Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs Markets.com, 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 and Markets.com are two renowned online brokers with strong industry reputations. Established in 1974, IG has been in the financial sector longer and is publicly traded, providing an added layer of transparency. IG is also a bank, reinforcing its financial credibility. In terms of regulation, IG holds an impressive eight Tier-1 licenses, which are highly trusted, and two Tier-2 licenses. This contributes to its perfect ForexBrokers.com Trust Score rating of 99, marking it as one of the most trusted platforms in the industry.
Markets.com, founded in 1999, is not listed on any stock exchange, and does not operate as a bank, but it remains a formidable competitor. It holds three Tier-1 and one Tier-2 license, reflecting a strong regulatory foundation. With a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score rating of 93, Markets.com is recognized as a trusted broker, although it doesn't quite reach the confidence levels associated with IG. The regulatory structures and trust scores of both platforms indicate solid, reliable options for those interested in online trading.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 1999 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | |
| Bank | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When it comes to evaluating commissions and fees, IG stands out as a top choice for active traders. With its Forex Direct accounts, IG provides pricing options that cater to substantial order execution, featuring average spreads of 0.62 pips in July 2023. Furthermore, IG's ability to execute sizeable transactions is complemented by its active trader rebates for qualifying professionals under EU rules, where traders can earn significant spread rebates based on their monthly trading volume. Rated 5 stars, IG holds an impressive #8 ranking among 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category by ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, Markets.com offers a limited view on spreads, as average spread data is unavailable. However, this may be indicative of less competitive pricing when compared to industry leaders like IG. Markets.com is rated at 3.5 stars, securing the #50 spot out of 63 brokers in the same category on ForexBrokers.com. Although Markets.com may serve some traders' needs, its lower rating and ranking suggest that the broker's commission and fee structure might not be as favorable or transparent as others in the market.
Ultimately, IG appears to be a strong contender for traders seeking competitive pricing, especially with its commission-based Forex Direct accounts that offer direct market access. These features are particularly beneficial for high-volume traders who can leverage rebates and lower commissions to significantly reduce trading costs. Markets.com, while functional, does not seem to offer the same level of cost-efficiency in its pricing model, which is reflected in its lower industry ranking and star rating.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 |
| 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 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Comparing IG and Markets.com reveals notable differences in the range of investments available to users. IG stands out with a vast selection of 19,537 tradeable symbols and 97 forex pairs, while Markets.com offers a more modest 2,179 tradeable symbols and 57 forex pairs. Both platforms support forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, but IG further distinguishes itself by allowing users to buy exchange-traded securities directly from both U.S. and international exchanges. This enables IG clients to invest in major companies like Apple and Vodafone, whereas Markets.com does not offer this feature.
For cryptocurrency enthusiasts, IG provides the option to purchase actual cryptocurrencies in addition to derivatives, while Markets.com only supports crypto derivatives. Although Markets.com does offer copy trading, IG lacks this feature. In terms of ratings, IG earned a stellar 5-star rating for its range of investments and ranks 4th out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, surpassing Markets.com, which earned a 4-star rating and ranks 29th. These differences highlight IG's broader and more comprehensive investment offerings compared to Markets.com.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 2179 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 57 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | |
| 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 IG and Markets.com, both brokers offer users a comprehensive set of features. Both IG and Markets.com provide simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, allowing new traders to practice without financial risk. Each broker also offers proprietary platforms developed in-house and supports various trading environments, including Windows-based desktop and web-based browser platforms. Both platforms are equipped with MetaTrader 4, a popular tool among traders. However, Markets.com holds an edge with support for MetaTrader 5, expanding trading options for its users. Additionally, Markets.com facilitates copy trading, a feature not available with IG.
