Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs AvaTrade, 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.
Founded in 1974, IG stands out as a highly trusted online broker with a top-tier Trust Score of 99 from ForexBrokers.com. This UK-based broker is publicly traded and operates as a bank, which bolsters its credibility. IG holds an impressive eight Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, demonstrating its solid regulatory framework and commitment to safeguarding client interests. These licenses are key indicators of IG's reliability, providing clients with confidence in their services.
In comparison, AvaTrade, established in 2006, also shines as a trusted broker with a commendable Trust Score of 94. Although not publicly traded or functioning as a bank, AvaTrade maintains a strong regulatory standing with four Tier-1 licenses and three Tier-2 licenses. These licenses highlight AvaTrade's dedication to trust and transparency. Overall, while both brokers are well-regulated and respected, IG holds a slight edge in terms of regulatory trust and public accountability.
| Feature |
IG
|
AvaTrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 4 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When examining commissions and fees, IG stands out for its excellent active trader pricing and multiple execution methods. The broker offers scalable execution across various products, although it is not classified as a discount broker. For its Forex Direct accounts, IG's spreads are closer to the industry average, with an average spread of 0.62 pips recorded in July 2023 and an all-in cost of 0.82 after accounting for a per-trade commission. For volume traders, IG provides a competitive active-trader rebate program that can reduce costs significantly, offering rebates of up to 20% for traders with substantial monthly volumes. Ranked #8 out of 62 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category, IG earns a 5-star rating.
AvaTrade, on the other hand, offers spreads that are generally close to the industry norm, averaging under one pip (0.9 pips) as of June 2024. While these spreads are slightly higher than those found in some entry-level accounts offered by competitors like CMC Markets and Tickmill, AvaTrade provides competitive conditions for professional traders. Professionals can enjoy spreads of 0.6 pips on AvaTrade's Professional account, comparable to those offered by FP Markets. Ranked #12 out of 62 brokers, AvaTrade receives a commendable 4.5-star rating in the Commissions and Fees category.
| Feature |
IG
|
AvaTrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 0.93 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.61 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing IG and AvaTrade, the range of available investments is a key factor to consider. IG provides access to an impressive 19,537 tradeable symbols, including 97 forex pairs, while AvaTrade offers a more modest selection of 1,260 symbols and 53 forex pairs. For those interested in trading exchange-traded securities, IG allows clients to buy and sell shares on both U.S. and international exchanges, which means you can purchase stocks like Apple or Vodafone directly. In contrast, AvaTrade does not offer direct trading in exchange-listed securities. Both platforms provide forex and cryptocurrency derivatives trading options, but only AvaTrade supports copy trading.
In terms of investment range, IG stands out with a five-star rating, ranking 4th out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. AvaTrade, on the other hand, holds a solid four-star rating, positioned at 32nd in the same category. While both platforms offer forex and cryptocurrency trading via derivatives, IG's broader selection of tradeable instruments and direct access to global stock exchanges make it a preferable choice for traders seeking extensive market exposure. AvaTrade, however, may appeal to those interested in its copy trading feature, making it easier for beginners to follow experienced traders.
| Feature |
IG
|
AvaTrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 1260 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 53 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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.
IG and AvaTrade both offer impressive trading platforms and tools tailored to various trader needs. IG boasts an in-house developed platform, along with a web-based and Windows desktop option, all supporting the widely-used MetaTrader 4, but not MetaTrader 5. While AvaTrade also provides proprietary, web-based, and desktop platforms, it offers both MT4 and MT5, alongside copy trading features not found with IG. This includes partnerships with DupliTrade and ZuluTrade, which broaden trading possibilities.
