Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Octa vs ATFX, 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.
Both Octa and ATFX were established in the 2010s, with Octa starting in 2011 and ATFX in 2017. Neither of these brokers is a publicly traded company or affiliated with a bank, offering pure online trading options. When it comes to regulatory strength, ATFX stands out with four Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, indicating a strong level of trust. Octa, on the other hand, holds one each of Tier-1 and Tier-2 licenses, which positions it at a moderate level of trust within the industry.
According to ForexBrokers.com's Trust Score, ATFX scores an 85 out of 99, categorizing it as a trusted broker. In contrast, Octa receives a score of 72, placing it in the average risk category. These scores reflect their standing in terms of customer confidence and regulatory oversight, with ATFX generally being seen as a more reliable option for traders seeking a higher level of regulatory assurance.
| Feature |
Octa
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2011 | 2017 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When it comes to commissions and fees, Octa has made significant strides and is now closely competing with some of the lowest-cost MetaTrader brokers. With a commendable claim of no slippage on 97.5% of its executed orders and no overnight carry costs, Octa presents a competitive pricing structure. However, it implements certain restrictions that may affect high-frequency traders. The fees you incur with Octa largely depend on your selected account type and the regulatory entity of your account, with European clients only having access to MT5 accounts through Octa's EU entity, while international users have more options through Octa's South Africa or Mwali entities. Octa has improved its pricing, though it lacks specific date references for its average spreads data, making exact comparisons challenging. Octa receives a 4-star rating for its commission and fees, ranking at #29 out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com.
Conversely, ATFX does not provide average spread data, which limits transparency when assessing its commissions and fees. The absence of this information makes it difficult for traders to gauge potential trading costs accurately. With a 3-star rating, ATFX ranks lower at #59 out of 62 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category, according to ForexBrokers.com. This suggests that while ATFX might offer other advantages, its commission and fees structure might not be the most competitive choice for well-informed traders seeking cost efficiency.
Overall, if minimizing trading costs is a priority, Octa appears to offer a more compelling solution than ATFX in terms of commissions and fees. Despite some restrictions for high-frequency trading and lack of date-referenced spreads, Octa's improved pricing and better rank provide traders with a potentially more cost-effective trading experience compared to ATFX.
| Feature |
Octa
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $25 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.9 | 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 | 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 range of investments offered by Octa and ATFX, both brokers provide an accessible platform for forex trading as a CFD or spot contract, with slightly differing numbers of tradeable forex pairs. Octa offers 35 tradeable forex pairs, while ATFX provides a bit more variety with 44 forex pairs. However, Octa stands out with a more extensive overall range of 300 tradeable symbols compared to ATFX's 150. Despite neither broker offering exchange-traded U.S. securities, they differ when it comes to international exchanges; Octa allows trading in international stocks such as Vodafone, while ATFX does not. Furthermore, both brokers enable cryptocurrency trading via derivatives yet don't support the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies.
In terms of additional features, both Octa and ATFX support copy trading, providing an option for clients interested in mimicking the strategies of experienced traders. Although both brokers have received an equal rating of 3.5 stars for their range of investments, Octa holds a slightly higher ranking of #52 against ATFX's #57 in this category according to ForexBrokers.com. Whether you prioritize a broader selection of tradeable symbols or more forex pair options may guide your choice between these two platforms.
| Feature |
Octa
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 300 | 150 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 35 | 44 |
| 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 online brokers Octa and ATFX in terms of their trading platforms and tools, both offer a free virtual demo account, which is highly beneficial for beginners or those looking to test strategies without financial risk. One key difference is that Octa provides a proprietary platform developed in-house, whereas ATFX does not. Nonetheless, both brokers deliver desktop download and web-based platforms, along with popular platforms MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). When it comes to copy trading, both brokers provide this feature, enhancing their appeal to traders interested in mirroring successful strategies.