When it comes to charting tools, IG offers more versatility with 20 drawing tools, compared to Markets.com's 4. IG also allows trading directly from stock charts, enhancing user convenience. Despite both brokers scoring highly in platform ratings—IG securing five stars and Markets.com receiving four—IG's suite of tools is among the industry's best, reflected in its #2 ranking by ForexBrokers.com out of 63 brokers, while Markets.com is ranked #27. Furthermore, IG provides five customizable columns for building robust watch lists, slightly lagging behind Markets.com’s offering of six fields. Overall, IG appears to offer a broader and more sophisticated range of trading tools, making it a preferred choice for those seeking comprehensive trading solutions.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | ||
| ZuluTrade | ||
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 89 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 4 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 6 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
IG and Markets.com both provide mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android devices, catering to those who prefer trading on the go. Both platforms support stock and forex price alerts and allow users to sync their watchlists between mobile apps and online accounts, ensuring seamless access no matter where you are. Additionally, both apps let users draw trend lines and create watchlists with real-time quotes. However, when it comes to technical studies for charting, IG offers 33 options while Markets.com, which supports MT4, doesn't provide these within its own app by default.
For traders interested in versatile charting features, IG stands out as it offers the ability to view multiple time frames and autosaves chart drawings. Meanwhile, Markets.com does not have these features in its mobile app. IG's comprehensive features and user experience are reflected in its top rating of 5 stars and ranking as the number one mobile trading app by ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Markets.com received 4 stars and holds a rank of 33 out of 63 brokers. Choosing between the two largely depends on the specific tools and functionalities you prioritize in a mobile trading app.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When examining the market research tools provided by IG and Markets.com, both platforms offer daily market commentary and deliver forex news from premier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. Yet, IG stands out by providing additional research tools like Autochartist and market insights from TipRanks, as well as offerings from Acuity Trading, which Markets.com does not include. Both brokers provide an economic calendar, and traders on either platform can benefit from sentiment-based tools that highlight market trends, adding depth to their research capabilities.
In terms of overall research quality, IG receives high praise with a perfect 5-star rating, ranking second among 63 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com. On the other hand, Markets.com, while still respectable, holds a 4-star rating and is ranked 17th. This highlights IG's edge in research offerings, making it a prime choice for those who value comprehensive market analysis and tools.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | ||
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When considering online brokers for educational resources tailored to beginners, IG outshines Markets.com in several aspects. IG provides an impressive array of over ten educational pieces focused on forex or CFDs, which encompasses articles, videos, and webinars. Markets.com also covers these areas, but accessing specific details about their offerings is less straightforward. IG enhances the learning journey with monthly webinars, a searchable archive of past sessions, and a comprehensive investor dictionary featuring over 50 investing terms, giving newcomers a thorough grounding in trading concepts and vocabulary.
Both IG and Markets.com supply beginner and advanced educational videos, ensuring that traders at different levels can benefit from their resources. However, IG's commitment to education is backed by its top ranking in the Education category at ForexBrokers.com, securing the number one spot out of 63 brokers. This high standard is reflected in its five-star rating, surpassing Markets.com, which holds four stars and ranks 34th. For beginners looking for an extensive educational environment, IG offers a more complete and accessible learning platform than Markets.com.
| Feature |
IG
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IG is better than Markets.com. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while Markets.com finished with an overall rank of #23.
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
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 93 |
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IG allows users to buy both actual delivered cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency derivatives, whereas Markets.com only offers the option to purchase cryptocurrency derivatives.
In comparing the online brokers IG and Markets.com, IG provides flexibility by offering ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires for fund deposits and withdrawals, while Markets.com supports Visa or Mastercard, bank wires, and Skrill as payment methods.
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 | Markets.com | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Regulation | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 1999 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | ||
| Bank | Yes | ||
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | |||
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | |||
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | ||
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | |||
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | ||
| India (SEBI Authorised) | |||
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 2179 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 57 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | ||
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | ||
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | ||
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | ||
| 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 | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | ||
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | ||
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | ||
| cTrader | |||
| DupliTrade | |||
| ZuluTrade |
| Trading Tools | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | ||
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 6 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 89 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 4 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | ||
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | ||
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | ||
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes |
| Research | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | ||
| Trading Central (Recognia) | |||
| TipRanks | Yes | ||
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | ||
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | ||
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | ||
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | IG Review |
| Overall | IG | Markets.com | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review |
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