Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Trading 212 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.
When comparing Trading 212 and Exness, both platforms have made a name for themselves in the online trading world, with Trading 212 opening its doors in 2004 and Exness following in 2008. Neither company is publicly traded nor operates as a bank. On the regulatory front, both brokers hold two Tier-1 licenses, signifying a high level of trust. However, Exness surpasses Trading 212 in Tier-2 licenses, possessing three compared to Trading 212's none, hinting at greater regulatory diversity.
Delving into their trustworthiness, Trading 212 has a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 79, positioning it as an average-risk broker. Exness edges out with a slightly higher score of 81, falling into the trusted category. These scores reflect their regulatory status and reputations in the trading community, offering insights for those deciding which platform aligns best with their trading preferences and trust levels.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2004 | 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 | 0 | 3 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of online brokers Trading 212 and Exness, there are some key differences to consider. Trading 212 offers a CFD account with a modest minimum deposit requirement of 10 euros. While the broker advertises zero-commission trading, it is essential to be aware of the spreads involved. For instance, the average spread for the popular EUR/USD currency pair in January 2024 was 1.9 pips, which is notably above the industry average. This higher spread rate positions Trading 212 at a disadvantage compared to other brokers offering more competitive spreads. In terms of ratings, Trading 212 earns a 4 out of 5 stars for commissions and fees and ranks 43rd out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
Exness sets itself apart with a broad range of account options, including five main types that cater to varying trading needs. With options such as Standard and Standard Cent accounts, traders can expect varying spreads, while the Pro account offers both instant and market execution with lower spreads. Exness also features commission-based accounts like the Zero Spread and Raw accounts, where spreads are narrower, but there is a per-trade commission. This model can be beneficial for traders who prioritize tighter spreads. Exness matches Trading 212's 4-star rating for commissions and fees and is slightly higher ranked at 38th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
In conclusion, both Trading 212 and Exness are competitive in their own right, rated equally at 4 stars for their commissions and fees. However, Exness may appeal more to traders seeking diverse account options and willing to trade with commissions in exchange for tighter spreads. Trading 212's straightforward account structure might better suit those who prefer simplicity albeit with higher spreads. These distinctions are reflected in their respective rankings, with Exness slightly outperforming Trading 212 in ForexBrokers.com's evaluation.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €10 | $10 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.9 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.9 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| 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.
When comparing Trading 212 and Exness for their range of investment options, Trading 212 stands out with an impressive 8,025 tradeable symbols, including 146 forex pairs. This extensive selection allows traders to diversify their portfolios significantly. Trading 212 also offers trading of exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, providing access to major companies such as Apple and Vodafone. For those interested in forex, Trading 212 offers contracts for difference (CFDs) and spot contracts. However, it does not support copy trading or the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies, focusing instead on cryptocurrency derivatives.
In contrast, Exness provides 227 tradeable symbols, including 96 forex pairs, along with the option to trade both CFDs and spot forex contracts. While Exness offers copy trading, it lacks the ability to trade exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges. Like Trading 212, Exness does not support the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies, but it does provide access to cryptocurrency derivatives. According to ForexBrokers.com, Trading 212 ranks #15 out of 62 brokers for range of investments, receiving a 5-star rating, while Exness ranks #56 with a 3.5-star rating. This highlights Trading 212's broader appeal for investors seeking diverse trading options.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 8025 | 227 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 146 | 96 |
| 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 the trading platforms and tools of Trading 212 and Exness, both serve as convenient options for traders seeking virtual demo accounts. Each broker offers its own proprietary platform, allowing users to experience a customized trading environment. Trading 212 stands out with its comprehensive web-based platform, whereas Exness supports a Windows-based desktop platform in addition to its browser service. For those interested in copy trading or using the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, Exness could be the preferred choice. On the other hand, Trading 212 does not support these features.
In terms of charting capabilities, Exness outshines Trading 212 by offering 87 drawing tools compared to the latter's 20. Both platforms allow trades to be executed directly from stock charts, providing a streamlined process for active traders. When managing watch lists, traders might appreciate the flexibility Exness provides with seven customizable columns, as opposed to the five offered by Trading 212. Both brokers receive a commendable four-star rating for their platforms and tools, though Trading 212 ranks slightly higher among competitor reviews, standing at #21 compared to Exness's #31 out of 62 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 54 | 107 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 87 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both Trading 212 and Exness feature user-friendly mobile apps available for iPhone and Android devices. These apps provide essential stock and forex price alerts. Trading 212 excels with its capability to sync watchlists between the mobile app and online account, while Exness lacks this feature. Traders on Trading 212's app will find a more comprehensive set of tools, boasting 104 technical studies compared to Exness's 35. Both platforms support drawing trendlines and viewing multiple time frames, but only Trading 212 auto-saves these drawings.
