AvaTrade vs ActivTrades Comparison
In this broker showdown, we’ll compare two very similar top-tier spread betting brokers: AvaTrade and ActivTrades across key criteria to help you decide which broker best meets your trading needs. These brokers cater to both beginner and advanced traders, but each offers distinct features and advantages that could sway your choice. Let’s dive in.
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| ActivTrades VS AvaTrade | 
Winner | 
Loser | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulation | FCA (UK), CSSF (Luxembourg) | Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, FSCA | |
| Number of Instruments | 1000+ (Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, ETFs) | 1250+ (Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Crypto) | |
| MT4 | |||
| MT5 | |||
| cTrader | |||
| Proprietary Platform | |||
| TradingView Integration | |||
| Commission | None | None | |
| Spreads | From 0.5 pips | From 0.9 pips | |
| Free VPS Access | |||
| Islamic Accounts | |||
| Customer Service | 24/5 Multilingual | 24/5 Multilingual | |
| Education | Extensive | Extensive | |
| Copy Trading | |||
| Deposit Requirements | £500 | £100 | |
| Join ActivTrades | Join AvaTrade |
Broker Comparison Criteria Breakdown
1. Trading Instruments
Winner: AvaTrade
AvaTrade: AvaTrade brings over 1,250+ instruments to the table, with a pretty broad selection across forex, indices, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs. If you’re into crypto or want variety, AvaTrade has that covered—though retail traders in the UK should note crypto trading isn’t allowed, so that limits the appeal a bit for that asset class.
ActivTrades: ActivTrades offers an even wider range of instruments—more than 1,000 in total. You’ll find 50+ forex pairs, along with a good selection of indices, commodities, stocks, and ETFs, as well as exclusive access to some specific markets like the Italian FTSE MIB index. They cater well to the European market, which makes them a great choice for those who want diversified options beyond just the basics.
2. Account Types
Winner: ActivTrades
AvaTrade: AvaTrade offers a straightforward account structure. They have a Retail Account with the usual low-leverage settings for compliance, a Professional Account with higher leverage for eligible traders, and Islamic accounts for those who require swap-free trading. It’s a good fit for beginners and pros alike, but some might find it a bit restrictive.
ActivTrades: ActivTrades has a slightly more tailored setup. Their Individual Account is geared toward retail clients, while the Professional Account has higher leverage, making it ideal for those who qualify. Islamic accounts are available here too, which is a nice touch. If you’re looking for more custom options, ActivTrades is the more flexible choice.
3. Spreads and Commissions
Winner: ActivTrades
AvaTrade: AvaTrade’s fee structure is pretty straightforward, with zero commissions on most assets. Spreads start around 0.9 pips for major forex pairs. They do have an inactivity fee after three months (£50, which increases after a year), so it’s worth noting if you’re not a frequent trader.
ActivTrades: ActivTrades typically offers lower spreads, starting at 0.5 pips on forex pairs, with no deposit fees and a later inactivity fee after a full year of inactivity. Their lower spreads make it a more cost-effective choice for frequent traders, though high-volume traders might still want to check specifics for spreads on their most traded pairs.
4. Trading Platforms
Winner: AvaTrade
AvaTrade: No surprises here. AvaTrade is our winner of best platforms after all! AvaTrade gives traders a few different options: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), AvaTradeGO (a mobile app I found pretty intuitive), and a WebTrader. AvaTradeGO is excellent for mobile users, and the platform selection covers most trading styles comfortably.
ActivTrades: ActivTrades takes platforms seriously too though, with MT4, MT5, and their proprietary ActivTrader. ActivTrader is worth a look if you want something fresh—it’s got smart order features and excellent charting tools. For the more technically inclined, ActivTrader’s sleek design and functionality make it a top choice, especially since it supports both manual and automated trading.
5. Automated Trading and Copy Trading
Winner: AvaTrade
AvaTrade: Here’s where AvaTrade shines for hands-off trading enthusiasts. They support MT4 and MT5 for automation and offer AvaSocial, ZuluTrade, and DupliTrade for copy trading, which is a bonus if you prefer to follow or copy strategies rather than go it alone.
