Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of BlackBull Markets vs ActivTrades, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
BlackBull Markets, founded in 2014, operates as a private online brokerage but is not listed on any stock exchange. While it is not a bank, the broker holds one Tier-1 license, marking it as highly trusted within the industry. However, with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 78, BlackBull Markets falls in the average risk category. This might be an important consideration for traders looking for a more secure platform, especially since the company does not possess any Tier-2 licenses.
Established in 2001, ActivTrades is likewise a private operating online broker and is not publicly traded or a bank. The company stands out with two Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license, reflecting a significant trust level within the industry. Boasting a Trust Score of 81 on ForexBrokers.com, ActivTrades is classified as a trusted broker, offering traders additional assurance. This comparison shows that, while both brokers are not publicly listed or banks, ActivTrades holds a slight edge in trustworthiness based on license holdings and trust score.
| Feature |
BlackBull Markets
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2001 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
When it comes to comparing commissions and fees at BlackBull Markets and ActivTrades, BlackBull Markets offers varying costs depending on the account type chosen. The Prime account at BlackBull Markets is advantageous with an average spread of 0.16 pips on EUR/USD and a total cost of 0.76 pips when factoring in a commission of $6 per 10,000 traded. While the Standard account is commission-free, it features higher spreads. More exclusive options are available with the ECN Institutional account, requiring a minimum deposit of $20,000 and lower commission rates. BlackBull Markets has earned a rating of 4.5 stars for commissions and fees, ranking 18th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
ActivTrades, on the other hand, generally offers spreads that are slightly better than the industry average but not as competitive as the top low-cost forex brokers. With an Individual Account option as its main offering, ActivTrades’ commissions and fees are influenced by the specific assets traded. While spreads remain consistent across account types, the EUR/USD average spread stood at 0.98 pips in May 2024. Notably, ActivTrades lacks account options specifically for high-volume traders or active trader pricing. For its pricing structure, ActivTrades received a 4-star rating and was ranked 28th by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
BlackBull Markets
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | 0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.71 | 0.98 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.71 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Choosing the right online broker can be crucial for investors looking for variety and adaptability in their portfolios. BlackBull Markets and ActivTrades offer forex trading both as CFDs and spot contracts, but they differ significantly when it comes to their overall tradeable symbols. BlackBull Markets boasts an extensive portfolio with 26,000 symbols available for trading, compared to ActivTrades' 1,267. This considerable difference is also evident in their tradeable forex pairs, with BlackBull Markets offering 72 pairs while ActivTrades offers 49. Furthermore, investors looking to trade exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges will find BlackBull Markets more accommodating, as ActivTrades does not offer this option. Both brokers, however, provide exchange-traded securities on international exchanges.
Both BlackBull Markets and ActivTrades support copy trading, catering to those who might prefer an automated investment approach. When it comes to cryptocurrency derivatives, both brokers allow trading these instruments, however, neither offers the ability to buy and hold actual cryptocurrencies. According to ForexBrokers.com, for Range of Investments, BlackBull Markets impressively holds a ranking of #6 out of 62 brokers and receives a five-star rating. ActivTrades, while reliable, ranks at #31 with a four-star rating. This reflects BlackBull Markets' broader range of available investments, appealing to a wider variety of investment strategies and preferences.
| Feature |
BlackBull Markets
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 26000 | 1267 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 72 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
BlackBull Markets and ActivTrades are both popular online brokers offering a comprehensive range of trading platforms and tools suitable for diverse trading needs. Both brokers provide traders with the ability to engage in simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, which are ideal for practicing strategies without financial risk. Although BlackBull Markets does not have a proprietary trading platform, ActivTrades has developed its own in-house platform that adds a personalized touch to their offerings. Both brokers support Windows-based desktop platforms, web-based platforms, and the renowned MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, providing flexibility and choice for traders across different devices. Copy trading enthusiasts can also find features available on both platforms, with BlackBull Markets further standing out with its integration of ZuluTrade. However, neither broker offers DupliTrade.
