Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IC Markets vs Exness, 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.
IC Markets and Exness are two well-regarded online brokers, each offering unique regulatory standings that influence their trust and reliability. Founded in 2007, IC Markets holds a Trust Score of 84 out of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com, placing it in the "trusted" category. This broker possesses 2 highly trusted Tier-1 licenses, underscoring its commitment to stringent regulatory standards, although it holds no Tier-2 licenses. Meanwhile, Exness, established a year later in 2008, scores 81, also within the "trusted" range. Exness similarly holds 2 Tier-1 licenses and additionally maintains 3 Tier-2 licenses, offering a slightly broader regulatory backing.
Both brokers are privately held, meaning they are not listed on any stock exchange, and neither operates as a bank. These attributes provide an insight into their operational frameworks, offering confidence in their financial dealings without the complexity of public ownership or banking activities. Choosing between IC Markets and Exness largely depends on individual preferences for regulatory depth and trust score, as both offer solid trust credentials and regulatory adherence in the trading industry.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2008 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 3 |
When evaluating the commissions and fees for forex brokers, IC Markets stands out for its low trading costs, especially in comparison to other leading firms like IG and CMC Markets. With options to choose from three account types—Standard, Raw Spread, and cTrader Raw Spread—IC Markets offers flexibility tailored to different trading needs. For commission-based options, the cTrader Raw Spread account charges a lower commission at $3 per side for every 100,000 units, while the MetaTrader Raw Spread account is slightly higher at $3.5 per side. The overall costs remain competitive, especially with its enticing average spread of just 0.02 pips on EUR/USD. As a result, IC Markets was awarded a 5-star rating and ranked 5th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
Exness, on the other hand, presents traders with an extensive selection of five primary account types, including two standard and three professional accounts. Although the costs vary depending on the account type, the two commission-based accounts generally feature lower spreads compared to the commission-free ones. The Zero Spread account, which imposes a per-trade commission of $0.05, is particularly noteworthy, along with the Raw account charging up to $7 per round turn lot. Despite these competitive options, Exness received a 4-star rating and was ranked 38th by ForexBrokers.com.
In summary, both IC Markets and Exness offer traders diverse account options with varying trading costs. IC Markets is recognized for its very low spreads and personalized fee structures, earning it a top-tier ranking in industry reviews. Meanwhile, Exness provides a broad array of accounts suitable for various strategies, although it falls slightly behind IC Markets in ratings and rankings for commissions and fees.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $10 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | 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 range of investment options available at IC Markets and Exness, there are several key differences to consider. IC Markets stands out with an impressive offering of 3,583 tradeable symbols, significantly surpassing Exness, which offers 227. In terms of forex pairs, Exness provides access to 96, outpacing IC Markets' 61 pairs. However, IC Markets provides access to exchange-traded securities on international exchanges, unlike Exness. Both brokers offer forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts and provide copy trading and cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither allows purchasing actual cryptocurrencies.
Despite having fewer forex pairs, IC Markets garners a higher rating of 4.5 stars for their range of investments, compared to Exness' 3.5 stars. This superior ranking is further underscored by ForexBrokers.com, which ranks IC Markets at #25 out of 62 brokers for range of investments, while Exness lands at #56. This combination of diverse symbols and international exchange offerings places IC Markets ahead in terms of investment versatility, although traders focused solely on forex may find Exness' larger selection appealing.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 227 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 96 |
| 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 IC Markets and Exness for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer similar features that appeal to a wide range of traders. IC Markets and Exness provide free virtual demo accounts for simulated trading, allowing users to practice strategies without risk. Both brokers support Windows-based desktop platforms and web browser trading, and they offer popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). However, Exness has the edge with its own proprietary platform, while IC Markets relies solely on third-party options. In terms of copy trading, both brokers allow it, but IC Markets offers ZuluTrade, whereas Exness does not.
