Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of ActivTrades vs RoboForex, 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.
ActivTrades, established in 2001, and RoboForex, founded in 2009, are both notable players in the online brokerage sector, though they differ in their regulatory standings. Neither is publicly traded or operates as a bank. However, when it comes to regulatory credentials, ActivTrades appears to have the edge, holding two Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license. This contributes to its Trust Score rating of 81, positioning it in the "trusted" category according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, RoboForex holds one Tier-1 license and lacks Tier-2 licenses. This places it in the "average risk" category with a Trust Score of 73. While both brokers offer unique features and services, those particular about regulatory assurance might find ActivTrades' higher Trust Score and more comprehensive licensing to be more reassuring.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2001 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
When comparing the commissions and fees between ActivTrades and RoboForex, ActivTrades generally offers better spreads than RoboForex, though they still aren't the best among low-cost forex brokers. ActivTrades provides a variety of account options including an Individual Account, a Professional Account for those seeking lower margin requirements, and an Islamic Account for Sharia compliance. Despite this variety, there is no specific account tailored for high-volume traders, and spreads are consistent across account types. When trading the popular EUR/USD pair, ActivTrades averages a spread of 0.98 pips, which can change depending on market conditions.
RoboForex, on the other hand, has higher average spreads for the EUR/USD, coming in at 1.3 pips on Procent and Pro accounts. Similar to ActivTrades, spreads can fluctuate during different trading periods. While offering a variety of account types and platforms, RoboForex still falls short in terms of cost-effectiveness compared to ActivTrades, especially for traders looking to minimize fees when trading major currency pairs.
In terms of ratings, ActivTrades scores a respectable 4 out of 5 stars for commissions and fees, ranking it 28th out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. RoboForex earns a slightly lower rating of 3.5 stars and is ranked 54th in the same category. For those prioritizing lower commissions and fees, ActivTrades has an edge over RoboForex.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.3 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing ActivTrades and RoboForex on the basis of available investments, several distinct features stand out. Both brokers offer forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, catering to traders looking for flexible currency trading options. RoboForex outshines ActivTrades in terms of overall tradeable symbols, providing access to 8400 symbols compared to ActivTrades' 1267. However, ActivTrades offers a more extensive selection of tradeable forex pairs, with 49 options versus RoboForex's 28. Neither broker provides exchange-traded securities from U.S. exchanges, but ActivTrades allows clients to purchase international exchange traded securities like shares of Vodafone on the London Stock Exchange, which RoboForex does not offer.
In terms of additional features, both brokers have copy trading capabilities and offer cryptocurrency derivatives, while neither supports buying actual cryptocurrencies. Despite ActivTrades' broader range of forex pairs and access to international stocks, its offering is rated 4 stars in the Range of Investments category. RoboForex, on the other hand, scores slightly higher with a 4.5-star rating, perhaps due to its vast array of tradeable symbols. In rankings from ForexBrokers.com, ActivTrades is placed at #31, while RoboForex holds a more favorable position at #20, indicating a more comprehensive investment offering overall.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1267 | 8400 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 49 | 28 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| 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.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools offered by ActivTrades and RoboForex, both brokers appeal to traders with varied needs. ActivTrades stands out with its proprietary platform developed in-house, providing a unique option alongside popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Both brokers offer convenient Windows-based desktop and web-based trading platforms, along with the ability to engage in copy trading. While neither service provides DupliTrade or ZuluTrade, both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts, enhancing user experience. For technical traders, both ActivTrades and RoboForex support paper trading with free virtual demo accounts, making them attractive for strategy testing. However, ActivTrades offers a slightly richer experience with 11 fields for watch lists compared to RoboForex's 7.
In terms of charting tools, both ActivTrades and RoboForex offer 15 drawing tools, though the specific number of technical indicators each provides is not explicitly stated. ActivTrades edges out with a higher ranking of #30 out of 62 brokers for Trading Platforms and Tools, compared to RoboForex's #43 ranking, based on the evaluation by ForexBrokers.com. Both received a 4-star rating, showcasing their strengths in offering versatile trading options. Whether choosing ActivTrades or RoboForex, traders can find reliable tools and platforms to cater to a range of trading preferences.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| 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 | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both ActivTrades and RoboForex have gained popularity among traders for their comprehensive features. Both platforms offer user-friendly iPhone and Android apps with the essential functions like stock and forex price alerts, as well as the ability to draw trend lines on charts. With 30 technical studies each, these apps cater to those who rely heavily on technical analysis for informed trading decisions. Traders will appreciate the ability to view various time frames, whether daily, weekly, or intraday. Additionally, the feature to auto-save drawings on charts ensures that you won't lose your technical analysis data.
