Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Tickmill 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.
Tickmill and ActivTrades are dynamic players in the online brokerage market, each showcasing robust regulatory frameworks to ensure trader confidence. Founded in 2014, Tickmill is a relatively new entrant, whereas ActivTrades has been established since 2001. Both brokers are not publicly traded nor operate as banks, providing similar market opportunities without the complications of bank-backed pressures. Trust plays a pivotal role when choosing a broker; Tickmill holds an impressive ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 86, while ActivTrades is not far behind with a score of 81, placing both in the trusted category.
Delving into their regulatory setups, Tickmill and ActivTrades each possess two Tier-1 licenses, a testament to their commitment to securing high trust from their clientele. While Tickmill boasts two Tier-2 licenses, ActivTrades maintains one, still aligning itself with trusted standards. These licenses underpin each broker's focus on safeguarding trader interests, ensuring that both newcomers and experienced traders can navigate their platforms with confidence.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2001 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
When it comes to comparing commissions and fees between online brokers, Tickmill stands out for its competitive rates, especially on its Raw account. Although Tickmill increased its commission to $3 per side, the broker still maintains a favorable position for active traders, thanks to low average spreads. The Classic account offers a straightforward commission-free option, with costs tied solely to the bid/ask spread, averaging 1.76 pips as of August 2023. For those utilizing the Raw account, Tickmill provides a low-cost entry with competitive spreads, making it attractive despite the recent fee adjustment. Rated 5 stars and ranked 4th out of 62 brokers for commissions and fees, Tickmill is a perennial favorite among active traders seeking cost-effective trading conditions.
Meanwhile, ActivTrades offers spread rates that are better than the industry average but don't quite reach the most competitive tier among low-cost forex brokers. The Individual Account serves as its primary option, accompanied by Professional and Islamic accounts. Unlike Tickmill, ActivTrades does not cater specifically to high-volume traders or provide active trader pricing, which may limit its appeal to more budget-conscious traders. The broker's spreads, though reasonable, average around 0.98 pips for EUR/USD, with variations occurring during peak hours. Regardless of account type, ActivTrades maintains consistent spreads across its offerings.
Ultimately, while both brokers present viable options depending on trading needs, Tickmill takes the edge for those prioritizing low fees, boasting a 5-star rating and ranking 4th in the Commissions and Fees category. ActivTrades, holding a 4-star rating and a 28th rank in the same category, can be suitable for those looking for solid spreads without the commitment to a high-volume trading account.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | 0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | 0.98 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | 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.
When comparing the investment options at Tickmill and ActivTrades, both brokers offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts. However, they differ significantly in their range of tradeable symbols and forex pairs. Tickmill provides 725 tradeable symbols and 63 forex pairs, whereas ActivTrades offers a wider selection with 1,267 symbols and 49 forex pairs. In terms of exchange-traded securities, neither broker allows investing in U.S. stocks, but ActivTrades does offer trading in international stocks, unlike Tickmill.
Both brokers support copy trading and offer cryptocurrency derivatives rather than actual cryptocurrencies. Despite Tickmill providing a fair range of investment opportunities, it is rated 3.5 stars for its range of investments and ranks #42 among 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. ActivTrades ranks higher with 4 stars and holds the #31 position, highlighting its broader spectrum of investment choices.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 1267 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of Tickmill and ActivTrades, both brokers offer traders comprehensive options suited for various trading styles and preferences. Tickmill and ActivTrades both support simulated trading, allowing users to practice using a free virtual demo account. They each provide popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms and have Windows-based desktop and web-based platforms available. While both brokers offer copy trading, neither supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade. Notably, ActivTrades provides its proprietary platform, whereas Tickmill does not. Both brokers allow users to trade directly from stock charts and offer 15 drawing tools for charting, although they do not specify the exact number of technical indicators available.