Creating a watchlist with real-time quotes is possible on both apps, providing traders with up-to-the-minute information. While both Trading 212 and Exness receive a commendable 4-star rating for their mobile trading apps, Trading 212 holds a higher ranking at 17th on ForexBrokers.com, compared to Exness's 32nd. With its broader array of tools and features, Trading 212 may appeal more to traders seeking a more feature-rich mobile trading experience.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 104 | 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 it comes to market research, Trading 212 and Exness each have their unique strengths and offerings for traders. Trading 212 provides forex news from reputable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring traders stay informed with the latest industry insights. They also offer a sentiment-based trading tool that displays the ratio of long to short positions across various currency pairs and other instruments. Additionally, Trading 212 includes an economic calendar designed to track current and upcoming global economic events, helping traders make more informed decisions. However, Trading 212 does not offer daily market commentary, or tools from Autochartist and Trading Central, which may limit the depth of research available for technical analysis enthusiasts.
On the other hand, Exness stands out with its daily market commentary, providing users with comprehensive updates on market trends. Exness also supplies forex news from high-profile sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, similar to Trading 212. Like its counterpart, Exness features both a sentiment-based trading tool and an economic calendar. A notable advantage for Exness users is the inclusion of tools from Trading Central, offering technical analysis services that Trading 212 lacks. Despite these differences, both platforms have received equal ratings of 3.5 stars for their research capabilities, with Trading 212 ranked #46 and Exness ranked slightly higher at #41 by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | 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 it comes to catering to beginners, Trading 212 and Exness both offer educational resources with at least ten pieces focused on forex or CFDs. However, Trading 212 stands out by providing monthly educational webinars and a searchable archive of previously recorded webinars, while Exness lacks the live monthly webinar feature but still offers an archive of past sessions. Both platforms offer numerous beginner-focused videos, though Trading 212 also includes advanced video content tailored for more experienced traders, a feature Exness does not provide. Additionally, both brokers supply an investor dictionary with definitions for over 50 investing terms, supporting new traders in understanding key concepts.
In terms of overall educational value, both Trading 212 and Exness receive a rating of 3.5 stars. Despite this, Trading 212 has a higher ranking in the Education category by ForexBrokers.com, positioned at #20 compared to Exness's #47 out of 62 brokers. This suggests that while the two are comparable in several educational aspects, Trading 212's additional resources, such as interactive webinars and advanced videos, might provide beginners with a more comprehensive learning experience.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
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 Trading 212 is better than Exness. Trading 212 finished with an overall rank of #31, while Exness finished with an overall rank of #41.
Best known for its mobile trading app, Trading 212 offers an easy-to-use trading platform suite for CFD and share trading, as well as a large variety of forex pairs. However, despite its well-designed platform and wide range of symbols, its lack of advanced trading tools and flat research offerings hamper Trading 212’s bid to be considered a top broker.
| Feature |
Trading 212
|
Exness
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
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| Trust Score | 79 | 81 |
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| Commissions & Fees |
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Both Trading 212 and Exness do not provide the option to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they do offer opportunities to invest in cryptocurrency derivatives.
Trading 212 offers ACH, SEPA, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options for deposits and withdrawals, while Exness provides options for Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, but does not support ACH, SEPA, or PayPal.
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 | Trading 212 | Exness | |
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| Trust Score | 79 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Trading 212 Review | Exness Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Trading 212 | Exness | |
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| Regulation | Trading 212 | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 79 | 81 | |
| Year Founded | 2004 | 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 | 0 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Trading 212 | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | 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) | 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) | Trading 212 | 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 | Trading 212 | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 8025 | 227 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 146 | 96 | |
| 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 | Trading 212 | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.9 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.9 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Trading 212 | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | €10 | $10 | |
| 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 | Trading 212 | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Trading 212 | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 54 | 107 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 87 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Trading 212 | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 104 | 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 | Trading 212 | Exness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Trading 212 | 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 | Trading 212 | 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 | Trading 212 Review | Exness Review |
| Overall | Trading 212 | Exness | |
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| Trust Score | 79 | 81 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Trading 212 Review | Exness Review |
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