ActivTrades: ActivTrades sticks to MT4 and MT5 for automated trading, so if you’re using Expert Advisors (EAs), you’ll be covered. However, they don’t offer built-in copy trading options, which may be a downside if you’re into social trading.
6. Execution Speed
Winner: Draw
AvaTrade: AvaTrade provides solid execution speeds, though its market-maker model can sometimes be slower during high-volatility periods. While I didn’t experience significant slippage, those trading on market announcements might find execution speeds a bit variable.
ActivTrades: ActivTrades offers Direct Market Access (DMA) for certain assets, ensuring fast execution with minimal slippage. For those who value execution speed, especially scalpers, this is a plus. Both brokers handle high-volume trading well, though ActivTrades has a slight edge with DMA.
7. Educational Resources
Winner: ActivTrades
AvaTrade: AvaTrade has a good range of educational resources, including webinars, tutorials, and trading guides that break down the basics and go up to intermediate topics. I found their resources helpful for beginners, though advanced traders might find them a bit simplistic.
ActivTrades: ActivTrades’ educational content goes a step further. They have a dedicated ActivTrades Academy with weekly webinars, market analysis, and detailed guides, which I found more comprehensive. If you’re committed to ongoing learning, ActivTrades has an edge here.
8. Customer Support
Winner: ActivTrades
AvaTrade: AvaTrade provides 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone. They’re responsive, but sometimes the wait times can be longer during peak hours. The support is professional, though, and they answer most questions clearly.
ActivTrades: ActivTrades’ customer service is also 24/5, but it tends to be quicker and more reliable, based on my experience. They’re especially helpful for traders needing assistance on platform features, and the live chat offers immediate support.
9. Deposit and Withdrawal
Winner: Draw
AvaTrade: AvaTrade supports multiple methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller. There’s no fee for deposits, though withdrawals can take a couple of business days.
ActivTrades: ActivTrades offers similar deposit options but has a £9 fee for same-day withdrawals. If you’re someone who likes quick access to funds, the fee might be something to consider.
10. Regulation and Safety
Winner: ActivTrades
AvaTrade: AvaTrade is regulated by several top-tier bodies, including the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, and the FSCA. However, it’s worth noting that AvaTrade isn’t regulated by the FCA in the UK, so UK clients aren’t protected by the FSCS. This is important if you’re a UK-based trader looking for FCA-level security.
ActivTrades: ActivTrades is FCA-regulated, with additional protections like segregated client funds and negative balance protection. For UK traders, this provides an extra layer of safety, making ActivTrades a more secure choice if you prioritize regulation.
11. VPS Access and Automated Trading
Winner: ActivTrades
AvaTrade: AvaTrade doesn’t directly offer VPS, but third-party VPS services are compatible if you’re using MT4/MT5. It’s a workable solution, but it lacks the built-in support that some other brokers offer.
ActivTrades: ActivTrades offers VPS access for qualified traders, which is great if you’re running automated strategies. The built-in VPS option makes it easy to keep EAs running smoothly, even when your local connection isn’t reliable.
Verdict: Which is Better, AvaTrade or ActivTrades?
Both AvaTrade and ActivTrades have their strengths, so the final choice really depends on your trading style and goals.
- For Beginners and Copy Traders: AvaTrade’s user-friendly AvaTradeGO app and social trading options make it a fantastic option if you’re looking for a straightforward experience or prefer to follow established strategies.
- For Advanced Traders and FCA Regulation: ActivTrades offers a secure and comprehensive trading environment with tight spreads, advanced educational resources, and excellent execution speeds. Their FCA regulation adds an extra layer of trust, especially for UK clients.
Recommendation: Overall, ActivTrades is the better choice for traders who value security, flexibility, and advanced trading features. AvaTrade remains a strong pick for beginners or those who want simplicity and social trading features.
If neither of these brokers take your fancy and you would like to check out other spread betting brokers & platforms, feel free to explore our site a bit more. Until then, happy trading!
James is a former FTSE100 AI Director and trader with 10+ years trading his own capital. He is the Managing Director of SpreadBet.AI and currently trades his own capital through both CFD trading & spread betting as well as working with one of the leading prop firms in the world.
