Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Spreadex vs IronFX, 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.
Spreadex, founded in 1999, and IronFX, established in 2010, are both online brokers that are not publicly traded and not banks. When comparing their regulatory standings, Spreadex holds one Tier-1 license, which is recognized for its high level of trust. However, it lacks any Tier-2 licenses, resulting in a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 71, indicating an average risk. On the other hand, IronFX boasts three Tier-1 licenses, highlighting its commitment to providing a more trusted trading experience. This is reflected in its higher Trust Score of 83, signaling it as a trusted broker.
Choosing between Spreadex and IronFX may come down to the importance you place on trust and regulatory standings. IronFX appears to offer a more secure environment with its multiple Tier-1 licenses and a stronger Trust Score. While both brokers are not backed by the assurances of being publicly traded or associated with banking institutions, IronFX might appeal more to those who prioritize trust in their trading partners.
| Feature |
Spreadex
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
When comparing Spreadex and IronFX in terms of commissions and fees, it's clear that each broker offers distinct advantages. Spreadex is known for its competitive pricing structure, boasting an average spread of 0.81 pips for EUR/USD as of January 2024. Notably, this broker achieved a minimum spread of 0.6 pips 60% of the time throughout the month. Spreadex's consistent performance has earned it a star rating of 4 out of 5 for commissions and fees, and it is ranked 30th out of 62 brokers in this category by ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, IronFX presents a more varied pricing strategy. The typical spread listed for its Standard variable spread account is 1.8 pips, although this may fluctuate depending on the account type. For those opting for a zero fixed-spread account, the spread starts at zero with an $18 per lot commission, which can widen to 3 pips overnight. Despite this variability, IronFX also maintains a star rating of 4 out of 5 for commissions and fees. However, its ranking on ForexBrokers.com is slightly lower, at 47th out of 62 brokers.
| Feature |
Spreadex
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.81 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | 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 the range of investments offered by Spreadex and IronFX, there are distinct differences that cater to various investor preferences. Spreadex stands out with a substantial offering of 10,000 tradeable symbols, providing investors with a vast array of options to diversify their portfolios. However, it provides 52 tradeable forex pairs, slightly less than IronFX, which offers 83. Both platforms allow forex trading as a CFD or spot contract and provide options for cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither offers the ability to invest in actual delivered cryptocurrencies or exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, such as shares in Apple or Vodafone.
IronFX sets itself apart with the availability of copy trading, a useful feature for those looking to mirror the trades of more experienced investors. Despite having fewer tradeable symbols overall—340 compared to Spreadex's 10,000—IronFX manages to provide a competitive selection of forex pairs. However, in terms of range of investments, Spreadex receives a higher rating, at 5 stars compared to IronFX's 3.5 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, Spreadex ranks 13th out of 62 brokers for investment range, while IronFX ranks 51st, showcasing the former's edge in diversity of offerings.
| Feature |
Spreadex
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 10000 | 340 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 52 | 83 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 Spreadex and IronFX, it becomes clear that Spreadex's offerings are tailored to those who appreciate exclusive features developed in-house, as they provide a proprietary platform. This contrasts with IronFX, which does not have a proprietary platform but supports the widely-used MetaTrader 4. Both brokers offer web-based trading platforms, yet only IronFX provides a downloadable Windows desktop platform. For beginners or those testing strategies, IronFX has an edge with its free virtual demo account, while Spreadex does not offer simulated trading. IronFX also supports copy trading, a feature spread betters at Spreadex will miss out on.
In terms of technical tools, both Spreadex and IronFX allow trading directly from stock charts, but they differ in the tools supporting analysis. Spreadex gives users 11 drawing tools, whereas IronFX provides 15, providing a more extensive suite for chart customization. For tracking trading prospects, Spreadex shows slightly more details with 8 columns for watch lists compared to IronFX's 7. Despite these differences, Spreadex boasts a better overall rating for trading platforms and tools, scoring 4 out of 5 stars compared to IronFX's 3.5. This is reflected in their rankings by ForexBrokers.com, where Spreadex claims the 46th position, leaving IronFX at 60th among 62 brokers.
| Feature |
Spreadex
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | No | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 55 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 11 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 8 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both Spreadex and IronFX offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android users, accommodating modern traders on the go. These apps include features like the ability to set price alerts for stocks and forex, allowing users to stay informed about market changes. Additionally, both apps let users draw trendlines and view various time frames on charts—functions that are essential for detailed analysis. While both platforms enable users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, neither supports watchlist synchronization between mobile and online accounts. This means updates on one platform aren't automatically reflected on the other.
