Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs RoboForex, 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 RoboForex offer different levels of trust and regulatory oversight for online trading. IG, established in 1974, is a publicly-traded company and operates as a bank. It boasts a perfect Trust Score of 99 out of 99 on ForexBrokers.com, thanks to its eight Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, which categorize it as highly trustworthy. In contrast, RoboForex, founded in 2009, is neither publicly traded nor a bank. It holds a single Tier-1 license, has no Tier-2 licenses, and carries a Trust Score of 73, indicating an average risk according to ForexBrokers.com.
Choosing between IG and RoboForex depends on the level of trust and regulatory backing you seek. IG's long-standing presence in the market and extensive licensing set it apart as a more secure choice for traders who prioritize safety. Meanwhile, RoboForex offers an alternative for those who might prioritize different features but should consider the average risk level associated with its operations as highlighted by its Trust Score. Understanding these differences can help guide informed decisions tailored to an individual's trading needs and comfort with risk.
| Feature |
IG
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
IG stands out in the online trading world with competitive pricing tailored for active traders, particularly in its Forex Direct accounts. Its versatile execution options and scalable order execution, regardless of trade size, contribute to its appeal. For the CFD accounts, IG offers average spreads slightly better than the industry average, with 0.69 pips during the main trading times and a typical all-in cost of 0.82 pips with Forex Direct. Additional savings come from IG's active trader rebates, available to those trading large volumes, and are complemented by reduced commissions for high-volume DMA account users. Overall, IG's commission and fee structures have earned it a 5-star rating and the #8 rank out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, RoboForex's commissions and fees remain less competitive. Traders on the Procent and Pro accounts experience average spreads of 1.3 pips for the popular EUR/USD pair, which are considered on the higher side. While this may not pose a significant concern for casual traders, active traders might find the costs add up quickly compared to other brokers with lower fees. Despite this, RoboForex manages a 3.5-star rating and holds the #54 position in the rankings by ForexBrokers.com, distinguishing itself as a middle-tier choice among its competitors.
For traders looking for an optimal balance of commissions and fees with added benefits for high-volume transactions, IG’s offerings provide a comprehensive solution. IG's higher star rating and better ranking against RoboForex underscore its ability to deliver favorable terms for active traders. Those prioritizing cost efficiency may find IG to be a more fitting platform, especially when considering its various discount structures and lower average spreads.
| Feature |
IG
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.3 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | Yes |
| 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 it comes to the variety of investment options, IG stands out by offering an impressive array of 19,537 tradeable symbols, which includes 97 forex pairs. In contrast, RoboForex provides access to 8,400 symbols and 28 forex pairs. For those interested in exchange-traded securities, IG allows clients to buy stocks such as Apple directly from U.S. and international exchanges, whereas RoboForex does not offer this feature. Both platforms enable users to engage in forex trading as a CFD or spot contract and offer the option to invest in cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither provides the option to buy the actual cryptocurrencies.
For investors interested in copy trading, RoboForex shines by offering this feature, an option not available with IG. The impressive range of investments contributes to IG's high ranking of #4 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com and a full 5-star rating. Meanwhile, RoboForex earns a commendable 4.5-star rating and is ranked #20 in the same category. This makes IG a strong choice for those seeking a wide range of investment opportunities, particularly in traditional stock markets, while RoboForex may appeal to those looking for copy trading capabilities.
| Feature |
IG
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 8400 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 28 |
| 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 RoboForex for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer simulated trading through a free demo account, which is helpful for beginners to hone their skills. IG stands out with its proprietary platform developed in-house, whereas RoboForex relies on third-party platforms, offering no proprietary option. Both brokers provide Windows-based desktop download and web-based trading platforms, catering to a wide audience of traders preferring different modes of access. Additionally, both support the popular MetaTrader 4 platform; however, only RoboForex extends its flexibility with MetaTrader 5, providing more options for traders. While IG lacks copy trading features, RoboForex offers this option, giving traders more tools to diversify their trading strategies. Interestingly, neither broker supports platforms like DupliTrade or ZuluTrade, which are popular for social/copy trading.