For charting tools, both Octa and ATFX offer 15 drawing tools and the ability to trade directly from stock charts, while also providing watch lists with seven customizable columns. Despite their similarities, Octa edges ahead with a higher platform rating of 4 stars compared to ATFX's 3.5 stars, likely due to its proprietary platform. According to ForexBrokers.com rankings, Octa is positioned at 37 out of 62 brokers in the Trading Platforms and Tools category, significantly higher than ATFX, which is ranked at 61. This suggests Octa may provide a slightly enhanced user experience in platform utilities.
| Feature |
Octa
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both Octa and ATFX provide mobile trading apps compatible with iPhone and Android devices, ensuring a seamless trading experience across different operating systems. Each app supports stock and forex price alerts and allows users to draw trendlines as well as view multiple time frames on charts. However, neither app offers syncing of watchlists with the client’s online account, meaning changes made on the app won't automatically update elsewhere. Both platforms allow users to create watchlists featuring real-time quotes, which is crucial for traders looking to make informed decisions on the go.
Octa sets itself apart with a more extensive selection of charting tools, offering 30 technical studies compared to ATFX's 7. This difference can be significant for traders who rely on detailed chart analysis. Additionally, Octa's app has received a higher overall rating of 4 stars, as opposed to ATFX's 3.5 stars, and ranks #35 out of 62 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category at ForexBrokers.com, outperforming ATFX which ranks at #62. This suggests that while both brokers provide adequate mobile trading platforms, Octa may offer a more comprehensive feature set that enhances the mobile trading experience.
| Feature |
Octa
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 7 |
| 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 online brokers Octa and ATFX, it's clear both offer valuable resources for market research, but there are notable differences. Both platforms provide daily market commentary to keep traders informed, and each includes access to technical analysis tools from Autochartist. However, Octa stands out by offering forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, while ATFX does not provide this feature. In contrast, ATFX includes technical analysis tools from Trading Central, a service Octa doesn’t supply. Neither Octa nor ATFX offers sentiment-based trading tools, research from TipRanks, or resources from Acuity Trading at the moment.
Both brokers include an economic calendar that highlights significant global news events, aiding traders in staying abreast of crucial economic developments. Despite these similarities, Octa scores higher in overall research quality, receiving a 4-star rating compared to ATFX’s 3 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, Octa ranks 26th out of 62 brokers in the Research category, while ATFX is positioned at 54th. These rankings reflect the more comprehensive research features provided by Octa, making it a preferred choice for those seeking extensive market insights.
| Feature |
Octa
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | No |
| 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, Octa emerges as a more comprehensive option compared to ATFX. Both brokers offer a solid foundation with a variety of educational content focused on forex and CFDs, including articles, videos, and archived webinars. However, Octa goes a step further by providing monthly online webinars and a rich collection of archived sessions that can benefit those just starting out. Additionally, Octa features an investor dictionary packed with definitions of over 50 investing terms, making it easier for newbies to grasp essential trading concepts.
On the other hand, while ATFX also provides a similar range of educational materials and a searchable archive of webinars, it falls short in a couple of key areas. Unlike Octa, ATFX does not offer regular monthly webinars or advanced educational videos specifically designed for more experienced traders. While both platforms earn high marks for the quality of their beginner education videos, Octa's offerings are more rounded, as reflected in its education rating of four stars compared to ATFX's three-star rating. Interestingly, despite these differences, ATFX is ranked slightly higher at #28 over Octa’s #41 spot in the Education category by ForexBrokers.com among 62 brokers.
| Feature |
Octa
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Octa is better than ATFX. Octa finished with an overall rank of #47, while ATFX finished with an overall rank of #51.
Octa offers a basic, low-cost MetaTrader platform experience alongside its social copy-trading platform.
| Feature |
Octa
|
ATFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 72 | 85 |
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Both Octa and ATFX do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they each provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both online brokers, Octa and ATFX, do not support ACH or SEPA transfers nor PayPal for deposits or withdrawals, but they both offer Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire options for funding accounts.
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 | Octa | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 72 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Octa Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Octa | ATFX | |
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| Regulation | Octa | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 72 | 85 | |
| Year Founded | 2011 | 2017 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 2 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Octa | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| 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) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Octa | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Octa | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 300 | 150 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 35 | 44 | |
| 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 | Octa | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.9 | 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 | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Octa | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $25 | $500 | |
| 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 | Octa | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Octa | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 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 | Octa | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 7 | |
| 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 | Octa | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Octa | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Octa | ATFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Octa Review |
| Overall | Octa | ATFX | |
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| Trust Score | 72 | 85 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Octa Review |
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