IronFX distinguishes itself by offering 30 technical studies for charting, a feature not available with Spreadex. However, IronFX falls short in some areas, such as ranking lower at #61 compared to Spreadex’s #49 in the Mobile Trading Apps category by ForexBrokers.com. Additionally, IronFX users benefit from auto-saving of chart drawings, unlike Spreadex users who may need to redraw trendlines. With a slightly higher mobile app rating of 4 stars, Spreadex edges out IronFX, which is rated at 3.5 stars, indicating a somewhat better user experience overall.
| Feature |
Spreadex
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | N/A | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Spreadex and IronFX both provide comprehensive market research to aid traders in making informed decisions. Both platforms offer daily market commentary and deliver forex news from respected sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. However, a key difference lies in the availability of trading tools from Trading Central. IronFX provides technical analysis tools from Trading Central, enhancing its analytical offerings, while Spreadex does not. Conversely, Spreadex includes a sentiment-based trading tool, helping traders understand market positions, a feature IronFX lacks. Both brokers supply an economic calendar to track significant global events.
Neither Spreadex nor IronFX collaborates with research firms like TipRanks or Acuity Trading for additional market insights. When it comes to research ratings, both brokers achieve a respectable score of 4 out of 5 stars. In terms of their standing among peers, IronFX slightly edges out Spreadex, securing the 28th spot compared to Spreadex's 31st ranking among 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. Overall, both platforms offer solid research capabilities, each bringing unique strengths to the table for a well-rounded trading experience.
| Feature |
Spreadex
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
Both Spreadex and IronFX provide ample educational resources to support beginners as they navigate the complex world of forex and CFD trading. Both brokers offer more than 10 educational pieces like articles and videos, primarily focusing on forex and CFDs. They also provide at least 10 video tutorials specifically tailored for newcomers to trading. Furthermore, both platforms offer a comprehensive investor dictionary, each boasting definitions for over 50 investing terms. However, neither broker currently hosts monthly online webinars or offers advanced video tutorials for experienced traders.
When it comes to accessing previously recorded webinars, IronFX holds a slight edge with a searchable archive, a feature Spreadex does not offer. Despite these similarities and differences, both platforms have received commendable ratings for their educational efforts, each earning 4 stars. Notably, while Spreadex is ranked #45 by ForexBrokers.com for its educational content, IronFX ranks marginally higher at #44. This comparison indicates that while both brokers offer valuable resources for beginners, each has unique elements that may cater to different learning preferences.
| Feature |
Spreadex
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | 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 Spreadex is better than IronFX. Spreadex finished with an overall rank of #39, while IronFX finished with an overall rank of #48.
Spreadex is an FCA-regulated broker in the UK, offering forex and CFDs, and is well known for its sports betting business, and proprietary web trading platforms. Spreadex still has considerable room to improve, in key categories such as research and education, compared to the best forex brokers.
| Feature |
Spreadex
|
IronFX
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 71 | 83 |
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Spreadex and IronFX both do not offer the ability to buy actual cryptocurrency for delivery, but they do provide options for purchasing cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both Spreadex and IronFX do not offer ACH, SEPA, or PayPal options for deposits or withdrawals, while they both support Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, but only IronFX provides Skrill as an additional payment method.
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 | Spreadex | IronFX | |
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| Trust Score | 71 | 83 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Spreadex Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Spreadex | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) | |||
| Research Gallery (click to expand) | |||
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| Regulation | Spreadex | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 71 | 83 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Spreadex | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| 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). | No | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Spreadex | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Spreadex | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 10000 | 340 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 52 | 83 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 | Spreadex | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.81 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Spreadex | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Spreadex | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Spreadex | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | No | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 8 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 55 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 11 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Spreadex | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | N/A | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Spreadex | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Spreadex | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Spreadex | IronFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Spreadex Review |
| Overall | Spreadex | IronFX | |
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| Trust Score | 71 | 83 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Spreadex Review |
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