Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of ATFX vs iFOREX, 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.
ATFX and iFOREX are two online brokers that serve clients globally, each with its unique background and level of regulatory compliance. Founded in 2017, ATFX is a relatively newer player compared to iFOREX, which has been in operation since 1996. Neither company is publicly traded nor operates as a bank, focusing solely on brokerage services. However, when it comes to trust ratings and regulatory licenses, there are notable differences. ATFX holds an impressive number of four Tier-1 licenses and two additional Tier-2 licenses, contributing to its solid Trust Score of 85 as evaluated by ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, iFOREX holds just one Tier-1 license and does not possess any Tier-2 licenses, resulting in a Trust Score of 75, which indicates a higher investment risk compared to ATFX. These trust scores reflect their respective standings with ForexBrokers.com, where ATFX is rated as a trusted broker, while iFOREX holds an average risk rating. This trust score provides potential investors with an important perspective on each broker's credibility and regulatory standing.
| Feature |
ATFX
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2017 | 1996 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When examining the commissions and fees of online brokers ATFX and iFOREX, both firms present different aspects for potential investors to consider. ATFX holds a 3-star rating for its commissions and fees. It's ranked 59th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com for its cost structure. Unfortunately, ATFX does not provide average spread data, making it difficult for traders to estimate potential trading costs precisely.
Similarly, iFOREX also garners a 3-star rating for its commissions and fees. It's positioned just below ATFX at 60th place out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Like ATFX, iFOREX does not release average spread information, which can add an element of uncertainty for those wanting a clear picture of trading expenses upfront.
Even though both ATFX and iFOREX share the same star rating and lack average spread data, their close but differing ranks in the commission and fees category may help investors decide which broker aligns better with their financial strategies and expectations. Evaluating these elements can guide traders to make an informed choice based on their trading needs and budget.
| Feature |
ATFX
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $500 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| 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 ATFX and iFOREX for their range of investments, both platforms facilitate forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts. However, iFOREX offers a significantly wider selection of tradeable symbols, with 750 options compared to ATFX's 150. In terms of forex pairs, iFOREX again provides more variety with 88 pairs available, doubling the 44 pairs offered by ATFX. While neither broker provides access to exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, both do include cryptocurrency derivatives in their offerings.
ATFX distinguishes itself by offering copy trading, a feature not available with iFOREX. Despite the broader range of symbols and forex pairs offered by iFOREX, both are rated 3.5 stars for their investment range. However, iFOREX ranks higher in the Range of Investments category at #41 out of 62 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com, whereas ATFX falls behind at #57. For investors seeking a larger variety of forex pairs and symbols, iFOREX might be more appealing, while those interested in copy trading could find ATFX more suitable.
| Feature |
ATFX
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 150 | 750 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 44 | 88 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| 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 ATFX and iFOREX, several differences emerge. ATFX enables simulated trading through a free demo account, providing newcomers with the chance to practice before committing real funds, a feature missing with iFOREX. On top of this, ATFX uses popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and 5 for both desktop and web, offering flexibility and choice to its clients. Although lacking a proprietary platform, ATFX supports copy trading, a useful feature for those interested in mirroring expert trades. iFOREX, meanwhile, prides itself on a proprietary platform, accessible via the web, tailored specifically to its user base. However, users may note the absence of a Windows-based downloadable trading option and copy trading capabilities. By contrast, iFOREX excels in charting tools, offering 25 drawing tools compared to ATFX's 15.
Feature sets are crucial in deciding the right broker, and both ATFX and iFOREX have their strengths. While ATFX provides trading directly from stock charts and a clear, structured watch list with seven columns, iFOREX offers nine watch list columns for more detailed tracking. Despite its diverse platform offerings, ATFX receives a modest rating of 3.5 stars for Trading Platforms and Tools, ranked 61st among 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. iFOREX, offering fewer platform options but a well-rated in-house solution, gets 4 stars and is ranked 54th, indicating a slightly higher industry standing for its platform and tools. The decision between ATFX and iFOREX may ultimately depend on individual preference for specific features like demo accounts, proprietary systems, or advanced charting tools.
| Feature |
ATFX
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | No |
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 57 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 25 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 9 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of ATFX and iFOREX, both platforms offer iPhone and Android applications, providing easy access for traders on the go. ATFX stands out by providing price alerts for stocks and forex, a feature that iFOREX lacks. While both apps allow the creation of watchlists, ATFX enhances this experience with real-time quotes. However, neither ATFX nor iFOREX offers watchlist symbol syncing, which means any changes made on the app won't automatically update on the client's online account.