While both brokers offer the ability to create a watchlist with real-time quotes, neither provides watchlist symbol syncing between the mobile app and online account. Ratings for mobile trading apps give ActivTrades and RoboForex an equal score of 4 out of 5 stars. However, ForexBrokers.com ranks ActivTrades higher at #19, compared to RoboForex at #43 out of 62 brokers. This ranking indicates ActivTrades might edge out in overall user satisfaction and functionality, making it a strong contender for traders seeking reliable mobile trading solutions.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | 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.
Both ActivTrades and RoboForex provide daily market commentary and deliver forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. However, a key distinction between the two is in their research tools. ActivTrades stands out by offering a sentiment-based trading tool, which gives traders insights into long and short positions across currency pairs. This feature supplements their offering, helping ActivTrades earn a research rating of 4 out of 5 stars, ranking them 30th among 62 brokers in the research category. In contrast, RoboForex does not offer a sentiment-based tool but includes research resources from Trading Central and Acuity Trading, giving them a slightly lower research rating of 3.5 stars and a ranking of 37th.
Both brokers compete by providing economic calendars that highlight vital global news events, facilitating traders to stay informed of market shifts. Yet, the absence of Autochartist tech analysis tools across the board levels the playing field somewhat. Although each has its distinct strengths, ActivTrades' higher rating reflects its emphasis on sentiment data analytics, while RoboForex appeals with a diversified range of research tools from established companies. Ultimately, the choice between these brokers might hinge on whether a trader values sentiment insights over a variety of analytical resources.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | Yes |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, ActivTrades stands out compared to RoboForex. ActivTrades offers over ten educational pieces focusing on forex or CFDs, encompassing articles, videos, and a library of archived webinars. The platform further supports learning through monthly online webinars, all of which are archived for easy access. This thorough approach in providing beginner and advanced educational videos ensures that both novice and experienced traders have access to a wealth of information to enhance their trading skills.
In contrast, RoboForex falls short in several areas. It lacks the volume of educational content focused specifically on forex or CFDs, and does not provide monthly webinars or a searchable archive of webinars for clients to refer back to. The absence of both beginner and advanced educational videos limits the learning opportunities for traders at various skill levels. Consequently, ActivTrades earns a commendable 4-star rating for education, outperforming RoboForex’s 3.5-star rating. Ranking-wise, ActivTrades is positioned at 38 out of 62 brokers in the Education category by ForexBrokers.com, whereas RoboForex is further down the list at 56.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that ActivTrades is better than RoboForex. ActivTrades finished with an overall rank of #33, while RoboForex finished with an overall rank of #46.
ActivTrades is a long-standing brand that offers a proprietary trading platform, ActivTrader, and support for the award-winning TradingView and MetaTrader (MT4 and MT5) platforms. ActivTrades also delivers a selection of custom add-ons, indicators, and trading tools for traders who prefer to use MetaTrader. Drawbacks for trading with ActivTrades include a smaller selection of tradeable symbols and fewer educational resources than what’s available from the best forex brokers.
| Feature |
ActivTrades
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RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 81 | 73 |
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Both ActivTrades and RoboForex allow traders to buy cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither platform offers the ability to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency.
In comparing online brokers ActivTrades and RoboForex, RoboForex stands out by offering ACH and SEPA transfers, as well as PayPal for deposits and withdrawals—options not available with ActivTrades—while both platforms provide similar services via Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires.
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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2 of 5| Overall Rating | ActivTrades | RoboForex | |
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| Trust Score | 81 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | ActivTrades Review | RoboForex Review |
| Broker Screenshots | ActivTrades | RoboForex | |
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| Regulation | ActivTrades | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 81 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 2001 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | ActivTrades | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | ActivTrades | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ActivTrades | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1267 | 8400 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 49 | 28 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | ActivTrades | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.3 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | ActivTrades | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | ActivTrades | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| 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 | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | ActivTrades | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | ActivTrades | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | 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 | ActivTrades | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | ActivTrades | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | ActivTrades | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ActivTrades Review | RoboForex Review |
| Overall | ActivTrades | RoboForex | |
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| Trust Score | 81 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | ActivTrades Review | RoboForex Review |
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