In terms of charting capabilities and user interface, IG offers a selection of 20 drawing tools that enhance the charting experience, slightly surpassing RoboForex's 15 tools. Both brokers enable trading directly from stock charts, simplifying the trading process for users. Regarding watchlist customization, RoboForex allows more detailed tracking with seven columns for fields, compared to IG’s five. Lasting impressions are clear in ratings and rankings: IG receives a solid 5-star rating for Trading Platforms and Tools, ranking second among 62 brokers, while RoboForex earns a respectable 4 stars, landing at the 43rd position. This highlights IG's edge in providing an enhanced trading experience with its comprehensive and more intuitive toolset.
| Feature |
IG
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| 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.
Both IG and RoboForex offer mobile trading apps compatible with iPhone and Android devices, making it easy for traders to stay connected on the go. Both platforms provide useful features like stock or forex price alerts, and the ability to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on charts. They also allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, with IG's app additionally supporting seamless watchlist symbol syncing with the user's online account—a feature RoboForex lacks. While both apps auto-save chart drawings, IG stands out by offering 33 technical studies for charting compared to RoboForex's 30.
In terms of performance, IG's mobile trading app is highly rated, earning a stellar 5-star rating based on customer reviews, whereas RoboForex receives a solid 4 stars. In a broader comparison of 62 brokers, IG is ranked number one for its mobile trading app features by ForexBrokers.com, highlighting its user-friendly design and comprehensive functionality. In contrast, RoboForex ranks at number 43, indicating room for improvement despite offering most essential features. Overall, while both platforms excel in providing traders with efficient mobile solutions, IG seems to have the upper hand in terms of user satisfaction and feature set.
| Feature |
IG
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
IG and RoboForex both excel in providing daily market commentary and access to forex news from top-tier sources. However, IG distinguishes itself with a wider range of specialized research tools. IG users benefit from tools like Autochartist and sentiment-based trading features, alongside research from TipRanks. In contrast, RoboForex offers technical analysis tools by Trading Central but lacks the breadth of resources available through IG. Both brokers ensure traders stay informed with economic calendars, although IG's offerings are bolstered by additional resources from Acuity Trading.
In terms of rankings, IG is highly rated with five stars for its research capabilities and ranks second among 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. RoboForex, while offering quality research tools, comes in at 3.5 stars and ranks 37th. These rankings highlight IG's extensive and diverse research options, making it a preferred choice for traders seeking comprehensive market insights.
| Feature |
IG
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | Yes |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginner traders, IG stands out as a top choice. It offers a comprehensive range of materials, including more than ten articles, videos, and webinars focused on forex and CFDs. IG also hosts at least one online educational webinar per month, ensuring that beginners have regular opportunities to engage with expert insights. Additionally, an extensive archive of recorded webinars is available for those who wish to learn at their own pace. Complementing its offerings are specific video lessons tailored for beginners, along with more advanced content for those looking to deepen their trading knowledge. Moreover, IG provides a detailed investor dictionary with over 50 defined investing terms, making it easier for newcomers to understand trading jargon.
In contrast, RoboForex offers fewer educational resources for beginners. It lacks the minimum ten educational pieces dedicated to forex and CFDs and does not provide regular monthly webinars or a recorded archive for clients to revisit past sessions. While RoboForex does strive to educate, it does not match IG's extensive video library for both beginners and advanced traders. Additionally, RoboForex does not feature a comprehensive investor dictionary. These limitations are reflected in its educational rating of 3.5 stars and a ranking of 56th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, IG is rated a stellar 5 stars and holds the top position for education among the same brokers. For those starting their trading journey, IG presents itself as a leader in facilitating effective and accessible learning.
| Feature |
IG
|
RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
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 RoboForex. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while RoboForex finished with an overall rank of #46.
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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RoboForex
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 |
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Both IG and RoboForex do not offer the ability to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both IG and RoboForex support ACH and SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires for deposits and withdrawals, but only RoboForex includes Skrill as an additional payment option.
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 | RoboForex | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | RoboForex Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | RoboForex | |
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| Regulation | IG | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | 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 | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IG | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 8400 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 28 | |
| 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 | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.3 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | IG | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | RoboForex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | RoboForex Review |
| Overall | IG | RoboForex | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | RoboForex Review |
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