ATFX offers users the ability to draw trendlines and view charts across multiple time frames, with all drawings auto-saving for convenience. In contrast, iFOREX does not support these functionalities. Despite ATFX providing these additional charting tools, it only offers seven technical studies and earns a slightly lower user rating of 3.5 stars compared to iFOREX's 4 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com rankings, ATFX sits at #62 while iFOREX is at #55 out of 62 brokers, indicating iFOREX's general favorability despite missing some advanced features found in ATFX's app.
| Feature |
ATFX
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 7 | N/A |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research capabilities of ATFX and iFOREX, both brokers offer daily market commentary and economic calendars to help traders stay informed about global news events. However, neither provides forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg or Reuters. While both ATFX and iFOREX incorporate technical analysis tools from Trading Central, only ATFX includes additional analysis tools from Autochartist, offering more options for traders seeking detailed technical insights. On the other hand, iFOREX stands out by providing a sentiment-based trading tool, which gives traders a unique perspective on market positions, a feature ATFX lacks.
In terms of overall research quality, iFOREX holds a slight edge with a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, compared to ATFX's 3-star rating. Ranking among 62 brokers, iFOREX is positioned at #48, while ATFX lags behind at #54, according to ForexBrokers.com. These ratings and rankings reflect the subtle differences in the research tools and features each broker offers, which can influence a trader’s decision based on their specific needs and trading strategies.
| Feature |
ATFX
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | 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, ATFX and iFOREX offer distinct options. ATFX delivers more than 10 pieces of educational content, including articles, videos, and archived webinars focusing on forex and CFDs. It also provides a useful searchable archive of past webinars and a comprehensive investor dictionary with over 50 terms explained. Though both platforms cater to beginners with at least 10 educational videos on trading topics, ATFX does not host live monthly webinars or offer advanced trading videos, which is similar to iFOREX. However, iFOREX lacks an archive of past webinars and an investor dictionary, which are available with ATFX. This might make ATFX a more resourceful choice for beginners who prefer extensive educational content and tools at their fingertips.
Despite these differences, iFOREX receives a slightly higher rating of 3.5 stars for education compared to ATFX's 3 stars. This rating reflects the varied opinions and reviews from users. Interestingly, ATFX ranks 28th out of 62 brokers in the Education category by ForexBrokers.com, while iFOREX stands at the 53rd position. This highlights a divergence in how educational resources are valued and perceived on each platform. Beginners looking for a broker with a wider range of educational material might find ATFX more appealing, whereas those looking at user satisfaction ratings might consider iFOREX. Both platforms offer foundational educational resources for beginners, yet their strengths differ in scale and focus.
| Feature |
ATFX
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | No |
| 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 ATFX is better than iFOREX. ATFX finished with an overall rank of #51, while iFOREX finished with an overall rank of #52.
ATFX primarily offers the MetaTrader platform suite from its regulated brands in the EU via Cyprus, and the UK, as well as its offshore entity in Mauritius. ATFX has made progress although still trails behind the best brokers when it comes to the range of investment products it offers and the available trading platforms.
| Feature |
ATFX
|
iFOREX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Trust Score | 85 | 75 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
| Commissions & Fees |
|
|
| Platform & Tools |
|
|
| Research |
|
|
| Mobile Trading |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
Both ATFX and iFOREX provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither platform offers the ability to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies.
While both ATFX and iFOREX support Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options for depositing or withdrawing funds, only iFOREX offers PayPal as a method, whereas neither supports ACH or SEPA transfers.
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.
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platform & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 85 | 75 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review |
| Broker Screenshots | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Research Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
| Regulation | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 85 | 75 | |
| Year Founded | 2017 | 1996 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | Yes | 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 | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 150 | 750 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 44 | 88 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| 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 | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $500 | $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 | No |
| Trading Platforms | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | No | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 9 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 57 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 25 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | No |
| Mobile Trading | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 7 | N/A | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Overall | ATFX | iFOREX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platform & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 85 | 75 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review |
IG
CMC Markets
FOREX.com
XTB
eToro
AvaTrade
Plus500
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill