Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs VT Markets, 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 online brokers IG and VT Markets, IG emerges as a more established and trusted entity with roots dating back to 1974. As a publicly traded company and a bank, IG holds a prestigious position in the industry. It boasts an impressive Trust Score of 99 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, signaling a highly trusted status. This is supported by its possession of 8 Tier-1 licenses and 2 Tier-2 licenses, showcasing compliance with stringent regulatory standards across various jurisdictions.
On the other hand, VT Markets, founded in 2016, is not publicly traded and does not operate as a bank. With a Trust Score of 70, it is considered to be of average risk by ForexBrokers.com. It holds 1 Tier-1 license and 1 Tier-2 license, indicating a more limited regulatory footprint compared to IG. Overall, while both brokers provide services for online trading, IG offers a higher level of trust and regulatory supervision, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize security and credibility.
| Feature |
IG
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2016 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
IG, a prominent online broker, stands out with its competitive pricing strategies, especially in Forex trading through its Forex Direct accounts. Though not a discount broker, IG offers spreads that are competitive within the industry average, with a spread of 0.62 pips and an all-in cost of 0.82 when factoring in a per trade commission. The DMA account provides deeper discounts with tiered pricing, accommodating traders with different volumes. On top of that, IG's active trader rebate program offers spread rebates between 10% and 20% for high-volume traders. With spreads averaging 0.98 pips globally in July 2023, IG earned a five-star rating for its commissions and fees. It is ranked 8th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com in the Commissions and Fees category.
VT Markets, on the other hand, offers flexibility with its Raw ECN and Standard STP accounts. While the Standard STP account is commission-free, it comes with a higher spread of 1.2 pips on the EUR/USD pair. The Raw ECN account, more geared toward traders looking for a cost-effective option, offers an effective spread of 0.83 pips, including a 0.6 round turn commission. Although the Raw ECN pricing is competitive, the Standard STP account is less appealing compared to IG's offerings. Despite this, VT Markets still maintains a solid rating with 4.5 stars and ranks 20th out of 62 brokers for its attractive pricing structure according to ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
IG
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.8 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | 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.
IG and VT Markets both provide forex trading as a CFD or spot contract, but they significantly differ in the variety of tradeable symbols they offer. IG boasts an extensive portfolio with 19,537 symbols, including 97 forex pairs, making it a strong choice for those seeking a wide array of options. In contrast, VT Markets offers 1,000 tradeable symbols with 39 forex pairs, providing a more limited selection for traders. For those interested in stock investments, IG stands out by offering exchange-traded securities on U.S. and international exchanges, whereas VT Markets provides access only to international exchange-traded securities.
Unlike VT Markets, IG does not facilitate copy trading, which may appeal to traders preferring a more independent approach. Both brokers offer the opportunity to trade cryptocurrency derivatives but not the actual cryptocurrencies. When evaluated for their range of investments, IG receives a 5-star rating and ranks 4th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, highlighting its broad investment options. VT Markets, while competent, receives a 3.5-star rating and ranks 39th in the same category, reflecting its more limited offerings.
| Feature |
IG
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 1000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 39 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 VT Markets, both brokers provide simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, allowing users to practice before trading real money. IG provides a proprietary platform for those seeking a unique trading experience, while VT Markets relies on popular third-party platforms, such as MetaTrader 4 and 5. Additionally, both brokers offer a Windows-based desktop platform and a convenient web-based platform accessible through any browser. However, VT Markets allows for copy trading, a feature not available with IG, giving traders the option to mirror strategies from seasoned traders. While IG does not support MetaTrader 5, it does share support for MetaTrader 4 alongside VT Markets. Neither broker offers DupliTrade or ZuluTrade integration.
In terms of charting tools, IG and VT Markets permit trading directly from stock charts, but they differ in the number of available drawing tools, with VT Markets offering a greater variety. VT Markets also surpasses IG in watch list customization with seven fields compared to IG's five. Despite these strengths, IG sits higher on user ratings with a 5-star ranking for its trading platforms and tools, compared to VT Markets' 4-star rating. Moreover, IG is ranked #2 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com in the Trading Platforms and Tools category, while VT Markets holds the #47 spot. This positions IG as a strong choice for those prioritizing top-tier platforms and tools.
| Feature |
IG
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 15 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both IG and VT Markets provide users with mobile trading apps available for iPhone and Android, ensuring a versatile trading experience on the go. Each platform also supports price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on charts, alongside viewing multiple time frames for thorough market analysis. IG holds a slight edge with its app by offering 33 technical studies for charting, compared to VT Markets’ 30. Moreover, while both apps allow for real-time quotes within watchlists, IG further enhances user convenience with watchlist symbol syncing between devices, which VT Markets does not currently support.
For traders looking for a seamless experience, IG’s app will auto-save chart drawings, a feature not available on VT Markets. As a result of these enhanced features and efficiencies, IG’s mobile app earns a 5-star rating and is ranked #1 in the Mobile Trading Apps category by ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, VT Markets receives a 4-star rating and a #44 ranking. These distinctions highlight IG’s commitment to providing a user-friendly and comprehensive trading interface, placing it ahead in the competition.
| Feature |
IG
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 it comes to market research, IG and VT Markets both excel in providing daily market commentary and accessing forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. Both platforms offer sentiment-based trading tools and economic calendars, ensuring that traders have the essential information at their fingertips. However, when diving deeper into specialized tools, differences become apparent. IG shines with offerings such as tools from Autochartist, TipRanks, and Acuity Trading, whereas VT Markets provides valuable resources with its Trading Central technical analysis tools but lacks support from the other mentioned companies.
These distinctions in research tools clearly reflect in their ratings: IG secures a stellar 5-star rating, ranking #2 out of 62 brokers for research on ForexBrokers.com, while VT Markets scores 3.5 stars, landing the #36 position. Overall, IG offers a more comprehensive array of research tools and insights, making it a top choice for traders seeking in-depth analysis. Meanwhile, VT Markets presents a solid option for those who prioritize Trading Central's offerings.
| Feature |
IG
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When choosing an online broker, education is a crucial factor for beginners entering the world of trading. IG and VT Markets both provide educational resources, helping beginners get a foothold in forex and CFDs trading. IG offers a wide array of educational materials, including over ten articles, videos, and archived webinars specifically focused on forex and CFDs. They conduct monthly online webinars to guide clients, hosting them in a searchable archive for future reference. VT Markets also offers more than ten educational pieces in their library, aiding beginners with foundational content.
However, IG stands out with additional offerings such as advanced educational videos for experienced traders, a comprehensive investor dictionary with over 50 terms, and a highly accessible learning environment through their archived webinars. Unfortunately, VT Markets falls short in providing regular webinars and their archives. This difference is reflected in their ratings, with IG scoring five stars for education compared to VT Markets' 3.5 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, IG ranks at the top for educational offerings, while VT Markets ranks 55th, indicating a significant gap in the depth and accessibility of educational content between the two.
| Feature |
IG
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| 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 VT Markets. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while VT Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
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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VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 70 |
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Both IG and VT Markets do not provide the option to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
IG provides more flexibility in transaction options by offering ACH or SEPA transfers and PayPal, while VT Markets supports Skrill, yet both platforms equally accommodate Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires for deposits and withdrawals.
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 | VT Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | VT Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | VT Markets | |
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| Regulation | IG | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 70 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2016 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IG | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 1000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 39 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $100 | |
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 15 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Research | IG | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | VT Markets Review |
| Overall | IG | VT Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | VT Markets Review |
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