Charting capabilities show varied offerings between the two; BlackBull Markets boasts more drawing tools, with 60 choices compared to ActivTrades’ 15. Both platforms allow users to trade directly from stock charts, enhancing user experience through streamlined processes. When it comes to watch list customization, ActivTrades offers more options with 11 fields available, while BlackBull Markets provides six. Despite these differences, both brokers have earned a four-star rating out of five for their trading platforms and tools and hold competitive positions in ForexBrokers.com rankings, with BlackBull Markets coming in at #29 and ActivTrades closely following at #30 out of 62 brokers. Whether you prioritize a proprietary platform or a wider selection of drawing tools, both brokers offer valuable resources for traders of all levels.
| Feature |
BlackBull Markets
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 109 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 60 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 6 | 11 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both BlackBull Markets and ActivTrades provide mobile trading apps available for iPhone and Android devices, allowing traders to engage on the go. In terms of features, both apps support stock and forex price alerts, multiple time frames, and the ability to draw trendlines and save these drawings automatically. Users can also create watchlists with real-time quotes on both platforms. However, a key difference lies in watchlist synchronization. While BlackBull Markets ensures seamless syncing of watchlists across devices, ActivTrades lacks this functionality, which might inconvenience traders who frequently switch between their mobile apps and online accounts.
In terms of charting, both BlackBull Markets and ActivTrades offer 30 technical studies, providing users with comprehensive tools for analysis. Users rate both apps favorably, each earning 4 out of 5 stars for their mobile trading capabilities. Despite their similarities, ActivTrades is positioned slightly higher in rankings by ForexBrokers.com, rated at #19 out of 62 brokers, compared to BlackBull Markets’ ranking at #31. This subtle variance might guide users seeking a well-ranked solution for mobile trading needs. Nevertheless, both platforms deliver essential features for traders looking to manage their investments from mobile devices efficiently.
| Feature |
BlackBull Markets
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing BlackBull Markets and ActivTrades for market research capabilities, both platforms offer daily market commentary and a sentiment-based trading tool to gauge the market mood. However, ActivTrades differentiates itself by providing forex news from reputable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, whereas BlackBull Markets does not. On the other hand, BlackBull Markets scores with technical analysis tools from Autochartist, a feature that ActivTrades lacks.
Both brokers offer economic calendars to keep traders informed of global events. Despite both receiving a rating of 4 stars for research, BlackBull Markets holds a slightly higher position at #18 compared to ActivTrades at #30 in the ForexBrokers.com rankings out of 62 brokers. Neither broker utilizes research tools from companies like Trading Central or Acuity Trading, leaving room for further advancements in their research offerings.
| Feature |
BlackBull Markets
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginner traders, both BlackBull Markets and ActivTrades offer a comprehensive selection to help newcomers get started in forex and CFD trading. Each platform provides over ten educational pieces including articles, videos, and archived webinars, so there’s plenty of content to explore. Both brokers also host monthly educational webinars, which are archived for future viewing, giving traders the flexibility to learn at their own pace. Beginner traders will find at least ten videos on each platform, designed to break down trading concepts into easy-to-understand segments.
While BlackBull Markets and ActivTrades both feature advanced educational videos for seasoned traders, they differ slightly in other areas. BlackBull Markets includes an investor dictionary with definitions for over 50 investing terms, providing newcomers with quick reference to financial jargon, a feature not offered by ActivTrades. Despite this distinction, both brokers are rated four stars for education, showing they are solid choices for educational resources. However, BlackBull Markets holds a slight edge in rankings with a position of 29 out of 62 brokers, compared to ActivTrades' ranking at 38.
| Feature |
BlackBull Markets
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that BlackBull Markets is better than ActivTrades. BlackBull Markets finished with an overall rank of #24, while ActivTrades finished with an overall rank of #33.
BlackBull Markets is a plain-vanilla MetaTrader broker with a growing range of products and support for a handful of third-party social copy trading platforms.
| Feature |
BlackBull Markets
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 78 | 81 |
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Both BlackBull Markets and ActivTrades enable the purchase of cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither platform offers the option to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency.
In comparing online brokers BlackBull Markets and ActivTrades regarding fund deposit and withdrawal options, both do not support ACH or SEPA transfers, nor do they offer PayPal; however, both brokers are equipped with Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire options.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | BlackBull Markets | ActivTrades | |
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| Trust Score | 78 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | BlackBull Markets Review | ActivTrades Review |
| Broker Screenshots | BlackBull Markets | ActivTrades | |
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| Regulation | BlackBull Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 78 | 81 | |
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2001 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | BlackBull Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | BlackBull Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | BlackBull Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 26000 | 1267 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 72 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | BlackBull Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.71 | 0.98 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.71 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | BlackBull Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | 0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | BlackBull Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | Yes | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | BlackBull Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 6 | 11 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 109 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 60 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | BlackBull Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | BlackBull Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | BlackBull Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | BlackBull Markets | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | BlackBull Markets Review | ActivTrades Review |
| Overall | BlackBull Markets | ActivTrades | |
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| Trust Score | 78 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | BlackBull Markets Review | ActivTrades Review |
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