Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs Axi, 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.
IG was established in 1974 and has since built a strong reputation as a reliable online broker. It is a publicly traded company and also operates as a bank. IG is well-regulated, holding an impressive eight Tier-1 licenses, which are highly trusted, and two Tier-2 licenses, which are also trusted. IG has received a top-tier Trust Score of 99 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, reflecting its status as a highly trusted broker.
Axi, founded in 2007, is a privately-held company that does not function as a bank. It holds two Tier-1 licenses, establishing it as a dependable entity, alongside one Tier-2 license. Axi has been assigned a Trust Score of 82 out of 99 by ForexBrokers.com, classifying it within the trusted range. While both IG and Axi maintain solid regulatory profiles, IG's extensive regulatory credentials and bank status set it apart.
| Feature |
IG
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2007 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of online brokers IG and Axi, IG offers a strong appeal for active traders. IG provides a variety of execution methods and shines with its Forex Direct accounts, tailored for traders seeking competitive pricing. During July 2023, IG's Forex Direct average spreads were around 0.62 pips, resulting in an overall trading cost of approximately 0.82 pips when accounting for per-trade commissions. The typical CFD account spreads for IG stood at 0.69 pips, surpassing the industry average. High-volume traders can benefit from progressive rebates, garnering up to a 20% reduction in spreads, making IG even more enticing for those dealing in large trade volumes.
IG offers its Forex Direct traders access to advanced trading via the L2 Dealer platform, available with a Digital Market Access (DMA) account. The account requires a modest £1,000 minimum deposit and utilizes a tiered pricing scale. For traders engaging in high volumes, costs decrease significantly. For example, with sufficient volume, traders can enjoy an all-in cost of just 0.82 pips. Such competitive spreads and discounts underscore IG's appeal to experienced traders who prioritize cost-effectiveness. However, detailed spread data for Axi is not available, which might make it challenging to make direct cost comparisons between the two brokers.
In terms of rankings, IG holds a stellar 5-star rating for its commissions and fees, securing the 8th spot out of 62 brokers as evaluated by ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Axi holds a solid 4-star rating, ranking 44th. This distinction highlights IG as a top choice for traders seeking transparent and competitive fee structures. Meanwhile, Axi may still be a viable choice for those who may prioritize other aspects of trading beyond commissions and fees.
| Feature |
IG
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $0 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
IG and Axi both provide opportunities for forex trading as CFDs, but they differ significantly in their investment offerings and scale. IG stands out with an impressive 19,537 tradeable symbols, including an extensive selection of 97 forex pairs. In comparison, Axi offers 175 tradeable symbols and 65 forex pairs, highlighting a more limited scope. For those interested in exchange-traded securities, IG allows clients to directly purchase shares from U.S. and international exchanges, such as Apple and Vodafone, whereas Axi does not offer this option.
For traders interested in cryptocurrencies, both brokers allow investment in cryptocurrency derivatives but not direct purchases. Axi shines with its copy trading feature, offering a platform for traders to replicate the strategies of others, a feature IG does not provide. Based on their range of investments, IG earns a high rating of 5 stars and ranks 4th among 62 brokers, while Axi receives 3.5 stars and ranks 55th. These distinctions make IG a more attractive choice for investors seeking diverse trading opportunities.
| Feature |
IG
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 175 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 65 |
| 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.
When comparing IG and Axi for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer virtual demo accounts, providing a sandbox for new traders to hone their skills without real-world risks. IG stands out with its in-house platform and offers both a downloadable desktop platform and a browser-based one, giving traders multiple ways to engage. Axi, although it lacks a proprietary platform, also provides desktop and web access, but what sets it apart is its copy-trading features, including ZuluTrade, for those interested in mimicking successful traders' strategies. Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4, but neither supports MetaTrader 5.
Charting capabilities are another area where IG takes the lead, offering more drawing tools compared to Axi's slightly limited selection. Both platforms allow trading directly from charts, catering to those who prefer visual aids in their trading strategies. IG provides a solid five-star rating for its trading tools, ranked second by ForexBrokers.com among 62 brokers, while Axi holds a lower rating of 3.5 stars, positioned last for trading platforms and tools in the same ranking. Additionally, IG's watch lists offer fewer fields than Axi, but its overall platform offering remains highly regarded in the industry.
| Feature |
IG
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of IG and Axi, both brokers offer user-friendly applications for iPhone and Android devices, allowing traders to stay connected on the go. Both apps feature stock and forex price alerts and the capacity to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on charts. However, IG sets itself apart by offering seamless syncing of watchlist symbols with a client's online account, a service Axi does not provide. This means that any changes you make in the IG mobile app are instantly reflected in your web-based account, simplifying portfolio management. Additionally, IG offers 33 technical studies for charting compared to Axi's 30 and also automatically saves any chart drawings for future reference, a feature absent in Axi's app.
Moreover, IG's mobile app boasts a strong reputation, earning a top ranking as the number one mobile trading app according to ForexBrokers.com, with an impressive five-star rating. In contrast, Axi's app, while functional, ranks significantly lower at 59th out of 62 brokers, with a rating of 3.5 stars. For traders seeking a comprehensive and highly rated mobile trading experience, IG clearly emerges as the front-runner, offering superior features and user convenience. However, for those who prioritize core functionalities like price alerts and chart analysis, Axi remains a reliable option.
| Feature |
IG
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 30 |
| 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 the market research offerings of online brokers IG and Axi, several differences stand out. IG provides comprehensive daily market commentary, while Axi does not offer this feature. Both brokers supply forex news from highly regarded sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. They also share a commitment to equipping traders with tools from Autochartist and access to sentiment-based trading tools for a broader view of market positions. However, IG sets itself apart by also offering market research from TipRanks and additional tools from Acuity Trading, which Axi does not provide.
In terms of user-friendliness, both IG and Axi offer economic calendars that cover important news events worldwide. However, these features contribute to a significant difference in their rankings and ratings. IG shines with a 5-star research rating and holds the impressive position of #2 among 62 brokers in the research category, according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Axi is rated 3 stars, securing the #55 spot, indicating a clear edge for IG in delivering a superior research experience for online traders.
| Feature |
IG
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| 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, IG excels by offering more comprehensive learning materials compared to Axi. Both IG and Axi provide a rich collection of educational content, including articles, videos, and webinars focusing on forex and CFDs. They also ensure ongoing learning opportunities with regular client webinars each month. However, IG stands out by offering a searchable archive of past webinars, allowing users to revisit valuable sessions at any time—a feature that Axi does not offer.
Additionally, while both platforms cater to beginners with numerous introductory videos, IG extends its offerings with a suite of advanced educational content tailored for experienced traders. This advanced content isn’t matched by Axi. Furthermore, both brokers provide an investor dictionary with definitions of at least 50 terms, helping users get familiar with investment vocabulary. IG's educational resources have earned it a top ranking by ForexBrokers.com, achieving a 5-star rating, while Axi received a 3-star rating, placing it significantly lower in the rankings at 26th out of 62 brokers.
| Feature |
IG
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| 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 IG is better than Axi. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while Axi finished with an overall rank of #49.
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
|
Axi
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 82 |
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Neither IG nor Axi offers the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but both provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing the online brokers IG and Axi, IG offers ACH or SEPA transfers and PayPal for deposits and withdrawals, while Axi does not; however, Axi supports Skrill, which IG does not, and both brokers offer Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options.
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 | Axi | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 82 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | Axi | |
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| Regulation | IG | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 82 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2007 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IG | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 175 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 65 | |
| 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 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | IG | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | IG | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | Axi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Overall | IG | Axi | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 82 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
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