In terms of features for watch lists, Tickmill offers seven columns, while ActivTrades provides eleven, highlighting a larger scope for customization on ActivTrades. Rated four out of five stars each for their trading platforms and tools, Tickmill and ActivTrades are closely matched in user satisfaction. Based on rankings by ForexBrokers.com, Tickmill is placed at number 32 while ActivTrades stands slightly ahead at number 30 out of 62 brokers. Despite these rankings, both platforms offer solid features that cater well to both new and experienced traders.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
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 | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 11 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Tickmill and ActivTrades both offer mobile trading apps compatible with iPhone and Android devices, appealing to traders on the go. Both apps feature essential tools such as stock and forex price alerts, and the ability to create a watchlist with real-time quotes. Although neither Tickmill nor ActivTrades support watchlist symbol syncing, both boast an array of 30 technical studies for charting, alongside functionality to draw trendlines and view different time frames like daily, weekly, or intraday. Notably, any drawings made on charts in both platforms are automatically saved, enhancing the trading experience.
Despite their similarities, there are notable distinctions between the two. Tickmill and ActivTrades share an identical rating of 4 stars for their mobile trading apps. However, they diverge in rankings with ForexBrokers.com, where Tickmill holds the #32 spot while ActivTrades ranks higher at #19 out of 62 brokers. This ranking may influence traders who prioritize a mobile app experience in their decision-making process. Whether you choose Tickmill or ActivTrades, both platforms provide a comprehensive suite of features to support your trading activities.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| 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.
When comparing the market research offerings of Tickmill and ActivTrades, both brokers provide daily market commentary and deliver forex news from prominent sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. They also share sentiment-based trading tools that gauge market positioning. However, neither Tickmill nor ActivTrades includes technical analysis or fundamental research tools from Autochartist or Trading Central, nor do they offer market research from TipRanks.
Notably, Tickmill edges ahead by offering research tools from Acuity Trading, such as Signal Centre, a feature absent from ActivTrades. Both brokers provide an economic calendar showcasing key global events. Both are rated 4 stars for research, yet Tickmill is ranked 22nd out of 62 on ForexBrokers.com, whereas ActivTrades places at 30th, highlighting a slight edge in research position for Tickmill.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginner traders, both Tickmill and ActivTrades offer a comprehensive selection that includes over 10 educational pieces, such as articles and videos focused on forex and CFDs. Each platform supports learning with monthly webinars and maintains a searchable archive of recorded sessions. Both brokers also provide more than 10 educational videos specifically crafted for beginners, as well as advanced videos tailored for seasoned investors.
While both Tickmill and ActivTrades deliver quality educational content and share similar educational star ratings of 4 out of 5, Tickmill goes a step further by offering an investor dictionary with over 50 investing terms, a feature missing from ActivTrades. In terms of industry ranking for educational offerings, Tickmill holds the 15th position according to ForexBrokers.com, significantly ahead of ActivTrades, which is ranked 38th out of 62 brokers. This indicates that while both platforms provide a solid foundation for beginner traders, Tickmill may have a slight edge in educational resources.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
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 Tickmill is better than ActivTrades. Tickmill finished with an overall rank of #22, while ActivTrades finished with an overall rank of #33.
Tickmill is a run-of-the-mill MetaTrader broker that offers a limited selection of tradeable securities. The broker does offer very competitive commission-based pricing for professionals through its VIP and Pro accounts.
| Feature |
Tickmill
|
ActivTrades
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 81 |
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Both Tickmill and ActivTrades do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they do provide options for buying cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers Tickmill and ActivTrades in terms of deposit and withdrawal options, both do not support ACH or SEPA transfers, while Tickmill distinguishes itself by offering PayPal, a feature ActivTrades lacks; both brokers support Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transfers for account funding transactions.
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 | Tickmill | ActivTrades | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review | ActivTrades Review |
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| Regulation | Tickmill | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 81 | |
| Year Founded | 2014 | 2001 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Tickmill | 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) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Tickmill | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Tickmill | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 725 | 1267 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 63 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 | Tickmill | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.51 | 0.98 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.31 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Tickmill | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | 0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | 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 | Tickmill | 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 | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Tickmill | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 11 | |
| 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 | Tickmill | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Tickmill | ActivTrades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Tickmill | 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 | Tickmill | 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 | Tickmill Review | ActivTrades Review |
| Overall | Tickmill | ActivTrades | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Tickmill Review | ActivTrades Review |
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