IG excels in charting tools, offering a superior number of drawing tools compared to AvaTrade and allowing trades directly from charts. AvaTrade balances with more flexible watch list fields and special features like copy trading. With a perfect 5-star rating for Trading Platforms and Tools, IG ranks #2 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, while AvaTrade earns a notable 4.5 stars and ranks #13. Both brokers offer demo accounts for users to explore their features without financial risk.
| Feature |
IG
|
AvaTrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | Yes |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 80 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 13 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both IG and AvaTrade offer iPhone and Android apps that cater to traders' needs, with features like stock and forex price alerts to keep you informed on the go. These apps ensure your watchlists sync seamlessly with your online account, so updates you make are reflected across all platforms. When it comes to technical studies within their mobile apps, IG provides 33 options, while AvaTrade impressively offers 73, giving traders more tools for in-depth analysis. Both apps allow you to draw trendlines and view charts in multiple time frames such as daily, weekly, or intraday. However, only IG’s app auto-saves these drawings, providing a more convenient experience.
Creating a watchlist with real-time quotes is possible with both IG and AvaTrade mobile apps. But, when looking at user ratings and expert rankings, IG stands out with a full 5-star rating for its mobile trading app, compared to AvaTrade's 4.5 stars. Furthermore, IG holds the prestigious #1 spot out of 62 brokers ranked by ForexBrokers.com, while AvaTrade sits at #13. This difference might be crucial for traders looking for top-tier mobile trading solutions. Whether you prioritize a higher technical study count or superior app rating, both IG and AvaTrade have offerings worth exploring for mobile trading enthusiasts.
| Feature |
IG
|
AvaTrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 73 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing IG and AvaTrade for market research capabilities, IG clearly stands out in providing comprehensive resources. IG offers daily market commentary, a service AvaTrade does not provide, which can be crucial for timely insights. Both platforms offer forex news from top-tier sources, ensuring traders have access to high-quality information. However, IG also incorporates a wider range of technical and fundamental research tools such as those from Autochartist and provides market research from TipRanks, which AvaTrade lacks. Additionally, IG offers tools from Acuity Trading like Signal Centre, distinguishing it further in providing diverse research aids.
When considering trading sentiment tools, both IG and AvaTrade excel, offering insights on position ratios across various instruments. Both brokers also provide an economic calendar, essential for staying updated on global events that impact markets. However, IG edges out in overall research quality, earning a five-star rating from ForexBrokers.com and ranking second among 62 brokers. In contrast, AvaTrade earns four stars, ranking 34th, reflecting IG's superior market research offerings.
| Feature |
IG
|
AvaTrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | 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 beginners, both IG and AvaTrade offer an array of materials that equip new traders with knowledge about forex and CFDs. Both platforms exceed the minimum threshold by supplying more than 10 educational pieces that include articles, videos, and webinars tailored specifically to these trading areas. Additionally, both brokers conduct regular webinars, with at least one session being held each month, and they provide searchable archives of past webinars which are extremely useful for those who prefer learning at their own pace.
If you're looking for educational content that's tailored specifically for newcomers to trading, both IG and AvaTrade stand out with more than 10 beginner videos available, alongside advanced materials for experienced traders. Each broker also offers a comprehensive investor dictionary that defines over 50 essential terms, further supporting a well-rounded learning experience. Despite these similarities, IG holds a slight edge, achieving a 5-star rating for its educational offerings, compared to AvaTrade's 4 stars, and ranks as the top provider in the Education category according to ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, AvaTrade ranks closely behind in second place, making both platforms excellent choices for educational resources, with IG having an impressive lead.
| Feature |
IG
|
AvaTrade
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IG is better than AvaTrade. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while AvaTrade finished with an overall rank of #13.
IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
IG
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AvaTrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 94 |
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Both IG and AvaTrade do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency; however, they both provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
IG and AvaTrade both support PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires for account transactions, but differ in that IG allows ACH and SEPA transfers while AvaTrade supports Skrill instead.
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 | IG | AvaTrade | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 94 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | AvaTrade Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | AvaTrade | |
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| Regulation | IG | AvaTrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 94 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 4 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | AvaTrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | AvaTrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IG | AvaTrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 1260 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 53 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | 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 | IG | AvaTrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 0.93 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.61 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | AvaTrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | AvaTrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | Yes | |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | IG | AvaTrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 80 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 13 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | AvaTrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 73 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | AvaTrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | AvaTrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | AvaTrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IG Review | AvaTrade Review |
| Overall | IG | AvaTrade | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 94 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | AvaTrade Review |
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