarkets offers 12 exchanges and 3,000+ share CFDs across major markets.
ThinkMarkets offers tighter ThinkZero spreads with commission, potentially lowering costs for active traders.
Windsor Brokers wins due to 35+ years operating history offering stability for long-term traders.
| 1.1 pips |
| 0.8 pips▼ lower |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| 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 | FCA ASIC FSCA JFSA | CySEC FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
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