In terms of charting tools, Exness stands out significantly with 87 drawing tools compared to IC Markets' 15. However, both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts and offer seven columns for watch lists, providing ample flexibility in monitoring and executing trades. While both IC Markets and Exness have a strong 4-star rating for their trading platforms and tools, IC Markets ranks higher at #16 compared to Exness's #31, according to ForexBrokers.com’s assessment of 62 brokers. Despite these differences, both platforms provide excellent resources for traders looking to navigate the financial markets effectively.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 107 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 87 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both IC Markets and Exness provide mobile applications for iPhone and Android devices, catering to traders who need access on-the-go. Each app supports crucial features like price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on stock or forex charts. While both apps allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, neither offers watchlist symbol syncing with their online accounts. In terms of charting, Exness provides a slight edge by offering 35 technical studies compared to IC Markets' 30. Additionally, IC Markets’ app auto-saves chart drawings, a feature absent in Exness. When it comes to multiple time frames, both apps ensure flexibility, allowing users to view daily, weekly, or intraday data.
IC Markets and Exness share an equal user rating of four stars for their mobile trading apps. However, IC Markets holds a superior position, ranking 22nd out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, while Exness is placed at 32nd. These rankings hint at a slightly better user experience and feature set provided by IC Markets, despite both platforms delivering solid options for mobile traders. Whether you prioritize the number of technical studies or saved chart preferences, your choice will depend on the features most important to your trading strategy.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 35 |
| 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 considering market research offerings between IC Markets and Exness, both brokers provide daily market commentary and forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. They also feature sentiment-based trading tools that reveal the ratio of long or short positions across various instruments. However, only IC Markets includes technical analysis tools from Autochartist, giving it an edge in this area, as Exness does not offer these tools. Both brokers are equipped with Trading Central services, ensuring that traders have access to essential technical analytics features.
Moreover, both IC Markets and Exness present comprehensive economic calendars that track global news events, aiding traders in staying informed. Despite similarities, IC Markets scores higher with a 4-star rating for research, compared to Exness's 3.5 stars. Additionally, IC Markets is ranked #23 for Research out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, whereas Exness holds the #41 position. This suggests that IC Markets is considered a more reliable choice for traders who prioritize comprehensive market research tools.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational offerings for beginners between IC Markets and Exness, IC Markets stands out with a more comprehensive approach. Both brokers provide more than ten educational pieces, such as articles and videos focusing on forex and CFDs. However, IC Markets offers the added benefit of online educational webinars, held at least once a month, which Exness does not provide. Additionally, both brokers maintain searchable archives of prior webinars, which can be a valuable resource for beginners who want to learn at their own pace.
In terms of video resources, IC Markets excels by offering a wide range of beginner-focused and advanced educational videos, while Exness focuses mainly on beginner-level content. Both platforms provide an investor dictionary with over 50 investing terms to aid newcomers in understanding complex jargon. When rated for education, IC Markets scores 4 out of 5 stars, ranking 16th among 62 brokers, whereas Exness receives a 3.5-star rating and is ranked 47th. This indicates that IC Markets may be a more favorable choice for beginners seeking thorough educational support.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 IC Markets is better than Exness. IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #20, while Exness finished with an overall rank of #43.
IC Markets’ competitive pricing and scalable execution make it an excellent option for algorithmic traders. Though it supports an impressive range of third-party tools and plugins, IC Markets’ research and education offerings are not as impressive as those offered by industry leaders.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 81 |
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Both IC Markets and Exness provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither allows for the purchase of actual, delivered cryptocurrency.
While both IC Markets and Exness offer Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options for deposits and withdrawals, only IC Markets provides the additional option of PayPal, whereas neither platform 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.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | IC Markets | Exness | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | Exness Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IC Markets | Exness | |
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| Regulation | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 84 | 81 | |
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2008 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | 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) | 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) | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | Yes |
| Investments | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 227 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 96 | |
| 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 | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $10 | |
| 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 | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 107 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 87 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 35 | |
| 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 | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IC Markets | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IC Markets Review | Exness Review |
| Overall | IC Markets | Exness | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | Exness Review |
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